The Best Facial Sunscreens That Will Not Ruin Your Makeup
Dermatologists helped us test 40 facial sunscreens for protection, texture, and compatibility with makeup.
Wearing sunscreen daily is the single most effective anti-aging step you can take, but finding one that works under makeup — without pilling, leaving a white cast, or feeling greasy — is a real challenge. With guidance from three board-certified dermatologists, we tested 40 facial sunscreens and recommend Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.
Why Trust Us
Our beauty editor, Emily Park, worked with Dr. Rachel Lin (board-certified dermatologist at NYU Langone), Dr. James Foster (cosmetic dermatologist), and Dr. Aisha Patel (skin of color specialist) to develop our testing protocol and evaluate results across six different skin tones and four skin types.
Best Overall: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This transparent, oil-free formula applies like a silicone primer and works beautifully under foundation. In our wear tests, makeup applied over it lasted just as long as with a dedicated primer — 8 hours without significant fading or separation. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection without any white cast on any of the six skin tones we tested.
The velvety, weightless texture disappears completely upon application, leaving a smooth, slightly matte canvas that grips foundation and concealer. In our humidity tests (30 minutes in a steam room), it maintained its finish better than any other sunscreen we tested.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60
At roughly a third of the price of our top pick, this sunscreen offers excellent SPF 60 protection with a lightweight feel that absorbs quickly. It did leave a slight sheen on oilier skin types, but nothing a light dusting of translucent powder could not fix. For the price-conscious consumer who wants maximum protection, this is an outstanding choice.
Best for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen actually improved our oily-skin testers complexions over the four-week testing period. The lightweight, fluid texture absorbs instantly and leaves a natural matte finish without any drying or flaking.
