Winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s always important to keep protecting your skin from the sun, no matter the season. UV rays penetrate through clouds, so you need broad spectrum SPF even on those gloomy days. Future-you will thank you!

Sunscreen is essential year-round, but finding the right one for your unique skin isn’t always easy. No need to stress—we’ve decoded the technical language and researched some of the best sunscreens for each skin type (that are designed to not clog your pores).

Sunscreen for acne-prone skin

Mineral (or physical) sunscreens often offer the best sun protection for acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens can irritate some people’s skin (which may lead to more breakouts). Look for products labeled non-comedogenic. As a rule of thumb, avoid pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil, lauric acid, and isopropyl palmitate.

• Curology Sunscreen SPF 30 - a mineral sunscreen designed to defend your skin from sun damage without causing breakouts or white-cast. The sunscreen by Curology is a SPF 30, no-clog, grease-free lotion that absorbs quickly and gives skin a fresh finish so you can face the day confidently.

• TATCHA Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF35 - creamy and hydrating, so not ideal for oily skin- protects without clogging pores- works as a primer for layering under makeup

• DR. JART+ Cicapair ™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 - hides redness!- lightly tinted to help even out skin tone, conceal redness and blemishes!- t

  exture works on oily combination or oily skin, too

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 - same as above, but lightly tinted!

Sunscreen for normal-to-oily skin

If you're looking for sun protection for normal to oily skin, a lightweight gel or lotion sunscreen works well for normal and oily skin types, as it won’t leave your face feeling greasy. Instead of reapplying the gel or lotion throughout the day, you can try adding a powder sunscreen on top that both adds protection and absorbs oil. Don’t use powder instead of your regular sunscreen, but on top of it — it won’t usually provide enough protection on its own.

• Curology Sunscreen SPF 30 - made for acne-prone skin, but great for all skin types, this lightweight mineral based formula has a silky, non-greasy texture, and leaves no white cast—perfect for everyday wear

• Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30 - no white tint

• Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15- good for everyday use - SPF is too low for outdoor activities, so layer a stronger one on top!

• Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid, SPF 50 - almost no white cast!

• DR. JART+ Cicapair ™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 - lightly tinted to help even out skin tone, conceal redness and blemishes!- thick, creamy texture- works for combination or oily skin too!

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 - same as above, but lightly tinted!

Sunscreen for sensitive and/or dry skin

If your skin is pretty dry, try applying moisturizer before your sunscreen. Look for heavier lotions, cream-based sunscreens, or moisturizers with SPF for dry skin. And definitely avoid any product with alcohol in the ingredient list!

• CoTz Sensitive SPF 40 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB - mineral sunscreen that acts as a protective barrier for the skin

• CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30 - great budget-friendly option at around $15!

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 - same as above, but lightly tinted!

• DR. JART+ Cicapair ™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 - lightly tinted to help even out skin tone, conceal redness and blemishes- thicker, creamier texture helps lock in moisture

Sunscreen for combination skin

For combination skin sun protection, you can switch it up depending on the season and however your skin is feeling. If you’re oilier, try a lightweight sunscreen under the Normal-to-Oily list above. If you’re on the dry side, try a richer formula designed to lock moisture into your skin, from the above list of sunscreens for Sensitive and/or Dry.

• Curology Sunscreen SPF 30 - this lightweight, non-comedogenic mineral based formula is great for all skin types because it has a silky, non-greasy texture, and leaves no white cast

• Supergoop! Smooth and Poreless 100% Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40 - a 100% mineral two-in-one sunscreen product that also works as a primer

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - lightweight, unlikely to clog pores

• Any of the above sunscreens could work, too, depending on if your skin is on the oilier or drier side!

Sunscreen for black and brown skin

Darker skin has some natural protection from the sun, but it’s not 100%. If you’re going to spend time outdoors, you’ll want to put sunscreen on! The following are all good sunscreen options for darker skin tones—or, choose one from the above lists based on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone).

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (lightweight, unlikely to clog pores)

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30 (lightweight, unlikely to clog pores)

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid (non-whitening physical sunscreen with a matte finish)

• La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 (no white cast!)

Super-sensitive—or think you may be allergic to sunscreen?

Some people have allergies to chemical sunscreens and end up with an itchy rash. If this happens to you, ditch the chemical sunscreen and try one labeled physical-only.

• Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30- same as above, but lightly tinted!

If for some reason you still have a reaction, we advise visiting a dermatologist in-person, as there may be other factors contributing to your skin irritation.

Sunscreen for sports, swimming, and sweaty activities

• Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

• Reapply at least every 2 hours—or, after 40 to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating (according to the label instructions), and immediately after towel-drying.

• If you’re swimming in the ocean, consider using reef-friendly sunscreen. These physical sunscreens use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are safer for coral reefs and the surrounding marine life compared to chemical sunscreen ingredients.

• Amavara SPF 30 Lotion - lasts for up to 80 minutes in the water!

Got skincare questions? Curology’s got you covered

Whatever concerns you may have about your skin, we’re here for you! Whether you're looking to improve your current skincare routine or treat acne, hyperpigmentation, or an anti-aging concern, Curology focuses on helping you achieve your skin goals with the help of a licensed dermatology provider. The first 30 days are free—just pay $4.95 in shipping and handling.* 

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

If Curology is right for you, we’ll prescribe you a Custom Formula, plus our must-have moisturizer, gentle cleanser, and our new sunscreen. If you’re an existing Curology member, you can also add the sunscreen to your next order for $14 (plus tax where applicable), and it will arrive straight to your door, along with all of your other skincare essentials. 

This article was originally published on November 6, 2018, and updated on June 21, 2022.

*Sunscreen cannot prevent all harm from UV rays.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C