15 Best Sunscreens For Your Face: Supergoop!, Kinfield, and La Roche Posay

Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a cult favorite among Condé Nast Traveler editors. It lives up to its name, going on as a completely invisible, smooth gel, no matter your skin tone. Designed for all skin types, too, this Supergoop classic works for anyone looking for a new daily sunscreen, and is both reef-safe and oil-free. It feels similar to a makeup primer on your skin and provides waterproof SFP 40 coverage.

If you've been on the hunt for a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, look no further. Traveler's global associate director of social Mercedes Bleth swears by Kinfield's Daily Dew. “I’m acne-prone and have sensitive skin, so I am wary about anything I put on my face—but this product doesn’t irritate me,” she says. This non-tinted mineral sunscreen provides SFP 35 protection and is water-resistant, making it perfect for days spent swimming or surfing.

La Roche Posay kept sensitive skin in mind when formulating this mineral sunscreen. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide that blocks UV light from penetrating the skin; this one is made with both, provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, and leaves a smooth, matte finish. Traveler features editor Betsy Blumenthal recommends it for anyone with sensitive skin and loves that it’s fragrance free and water-resistant. More perks: The ingredient list is simple and formulated to be non-whitening and fast-absorbing.

If dryness or fine lines are your primary skin concern, the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer is for you. This water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen is formulated with a hydrating 30 percent Hyaluronic Acid Complex, locking in extra moisture your skin needs. It has an invisible finish and the formula makes it a great anti-aging sunscreen. 

This one comes recommended by senior commerce editor Madison Flager. This day cream with SPF 30 works as a daily moisturizer and a 1.69-fluid-ounce tub has lasted Flager for months. Not only does the No 7 product deliver broad spectrum sun protection, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and firms the skin. Nothing ages skin quite like sun damage—this one helps prevent and protect the sun’s harsh effects thanks to its anti-aging benefits.

This lightweight cream with SPF 36 uses green tea extract, sunflower seed oil, and cica (an ingredient helps reduce visible signs of irritation) to hydrate and soothe the skin. It leaves the skin with a healthy glow and doesn’t leave a white cast. If your skin type is pretty normal to dry year-round, try this one from beloved Korean skincare brand Innisfree.

For an alternative to a traditional face sunscreen, consider trying a sunscreen serum. Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face serum is made with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and spinach, giving your skin vitamins A, C, and E. This is another favorite sunscreen of Flager's, specifically for beach and pool days. “This is one of my favorite face sunscreens for days when I know I'll be outside for hours. It goes on super smooth and leaves my skin glowy, but not greasy. I love the shape of the bottle, too; it's narrow and compact, so I can fit it into even my smallest purse.” The serum has SPF 30 protection and can be worn underneath makeup or on its own.

If your skin tends to be a bit oily or you prefer a more matte look, Supergoop’s oil-free Mattescreen formula is for you. This mineral primer with SPF 40 feels so smooth on the skin and gives a subtle blurring effect while minimizing the appearance of your pores. It has a neutral tint to it, but it easily blends out to be almost completely invisible and leaves no white cast.

If you’re worried about a daily sunscreen clogging your pores, Tula’s broad spectrum daily sunscreen gel has you covered. Its non-comedogenic formula includes probiotic extracts, pineapple, and papaya, and protects against blue light and pollution effects. Traveler's former special projects director Lauren DeCarlo won’t use anything else: “I have tried a million and this is hands down the best I’ve found. On vacation, I only wear this—no makeup.” The SPF 30 sunscreen is reef-safe, too.

After breaking out more than usual, I decided to switch up my skincare routine and use as few products as possible, incorporating only gentle formulas made with sensitive skin in mind. I began using the CeraVe AM facial moisturizer—a moisturizer and sunscreen in one—and it really made a difference. It didn’t irritate my skin or cause any additional breakouts. It left my skin feeling hydrated, thanks to the hyaluronic acid and key ceramides, while providing SPF 30 protection. 

SkinCeuticals’ Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen with SPF 30 does not disappoint. It’s hydrating like a moisturizer and blends in without leaving any white cast, leaving skin looking brighter and even with just the right amount of a summer glow. Another great sunscreen option for no-makeup days by the beach, it’s formulated to protect against UV-induced pigmentation, too, preventing skin discoloration and visible sun damage.

Kinfied’s Sunglow is senior editor Megan Spurrell’s current go-to. Similar to the Daily Dew, it’s a 100 percent mineral formula and is reef-safe, but the Sunglow is lightly tinted, giving the skin a natural light glow year-round without being glittery. It provides SPF 35 protection while hydrating and illuminating your face all day long.

Tried and true Sunscreen brand Sun Bum makes a glowy face lotion with SPF 30 protection. It feels like a moisturizer when you apply it and leaves the skin with a healthy, dewy glow. It's subtle enough for daily use and leaves my skin feeling hydrated—I tend to wear this one on beach days or poolside. It's fragrance free and is ideal for all skin tones.

If you already love Supergoop's Unseen formula, you need to try Glow Screen. It's a hydrating, luminous primer with SPF 40 and blue light protection. It feels like you have nothing on your skin, but adds just the right amount of glow. I keep this in my travel bag for those vacation days when I don't want to wear any makeup—it gives skin a healthy, radiant look while still being well-protected from the sun.

A tinted sunscreen is great for busy days when you want a bit of coverage, but don’t want to worry about sweating off a thick foundation. EltaMD’s Tinted Sunscreen offers SPF 40 protection while increasing moisture retention thanks to hyaluronic acid (which also helps smooth skin and decreases fine lines). It's fragrance free, non-greasy, and has a sheer finish.