Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Hands down, the most important product for healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin is one of the best face sunscreens, which you must wear every day , rain or shine. Despite limited sunscreen innovations in the US, we promise you there's a lightweight, comfortable-to-wear, pilling-free, and cast-free (for chemical sunscreens, specifically) formula on the market that you'll actually enjoy slathering on. And, of course, they all have broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher, as per dermatologist guidelines.
In true Allure fashion, we're spilling everything you need to know about our team's favorite face sunscreens—many backed by board-certified dermatologists, to boot. These formulas glide on like a dream, never disrupt makeup, and above all else, help prevent sunburns , hyperpigmentation , and skin cancer with proper usage.
How does sunscreen work? What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Mineral Overall: Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Alastin Skincare
Allure contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Why it’s worth it: Originally designed for patients fresh off lasers, peels, or injectables, Alastin Skincare ’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 had to meet a few non-negotiables: be non-irritating, deeply hydrating, and—crucially—elegant enough that people would actually want to wear it every day. Check, check, and check. The formula relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection, while ectoin helps strengthen the skin barrier, retain hydration, and defend against environmental stress. “The tint blends easily for most skin tones, and you can even use it in lieu of foundation,” says May Hall , DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina. (If you’re very fair, you might notice a slightly warm undertone.) It’s the kind of sunscreen you end up squeezing every last drop out of—post-procedure or not.
Lee before applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Lee after applying the Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
“As someone with sensitive and fair skin, I’m usually picky about mineral sunscreens, and I was a little hesitant that Alastin's Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 only comes in one shade—but the tint is sheer enough to cancel out any chalkiness, yet it's sheer (I definitely wouldn't call it makeup). It blends in beautifully and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin looking even and calm. The only catch with tinted formulas is remembering to wash your hands after, but this one is so elegant it's surprisingly delightful to apply.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Type: mineral Sunscreen filters: 3.4% zinc oxide, 8.9% titanium dioxide Key ingredients: ectoin, phytoene, phytofluene Tinted: yes Water-resistant: no Fragrance-free: yes Best Chemical Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT Save to wishlist Save to wishlist La Roche-Posay
Why it’s worth it: A new sunscreen filter getting FDA approval is apparently…