The Best Face Sunscreen of 2023

Your face sunscreen should excite you. As far as dermatologists are concerned, it's the most necessary (and most effective) skin-care product out there. So if you're not ending your routine with a layer of the good stuff, the rest of your serums and potions are essentially a waste.

To get you jazzed about putting sunscreen on your face—or, at the very least, compliant to the habit—we covered our own faces in hundreds of different products to find the most elegant and enticing formulas. But first things first, there are a few things you should know so you're getting the most out of your new favorite skin-care product.

Mineral SPF: Otherwise known as "physical" sunscreen, mineral formulas reflect (aka physically block) visible light from penetrating the skin and causing damage. These types of blockers show up on labels as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and they sit on top of your skin to bounce UV rays off its surface. By nature, mineral formulas are more likely to leave a white cast because their active ingredients are inherently white (so while all of the products on this list work for all skin tones, some may appear ashy on deeper complexions). Sensitive skin generally tolerates mineral sunscreen better than alternatives.

The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen

Chemical SPF:"Chemical sunscreens are made up of chemicals that are absorbed into the skin, where they can absorb the UV rays and create a chemical reaction that changes the UV rays into heat and the heat is then released from the skin," says New York City board-certified dermatologistHadley King, MD.You'll know you have a chemical blocker if the active ingredients are some combination of avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or homosalate. These formulas are your best bet for avoiding a white cast, but may be irritating on sensitive skin.

How much face sunscreen to apply

• To properly cover your face, you need to apply about 0.4 ounces of sunscreen.
• If you make a peace sign with your index and middle fingers, and draw two thick lines of sunscreen down each finger, that should be about 0.4 ounces.

How to properly apply face sunscreen

• Apply the recommended amount of sunscreen to dry skin as the final layer of your skin-care routine before makeup.
• If using a spray, dermatologists recommend holding down the nozzle until your skin glistens.
• If using a stick, dermatologists recommend doing four passes back and forth.
• Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• When exposed to sunlight, reapply according to the directions on the bottle (typically every two hours).

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