I Tried Dozens Of Sunscreens, And This $15 Formula Is Lightweight, And Doesn’t Leave A White Cast (2025)

Curious what sunscreen dermatologists actually use? ISDIN is the grand dame of face SPF and earned major snaps from all of the experts I consulted. What elevates Eryfotona Ageless above the rest is the unique DNA enzymes that help simultaneously repair and protect sun damage, says Dr. King. And since tinted mineral sunscreens, including ISDIN contain iron oxides that help protect against visible light, this SPF is especially beneficial, says Dr. Khalifian. Its lightweight texture and zinc oxide, a mineral sun protector that won’t irritate sensitive skin further helps cement ISDIN’s place as a top recommendation for Dr. Camp and Dr. Amin.

Having used this sunscreen since last summer, I can safely say that Eryfotona Ageless SPF is one of the biggest game changers to my skincare routine. Within my first two days using this SPF, my sunburnt skin was visibly more even-toned in just two days.

This unique mineral sunscreen is a lightweight emulsion that contains antioxidant-rich, hydrating vitamin E and peptides for some much needed hydration without the greasy finish or feeling. The liquid consistency isn’t too runny where things get messy. During my testing process, I played around with the application techniques. When I apply the SPF directly to my face it’ll leave behind a noticeable white cast. However, when I blend it in my hands before my face the finish is nearly undetectable. It takes a little work to fully disappear, but the results are well-worth the extra bit of effort.

There are two options: untinted and tinted. I use the tinted version because the OG one leaves behind a light white cast on my face, while the tinted option is more seamless for my complexion.

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It's especially tough to find sunscreen for acne-prone skin, since common sunscreen ingredients like silicone and beeswax irritate our sensitive faces. But there's hope! Dr. Song, who struggles with acne, is a big fan of this SPF because niacinamide helps improve skin tone and texture, and lactic acid combats acne with gentle exfoliation. Clear boasts a lightweight and non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won't clog pores, leading to zits, says Dr. Camp. He also suggests this gentle face sunscreen for those with rosacea because it's fragrance-free, benefitting sensitive skin. And get this: vitamin E, an antioxidant-rich ingredient known to help fight free radicals that cause visible signs of aging, says Dr. King.

I've been using this face sunscreen for several months after my dermatologist recommended it when I struggled to find one I genuinely enjoyed. I like the featherlight, almost-fluffy texture that feels a tad more hydrating than ISDIN. It has hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in my skin, which has been helpful during the blustery winter and spring seasons in New York.

EltaMD is the only featured sunscreen to come in three shades: Clear, Tinted, which is my closest match, and Deep, which is for more melanin-rich complexions. The only downside is that the two shades are more flattering on someone with a neutral or cool undertone. I lean more warm, so it's not a perfect match. But it's a close enough fit that I continue to wear this SPF without feeling insecure. An easy solution is just to use Clear because, as its name implies, it's invisible. That said, I also appreciate the light wash of color Tinted leaves behind, meaning I use less foundation during the daytime, which is always a win.

You don’t have to splurge to enjoy a great face sunscreen. This new Coppertone SPF costs just under-$15, and is just as effective as picks that cost more than double the price. I’ve been using Coppertone’s Every Tone body sunscreen for over a year, and was naturally excited when it finally added a face SPF. Like its name implies, Every Tone is compatible with all women, including those with deep, melanin-rich complexions. The clear SPF blends like a dream on my face without leaving it greasy.

This sunscreen is awesome for all skin types, including those dealing with pimples. Its non-comedogenic formulation hasn’t caused breakouts or clog my pores, which is a common beauty issue of mine. It’s also hydrating without feeling like a mask on my face. A combination of hyaluronic acid surges my complexion with necessary hydration, while ceramides add extra moisture and restore the skin barrier.

It sounds minor, but I also like the pump container it comes in. I’ve tossed mine in my cosmetic bag and normally my SPF lids will fall off during commutes to the office or during weekend travels, but this lid hasn’t popped off, which prevents accidental spills.

Honestly, the only bummer about this sunscreen is that it’s only available in a 1.7 oz. bottle, which is compliant with TSA guidance, but I have to restock my bottle monthly, which adds up. Still, it’s much cheaper than repurchasing pricier alternatives when this one performs at similar levels.

Boasting an impressive SPF 50 broad spectrum coverage, this sunscreen is a fantastic option for those with mature skin because it’s jam-packed with antioxidants, niacinamide, and peptides which help improve skin tone, boost elasticity, and soften fine lines, says Dr. Amin. It’s also infused with moisturizing glycerin and shea butter, along with soothing aloe vera. The powerful combo of hydrating niacinamide and redness-fighting licorice root and allantoin will help transform aging skin.

Layering cream or lotion-based sunscreen over makeup is messy and might smear our beauty products—and that's where Brush On Block's powder sunscreen comes in clutch. The soft bristles don't itch or poke me when I slowly swirl them across my face. Instead, they deposit powder in a thin, even layer, even over my foundation.

"It absorbs excess oil, so it can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder, actually extending the life of your makeup, and providing sun protection," says Dr. King of this "terrific" SPF. Additionally, she appreciates the combination of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals that cause signs of aging. It’s also a mess-free way to touch-up acne-prone areas of your body, like the shoulders and chest without worrying about residue on your clothing, says Dr. King.

The all-mineral sunscreen is portable and has a cap to prevent accidental spills in your purse or gym bag. And because it's a small powder, TSA agents won't have ground to snatch this from your carry-on bag aka my beauty nightmare.

Pro tip: Dust on at least two layers for adequate coverage, dermatologist Dr. David E. Bank, M.D., previously told WH in our guide about reapplying sunscreen over makeup.

White cast is the worst. If you're lucky not to have experienced it, white cast is when sunscreen leaves behind an ashy or purple tint, which is not exactly the look I want. This is especially common for women with darker skin tones. Supergoop! solves that problem with this clean mineral sunscreen that's clear so everyone, including those with deeper skin tones, can confidently rock it without looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost.

The fragrance-free SPF is weightless and contains hydrating meadowfoam and frankincense. It also creates a smoothing effect on my large pores and imparts a velvety finish that keeps my oily skin matte throughout the day.

With so many skin benefits, it's no wonder why Supergoop! earned snaps from Dr. Camp, Dr. Amin, and Dr. King. The scentless sunscreen is oil-free and rich in antioxidants. Plus, it's our only recommendation that contains red algae, which helps protect against high-energy visible (HEV) light, including blue light, says Dr. King.

Just be sure you don't squeeze out too much—we only need enough product to spread across two fingers; otherwise, it can pill.

Ultra Violette recently touched down at Sephora from Australia, and my skin couldn't be happier. It combines a broad-spectrum face sunscreen, moisturizer, and primer, streamlining my morning routine. The soft, creamy texture blends easily without leaving behind an annoying white cast and preps my skin for foundation. Supreme Screen layers beautifully under my favorite complexion products—Armani Luminous Silk and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless—without any pilling. It also looks stunning under tinted moisturizers and skin tints when I want a dewy effect.

I have very oily skin that becomes more like combination skin in the winter and early spring. I also use tretinoin, so the dryness and flakes on my cheeks are my new normal.

This SPF is packed with moisturizing superstar ingredients—glycerin, squalane, and vitamin C-rich kakadu plum—to prevent dryness, says Dr. Safaee, who likes this sunscreen for dry skin. Understandably, given the hydrating ingredients, she says it may feel too greasy on oily or acne-prone skin. FWIW, my pores get clogged easily, and I didn't experience any breakouts or notice an overly shiny T-Zone when sporting this sunscreen.

And while Dr. Song hasn't personally tried this SPF, she's keen on using it in the future because many of her patients rave about it. The combination of chemical blockers provides ample sun protection, while pentavitin and squalene offer deep hydration, says Dr. Song.

• Dr. Saami Khalifian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, CA.
• Dr. Mina Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists in Los Angeles.
• Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Dr. Teresa Song, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York.
• Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
• Dr. Divya Shookeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at OSVI Dermatology in California.

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