Skip to Content

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

four different sunscreen products displayed side by side best spf for acne prone skin
Byoma, Mecca Cosmetica, La Roche-Posay, Thank You Farmer

The 11 Best SPFs For Acne-Prone Skin That Won't Break You Out, Tried And Tested

Meet the effective sun protection formulas that promise to keep new blemishes at bay

By

We all know that, come rain or shine, we should be wearing a face SPF. No excuses. However, for those of us with acne-prone skin, finding a sun cream that doesn't result in an eruption of breakouts is no mean feat. The trick is to look out for formulas which are formulated without heavy ingredients, or labelled non-comedogenic, which means they're less likely to clog your pores.

    What SPF should you use for acne-prone skin?

    'Breakout-prone skin does not need oily formulations or creamy textures that sit on the skin and cause clogged pores,' agrees Dr Alia Ahmed, a psychodermatologist. 'Stick to non-comedogenic formulas, which means that the formulation is designed not to clog pores and aggravate one of the causative factors for acne.'

    So what should we use instead? 'Ideally, look for a moisturiser that will calm and hydrate the skin barrier without being comedogenic. It may feel counterintuitive to use moisturiser for acne but it can be incredibly important,' adds consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall.

    Best SPF For Acne-Prone Skin: ELLE′s Top Five

    What ingredients should you look for in SPF for acne-prone skin?

    It's also important to look at your ingredient labels. 'To boost hydration without blocking pores I would suggest looking for ingredients that draw water to the top layer or skin, these are called humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Moisturisers that contain ceramides help to strengthen the skin barrier and, as such, reduce water loss without being oily and blocking pores,' says Dr Hextall. Formulas with added niacinamide or salicylic acid can help calm blemishes and prevent new ones, too.

    The key is that they still offer up brilliant protection from both UVA and UVB rays, so you can go about your day safe in the knowledge that your skin is shielded from the wavelengths that can lead to pre-mature wrinkles, pigmentation and, of course, skin cancer.

    From light gels to tinted SPF moisturisers , here are the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin to wear daily, no matter the season.

    Shop the best SPF for acne-prone skin

    best spf for acne prone skin

    How We Test

    After close inspection of the ingredients list, we consider the texture of each SPF. The best SPF is the one that you'll love wearing, so it's important that the sunscreen feels lightweight on oily and easily-congested complexion, doesn't go greasy by midday, yet offers enough hydration throughout the dry winter months. It should also go on completely invisible, does not cause breakouts and keeps you away from sunburns.

    Best all-rounder

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF50

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF50
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: La Roche-Posay

    La Roche-Posay is known for delivering effective sun protection in refined textures that are kind on oily and acne-prone skin types. UVAir takes it a step further as it feels completely invisible on skin (even when applied generously), yet it keeps the complexion feeling comfortable through rain and humidity. The Zero-Gram Feel Air Phase technology actually controls oil production, so you stay gently matte, all day long.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Light cream
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Niacinamide, glycerin
    Best for:Everyday, combination to very oily skin, sensitive skin, under make-up
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best for active blemishes

    Murad Superactive SPF40: Oil + Pore Control

    Superactive SPF40: Oil + Pore Control
    Credit: Murad

    Murad's latest range of sunscreens are one of its best launches yet. Each one feels like second skin, plays well with other skincare and make-up, and features active ingredients that target specific concern. Those with blemish-prone skin will appreciate this lightweight formula. It contains salicylic acid to keep spots at bay and control excess sebum while coconut derivatives maintains hydration so skin stays balanced.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Light cream
    SPF:40
    Added ingredients:Salicylic acid, coconut alkanes
    Best for:Active acne, everyday, under make-up, combination to oily skin
    Best for irritated skin

    Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen

    Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen
    Credit: Dr Althea

    This K-beauty brand is relatively new to the UK, but it's already impressing the ELLE beauty team through its elegant texture, caring ingredients and chic packaging design. This lightweight SPF goes on like a day cream, feels invisible even on oily skin and doesn't disrupt make-up. Plus, it's loaded with soothing ingredients such as cica extracts to ease redness and minimise acne-causing inflammation.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Light cream
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Cica, tea leaf water
    Best for:Everyday wear, redness, sensitive skin, under make-up, K-beauty SPF
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best for brightening

    Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum

    To Save Face SPF50+ Matte Sun Serum
    Credit: Mecca Cosmetica

    This Australian suncare brand makes SPFs that are as luxurious to wear as they are effective. The serum texture sinks in quickly, making it ideal for hot weather, while the willow bark-infused formula promises to keep excess shine at bay. For those who are also prone to acne scarring and pigmentation, it also contains gluconolactone and niacinamide to brighten the complexion over time. There is a slight peach tint to help enliven tired skin, too.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Serum-milk
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Niacinamide, willow bark, gluconolactone
    Best for:Sensitive skin, combination to oily, pigmentation, acne scarring
    Best for...dermatologist-approved

    Heliocare 360 Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

    On Sale
    360 Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
    Now 25% Off
    Credit: Heliocare

    The go-to SPF brand for dermatologists, Heliocare's airy-light texture feels instantly refreshing on skin that's prone to acne and redness. It feels completely invisible on skin, but imbues enough hydration to keep the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

    Product specifications

    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Amino acids, antioxidants
    Best for:Everyday, refreshing feel, very oily skin, combination skin
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best for value

    Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum

    Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum

    This particularly brilliant innovation from SPF stalwarts Garnier ticks so many boxes. Firstly, the serum texture feels as light as water, so those with oily skin won't recoil when massaging it over enlarged pores. Then, there's the barrier-boosting ceramides, which frankly are a stellar inclusion whatever your skin type. Finally, there's the way it doesn't pill under make-up – in fact, it acts as a smoothing primer for a liquid foundation. Sold? We should think so.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Milky
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Ceramides, glycerin
    Best for:Under make-up, everyday wear, sensitive skin
    Best for dry and acne-prone skin

    Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+

    Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Thank You Farmer

    Like an actual glass of water for your face, South Korean beauty brand Thank You Farmer's featherweight SPF 50+ provides ultra-high protection from sun damage whilst delivering hydrating hyaluronic acid to parched skin – because acne-prone skin needs moisture, too.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Lightweight cream
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Aloe extract, centella extract
    Best for:Combination skin, redness-prone skin
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best for invisible finish

    Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++

    Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++

    Supergoop! has something for every skin type. This one delivers completely invisible protection that's traceless under make-up and feels totally weightless. We're smitten.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Gel
    SPF:30
    Added ingredients:Shea butter, meadow foam seed oil
    Best for:Make-up primer, invisible finish, all skin tones, combination to oily skin
    Best for make-up free days

    The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30

    Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30

    Packed with a hydrating blend of ingredients – including polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane – this broad spectrum sunscreen works to lock in moisture, giving skin a smooth, glowy finish. The dewy finish creates a healthy, lit-from-within effect on the skin, especially for make-up free days. It does have a tendency to pill when paired with certain products, so save this for when you're keeping things simple.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Cream
    SPF:30
    Added ingredients:Polyglutamic acid, squalane
    Best for:Dry skin, make-up free days, dewy finish
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best for gel formula

    Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30

    Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30

    Byoma's lightweight gel cream boasts a cooling, non-greasy SPF30 formula that absorbs in seconds without leaving a streaky white cast. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and super hydrating, it's a handy one to keep in your everyday stash.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Gel-cream
    SPF:30
    Added ingredients:Ceramide, hyaluronic acid
    Best for:Everyday wear, sensitive skin
    Best for skincare ingredients

    Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

    Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
    Credit: Dr. Sam's

    A sunscreen developed by a skin expert is a good place to start when looking for 'the one'. On top of a soft-focus finish and calming sensation, this also includes a dose of niacinamide, a key ingredient for brightening skin and minimising pore appearance.

    Product specifications

    Texture:Cream
    SPF:50
    Added ingredients:Niacinamide, lactic acid
    Best for:Mineral formula, sensitive skin, skincare ingredients
    Headshot of Medina Azaldin
    Medina Azaldin
    Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

    Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too. 

    Watch Next 
    four different sunscreen products displayed side by side best spf for acne prone skin
    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Page was generated in 2.2102661132812