10 Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens For Protection Against UVA/UVB Rays

Asides moisturizers and anti-aging products, sunscreens should be the most essential product you should apply everyday before stepping out. This is to prevent possible sun burn, which causes premature aging signs and skin damage. So if you’ve not been using sunscreens all this while, then you’re making a big mistake. In this article we are going to review 10 best non-comedogenic sunscreens which are suitable for sensitive skin, Oily skin and acne prone skin.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen also known as sunblock, it can come in a lotion, gel, or spray form, which absorbs or reflects the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and helps protect the skin against sunburn, cancer, premature aging, wrinkles and other skin damages caused by the sun.

How Does Sunscreens Work?

Sunscreen products are designed to help prevent sunburn and other possible sun damages. It’s broad spectrum protection is essential to help shield skin from UVA and UVB rays. When UV rays enter the skin, they disrupt the cells’ normal growth and function, as well as break down the skin’s collagen and elastin, which leads to lines and wrinkles.

Sunscreens works in two ways, depending on the UV filter ingredients found in a sun protection product. Sunscreens with chemical-based ingredients such as homosalate work by sinking into the top layers of the skin and absorbing UV radiation before it can damage skin cells.

Sunscreen with sun filter minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays off the skin. Some sun protection products include a mix of both chemical and mineral sun filters.

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?

Non-Comedogenic are skincare products which are formulated with ingredients that won’t block or clog the skin pores.
There are thousands of sunscreens out there in the market, but not all are non-comedogenic.
Skincare products with comedogenic ingredients can do you more harm than good. They can block your skin pores, which can trigger allergies and irritations.

We have taken the privilege to review only non-comedogenic sunscreens which means the sunscreens meantioned in this article are 100% non-comedogenic (won’t clog or block pores) and very suitable for oily, sensitive and acne prone skin.

How To Choose The Best Sunscreens According To Dermatologists.

1. Choose Right.

The The American Dermatology Association (ADA), recommends that starters should choose sunscreens that’s labeled “Broad spectrum”, because this means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones that prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Overexposure to both can lead to skin cancer.

2. Consider The Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

SPF is a measure of how much UVB light a sunscreen can filter out. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30.

SPF 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays

It’s important to apply enough sunscreen to any exposed area of skin every day. On days you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period of time,

Ensure to apply SPF 30 all over the body half hour before leaving the house and then reapplying every two hours.

Note: No sunscreen can completely protect you from the sun so it’s important to always reapply throughout the day, wear protective clothing (hats, sun-protective swimwear, clothing, etc.) and always seek shade.

3. Pay Attention To Your Skin.

If you have acne or oily skin, make sure that your sunscreen is labeled as ‘non-comedogenic,’ which means that it has been shown not to block or clog pores.

If you have dry skin, look for moisturizers with sunscreen or sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aleo vera, or ceramides”

For sensitive skin, we recommend you opt for a physical, or mineral, sunscreen. Physical sunscreen features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin; these two ingredients won’t burn or sting eyes. They sit on top of your skin, forming a barrier to protect you. Unlike chemical Sunscreens which on the other hand, is formulated with ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that absorb UV rays to keep them from penetrating your skin. These ingredients can sometimes cause irritation if you’re prone to sensitivity, but they tend to be easier to apply.

The sunscreens reviewed in this article are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and are physical sunscreen which contains mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which is very suitable to oily, sensitive and acne prone skin.

Importance Of Wearing Sunscreens.

1.  Protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
2.  It decreases the risk of developing cancer.
3.  Prevents the occurrence of premature aging signs caused by sun exposure.
4.  It keeps you looking young.
5.  It keeps your skintone even.
6.  Sunscreen is important for all skin type (especially sensitive skin).

1. EltaMD UV Clear
Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

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EltaMD UV clear
broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 46 is one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens in the market.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen.

This Oil-free physical sunscreen which contains mineral ingredients with SPF 46 helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to discoloration and breakouts associated to acne and rosacea.

This sunscreen offers full protections from UVA/UVB rays. It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin and also moisturizes the skin. This sunscreen is lightweight and silky, it may be worn with makeup or alone. Choosen from tinted and untinted formulas for use every day.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• 9.0% transparent zinc oxide.
• Antioxidant protection combats skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation (IR).
• Calms and protects acne-prone skin.
• Leaves no residue.
• UVA/UVB sun protection.
• Fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic.

Cons

• Pump sometimes fails to work.

2. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

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This is another wonderful sunscreen product which is perfectly suitable for sensitive skin. Neutrogena sheer zinc oxide dry-touch face sunscreen is also one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens in the market which is recommended by Dermatologists.

This SPF 50, oil-free, non-Comedogenic and non-greasy mineral sunscreen help protect your facial skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.

This mineral sunscreen lotion contains antioxidants and layers invisibly under makeup. It features a naturally sourced 100 percent zinc oxide sunscreen formula that offers superior broad spectrum protection against burning UVB and aging UVA rays.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Non greasy (Oil-free formula).
• Water resistant formula.
• Fragrance free.
• Contains 100% zinc oxide.
• Specially formulated water-resistant face sunscreen.
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Cons

• None.

3. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 With Broad Spectrum.

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Sun Bum Broad Spectrum, lightweight and non-greasy, sunscreen contains mineral moisturizing ingredients with SPF 50 to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays.

Sun Bum mineral broad spectrum sunscreen lotion not only protect your skin from UVA/UVB, it’s also 100% Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, Reef Friendly (Oxybenzone Free) and Octinoxate Free which makes it an Ideal for everyday use, by adults and children with even the most sensitive skin.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Water resistant.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Made with Zinc-Based Minerals and vegan ingredients.
• Excludes harmful ingredients/ chemicals.

Cons

• None.

4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for Face SPF 50.

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If you want a super fast absorbing Sunscreen, then we recommend La roche-posay anthelios tinted mineral sunscreen.

Apart from fast absorbing. This sunscreen lotion is non greasy, 100% advanced tinted mineral with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and SPF 50.100% Natural.

Pros

• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Water resistant (40 minutes).
• Oxybenzone free.
• Paraben free.
• Non-Comedogenic.
• Allergy Tested.
• Dermatologist Tested.
• Tested on Sensitive Skin.
• Fragrance free.

Cons

• None.

5. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

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If you want a deep moisturizing sunscreen lotion, (especially for dry skins) then we recommend this product.

Aveeno protect + hydrate face moisturizing sunscreen lotion with broad spectrum SPF 50 give your skin 24 hours protection and hydration, keeping your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthier.

This facial sunscreen lotion contains antioxidant oat and delivers broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection while also moisturizing skin.
This sunscreen lotion is designed to be sweat-resistant and water-resistant, its lightweight, fast absorbing oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores which is perfectly suitable for both oily and dry skin too.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Oil-free (non-greasy)
• Non-comedogenic.
• With nourishing oat.
• Sweat + water resistant (80 minutes).
• Dermatologist Recommended Brand.

Cons

• None.

6. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer Sunscreen with Spectrum Broad SPF 30.

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Aveeno positively radiant daily moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 is also one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens available is the market.

Asides it’s protection from the UVA/UVB rays, it also offers deep skin hydration. This sunscreen has clinically proven to improve skin tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness, and brown spots.

It’s also lightweight, (absorbs very fast), oil-free, (non greasy), hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. It’s very suitable for both dry, oily sensitive and acne prone skin.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Non greasy.
• Deep hydrates the skin.
• Provides high protection against sunburn.
• Clinically proven to improve skin tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness, and brown spots.
• Oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.

Cons

• None.

7. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

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ISDIN eryfotona actinica zinc oxide mineral sunscreen contains 11% Zinc Oxide, which makes it very effective and potent in protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays.

This 2017 star suncare award winning non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic sunscreen offers full protections, as it’s broad spectrum SPF 50. It’s non greasy and absorbs very fast and very suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Offers full UVA/UVB protection.
• Non-greasy. (Absorbs fast).
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Cons

• None.

8. TIZO 3 Mineral Sunscreen for face SPF 40.

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Tizo 3 mineral sunscreen is no doubt one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens you can trust. This product has all five stars ratings with amazing positive reviews by users.

TIZO 3 is a lightly tinted facial mineral sunscreen that offers cosmetically elegant sun protection with a matte finish. It’s broad spectrum with SPF 40 and layers invisibly under makeup.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Water Resistant (80 Minutes).
• Offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• No chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, fragrances, oils and preservatives.
• Gentle enough on all skin, even the most sensitive skin.
• Photostable, will not degrade in sunlight.

Cons

• None.

9. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

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MDSolarSciences mineral tinted crème broad spectrum SPF 30 is a long lasting, water-resistant sunscreen, which lasts up to 80 minutes and won’t clog pores.

This top selling sunscreen lotion is naturally derived and safer mineral which offers UV protection, that helps reduce the risk of photo aging and skin cancer. Provides antioxidant protection including green tea, cranberry fruit, pomegranate extracts and vitamin C.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• No chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, fragrances, oils and preservatives.
• Sulfate-Free, Gluten-Free,Certified Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Oil-Free, Clean, Fragrance-Free.
• Lightweight (absorbs fast).
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons

• None.

10. Goddess Garden Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.

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This is a non-nano zinc mineral sunscreen lotion, which provides powerful SPF 50 in an unscented formula that’s even easier to apply and more sheer.

This dry-touch lotion offers water resistance for 80 minutes.
It’s filled with only gentle ingredients, including reef-safe minerals and nourishing organic ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which is safe for sensitive skin.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• No chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, fragrances, oils and preservatives.
• Sulfate-Free, Gluten-Free,Certified Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Oil-Free, Clean, Fragrance-Free.
• Lightweight (absorbs fast).
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons

• None.

Possible Questions and Answers.

Q: What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen?

A: Sunscreen are categorized into two types, physical (also called mineral) and chemical sunscreen.

Physical sunscreen acts like a barrier, they sit on the top layer of the skin to protect or shield the skin from sun exposure. That’s why you get to have white-cast residue after applying physical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreen on the other hand penetrates into the skin, where they stay to absorb UVA and UVB light rays before it’s able to damage the sensitive DNA of the skin cells. That’s why chemical sunscreens tend to be more elegant in terms of ease of application and minimizing that white-cast residue.

Chemical sunscreens act almost like a sponge, absorbing UV light, while physical (or mineral) sunscreens act more like a shield, deflecting the sun’s rays.

Q: How long does sunscreen protect my skin?

A: A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) is only fully effective for two hours after you put it on.
The recommended amount of sunscreen required to protect the entire body is one ounce (or a shot-glass sized amount).

Once applied, sunscreen is effective for up to two hours or less when swimming, sweating or toweling off which is why it’s important to reapply after these activities or at least every two hours.
A water-resistant sun protection product will be labeled as effective for up to 40 or 80 minutes before it must be reapplied.

Q: How long should I wait before reapplying my sunscreen?

A: It’s recommended you reapply your sunscreen every two hours. As for water resistant sunscreens reapply every 40-80 minutes.

Q: Does sunscreen expire?

A: Yes, it does, which is why there is an expiration date on the packaging.
But bear this in mind, don’t expose your sunscreen product to sunlight and extreme heat, this can reduce their effectiveness even before the expiration date. This is why it’s important to protect the product from excessive heat and direct sun.

Q: Does a higher SPF (sun protection factor) protect my skin better?

A: Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays.

These are sunscreens (SPF) protection levels:

• Low protection: SPF is below 15
• Medium protection: SPF is 15 to 29
• High protection: SPF is 30 to 49
• Very high protection: SPF is over 50

According to the FDA, the use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above, combined with other measures, such as wearing sunglasses and avoiding the midday sun, can help prevent skin cancer.

To sum it up. SPF 30 is the minimum we recommend, but higher is always better.

Q: Is there a difference between face and body sunscreen?

A: The only difference between face and body sunscreen is the size of the bottle it’s sold in. You don’t need to buy a separate bottle of sunscreen for your face.

Q: Should kids and babies use sunscreens too?

A: Sunscreen is OK to use on babies older than 6 months. Younger babies should use other forms of sun protection.

The best way to protect both babies older and younger than 6 months from the sun is to keep them in the shade as much as possible. In addition, dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.

For babies and kids, as well as those with sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend using non-comedogenic and physical sunscreens which won’t block the skin pores or cause any allergies, that’s why we chose to review only non-comedogenic sunscreens.
To avoid irritating your baby’s skin and eyes, use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. (Physical sunscreens). Here is our review on 10 best baby sunscreens for UVA/UVB Protection.

Q: Between a lotion, gel and spray sunscreen which is better?.

A: They are all good. It all depends on personal preference. As far as they are non-comedogenic and also contains mineral ingredients which are suitable for both sensitive and acne prone skin.

Q: Can I use these sunscreen under my make-up?.

A: Yes of course. The sunscreens reviewed in this article are 100% non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and Oil-free, (non greasy) and also absorbs fast into the skin, which makes it very perfect to wear under your make-up.

Q: What’s the difference between tinted and untinted sunscreen?.

A: Tinted sunscreen combines sun protection with temporary color or pigmentation. Tinted sunscreens normally comes in brown color.
Many tinted sunscreens are sold as makeup products, combining the benefits of foundation makeup with ultraviolet A protection. While untinted sunscreen comes in either white or milky colour also with ultraviolet A protection.