Top 12 Facial Sunscreens of 2025

This review provides an extensive evaluation of various chemical, physical, and combination sunscreens. Here’s a summary of the key points for each category:

Chemical Sunscreens:

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+: Praised for its lightweight and creamy texture but criticized for a shiny finish. Contains non-FDA-approved ingredients.
2. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte: Intended to reduce sheen but found to be overly drying with an oily residue and strong chemical smell.
3. Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum SPF 30: Cooling and moisturizing, but expensive and not water-resistant.
4. ELF Skin Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35: Similar to Supergoop but with a watery consistency and greasy feel.
5. Fenty Skin’s Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30: Easy to spread but with a strong floral scent; fragrance-free version available.
6. Krave Beauty Beet the Sun: Runny and thin, causing skin to feel tight and dry.
7. La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+: Fresh scent and easy to rub in but has a milky texture and matte finish that some found unflattering.

Physical Sunscreens:

1. All Good Tinted Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30: Blends well on darker skin but leaves streaks on lighter skin.
2. Aveeno’s Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin SPF 50: Considered too thick and sticky.
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+: Creamy feel but leaves a white cast; affordable.
4. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face: Disliked for its scent resembling burning plastic.
5. EltaMD UV Physical Tinted SPF 41: Thick and drying with a white cast on darker skin tones.

Combination Sunscreens:

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++: Clear, lightweight, and moisturizing but contains non-FDA-approved ingredients.
2. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel SPF 50+ PA++++: Thick and creamy without leaving a white cast; imported from Japan.
3. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30: Moisturizing with a slight greasy feel; suitable as an alternative to CeraVe and Olay.
4. Eucerin’s Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30: Moisturizing and spreads well but takes time to absorb and can feel sticky.
5. Sun Bum Clear 50: Lightweight but has a strong scent and leaves a greasy finish.

Overall, the review emphasizes the pros and cons of each product, highlighting factors like texture, finish, scent, and ease of application, while noting the presence of non-FDA-approved ingredients in some imported sunscreens.