23 Face Sunscreens Perfect For Everyday Protection

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If there's one thing you take away about skin care, let it be to always wear sunscreen. That doesn't just mean on clear, sunny days, but on overcast days, in airplanes, on long car rides, and at home, too. "With UV radiation attacking our skin every time we step outdoors — even indoors or near windows — sunscreen is the main line of defense we have to protect ourselves," dermatologist Sphoorthi Jinna, MD, who specializes in skin cancer and Mohs surgery, tells POPSUGAR. "Our face, in particular, having typically no coverage, is one of the most vulnerable areas of our bodies. Facial sunscreen is extremely important to add to your daily regimen, both from an antiaging and skin-cancer-prevention standpoint."

That's not to say it's always easy to find a formula that works for you, especially if you have a sensitive or acne-prone skin type. According to Dr. Jinna, the skin-care industry has put a lot of effort into changing that, formulating face sunscreen that's "efficient with high SPFs while making more elegant formulations than traditional body sunscreens." That means more lightweight textures that easily blend into skin, can be layered under makeup, or are tinted for a more elegant application for dark skin tones. The most important thing is to find a sunscreen you'll want to use every day.

First, Dr. Jinna recommends using an SPF of 30 higher with broad-spectrum protection "so it covers different types of UV radiation that can cause skin cancers and premature aging," she says. Another thing to note is to apply the proper amount: "Typically, it's recommended about a nickel-size dollop of sunscreen should cover the face, remembering the upper eyelids and neck as well."

There are plenty of sunscreens on the market, and we've tried and tested hundreds over the years to help you pick the best formula for your specific needs. From chemical formulas to physical ones and even a few hybrid options, we rounded up the best face sunscreens on the market. We made sure these passed our tests with elegant formulations ideal for your skin type and zero white cast for those with dark skin tones.

Because Dr. Jinna also points out that "sunscreen typically lasts 90-120 minutes, and therefore, it is important to reapply every two hours, especially when you are outdoors or in a vehicle exposed to sunlight all day," we even included a few options perfect for sunscreen reapplication, like a facial mist and makeup SPF. (Just make sure you use that as additional protection over normal sunscreen since Dr. Jinna says those are "typically not enough coverage on their own.")

Whether you're looking for hydrating sunscreens, mattifying ones, or options for acne-prone or sensitive skin, find your perfect daily face sunscreen ahead.

Additional reporting by India Yaffe

Best Physical Sunscreen
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Best Physical Sunscreen

Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 with Bakuchiol ($48)

The Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 is one of our favorites — so much so that it won the Best Physical Sunscreen in our Beauty Awards this year. The lightweight, silky sunscreen has a serum-like texture that blends into the skin and contains bioretinol and bakuchiol, which help soften the appearance of fine lines. Plus, this sunscreen has a universal sheer tint to subtly blur imperfections. This SPF is best for days when you're getting minimal sun and staying indoors.

Editor Quote: "This tint makes the SPF really easy to apply and blend into my skin. The formula leaves behind a glowy sheen that feels lightweight and hydrating. I use one-and-a-half droppers' worth for my entire face and neck. It rubs in with minimal effort and layers beautifully over my other skin-care products. I have normal-to-dry skin, so I like to layer it over a moisturizer, but occasionally I can wear it alone because the formula is very hydrating. This SPF also wears incredibly well under makeup, and the tint allows me to just use a bit of concealer under my eyes and to spot correct." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty

Read the complete review of the Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 here.

Best Chemical Sunscreen
ulta.com

Best Chemical Sunscreen

Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 with Vitamin C ($38)

If you're in the market for a sunscreen that doesn't even feel like sunscreen, the Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 is your best bet. It is lightweight and comes out completely clear, so you never have to worry about a white cast. This hydrating sunscreen also contains vitamin C, which helps further protect your skin from environmental stressors. It never feels greasy or pills under makeup. In fact, we love this sunscreen so much we even crowned it as our favorite chemical sunscreen in this year's Beauty Awards.

Best Affordable Chemical Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Affordable Chemical Sunscreen

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Face Lotion ($16)

Innisfree's Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Face Lotion is an affordable option that has the most elegant texture. It feels like a lightweight moisturizer with its water-based formula. Containing skin-calming ingredients like green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, this chemical sunscreen is perfect for all skin types. Plus, it does not leave behind a white cast but rather a hydrated glow.

Editor Quote: "In true K-beauty fashion, it doesn't have that heavy, grainy feel like a traditional sunscreen. It's smooth and creamy, kind of like a balmy moisturizer, but it still feels so refreshing and lightweight on the skin that I often forget I have SPF on and accidentally double up (which is never a bad idea). Plus, it sets and absorbs nearly immediately after I blend it in. I'm left with a subtle, dewy glow with a natural, skin-like finish. It doesn't make me look like a glazed doughnut, but I don't look extra oily or shiny, either." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, commerce

For more information, read our Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen review here.

Best Affordable Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
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Best Affordable Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen With SPF 30 ($14, originally $16)

CeraVe's Tinted Sunscreen With SPF 30 is a great everyday sunscreen for its hydrating, gentle formula and its lightweight and nongreasy feel. It has a universally flattering tint to help combat that dreaded white cast, instead giving the skin a healthy glow. Loaded with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this formula is great for all skin types and helps protect the skin's moisture barrier as well.

Best Hydrating Chemical Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Hydrating Chemical Sunscreen

Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel with SPF 30 ($48)

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, organic aloe, and coconut water, Coola's Refreshing Water Plumping Gel is a hydrating option that isn't heavy on the skin. The chemical sunscreen has a gel-serum texture that gives the skin a plump appearance. It's ideal for those who want something weightless, but delivers long-lasting moisture.

Editor Quote: "It's not every day that a sunscreen formula stops you in your tracks, but the Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel SPF 30 did just that. It has a lightweight, refreshing feel that melts into the skin for a hydrating and comfortable finish. There's zero cast or residue left behind — just the dewy glow of plump, protected skin." — JH

Best Illuminating Sunscreen
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Best Illuminating Sunscreen

Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45 with Sea Moss and Niacinamide ($36)

Give your complexion a boost of radiance with the Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45. The chemical sunscreen has a pearlescent nude tone that blends into all skin tones for a glowy complexion; no white cast or silver cast here. With this sunscreen, you'll get that "glow from within look." Great for all skin types, this lightweight sunscreen feels like a moisturizer. It's formulated with sea moss, which helps protect your skin's barrier and niacinamide.

Editor Quote: "Unlike many tinted sunscreens, it doesn't add any color or coverage to your complexion but instead blurs. This makes it great for all skin tones. There's absolutely no cast left behind when you rub it in, even when you apply two fingers' worth (the recommended amount for the face). You can see just how illuminated it makes your skin look the second you put it on. This gives me a healthy glow without needing to put any makeup on, but it provides a smooth, moisturized base still. It feels soft and hydrating on the skin — not greasy or sticky like some face sunscreens." — JH

Read more in this review of the Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45.

Best Physical Sunscreen With a Serum-Like Texture
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Best Physical Sunscreen With a Serum-Like Texture

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen ($36)

If you prefer using sunscreens that are lightweight with a serum-like texture, the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen is perfect for everyday wear. This zinc oxide-based sunscreen has a subtle tint that blends into the skin for a soft, natural-looking finish. The formula is great for those with drier or sensitive skin types since it has hydrating and soothing ingredients like squalane, antioxidants, and chamomile.

Editor Quote: "To have a product that really feels like you have nothing on is a game changer. It's a high-quality mineral sunscreen that is comfortable and gives the skin a hydrated, glowy look that I want all summer long. It lies beautifully under makeup and is easy to reapply throughout a day at the beach." — India Yaffe, former associate editor, commerce

Check out our review of the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen.

Best Chemical Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
amazon.com

Best Chemical Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 60 ($13, originally $16)

Aveeno's Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen provides high broad-spectrum protection of SPF 60 with up to 80 minutes of water resistance. It's a great option for those who lean dry or have sensitive skin. Formulated with prebiotic oats, this is a weightless option that will infuse your skin with hydration without feeling greasy.

Best Chemical Sunscreen For Dry Skin
amazon.com

Best Chemical Sunscreen For Dry Skin

Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 ($22)

If you have normal to dry skin, an SPF that delivers a boost of hydration is something you'll need. Naturium's Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 has a moisturizer-like texture that feels weightless but deeply hydrating on the skin. It is a chemical sunscreen formulated with homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone, providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. The sunscreen also contains niacinamide to brighten and hydrate, as well as ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable water- and oil-soluble version of vitamin C. Plus, the cap of this sunscreen serves as a measuring spoon, you can make sure you're getting the right amount of coverage every time you use it.

Editor Quote: "This blends into a completely clear finish that's radiant — absolutely no white cast in sight, no matter how much of it I apply. Unlike other chemical sunscreens on the market, this one doesn't sting my eyes, either; in fact, it doesn't even bleed into my eyes, even with its dewy finish. This one feels so lightweight that I can actually reapply it throughout the day because I don't even feel it on my skin. Plus, it plays well with other products as it doesn't pill up and creates a great base for makeup." — AR

Check out the in-depth review of the Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 here.

Best Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
amazon.com

Best Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 ($33)

Dr. Jinna recommends the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 for those who want something "fast-absorbing and lightweight, without leaving you sticky and greasy." The chemical-based formula dries down to a matte finish and it's great for those with sensitive skin. With a water resistance of 80 minutes, this sunscreen is great for beach or pool days as well.

If you're looking for something mineral-based, Dr. Jinna loves using the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($38). "This tinted sunscreen is a broad-spectrum, mineral, lightweight sunscreen with an SPF 50. It blends seamlessly into the skin and provides a good base for overlying makeup. The tinted color is great for darker skin tones and its non-comedogenic formulation makes it great for acne-prone skin as well," she says.

Best Foundation With Sunscreen
sephora.com

Best Foundation With Sunscreen

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation ($32)

Available in 14 shades, the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is guaranteed to be the perfect match. This mineral sunscreen combines the protection of an SPF and the coverage of a tinted moisturizer for a natural-looking skin finish. It's formulated for all skin types, especially for anyone sensitive or reactive. You can also layer this on top of your SPF for additional coverage.

Editor Quote: "It doesn't irritate my skin, which is priority number one, nor does it make me break out or clog my pores. It also gives the most natural-looking light coverage; I apply it with my fingers and feel like I have filtered skin. It lasts all day, blends well with the rest of my makeup, and is something I genuinely look forward to applying every morning. Plus, it's not a product that just happens to have sunscreen formulated in it, it's meant to be a sunscreen, and the SPF 30 is perfect for everyday use." — IY

Check out our review of the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation here.

Best Fast-Absorbing Chemical Sunscreen
sephora.com

Best Fast-Absorbing Chemical Sunscreen

Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 ($34)

One of our editors proclaims that the Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 is the sunscreen for people who hate sunscreen. It's a lightweight daily chemical sunscreen that's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The texture of the Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion sunscreen is a light, watery cream that doesn't feel greasy or heavy and is fast-absorbing.

Editor Quote: "I apply a generous amount of the Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 onto my fingers (and by generous, I mean the recommended two fingers-worth amount) and rub it onto my face and neck to ensure I'm getting maximum coverage. It doesn't take much effort to blend in like many sunscreen formulas. The finish isn't as glowy as some of the brand's other products, but it's definitely not matte — it'll give you some shine that'll slowly fade as it absorbs. . . . I've worn it under makeup and on its own and love the finish it provides in both scenarios." — JH

Read the complete review of the Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 here.

Best Lightweight Physical Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Lightweight Physical Sunscreen

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($42)

Containing 16 percent of non-nano zinc oxide, vitamins C and E, and sea buckthorn, this all-mineral sunscreen from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is an editor-backed option that doesn't leave a white cast. It effortlessly blends into the skin and has a lightweight texture that feels like a serum. This is ideal for all skin types, especially those who lean sensitive and want something that feels weightless.

Editor Quote: "The sunscreen settles into your skin completely after a few minutes. Although the sunscreen comes out opaque white, it leaves a subtle transparent glow or sheen and no white cast at all. I was shocked; it truly does not feel like I have anything on my skin. It is a fantastic mineral-based sunscreen that does not pill and works well underneath makeup." — AR

Read the complete review of the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 here.

Best Tinted Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Tinted Sunscreen

Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 ($54)

The Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 comes in four flexible shades that self-adjust to your individual skin tone with no white cast in sight. The all-mineral sunscreen has tone-adapting iron oxide pigments that deliver a medium, buildable tinted coverage with a demi-matte finish. It's great for all skin types, especially if you want a streamlined routine, and delivers a broad spectrum SPF 50 protection.

Editor Quote: "It melted into my skin, blending out easily, and it ended up changing tones to look almost exactly like my skin. What I love about this product is that it doesn't feel heavy on my skin, but it gives me a super-healthy glow and is great at covering up minor imperfections with just one layer. Another plus? I can easily add multiple layers to give myself more coverage. After wearing it for a full day and not having any issues with pilling, eye stinging, or separating, I knew this product was going to be a winner." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Want to know more? Read our review of the Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 here.

Best Chemical Sunscreen With a Matte Finish
amazon.com

Best Chemical Sunscreen With a Matte Finish

Paula's Choice Resist Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50 ($38)

Looking for a weightless option that leaves behind a shine-free finish? The Paula's Choice Resist Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50 is your best bet. It's formulated for those with normal to oily skin, and it's a sheer, fluid formula that doesn't clog pores yet minimizes the appearance of them. The formula is hydrating yet fast-absorbing, with calming ingredients like chamomile, vitamin E, green tea, and oat extracts.

Best Face Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin
amazon.com

Best Face Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($43)

EltaMD's UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is not only a bestseller on Amazon, but it's also highly recommended by several dermatologists. This sunscreen is formulated for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin types, including rosacea. With a broad spectrum SPF 46 protection, this sunscreen contains a blend of nine percent zinc oxide and seven percent octinoxate, a hybrid blend of both physical and chemical filters. It has a lightweight texture that blends into a sheer, silky finish that's calming and elegant on the skin.

If you prefer something tinted, get the UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 ($45), which has a universally flattering tan tint that helps it blend into the skin more.

Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin
amazon.com

Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen ($22, originally $25)

Our editors love the Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen, especially if you lean more normal to oily. This mineral sunscreen boasts a nongreasy feel with a formula that's noncomedogenic. It's slightly tinted to help mask any white cast or chalkiness. With a broad spectrum SPF protection of 30, this is a great sunscreen for daily use.

Editor Quote: "The texture is my favorite part — it's incredibly lightweight and silky and dries to a soft, blurred finish that's not matte but also not dewy. It just looks like healthy skin. Very little effort is required to blend it in, which makes the application experience all the more enjoyable. I have a normal skin type, but I find the product hydrating without being greasy." — JH

Check out our review of the Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 here.

Best Waterproof Face Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Waterproof Face Sunscreen

Shiseido WetForce Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($50)

If you're spending the day by the water, reach for this Shiseido WetForce Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. The noncomedogenic chemical sunscreen feels lightweight and goes on smoothly. It has a silky texture that goes on clear and leaves no white cast. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It'll stay on for the long haul.

Best Facial Spray Sunscreen For Reapplication
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Best Facial Spray Sunscreen For Reapplication

Habit N°39 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 39 ($30)

Applying sunscreen every morning is a must, but you wouldn't be alone if you sometimes forget to reapply throughout the day. Habit's N°39 Facial Sunscreen Mist will make that process a little more convenient (and smell good while you're at it). This facial spray has an ultra-fine mist that gives your skin a layer of protection while refreshing it with a boost of hydration. The sleek bottle is perfect for travel as well, at just under an ounce. It has a fresh white peach and neroli scent, perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

Best Mineral Sunscreen For Dark Skin Tones
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Best Mineral Sunscreen For Dark Skin Tones

Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer ($34)

Protect your skin without the dreaded white cast with the Live Tinted's Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer. The all-mineral sunscreen is a sunscreen, moisturizer, and primer all rolled into one. Formulated with 18 percent zinc oxide for a broad spectrum protection, this sunscreen has an orange tint to mask the white cast and help it blend into a transparent, glowy finish. The lightweight and blendable formula can be used alone or under makeup. You can also get the new Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($28) for reapplication throughout the day.

Editor Quote: "I use around four-to-six pumps of the Hueguard on my face and bring it down to my neck. My skin type is fairly normal, so I don't necessarily need to use a moisturizer before using this product. The sunscreen comes out orange at first. With a good amount of blending into the skin, the Hueguard goes from a pasty off-white shade to a transparent, glowy finish. Once it fully sets into my skin, I feel like I have nothing on. My skin feels like my skin, and this is something I could hardly find with most sunscreens. It doesn't break me out, the texture is perfection, and the finish gives me a beautiful glow." — AR

Check out the review of the Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 for more.

Best Sunscreen With Antioxidants
dermstore.com

Best Sunscreen With Antioxidants

Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 ($55)

This Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 is another editor favorite for its elegant texture. The formula is lightweight and packed with hydrating marine peptides and antioxidants. The sunscreen sits under makeup so well and doesn't pill with other skin-care products. It is a hybrid of both chemical and physical filters that provide a broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.

Editor Quote: "It's lightweight, not too thick, and glides on top of the skin. I can wear it seamlessly under makeup, and it also sits beautifully on its own. Plus, there's no white cast. The product has a slightly pink hue out of the bottle, and when you apply it to the face, it gives a little glow. Think your skin but better. Also, as someone with sensitive skin, this product has not clogged my pores." — IY

Read her in-depth review of the Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40 here.

Best Hydrating Physical Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Hydrating Physical Sunscreen

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide ($62)

If you're on the hunt for a mineral sunscreen that's actually hydrating, the Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is worth the investment. The nongreasy formula feels like nothing on skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and has a subtle tint that blends for am even-toned look. This sunscreen also has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and silk extracts that will deliver all the hydration your skin could need, plus help with barrier support.

Editor Quote: "The sunscreen has an extremely runny consistency (in a good way), and the product itself has a peachy tint to it. I applied it to my face and noticed that there was no gritty consistency. I noticed that it was, in fact, disappearing and leaving behind no white cast, and I also wasn't rubbing it in for any longer than I would a chemical sunscreen. Once I was finished applying the sunscreen, my skin looked dewy and radiant but not oily, which I appreciated." — Ariel Baker, assistant beauty editor

Read our review of the Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 here.

Best Mineral Sunscreen For Redness and Acne-Prone Skin
amazon.com

Best Mineral Sunscreen For Redness and Acne-Prone Skin

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 ($20)

If you're prone to redness, the Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 from Hero Cosmetics has a slight green tint to help counteract the appearance of it. With a lightweight, breathable texture, this sunscreen feels like a hydrating moisturizer, and it's noncomedogenic. The mineral sunscreen has a natural finish with no white cast and won't make you look excessively shiny, either.

Editor Quote: "[It] has a smooth, skin-like finish that didn't leave my skin feeling or looking too dry or too oily. As soon as the sunscreen fully absorbed, my skin looked normal with no color changes or weird tints and felt hydrated. . . The [sunscreen] felt so breathable and light on my skin, with no heaviness or greasiness. In fact, it didn't clog my pores or make my skin look congested at all. If you have acne-prone skin or prefer using weightless products, the sunscreen is a must-try." — AR

Check out the full review of the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 here.