Best Luxury Facial Sunscreens
Updated January 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Coola Classic Sunscreen SPF 30
Coola
Classic Sunscreen SPF 30
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Bottom Line

An organic broad spectrum sunscreen that’s won a ton of awards.

Pros

An all-year round sunscreen that’s particularly good for summer and winter sports. Contains antioxidants, phyto-protector plankton extract and organic oils as anti-ageing agents and to help weather-beaten skin. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy. 3 varieties: unscented, cucumber or green tea fragrance. Wears well under makeup.

Cons

Some customers found that it dried out their skin.

Best Bang for the Buck
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50
Supergoop!
Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50
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Bottom Line

A popular high-SPF that offers good all-day sunblock.

Pros

Lightweight and moisturizing, it absorbs quickly, and is easy to apply. It doesn’t have a chalky feel, nor does it leave the skin feeling sticky, so is especially good for wearing under makeup. Fragrance free, so no unpleasant sunscreen smell.

Cons

It does not work well for oily complexions.

Julep No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
Julep
No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
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Bottom Line

The vitamin-enriched gel base of this SPF 40 sunscreen keeps the active ingredients fresher.

Pros

Goes on smoothly and dries to a satin finish, which makes this good for wearing under makeup. Transparent, so leaves no white paste-like residue on the face, which is especially useful for darker skin tones.

Cons

It can be too shiny on the skin for some.

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42
Shiseido
Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42
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Bottom Line

A feather-light cream that’s good for oily and combination skin.

Pros

The milky liquid-like cream is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. It helps to control excess sebum, leaving a matte finish to skin and can be used as a primer under foundation. It doesn't feel greasy and is long-lasting.

Cons

It would be useful if it came in a bigger size since it runs out quickly with everyday use.

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50
MDSolarSciences
Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50
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Bottom Line

This mineral antioxidant broad spectrum sunscreen was developed by a skin cancer doctor.

Pros

Goes beyond sunscreen, also improving skin tone, firmness and radiance. Doesn’t leave a white cast and blends to a translucent, matte finish. Has a high level of zinc oxide for maximum sunblocking properties. It’s also suitable for kids over 6 months.

Cons

Some found it had a slippery texture and took some time to be absorbed.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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33
Models
Considered
183
Consumers
Consulted
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Hours
Researched
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Luxury facial sunscreens protect your face from damage by the sun, but have added ingredients to improve your skin at the same time. Many are formulated to absorb quickly and work well under makeup and act almost like a primer. Ingredients include rosehip seed oil, vitamin E, lemon peel oil, and green tea. Some sunscreens are unscented while others have a light scent or are available in multiple scents. Many formulations are meant to be lightweight and therefore work well for oily or sensitive skin, but others are meant to be more moisturizing. SPF protection typically ranges from 30-50 SPF and brands use both physical and chemical sunscreens.

Our Top Picks
Coola
Best of the Best
Coola
Classic Sunscreen SPF 30
Bottom Line
An organic broad spectrum sunscreen that’s won a ton of awards.
Shop Now
Supergoop!
Best Bang for the Buck
Supergoop!
Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50
Bottom Line
A popular high-SPF that offers good all-day sunblock.
Shop Now
Julep
Top Pick
Julep
No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
Bottom Line
The vitamin-enriched gel base of this SPF 40 sunscreen keeps the active ingredients fresher.
Shop Now
Shiseido
Top Pick
Shiseido
Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42
Bottom Line
A feather-light cream that’s good for oily and combination skin.
Shop Now
MDSolarSciences
Top Pick
MDSolarSciences
Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Bottom Line
This mineral antioxidant broad spectrum sunscreen was developed by a skin cancer doctor.
Shop Now