My Top Choices for Facial Sunscreens in 2023

Hey babes! Today, I’m spilling all the tea on the best facial sunscreens of 2023. From the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 to the budget-friendly Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel SPF 50, I’ve got you covered for all your sun protection needs. Don’t forget to always slather on that sunscreen, because any sunscreen is better than none at all! 💖✨

What are the best facial sunscreens for 2023?

Chemical Sunscreens:

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40

Mineral Sunscreens:

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Saie Sunvisor SPR 35
BeautyCounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense SPF 25

Budget-Friendly Option:

Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel SPF 50

“As a 21-year-old with an active lifestyle and a deep love for all things related to skincare, I’ve done my fair share of product testing. Today, I want to chat about my favorite facial sunscreens of 2023, and how I decide which ones are worth my time and money.

The Great Debate: Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens

Before we dive into my top picks, it’s essential to understand the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens. In a nutshell, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into the skin and then absorbing UV rays. These rays are then converted into heat and released from the body. The most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. The main active ingredients in these products are the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. One downside to physical sunscreens is that they tend to leave a white cast on the skin due to the white powders used.

My Evaluating Factors

When I’m choosing a sunscreen, I consider several factors:

Type: Chemical or Physical
Appearance: Tinted or Clear
Texture: Does it pill under makeup?
Skin Feel: Does it leave the skin greasy or dry?
Fragrance: Is there a strong SPF smell?

My Preferred Sunscreens for 2023

Now that you know how I judge my sunscreens let’s dive into my favorites!

Hand holding a bottle of Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 cream — Photo: Active Care Store (@activecarestore)

Close-up of a hand holding a tube of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ — Photo: Active Care Store (@activecarestore)

Chemical Sunscreens

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50: This product is technically a moisturizer, but it works as a sunscreen too. It’s hydrating and leaves a dewy finish. The slight fragrance is not off-putting, and there’s no SPF smell. If you have dry or combo skin, this could be a great fit.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This product is a HERO sunscreen. It’s a clear, gel-like formula that sits on the skin like a smooth-finish primer. With a matte finish and no smell, it’s perfect for oily or combo skin types.
Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40: If you’re after a glowy finish, this tinted product is your go-to. It’s a bit tricky to spread, but the result is worth it. Best for dry or combo skin.

Array of facial sunscreens arranged on a tabletop. — Photo: natsu (@treschicnatsu)

Hand holding a tube of cream and a sponge — Photo: natsu (@treschicnatsu)

Mineral Sunscreens

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46: This product is a combination of chemical and physical sunscreen. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and leaves zero white cast. It’s suitable for all skin types.
Saie Sunvisor SPR 35: This is my top pick for a tinted mineral sunscreen. It has a semi-dewy finish and is slightly glowy. The only downside is the finicky packaging.
BeautyCounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense SPF 25: This product has a slight white cast but is too drying for my skin. However, it could work for those with oily skin.

Array of makeup products including foundation, lipsticks, and pencils. — Photo: Makeupfun (@beautymakeupfun)

Assorted IT Cosmetics CC Cream products on a tray — Photo: Makeupfun (@beautymakeupfun)

Budget-Friendly Option

Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel SPF 50: It’s super hydrating, incredibly lightweight, and non-greasy. It soaks into the skin immediately for a weightless feel.

SPF-infused Makeup Products I adore

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: A dewy lightweight foundation with SPF and hyaluronic acid. It’s a perfect base layer after your regular SPF.
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 40: Though labeled a CC cream, I’d qualify this as a mid-coverage foundation. It blends out really nicely with a beauty blender or your fingers.

Honorable Mentions and Misses

There are a few sunscreens that I’ve wanted to try out but haven’t had the chance to, like Black Girl Sunscreen, Krave Beet Shield, and Eleven by Venus Williams. On the other hand, Versed mineral sunscreen was a miss for me due to its gritty texture.

Remember, I wasn’t sponsored for this post, but I do have affiliate links. That means I earn a tiny bit if you make your purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you!

With that said, my ultimate advice is this: always choose a sunscreen you’ll reach for every day, whether it’s chemical or physical. Any sunscreen is better than none at all!”

Quick Recap

The article discusses the best facial sunscreens for 2023, including both chemical and mineral options.
Chemical sunscreens mentioned are Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, and Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40.
Mineral sunscreens mentioned are Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, Saie Sunvisor SPR 35, and BeautyCounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense SPF 25.
A budget-friendly option mentioned is Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel SPF 50.
The author also mentions SPF-infused makeup products they adore, including Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 and It Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 40.