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15 Of The Best Face SPFs For Acne-Prone Skin (Including A Few In The Amazon Spring Sale)

Shield your skin whilst swerving the spots.

By ELLE Beauty Team
best spf for acne prone skinpinterest
Elle UK

We all know by now that every day, come rain or shine, we should be wearing SPF on our face. This shouldn't be news to you. Of course, the most innovative beauty brands out there are making it easier for us, packing SPF into primers, foundation and even bronzer – but to really get the best out of your sun protection it should be slathered on underneath all of this in a separate layer, so you know you're getting sufficient coverage.

However, for those with acne-prone skin, finding a sun cream that doesn't result in an eruption of breakouts is no mean feat. The trick is to look out for formulas which are oil-free, packed with natural minerals, or labelled non-comedogenic, which means they're less likely to clog your pores. The key is that they still offer up brilliant protection from both UVA and UVB rays, so you can go about your day safe in the knowledge that your skin is shielded from the wavelengths that can lead to wrinkles and pigmentation and, of course, skin cancer.

From light gels to sprays, high-street options to snazzy splurges, here are the best facial SPFs you need to wear on the daily – whatever the weather is doing.

Shop The Best SPF For Acne-Prone Skin

1

Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum

On Sale
Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum
1

Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Invisible Serum

Now 21% Off
£11 at Amazon

This particularly brilliant innovation from SPF stalwarts Garnier ticks so many boxes. Firstly, the serum texture feels as light as water, so those with oily skin won't recoil when massaging it over enlarged pores. Then, there's the barrier-boosting ceramides, which frankly are a stellar inclusion whatever your skin type. Finally, there's the way it doesn't pill under make-up – in fact, it acts as a smoothing primer for a liquid foundation. Sold? We should think so.

2

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++

Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
2

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++

Supergoop! might not be a familiar name to you just yet, but it's worth paying attention to. The brand came to the UK recently, bringing its famously brilliant SPF formulas with it. This one delivers completely invisible protection that's traceless under make-up and feels totally weightless. We're smitten.

3

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50

On Sale
 Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50
3

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50

Now 20% Off

Legends in the SPF game, La Roche-Posay have pushed their iconic Anthelios formula to the next level. The latest iteration is formulated with the tech-y MEXORYL400 filter to protect skin from UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA rays. Water-resistant, totally invisible and non-greasy, you'll forget you're even wearing SPF.

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4

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30

On Sale
Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30
4

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30

Now 25% Off

Packed with a hydrating blend of ingredients – including polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane – this broad spectrum sunscreen works to lock in moisture, giving skin a smooth, glowy finish. It doesn't pill, is suitable for all skin tones, and provides UVA and UVB protection while being great for layering underneath make-up.

5

ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum

On Sale
Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum
5

ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum

This lightweight serum is designed with sensitive, breakout-prone skin in mind, delivering a believable healthy glow that doesn't highlight any texture or leave your skin feeling sticky.

6

Murad Oil and Pore Mattifier SPF45

On Sale
Oil and Pore Mattifier SPF45
6

Murad Oil and Pore Mattifier SPF45

If an oily complexion is a side effect of problem skin, this is the SPF for you. Oil-free, it's still hydrating so you'll likely not need a moisturiser underneath. A great choice for those wanting to cut down on skincare steps.

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7

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+

Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+
7

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+

Like an actual glass of water for your face, South Korean beauty brand Thank You Farmer's featherweight SPF 50+ provides ultra high protection from sun damage whilst delivering hydrating hyaluronic acid to parched skin – because acne-prone skin needs moisture, too.

8

Cosrx Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream

Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream
8

Cosrx Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream

A much-loved favourite of the ELLE UK beauty desk, this soothing K-beauty suncream is a dream for acne-prone skin. Sinking into skin effortlessly, it acts as a calming veil for irritation without compromising on that all important UVA and UVB protection.

9

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+

Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+
9

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+

Now 20% Off

Looking for a matte SPF that doesn't compromise on comfort? This luxuriously silky texture just might be for you. With a zinc-only mineral formula, this modern cult classic envelops your skin in lightweight SPF 50+ protection and is perfect for layering under make-up. No pilling or peeling here.

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10

Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30

Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30
10

Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF30

Byoma's cult lightweight gel cream boasts a cooling, non-greasy SPF30 formula that absorbs in seconds without leaving a streaky white cast. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and super hydrating, it's ideal for those concerned about breakouts.

11

Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50
11

Dr. Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

A sunscreen developed by a beauty editor-beloved dermatologist is a good place to start when looking for 'the one'. On top of a soft-focus finish and calming sensation, this also includes a dose of niacinamide, a key ingredient for brightening skin and minimising pore appearance.

12

Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50

360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50
12

Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50

Neither a cream nor a lotion, but a lightweight gel. Approved by some of the best dermatologists in the business, this oil-free formula combines antioxidants ferulic acid and vitamins C and E to provide a barrier against UV, and has the ability to control sebum production. Prone to acne clusters? Stockpile it.

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13

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen

Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen
13

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen

Super light, this SPF absorbs in a matter of seconds and is packed with some of the beauty industry's most advanced UV filters to protect the skin's collagen levels and radiance. It sits wonderfully under make-up too.

14

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30

Oil Free Matte SPF 30
14

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30

Formulated especially for problem skin, this SPF helps prevent shine on oily, breakout-prone skin, without causing irritation.

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