Click on one of the sections below to learn more:
- The top acne-safe SPF options for clog-prone skin
- Key things to look for and avoid in an SPF for acne-prone skin
- Are tinted SPFs safe for acne-prone skin?
- Application tips for layering SPF with acne treatments
- Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the top pick for a lightweight sunscreen that protects without clogging pores.
Choose oil-free, mineral formulas and avoid irritants and added fragrance.
Pigmented sunscreens can help even skin tone for a glowy finish and reliable sun protection.
Apply treatments at night, let them absorb before SPF for a smooth texture.
The Top Acne-Safe SPF Options for Clog-Prone Skin
It’s especially essential to protect blemish and redness-prone skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This section explores some excellent sun protection options with a clear formula, no oily residue and which are suitable for spot-prone skin.
1. La Roche Posay – Anti-Shine Face Mist SPF50
An SPF face mistwill be your best friend in the summer months, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin. This one from La Roche Posay is non-comedogenic, acne-safe and absorbs excessive oil, giving your skin a matte finish. You can easily reapply with high-factor SPF for all-day protection against harmful UV rays and blue light.
“So easy to use. Quick spritz. Especially for day to day wear and over make up. Handy for the hand bag too!”
“Loved the products. Went on really smoothly and the SPF in it is 50 which is what everyone needs now. Fantastic brand, always super quality.”
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Perfect For: oily or combination skin, reapplication throughout the day and for fuss-free protection
2. Skingredients Skin Shield SPF50
One of the most popular Irish skincare brands nails it once again with this broad-spectrum SPF. This hydrating and priming sunscreen is oil-free, non-comedogenic, uses only micronised zinc oxide mineral filters and contains pore-minimising niacinamide. The subtle peach tint is widely flattering and leaves a healthy-looking glow and skin feel. Achieve high-protection sun care, hydration and colour correction all-in-one everyday sunscreen.
“Lovely product, goes on smoothly and easily. Delighted to get a glowing moisturiser that has SPF finally!! Also enjoyed the naughty Mars bar included in the box!!”
“Beautiful hydrating SPF, Great base under makeup. Love it!”
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Perfect For: combination to oily complexions and for streamlined makeup routines
3. La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Formulated with the latest sunscreen technology, this factor 50 facial SPF contains Meroxyl 400 which blocks UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA. La Roche Posay’s Invisible Fluid Sun Cream doesn’t contain fragrance or pore-clogging ingredients making it safe for sensitive skin types and acne. Finally, the sweat and water-resistant formula makes it a great option for various outdoor activities.
“Love this sunscreen, it was recommended by my dermatologist, feels lovely on the skin no white marks, and perfect for sensitive skin too, would purchase again”
“This is one of the best facial sun creams on the market. The consistency is really light and it absorbs well and doesn't leave you shiny. It also doesn't irritate your eyes which I find most sun creams do.”
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Perfect For: Everyday protection for the whole family, post-procedure skin.
4. Ella & Jo Plump & Protect Hydrating Day Cream SPF30
One of the best ways to avoid breakouts is to minimise the number of products you apply to your skin and often your moisturiser is the culprit for clogged pores. This silky-smooth moisturiser from Ella & Jo contains SPF 30 for convenient daily sun protection as well as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and ingredients to fight dark spots. Moreover, the formula is naturally acne-safe and non-comedogenic.
“Beautiful on the skin sink and just perfect and doesn't sit in your skin”
“My go to moisturiser, so lightweight yet so effective. Would highly recommend this product”
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Perfect For: everyday protection, hydration and glow
Key Things to Look for and Avoid in an SPF for Acne-Prone Skin
Finding a daily SPF that won’t break you out is essential, and there are also some handy features that can particularly benefit blemish-prone skin.
- Products that are non-comedogenic:It’s crucial that your sunscreen doesn’t clog your pores; many formulas include comedogenic ingredients such as shea butter or starch to improve their texture, so it’s best to check before you buy.
- Oil-free formulations:certain fats and oils can not only clog the pores and aggravate acne, but they can also be unhelpful for those with oilier complexions.
- Mineral filters:mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide are well-tolerated by even the most sensitive skin and are non-comedogenic. They, unlike many chemical filters, don’t need to be formulated with pore-clogging oils, and they sit on top of the skin instead of entering your pores.
- Fragrances and other irritants:Many products contain alcohols, fragrances, parabens, preservatives and other common irritants; these can contribute to breakouts in acne-prone skin and aggravate existing blemishes.
- Skin tint:a tinted SPF not only helps minimise the white cast from mineral filters but it can act as a colour corrector or concealing primer to make redness and blemishes less noticeable.
- Additional ingredients:actives such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or ceramides are fantastic acne-safe options to include for a clear and balanced complexion.
Are Tinted SPFs Safe for Acne-Prone Skin?
Tinted SPF options are a fantastic option if you want to conceal blemishes while giving your skin a break from heavy makeup. They can also act as a multi-functional colour-correcting, SPF primer for a simpler skincare routine.
The pigment in tinted sunscreen doesn’t usually trigger acne, but you should always cleanse thoroughly each night and ensure you choose a gentle non-comedogenic product. Explore some of the best cleansers for acne-prone skin best cleansers for acne-prone skin.
Application Tips and Layering SPF with Acne Treatments
If you have active breakouts and are using acne treatment, it’s particularly important to continue wearing high protection sunscreen. Many acne gels contain harsh actives such as acids, retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, which can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Apply your acne treatment at night (especially retinoids) to avoid UV exposure immediately after application. If you must apply acne creams or gels in the morning, let them absorb fully into the skin and dry down before applying your SPF. Also, make sure you use a good moisturiser or hyaluronic acid serum to maintain moisture balance while treating acne.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What sunscreens are acne-safe?
Your safest bet would be to opt for mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) as these are the least likely to irritate and don’t clog pores. Another strong contender is L’Oreal’s Meroxyl range.
How can I tell if a sunscreen is non-comedogenic and acne-safe from the label?
Not all sunscreens will advertise that they’re non-comedogenic on the label. Look out for common pore cloggers, listed below. Even natural ingredients like coconut oil, lanolin and shea butter can clog pores. Use an online tool to check whether your sunscreen is acne-safe.
- Isopropyl Myristate
- Isopropyl Palmitate
- Isopropyl Isostearate
- Myristyl Myristate
- Myristyl Lactate
- Butyl Stearate.
Are there lightweight SPFs that won’t make oily, acne-prone skin greasy?
There are many oil-free SPF options. These can be ideal for greasy, blemish-prone and clog-prone skin. Some examples include Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel, Skingredients’ Skin Shield or La Roche Posay’s Anti-Shine Face Mist .
Is La Roche Posay SPF Suitable for Acne?
Generally, La Roche Posay products are suitable for acne-prone skin, but not all of them are non-comedogenic, so it’s best to check online before buying a product. Some examples of acne-safe La Roche Posay sunscreens include the Anti-Shine Face Mist and the UVMune 400 Invisible SPF50 Fluid Sun Cream.
What affordable SPF options are suitable for acne-prone skin?
Since your options are more limited, it can be harder to find a budget-friendly sunscreen suitable for blemish-prone complexions. The La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Face Mist is available for under €20. Another great option is the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Sun Cream .
