14 Sunscreens Vogue Editors Actually Use

When I asked my fellow Vogue editors to share their favorite daily sunscreen, the replies flooded in almost instantly. And to be clear, we’re not talking about the beach-day body SPF you slather on by the handful. This is about the face-first formulas you apply religiously every morning—rain or shine. Aside from being deeply committed to practicing safe sun, it seems that everyone feels passionate about what exactly makes a sunscreen “the best,” making the category both polarizing and entirely subjective. Needless to say, everyone has their holy grail.

For me, it’s all about sunscreens that are entirely acne-safe and layer well under makeup— whereas Kiana Murden, Vogue’s beauty shopping editor, says the perfect SPF is one that’s both lightweight and combats oily, acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, Vogue’s beauty editor at large, Arden Fanning Andrews, is a mineral sunscreen loyalist, while senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba prefers an SPF with an unmistakable glowy finish. So, how do you decide which type of sunscreen is “the one” for you? There’s much to consider.

Vogue’s Favorite Daily Sunscreens

• Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Air Daily Serum Sunscreen, $40
• Best Sunscreen Drops: Auteur Definitive Sun Drops, $148
• Best Water Gel: Coola Refreshing Water Gel, $48
• Best Color-Adapting Tint: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex, $58
• Best Face Mist: Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist Sunscreen, $22
• Best for Reactive Skin: Lesse Every Tone Sunscreen, $68
• Best Acne-Safe: Sofie Pavitt Face Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen, $38

For starters, there’s chemical or mineral sunscreens to choose from. Board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, breaks down the difference. “Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays,” Dr. Ibrahim tells Vogue. “Physical sunscreens (also known as mineral) act like a shield. They sit on the surface of the skin, deflecting the sun’s rays.” Next, you’ll want to opt for a broad-spectrum SPF (this means it will protect you from UVA and UVB rays) 30 or higher.

Since SPF is measured by concentration on the skin, board-certified dermatologist Lisa Airan, MD, reminds us not to overthink which level of SPF we pick. “SPF above 30 is not exponentially stronger.… SPF 100 is not three times as strong, only slightly stronger,” Dr. Airan tells Vogue. When pinning down the right amount to apply, expert advise two easy visual aids—opt for squeezing out a nickel size amount, or two finger length worths of product.

While that may seem like a lot to juggle before stepping out this summer, we turned to our editors for the sunscreens they swear by—formulas that meet dermatologists’ standards and slip seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether you’re going bare-faced or layering your SPF of choice beneath makeup, these picks make sun protection feel like second nature.

Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Air Daily Supercharged Serum Sunscreen

“If La Roche-Posay is going to do anything, it’s make an incredible sunscreen. Year after year, I’m impressed by a new formula. This year, it’s the new Anthelios UV Air. I consider myself a SPF serum connoisseur, and I’d argue this sits more in the “cream” arena. Despite this nuance, it’s still incredibly lightweight—making it one of those formulas you’ll genuinely forget you’re wearing. And because it’s powered by gentle ingredients, it’s an SPF I’d feel comfortable recommending to anyone.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor

Best Radiant: Supergoop! Glow Screen

“My fiancé, Ramiro, and I share the same sunscreen: Supergoop Glow Screen. He calls it his Robert Pattinson sunscreen because of the slight glow it gives his skin; I love that it always makes me look awake and like I just got back from the spa.” —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty and wellness editor

Best Sunscreen Drops: Auteur Definitive Sun Drops

“I switch up my sunscreens, but the higher the SPF the better. Auteur’s Sun Drops are the perfect base layer for my skin-care routine. Plus, I love that it feels like a hydrating oil.” —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content

Best K-Beauty: CosRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen

“I have to give a round of applause to my all-time favorite Korean sunscreen. Years ago, on a mission to find an SPF that wouldn’t cause breakouts, I wandered into Senti Senti in Williamsburg to carefully examine ingredients and test different formulas. Not only is this CosRx option completely noncomedogenic, but it’s incredibly lightweight, with a serumlike texture. The only catch: Make sure your previous skin-care products are fully absorbed (about two to five minutes) before applying to avoid any pilling. Otherwise, it layers seamlessly under makeup.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer

Best for Sensitive Skin: BareMinerals Bareskin Daily Dewy Sunscreen Mineral

“I exclusively use mineral sunscreen on my face, so I’ve been testing out the new untinted shade of BareMinerals Daily Dewy Sunscreen, and so far I’m impressed. It’s instantly clear and leaves my skin looking better, not weirder. I tend to avoid chemical formulas because the ingredients can absorb into your bloodstream, while mineral sits on top of skin as a physical barrier.” —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large

Best Water Gel: Coola Refreshing Water Gel

“I used to rely on a host of creamy sunscreens, but I was often unsatisfied with how greasy my skin inevitably felt. Not ideal for someone with oily skin! Giving Coola’s gel serum a try felt like a breath of fresh air. True to its name, this is refreshing to apply as hyaluronic acid, aloe, coconut water, and marine actives deliver weightless hydration while chemical UV filters shield from damaging sun rays. I’m obsessed!” —K.M.

Best Acne-Safe: Sofie Pavitt Face Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen

“It’s no secret that I’m a true believer of Sofie Pavitt’s noncomedogenic philosophy, because I don’t have to fear irritating my acne-prone skin. I rarely experiment with sunscreen, as a way to avoid any unwanted breakouts. However, this SPF is so silky smooth, like a lightweight lotion. Plus, it’s hydrating enough that I skip my morning moisturizer when I use it. Plus, there’s zero pilling under makeup.” —C.C.

Best for Reactive Skin: Lesse Every Tone Sunscreen

“Elegant mineral sunscreens are hard to come by, but it’s a category Lesse has mastered. Every Tone sunscreen offers a seamless blend; the serum massages in with an undetectable finish to reveal a natural finish with a subtle glow. True to the brand’s clean philosophy, it’s formulated with thoughtful ingredients. It’s my go-to on days in the sun and on vacation, when UV protection is of the utmost importance.” —K.M.

Best Color-Adapting Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex

“Watching this sunscreen transform from an off-white hue to a perfect match for my skin tone never ceases to impress me—and the shades are surprisingly stretchy. For example, the medium shade worked for me (a neutral, olive-tone medium skin tone) and my friend, who skews more warmer-tone tan. The secret is a bit of color theory: As you rub it in, encapsulated pigments burst and blend seamlessly into your skin. Plus, it offers medium coverage, which is just enough to conceal any of my rosacea or hyperpigmentation spots. My only reservation is the inclusion of cornstarch extract, which, according to the Acne Clinic, can be a potential pore clogger for oily or breakout-prone skin. I skip this pick when I’m in the midst of a breakout, but otherwise, it’s become a staple product for no-makeup-makeup. Read my full review here.” —C.C.

Best Face Mist: Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist Sunscreen

Having a sunscreen mist on hand is really the only way I’m guaranteed to reapply my SPF, especially if I’m wearing makeup. No matter how many times I wash my hands, I never feel comfortable massaging on my usual sun cream. Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist is easy as can be! While I wouldn’t quite call this mist itself ‘ultra-fine,’ it still dispenses gently enough to not disturb the day’s look underneath. A few sprays is all you need for adequate SPF 50 coverage. Plus, it’s infused with hydrating, soothing, and depuffing ingredients like caffeine, aloe, cucumber, and green tea. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor

Best Subtle Glow: Lightsaver Triplesome Serum Sunscreen

I love a dewy SPF, because I think that finish makes all the difference when I’m having a bad skin day or feeling really tired. Lightsaver’s SPF is barely light-reflective, so it’s great for someone who considers Supergoop’s Glow Screen too shiny for their preferences. This still has the same effect, like a soft, satiny dew. And I think the texture is really interesting because everything that Doctor Paul Kim creates is inspired by products that he sees in Korea. Plus, it’s totally non-greasy. —M.A.

Best Gel: Mila Moursi Skin Care Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

I love the gel consistency of the Mila Moursi’s sunscreen. The formula goes on slick, and even on hot days it manages to stay put. —C.M.

Best Anti-Aging: Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

I took the newly launched Augustinus Bader The Solar Shield SPF50 on my recent sunny breaks and I have been seriously impressed. It is one of the lightest body creams I have tried, gliding on without feeling laborious to apply or heavy, sitting almost imperceptibly on the skin. While that’s not available in the U.S. at the moment, the Mineral Sunscreen (another great pick) also contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, which was created to renew the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. So, I’m getting a win-win of protection and support. —Ellie Davis, senior beauty shopping writer, British Vogue

Best Sunscreen Stick: Eadem Sunsuede Lightweight Sunscreen & Blurring Primer Stick

Thank you EADEM for giving me a foolproof sunscreen stick. This formula is incredible! It takes all the things you may dislike about traditional stick formulas (poor glide, chalky residue, heavy feeling, makeup transfer) and enhances them. With just one sweep along the face you’ll see what I mean. It glides on with ease, without disturbing what’s beneath. However, I prefer to use it to start my day, for a blurring finish just-before concealer. That way, I’m shine-free all day. —K.M.