LOOKING for sun protection that won't clog your pores? You've come to the right place, as the best non-comedogenic sunscreen is free of ingredients that irritate oily or blemish-prone skin.
If you've ever suffered from acne or sensitive skin, you'll know that heavy, non-absorbent face creams can wreak havoc with your skin and be a trigger for spots and pimples – and the same goes for sun creams.
However, far from having to refrain from using broad spectrum protection (that is, sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays) completely, fear not. The answer is simply to opt for a specifically non-comedogenic formula.
These non-greasy and absorbent sunscreens are designed for sensitive skin, oily skin and acne-prone skin by avoiding irritants like fragrance and parabens. Instead, they use ingredients like mineral-based zinc oxide which provides UV protection while also having skin-soothing properties.
Read on for our tried and tested reviews of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens to find the right one for you.
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Best non-comedogenic sunscreen at a glance:
- Best overall non-comedogenic sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50
- Best budget non-comedogenic sunscreen: Altruist Daily Face Fluid SPF 50
- Best sunscreen for dry skin: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
- Best sunscreen for oily skin: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
- Best body sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50
La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50
- La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid SPF 50, £20 from Lookfantastic - buy here
Pros: High sun protection, moisturising, can be used on face and body
Cons: Not vegan
Rating: 5/5
One of the best options for any holiday, La Roche Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen is a popular favourite with shoppers and an excellent choice for sensitive skin types. It’s a high-broad spectrum sunscreen that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays while delivering antioxidants to soothe skin damage.
On first impressions, the texture was more serum-like than expected and had a bright white colour. However, it absorbed quickly into the skin, disappearing with no white cast and didn’t feel sticky to touch.
Throughout the day, my skin looked fresh and it felt lightweight. It’s an excellent choice for travelling to sunny destinations and while it’s not vegan, it’s definitely one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens available.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Antioxidants, Glycerin Vegan: No
Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50
- Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50, £15.99 from Superdrug - buy here
Pros: High sun protection, non-greasy, hydrating
Cons: Small size
Rating: 5/5
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Made for the summer, this water-based sunscreen from Biore is a favourite amongst shoppers and for good reason - it’s one of the best non-comedogenics sunscreens under £20.
The Japanese sunscreen feels fresh on the skin with a hydrating texture that feels like a serum, making it suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin. It instantly absorbs after a few seconds leaving no white cast.
With SPF 50, UVA and UVB protection, this vegan, oil-free formula won’t clog pores and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky after application. Plus, it’s a great base for makeup and doesn’t cause any further breakouts on the skin.
While there is a slight fragrance, it’s a great pick for the summer: we just wish it came in a bigger bottle so we can constantly apply it.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid Vegan: Yes
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CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50, £16.50 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Moisturising, high SPF protection, non-greasy
Cons: Can pill under makeup, slower absorption
Rating: 4/5
Known for no-nonsense and effective skincare, CeraVe is a popular favourite with shoppers, and its AM Facial Moisturising Lotion is the ideal pick if you want a moisturiser and SPF.
It streamlines your skincare routine by combining the two and feels hydrating on dry skin, thanks to its nourishing formula which includes Vitamin E. Providing high SPF protection, it leaves no white cast, no greasy residue and has a glowy effect on the skin. Plus, it contains acne-fighting ingredients like Niacinamide so it's suitable for acne-prone skin.
One downside is that it can pill when wearing certain face makeup, so it’s best for no-makeup days or when you’re wearing light foundation.
It's best suited for normal to dry skin and is super easy to use: simply pump it on then pop it in your bag to carry around for touch-ups.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 52ml Star ingredients: Niacinamide Vegan: No
Altruist Daily Face Fluid SPF 50
- Altruist Daily Face Fluid SPF 50, £10.50 from Amazon - buy here
Pros: Nourishing on dry skin, anti-inflammatory, cheap
Cons: Small bottle
Rating: 5/5
Not only is Altruist’s Daily Face Fluid non-comedogenic, but it also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide to help prevent and soothe acne.
It feels lightweight and absorbs well on dry skin, and can double up as a moisturiser. Normal and dryer skin types will enjoy using it and its rich texture feels very comforting.
It also makes for a great make-up base and won’t irritate sensitive or inflamed skin. Providing high SPF protection against UVA and UVB rays, it’s an ideal once-a-day sunscreen for your face.
It comes in a small bottle so do stock up on it, as it’ll become an essential part of your skincare routine.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 60ml Star ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Vegan: Yes
Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+
- Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+, £23 from Lookfantastic - buy here
Pros: Hydrating, dewy finish, applies smoothly
Cons: Small tube, pricy
Rating: 5/5
This is the first sunscreen from Coco & Eve and the beauty brand did not disappoint.
Suitable for normal and oily skin types, the Daily Water Gel has a high SPF of 50 and is perfect for everyday wear thanks to its super hydrating formula which consists of Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera. Designed with a pump, it’s easy to apply and ideal for carrying around all day.
The sunscreen is a little runnier than others but sinks quickly into the skin and leaves it feeling moisturised and glowy without looking greasy.
If you prefer a more matte look, then this isn’t for you, but it’s a great choice for the sunnier months. While it comes in a small tube and is pricier than others, it doesn’t leave any white cast and sits perfectly under makeup.
Oiler skin types will enjoy this sunscreen as its gel formula feels cooling and doesn’t sweat off in hot weather.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 60ml Star ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Vegan: Yes
Garnier Over Makeup Super UV
- Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50 Super UV Over Make-up Mist,
£13£11.50 from Amazon - buy here
Pros: Lightweight, refreshes face, handbag-friendly
Cons: Smaller bottle
Rating: 5/5
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re always protected from UVA and UVB rays is by topping up your sunscreen throughout the day. If you don’t want to interfere with your makeup, Garnier’s Over Make-up Sunscreen is a mist that’s specially formulated to protect your skin.
With a high SPF protection of 50, the mist feels ultra-fine and instantly refreshes the skin when it's applied. There’s no scent and no need to worry about making a mess as it dries invisible, leaving a slight glow on the skin.
You do need to mist your face a couple of times to ensure full coverage, and it can quickly run out depending on how much you use sunscreen.
However, the flip side to its small size is that you can carry it in your bag from the beach to the bar.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 50 Water-resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 75ml Star ingredients: Vitamin E
Heliocare A-R Emulsion SPF50
- Heliocare A-R Emulsion SPF50, £32 from Dermacare Direct - buy here
Pros: Soothes redness, good for sensitive skin, suits all skin tones
Cons: Pink tint is not suitable for all skin types
Rating: 3/5
Formulated specifically to help with redness, Heliocare’s A-R Emulsion is the ideal sunscreen for fair skin tones that want to combat redness.
It’s a great sunscreen for those that have rosacea and is enriched with antioxidants like Vitamin E which help fight against free radicals and keep the skin protected from UVB rays.
The sunscreen has a light pink tint to it and sinks into the skin after being rubbed in. While it helps hide redness in fairer skin tones, it doesn’t do the same for darker skin as its shade is too light.
However, it feels lightweight and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, making it ideal for oily, fair skin tones with sensitivity.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: YesSweat-resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract
Ultrasun Glimmer SPF 30
- Ultrasun Glimmer SPF 30, £28 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Can be used on face and body, generous size, absorbs fast
Cons: Slightly sticky, not hydrating
Rating: 3/5
While most non-comedogenic sunscreens are geared towards the face, Ultrasun’s Glimmer SPF 30 can also be used on the body, making it more versatile than most. Its standout feature is that it has reflecting pigments which leave a shimmering finish on the skin.
It’s perfect for a hot weather holiday as it protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, and leaves it looking glowing.
However, the formula leaves a slightly sticky residue on the skin and it doesn’t feel as hydrating as other sunscreens. Its generous size does make it one of the bigger sunscreens and it’s also great to use on children with sensitive skin.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 150ml Star ingredients: Antioxidants, Vitamin E
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30, £17.50 from Cult Beauty - buy here
Pros: Smooth finish, hydrating, works as a primer
Cons: Only factor 30
Rating: 4/5
Unseen Sunscreen is a perfect primer for makeup and is one of the best picks for those who like a matte finish. Leaving an invisible finish on all skin tones, it’s hydrating and provides broad-spectrum protection. Plus, it’s also reef-friendly.
It’s more gel-like than other sunscreens and has a thicker texture that spreads out evenly on the skin.
Sweat and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, its best feature is that it minimises shine and doesn’t leave any greasiness on the skin.
While I’d love to see it with a higher SPF protection, it’s a great everyday sunscreen for all skin types.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-resistant: Yes Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Red Algae, Meadowfoam Seed
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
- Coola Make-up Setting Spray SPF 30, £37.56 from Amazon - buy here
Pros: Weightless, sets make-up, invisible, glowy finish.
Cons: Slight alcoholic smell, slower absorption, pricy
Rating: 3.5/5
Made specifically for setting make-up and providing you with SPF protection, the Coola Makeup Setting Spray is the perfect refresher.
It mists finely over the face, feeling weightless on the skin. While it’s only got an SPF factor of 30, it’s also enriched with aloe vera and cucumber, making it especially refreshing on dry skin. It leaves a matte finish and is completely invisible on the skin.
Unfortunately, there is a slight alcoholic smell from the mist that can be unpleasant to some, and it does take a while longer to absorb on areas of the skin that have more make-up on, such as the cheeks.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 30 Water-Resistant: Yes Sweat-Resistant: Yes Size: 44ml Star ingredients: Ceramides, Acerola Cherry, Spirulina Vegan: Yes
Skin Proud’s Serious Shade SPF 50+ Sun Serum
- Skin Proud Serious Shade SPF 50+, £16.95 from Iamproud - buy here
Pros: Travel-friendly, high SPF protection, perfect for oily skin
Cons: Hard to squeeze out all
Rating: 4/5
Serum-like sunscreens have become increasingly popular and Skin Proud’s Serious Shade is one of the latest sunscreens to have launched.
Lightweight, hydrating and in a super-sleek credit-card-looking bottle, it provides very high protection against UVA and UVB rays.
It’s not as thick as other sunscreens as it has a more serum-like consistency, so it’s a great pick for oily skin tones or if you’re on a very sunny holiday.
Its formula consists of a blend of ceramides and acerola cherry to help soothe your skin from any sensitivity.
Although its packaging can make it tricky to squeeze out every last drop, it’s the perfect pick for a sunny holiday.
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50 Water-Resistant: No Sweat-Resistant: No Size: 40ml Star ingredients: Ceramides, Acerola Cherry, Spirulina Vegan: Yes
Where to buy non-comedogenic sunscreens in the UK?
You can find non-comedogenic sunscreens at both high street shops and beauty retailers across the UK. It's pretty easy to tell them apart from standard sunscreens too, as they'll simply say 'non-comedogenic' or you can look out for phrases like 'won't clog pores'.
We tried several formulas in our reviews above, so make sure you check that out for an in-depth look at how we rated each. We've also listed some of the best places to shop them below for quick reference.
- Lookfantastic
- Superdrug
- Boots
- Amazon
- Dermacare Direct
- Cult Beauty
- Sephora
How much do non-comedogenic sunscreens cost?
Most non-comedogenic sunscreens cost between £10 - £20, so there are some great options out there whether you're on a budget or don't mind spending a bit more.
The cheapest non-comedogenic sunscreen we tried was Altruist Daily Face Fluid SPF 50 which is priced at £10.50, while the most expensive was the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 which is currently selling for £37.56.
How do you know if sun cream is non-comedogenic?
A non-comedogenic sunscreen is designed with a formula that won't clog up your pores, a common issue for bog-standard drug-store sunscreen.
Most non-comedogenic formulas will be marked on its label but key phrases to look for include light, oil-free and most sunscreens either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as ingredients.
Some comedogenic ingredients include coconut oil, almond oil, soybean oil, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil and any silicon.
Instead, look for formulas with Niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3 that can combat spots, and Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates the skin and increases its moisture levels.