6 best SPF for acne-prone skin 2024 UK; tried and tested with recommendations from a skin doctor
WEARING sunscreen in summer is essential to protect your skin from sun damage – and even if you suffer from acne or breakouts, you can’t afford to skip it.
The best SPF for acne-prone skin however will take the needs of your skin into account so look out for products that are lightweight and non-greasy.
The consistency should be smooth yet easily absorbed; avoid thick sunscreen that will take longer to sink in and may leave a greasy film on your skin. Non-comedogenic on the label means the SPF will not block your pores, helping reduce the chances of new breakouts and of existing pimples becoming worse.
Don’t make the mistake of missing out on sunscreen if you have acne. Some treatments and medications can leave your skin more prone to sun damage, while moisturisers, serums and masks containing retinol can also cause your skin to be more photosensitive.
“Sun exposure can exacerbate acne and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin after an acne lesion heals,” explains Dr Raja, GP and dermatology expert at .
He advises choosing an SPF containing zinc oxide and titanium oxide. “They are physical blockers that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays without irritating.
“Ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3) can help soothe inflammation and regulate oil production, making it a beneficial component in SPF formulations for acne-prone skin,” says Dr Raja. “Hyaluronic acid is another good ingredient to look for as it provides hydration without clogging pores.”
While there are masses of choices available to you, we’ve tested a few of the products available in the UK so read on for our reviews of the best SPF for acne-prone skin.
Best SPFs for acne-prone skin at a glance:
- Best overall SPF for acne-prone skin:
- Best budget SPF for acne-prone skin:
- Best SPF for oily skin:
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+, £16
Pros: High sun protection, moisturising, can be used on face and body
Cons: Not vegan
Rating: 5/5
La Roche Posay Anthelios is ideal for sensitive skin as it’s non-comedogenic. It’s also broad spectrum so protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
I found the sunscreen sinks in fast and the texture is more serum than lotion. Although it’s bright white it doesn’t leave a white cast and it’s non-sticky.
The finish is lightweight and my skin continued to look fresh all day while wearing it.
I think this is a great choice for sunny holidays and is one of the best non-comedogenic SPFs available right now. However, it is not vegan.
Review by Natalie Chui
SPF factor: 50, Size: 50ml, Active ingredients: Chemical sunscreens, including Mexoryl 400
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen, £36
Pros: Hydrating, no white cast, broad-spectrum, anti-ageing
Cons: Ony SPF 30, price
Rating: 5/5
This sunscreen is formulated to help stop photo-ageing and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots. It’s broad spectrum, so protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays and it contains a brightening complex to increase your glow.
I found it weightless on my skin and it absorbed well, giving a sheer finish. I like that it also protects against wrinkles caused by sun exposure while moisturising at the same time.
My skin felt hydrated without feeling greasy and while it is expensive, the benefits it provides mean it’s money well spent. I think it’s particularly good for mature skin and you could even use it as a primer after applying your regular moisturiser and before doing your make-up.
Review by Natalie Chui
SPF factor: 30, Size: 30ml, Active ingredients: Chemical and mineral sunscreens, hyperbright complex
READ MORE:
- Best sun creams for sensitive skin
- Best sun creams for prickly heat
- Best moisturisers with SPF
- Best non-comedogenic sunscreen
- Best sun creams
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ £17.60
Pros: Hydrating
Cons: Chemical protection, reef-friendly
Score: 4.5/5
Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of acne and to reduce oil production, this sun cream is also hydrating and fragrance-free.
I found it works really well both on top of and underneath make-up and it’s so light, it feels like you’re not wearing SPF!
Crucially it protects against UVA and UVB rays while still managing to hydrate – and it sinks in super quickly. My skin felt smooth and moisturised while wearing this and there was no residual white cast after applying.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, which is easily irritated, then make sure you read the ingredient list as the sunscreens used in this product are chemical, rather than physical.
Review by Emma Lake
SPF Factor: 50+, Size: 50ml, Active ingredients: Chemical sunscreens, niacinamide, antioxidants, gotu kola
Ultra Violette SPF 50+ Fave Fluid
Ultra Violette SPF 50+ Fave Fluid, £37
Pros: High SPF protection, lightweight feel, no white cast or greasy finish, works under make-up
Cons: Pricy, not hydrating enough for dryer skin
Rating: 4/5
If you hate the feeling of sticky sunscreens on your skin, chances are you’ll love Ultra Violette’s SPF 50+ Fave Fluid.
As its name suggests, it’s a super lightweight sunscreen that provides SPF 50 protection for your face, neck and body - you’ll barely even notice it on.
It’s one of the thinnest sunscreens I’ve tested and comes out in a runny, milky white consistency that disappears quickly once absorbed in the skin and doesn’t leave the skin looking overly shiny.
A great pick for oilier skin types, it’s ideal to take on beach holidays or on super hot days as its lightweight consistency makes sure it doesn’t sweat off the face.
However, if you have dryer skin it may not be moisturising enough for you as I had to pair it with a thicker moisturiser to keep my skin from feeling dried out.
While it’s not the cheapest sunscreen around, it worked well under makeup, didn’t pill and is absolutely something I’ll chuck into my beach bag.
Review by Natalie Chui
SPF Factor: 50+, Size: 75ml, Active ingredients: Tinosorb S and Uvinul T 150
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ and PA+++
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ and PA+++, £22
Pros: Inexpensive for the quality, good for sensitive skin, barely-there coverage
Cons: Doesn’t feel overly nourishing
Rating: 4/5
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a high-strength sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays but feels more like a moisturiser in its consistency.
I found the cream absorbed quickly into my skin and dried to a semi-matte finish. It has a barely-there feel and you only need a little of the product at any one time.
It contains aloe arborescens extract which soothes inflammation and reduces redness and irritation, while at the same time moisturising the skin. There’s no white cast even though the product contains physical, as well as chemical sunscreens.
On the downside, I found this sun cream wasn’t as hydrating as some of the others I tested.
Review by Emma Lake
SPF Factor: 50+, Size: 50ml, Active ingredients: Chemical and physical sunscreens, aloe vera
Heliocare 360° MD A-R Emulsion SPF50
Heliocare 360° MD A-R Emulsion SPF50, £32
Pros: Soothes redness, good for sensitive skin, suits all skin tones
Cons: Pink tint is not suitable for all skin types
Rating: 3/5
If you suffer from rosacea or any depth of skin redness, then this could be the sunscreen for you. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and it contains additional active ingredients, including antioxidant vitamins C and E, and green tea extract to protect against free radicals and nourish your skin.
It is easy to apply, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s also lightweight and non-greasy so it’s ideal for oily as well as sensitive skin.
However, it contains a pale pink tint and while this is great for fair skin tones, it is too light for darker skin.
Review by Natalie Chui
SPF Factor: 50+, Size: 50ml, Active ingredients: Physical (mineral) sunscreens, antioxidant vitamins A and E, green tea extract, squalane
Should You Use SPF if You Have Acne and Why?
"You should absolutely use SPF if you have acne," says Dr Raja, GP and dermatology expert at Derma Aesthetics London. "Many acne treatments, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage.
"Using an SPF protects your skin from harmful UV rays, helps prevent further irritation and damage, and supports the overall healing process of your acne."
What Type of SPF Is Best for Acne-Prone Skin?
"For acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight SPF is ideal. Look for formulations labelled as non-comedogenic, which means they are specifically designed not to clog pores,"; says Dr Raja.
"Gel-based or water-based sunscreens are often preferable as they feel lighter on the skin and are less likely to cause breakouts. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are typically better tolerated by sensitive and acne-prone skin compared to chemical sunscreens."
What Ingredients Should You Avoid if You Have Acne-Prone Skin?
According to Dr Raja: "If you have acne-prone skin, avoid sunscreens with heavy oils and comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Ingredients such as coconut oil, lanolin, and certain types of silicones, like dimethicone, should be avoided. Steer clear of sunscreens with added fragrances and alcohol, as these can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Instead, opt for products that are labelled as fragrance-free and oil-free."
How Can You Tell if an SPF Is Breaking You Out?
"If an SPF is breaking you out, you may notice an increase in clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, or new pimples after using the product," says Dr Raja.
"Pay attention to any skin changes within a few days to a week after starting a new sunscreen. If you experience increased redness, irritation, or persistent breakouts in areas where the sunscreen is applied, it may be a sign that the product is not suitable for your skin. Discontinue use and try a different formulation if you suspect a reaction."
What Sunscreens Do You Recommend for Acne-Prone Skin?
"For acne-prone skin, my favourite is as it’s very light and has a slight tint to it which gives skin a glow," says Dr Raja.
"Another sunscreen I recommend is the , this is an oil-free formula designed to absorb excess oil, providing a matte finish without clogging pores.
"Finally, is lightweight and non-comedogenic, this sunscreen is specifically formulated to prevent breakouts while offering high SPF protection."
Where can I buy SPF for acne-prone skin in the UK?
You can buy SPF for acne-prone and sensitive skin in larger pharmacies in the UK, including and but it’s also worth looking in the beauty sections of department and chain stores, including and . Some supermarkets will even stock a range of suitable sunscreen during the summer.
Check out the websites of individual brands – there may be discounts if you sign up to their newsletter – as well as beauty websites, such as and . sells hundreds of different sunscreens, many of which will be suitable for sensitive skin susceptible to breakouts.
We found the products reviewed in our feature at:
How much does SPF for acne-prone skin cost?
The cost of sunscreen varies from brand to brand and depending on the amount of product. On average, you'll be able to buy a good SPF for acne-prone skin for somewhere between £10 and £30. There are more expensive ones on the market, like ZitSticka and Murad's offerings, so which one you buy totally depends on personal preference and budget.
Can I apply sunscreen on pimples?
You need to apply sunscreen evenly across the skin - those with acne-prone skin are just as prone to sunburn. In addition, acne sufferers are also at risk of hyperpigmentation and dry skin from sun exposure - all the more reason for them to wear sunscreen.
Does sunscreen make spots worse?
Some sun cream formulas can block pores and, in turn, cause acne breakouts. You'll find this predominantly with heavy formulas, as these often clog pores and irritate already vulnerable pores or inflamed skin.
However, with skin cancer being the most common form of cancer, you should always use sunscreen, so look for lightweight and non-comedogenic formulations.
Some acne medications can also make your skin more photosensitive, so that's another reason never to skip the SPF.