Today I’m sharing full spectrum facial sunscreens. You can check out what a full spectrum sunscreen is here. They are surprisingly difficult to find because most sunscreens are just after that “broad spectrum” label. Full spectrum coverage is almost always a compromise I need to make when choosing the right sunscreen.
When looking for a great facial sunscreen, I want super lightweight, no residue left behind and it needs to work well under makeup. All of these products fit that description! If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, check out this post on Pregnancy Safe Full Spectrum Facial Sunscreens, BB & CC Creams.
1. Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
2. Lancôme Bienfait SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone
3. Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Waterlight Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
5. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
6. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 110 with Helioplex
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone
7. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Octinoxate, Octisalate, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
8. Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!
Hi Christine, thanks for putting up this post. I love love sunscreens and use them daily and reapply regularly. I've used the Neutorgena Pure and Free liquid sunscreen, among others in the brand, and did not like it because it turned my face super white while the Helioplex ones are greasy. La Roche Posay is a great brand but also greasy on the face. I've been using EltaMd, their entire brand is based on Zinc Oxide sunblocks but it does not go on white, it's a nice creamy formulation that dries clear. Good for makeup application afterwards. But keep up your blog posts, love your favorite top ten products!
I love the Aveeno and Neutrogena. I use them all the time.
I was also about to suggest Elta MD sunscreens! I like UV Physical version. I think some of the others in the line-up are also full spectrum. I'm currently using the Skinceuticals SPF 50 Physical Fusion and I'm liking that one so far (but I haven't used in full-on sunlight yet). I'm a bit wary of Helioplex–many products irritate my skin and I hear Helioplex is a problem for many.
Thank you so much for your suggestions Christine! I’ve been using the Neutrogena Age Shield for a while now and love how it performs. Now I’m thinking about trying out the Lancome one, looks like it would work well on my skin!
This has licorice root, Ok for nursing but not pregnancy