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Provides medium coverage
They’re gentler than what you might slather on the rest of your body.
Applying sunscreen to your face, it should come as no surprise, is important before a run to make sure you’re left with, at most, a sunglass tan. Using SPF 30 and above can help protect your skin from damage, wrinkles, and even skin cancer, but many formulas leave something to be desired, especially for the delicate skin on your face.
High-quality sunscreen for your face is formulated to be lighter and more breathable than those intended for use on your body. Face sunscreen comes in many different forms, from moisturizers to serums to tinted formulas, giving you plenty of choices to find one that works the best with your skin.
We rounded up the best face sunscreens to protect your face from both UVA and UVB rays so you can run throughout the summer without burning.
The Best Face Sunscreens
- Best Overall: La-Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen
- Best Running Watches: Works as a makeup primer
- Best Budget: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
- Best Tinted: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion
- Best Stick: Lightweight Running Shoes
What to Consider
Maintain VO2 Max as You Age face sunscreen, there are a few key ingredients and terms to look out for, as they determine how the sunscreen functions, reacts with your skin, and appears on your face.
Mineral Versus Chemical
Mineral sunscreen creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, sometimes leaving a visible white or purple cast on the skin. This option is often a good choice for sensitive, vulnerable skin like the face. The active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which create a barrier that blocks ultraviolet light, so the SPF doesn’t need to soak into the skin. Some mineral sunscreens are tinted to match your skin to abate the pasty, chalky residue that this type of sunscreen can leave, especially on dark skin tones.
Chemical sunscreens seep into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. They are generally thinner than mineral sunscreens and don’t leave behind any color. They often work well as a primer used under makeup, and are also a good choice for acne-prone skin.
How We Selected
To find the best facial sunscreens among the many options on the market, we researched the most popular formulas available and considered their ingredients, feel, SPF level, texture, and wear longevity. We then looked at both expert reviews and feedback from real customers to settle on the best sunscreen for your face, whether you’re prepping for a run or laying out on the beach.
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, the Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Best New Balance Shoes. When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.


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