Sunscreen stopped being a “maybe” step in skincare a long time ago. It’s the one product dermatologists agree on across every other debate about routines, actives, and trends: wear it, every day, regardless of skin tone or type.
But not all sunscreen is created equal — and the right formula depends entirely on what your skin needs. A lightweight gel that’s perfect for oily, acne-prone skin can leave dry skin feeling tighter by midday. A rich, hydrating cream that a dry-skin type loves can trigger a breakout on combination skin. Below, we break down what to look for, what just changed in sunscreen formulation, and our top picks by skin type.
A New Sunscreen Ingredient Just Arrived in the U.S.
Sunscreen technology took its biggest step forward in decades this year. In June 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol as a new active ingredient in over-the-counter sunscreens — the first new sunscreen filter added in the United States in more than 20 years.
Bemotrizinol offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has long been available in European and Asian sunscreens, where formulation rules differ from the U.S. Expect to see it show up in more American formulas over the next year, often marketed for its lightweight, non-greasy finish.
Until then, the fundamentals dermatologists have always recommended still apply.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and SPF 30 or higher, regardless of skin type. Broad-spectrum formulas protect against UVA rays, which drive premature aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that UV exposure adds up even on cloudy days and reflects off surfaces like water and sand, which is why daily wear matters even without a beach trip on the calendar.
Beyond SPF number, dermatologists point to two other factors that determine whether you’ll actually use a sunscreen consistently: texture and finish. A product that pills under makeup, leaves a heavy white cast, or feels greasy is a product most people quietly stop using — which defeats the purpose. That’s why “best sunscreen” really means “best sunscreen for your skin.”
Best Sunscreens by Skin Type
Oily or Combination Skin
Look for gel or fluid textures with a matte finish that won’t add extra shine by midday. Korean skincare brands have led the way here — formulas like Round Lab’s Birch Milk sunscreen have become a go-to for combination skin specifically because they sit under makeup without pilling or leaving residue.
Acne-Prone or Sensitive Skin
EltaMD’s UV Clear has become close to a dermatologist-recommended default for acne-prone and sensitive skin, thanks to a niacinamide-infused, oil-free formula that calms redness rather than aggravating it.
Dry Skin
Dry skin needs a sunscreen that layers hydration in rather than sitting on top of tightness. Mineral formulas built with hyaluronic acid and ceramides — like CeraVe’s mineral SPF 50 — are frequently recommended by dermatologists specifically for their added moisture-barrier support.
Mature Skin
For mature or aging-prone skin, dermatologists often reach for formulas that pair SPF with antioxidants, since both prevent and help address existing sun damage. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios line is a longtime favorite here for combining broad-spectrum protection with a hydrating, non-drying finish.
Deeper Skin Tones
White cast has historically been the biggest complaint from consumers with deeper skin tones, and it’s pushed a wave of reformulation across the industry. Sheer, tinted mineral formulas — like PCA Skin’s Sheer Tint SPF 45 — are built specifically to avoid the chalky finish older mineral sunscreens were known for.
Seven Sun-Smart Habits Worth Building Into Your Routine
- Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning, rain or shine
- Use enough product — most people apply far less than the recommended amount
- Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating
- Don’t skip often-forgotten spots: ears, hairline, back of the hands, and chest
- Layer sunscreen under makeup, not instead of it
- Pair sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat or UPF clothing for extended outdoor time
- Choose sunglasses labeled UV400 for added eye protection
The best sunscreen isn’t the one with the highest SPF number — it’s the one formulated for your skin type that you’ll actually wear every single day. Start with the picks above, and expect to see even more lightweight options as bemotrizinol-based formulas start reaching U.S. shelves.
