Non-Toxic & Acne-Safe Sunscreen

The Best Non-Toxic, Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin

Finding the perfect sunscreen for your acne-prone skin can seem impossible, but we’ve scoured the internet for the best mineral, non-toxic, non-comedogenic sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays without breaking you out. I’m sharing 13 of the best mineral, non-toxic, non-comedogenic sunscreen brands for acne-prone skin.

woman applying sunscreen

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If you have acne or post-acne erythema, making sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine is so important. It might seem like every tube of sunscreen you try just exacerbates your acne, but that’s because you haven’t chosen one that’s right for your skin type. Mineral, non-comedogenic and non-toxic sunscreen is the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin.

Why Should I Use Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen is a great choice for acne-prone skin since both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Mineral sunscreen is less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, and is less irritating and more suitable for sensitive skin.

Zinc oxide is one of the most effective sun protectors available, blocking out both short and long wave UVA rays and all UVB rays. Microfine zinc oxide is also photostable and does not degrade when exposed to sunlight (3).

Titanium dioxide is extremely effective at blocking short-wave UVA and UVB. Including zinc oxide as an active ingredient in your physical sunscreen will ensure broad spectrum protection (4). Some sunscreen brands, like Supergoop, use a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to boost sun protection factor.

At this time, the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration of the USA) recognizes Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as the only safe and effective active ingredients in sunscreen.

Some people with acne-prone skin might find that chemical sunscreens can potentially cause irritation and breakouts.

Why should I Choose Non-Toxic Sunscreen?

The active sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate are established endocrine disruptors. Hormones play an important role in the way the body properly functions, and any disruption to the endocrine system or to hormone production, distribution or signaling can cause a wide range of health issues. Some of these health issues include: reproductive abnormalities, increased risk of developing cancer, obesity, attention and behavioral problems in children, asthma, reproductive/fertility problems, diabetes, autoimmune disorders.

I recommend using a non-toxic sunscreen with no fragrance or other hormone disrupting chemicals in it.

Is Sunscreen Necessary If I Have Acne-Prone Skin?

Yes! No matter your skin type, sunscreen is a must. Aside from preventing skin cancer and premature aging, sunscreen helps maintain the overall health of your skin by preventing sun damage, which can lead to various skin problems, including inflammation, redness, and sensitivity.

If you have acne-prone skin, avoid sunscreen with pore-clogging ingredients.

Before using your new sunscreen, patch-test on your neck or wrist to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.

Scroll to the end of this article for other considerations when looking for the perfect sunscreen for acne-prone skin.

Does Sunscreen Help Acne?

Sunscreen in and of itself is not a treatment for acne, but it helps prevent existing acne from becoming inflamed and aggravated by UV rays.

Acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage.

What Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid For Acne-Prone Skin

I used a pore clogging checker from Acne Clinic NYC to check all ingredients I recommend for acne-prone skin. Ingredients like coconut oil, soybean oil and shea butter can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Avoid fragrance (parfum), since synthetic fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals. Also avoid ingredients like parabens, which are linked to reproductive issues, and polyethylene Glycol (PEG), since the manufacturing process can introduce impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials.

Beyond acne-safe sunscreen, it’s critical to use non-toxic acne-safe skincare products like face lotion and face wash, as well as non-toxic, non-comedogenic acne serum. Look below for 13 of the best mineral, non-toxic, non-comedogenic sunscreen brands for acne-prone skin. I’ve thoroughly checked ingredients for toxicants, pore-clogging ingredients and for the proper UV protection.

Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $34 for 1.7 oz ($20 per ounce)
UV Protection: 18.23% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: A daily mineral SPF 30, moisturizer, and primer that protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and blue light. This 18.23% non-nano zinc, weightless sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin, giving it a natural glow with no white cast on all skin tones and types. This is the one that my daughters use.
Shop: Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Mychelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF50
Cost: $27.99 for 1 oz ($27.99 per ounce)
UV Protection: 20.5% non-nano zinc
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Mychelle website: This tint-free formula blends weightlessly and seamlessly for a smooth, matte finish. This product is free of Retinyl Palmitate and chemical UV absorbers including Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone or PABA.
Shop: Mychelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF50

Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $12 for 1.7 oz ($7.06 per ounce)
UV Protection: 13.3% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Good Molecules website: This minimal white cast formula protects from UVA and UVB rays and is infused with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants. The weightless, fast-absorbing sunscreen is suitable for all skin tones and types—leaving behind no greasy residue.
Shop: Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Clearstem Sheer Sunscreen
Cost: $42 for 2.1 oz ($20 per ounce)
UV Protection: 21% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This antioxidant-rich, ultra-sheer, weightless, and scentless tinted sunscreen contains non-nano 21% zinc oxide and is rated SPF 50+. It contains calming botanicals for a velvety finish & beautiful blurring effect. It’s non-toxic & contains zero pore cloggers.
Shop: Clearstem Sheer Sunscreen

Derma E Sun Defense Clear Zinc Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $20.95 for 2 oz ($10.48 per ounce)
UV Protection: 19.5% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Derma E website: Fights premature signs of aging due to sun exposure, Reef-safe and eco-friendly. Features aloe vera to soothe and moisturize sun exposed skin, Vitamin C to even the complexion.
Shop: Derma E Sun Defense Clear Zinc Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF30

Supergoop! Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF40
Cost: $40 for 1.5 oz ($26.67 per ounce)
UV Protection: 1.33% non-nano Titanium Dioxide, 17.42% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This formula smooths your skin’s appearance, minimizes the look of pores and helps control shine. With an oil-free formula, Mattescreen delivers mattifying benefits in a neutral tint with broad spectrum physical sunscreen — plus it doubles as a primer!
Shop: Supergoop! Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF40

Innisfree Daily Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF45
Cost: $22 for 1.69 oz ($13.02 per ounce)
UV Protection: 17% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Innisfree website: A green-tinted mineral sunscreen with 8 types of hyaluronic acid and soothing Cica that protects while neutralizing visible redness.
Shop: Innisfree Daily Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF45

Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $37 for 1.7 oz ($21.76 per ounce)
UV Protection: 18.23% non-nano zinc
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Farmacy website: This mineral sunscreen is never greasy and works great under makeup. This daily defense sunscreen shield also helps guard against environmental factors associated with skin aging. For your peace of mind, this 100% mineral SPF is formulated without silicones, PEGs, nano-particle zinc, titanium dioxide, artificial fragrance or essential oils.
Shop: Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Odacite Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Drops SPF50
Cost: $48 for 1 oz ($48 per ounce)
UV Protection: 12% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
From the Odacite website: Fluid and lightweight, this invisible SPF 50 UVA/UVB non-nano mineral sunscreen ensures high broad spectrum protection and skin-perfecting benefits with the highest PA++++ UVA protection against the aging effects of the sun – free of silicone and fragrance. It features niacinamide and green tea to even skin tone and fight free radical damage.
Shop: Odacite Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Drops SPF50

Honua Malu Protecting Day Cream SPF30
Cost: $42 for 1 oz ($42 per ounce)
UV Protection: 12% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This sunscreen marries modern natural protectants with traditional Hawaiian ones and contains all reef-safe ingredients keeping our oceans in mind. Scents of jasmine merge with antioxidant noni and nourishing laukahi for a creamy, luxurious day cream that does not leave a white cast.
Shop: Honua Malu Protecting Day Cream SPF30

Le Prunier Plumscreen
Cost: $28 for 2 oz ($14 per ounce)
UV Protection: 4.7% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This 6x award-winning Plumscreen® combines broad spectrum sun protection with the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s cult-favorite Plum Beauty Oil. The silky sheer, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide formula means zero white residue and is Hawaii Reef Compliant (Act 104). It’s hypoallergenic, pediatrician-approved, non-comedogenic, ideal for the entire family, gentle enough for all skin types. This is my everyday sunscreen for running errands (I use another sunscreen for more heavy duty activities like hiking).
Shop: Le Prunier Plumscreen

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF35
Cost: $21.99 for 2.5 oz ($8.80 per ounce)
UV Protection: 15.2% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This creamy mineral sunscreen with SPF 35 and lightweight moisture is great for all skin types, including acne-prone. While the formula has a peachy hue to help neutralize the white cast commonly associated with physical SPF, it’s not tinted—but rather, blends to a natural, skin-like finish.
Shop: Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF35

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Cost: $14.99 for 4 oz ($3.75 per ounce)
UV Protection: 15.2% non-nano zinc oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Although this sunscreen was made for babies, it truly works for the whole family. This blendable mineral sunscreen protects from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% mineral non-nano zinc oxide, and the lightweight formula restores skin’s natural balance without pore-clogging ingredients. This sunscreen is great for the body, so if you have back acne, this sunscreen is for you!
Shop: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is SPF Factor In Sunscreen?

Sun protection factor (SPF) measures the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen has. SPF ratings do not measure how well a product protects against UVA rays. The SPF factor indicates the length of time it takes skin with properly applied sunscreen to redden when exposed to UVB rays as compared to the time it takes non-sunscreened skin to redden with exposure to UVB rays.

As an example, if bare (no sunscreen) skin burns after 10 minutes, with SPF 15 sunscreen applied, skin is protected for 150 minutes before your skin starts to burn.

What Does Broad Spectrum Mean?

Broad spectrum sunscreen protects from both UVB and UVA rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. In order for a sunscreen to be considered broad spectrum in the USA, it must pass the Critical Wavelength test. The critical wavelength is the wavelength at which sunscreen allows 10% of the rays to penetrate (370nm). The test compares the relative protection of UVB versus UVA.