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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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.

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.

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. 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.

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
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. If you want a brush-on formula, try Clearstem Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen.
Shop: Clearstem Sheer Sunscreen

Solara Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk SPF50
Cost: $56 for 1 oz ($56 per ounce)
UV Protection: 12% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This best selling oil-free mineral sunscreen milk is loaded with 12 skin compatible actives including collagen building, line-plumping Super Proteins. Offers serum level results with gentle mineral SPF perfect for daily wear!
Shop: Solara Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk SPF50

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF50
Cost: $65 for 1.86 oz ($34.95 per ounce)
UV Protection: 12% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No

Highlights: This ultra lightweight, hydrating sunscreen is enriched with multivitamins to provide serum-like benefits. It provides daily defense against environmental aggressors including UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals.
Shop: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF50

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
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

Indie Lee Daily SPF50 Primer
Cost: $46 for 1.3 oz ($35.38 per ounce)
UV Protection: 12% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No

Highlights: This SPF primer melts into skin, leaving every shade of complexion a golden veil of SPF 50 that smoothes uneven skin tone. Formulated with holy-grail ingredient Niacinamide to reduce the appearance of large pores while helping to even skin tone, this primer is marked by a velvety finish that makes for an ideal last step of skincare and doubles as a base, setting the stage for flawless makeup application.
Shop: Indie Lee Daily SPF50 Primer

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
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

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This 6x award-winning Plumscreen® combines broad spectrum sun protection with the skincare benefits of Le Pruniers 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

Vooqo Hello Sun SPF40+
Cost: $58 for 4 oz ($14.50 per ounce)
UV Protection: 20% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No

Highlights:  This fast-absorbing organic, vegan, and cruelty-free tinted sunscreen effortlessly glides onto your skin, providing instant defense against harmful UV rays while leaving zero white cast. Crafted with care using natural ingredients, it nourishes and protects your skin while aligning with your ethical values.
Shop: Vooqo Hello Sun SPF40+

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
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

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
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

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
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

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
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
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

Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Sunscreen SPF33
Cost: $37 for 1.7 oz ($21.76 per ounce)
UV Protection: 20% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Does This Formula Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes

Highlights: This exceptionally clean, lightweight daily 100% mineral sunscreen (broad spectrum) protects and moisturizes for healthier-looking skin. Oil-free, quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and leaves no chalky residue. For all skin types.
Shop: Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Sunscreen SPF33

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.

*What is Butyloctyl Salicylate?

Butyloctyl salicylate is a chemical sunscreen booster that is not registered as an active sunscreen ingredient, but is used to boost the SPF rating of a sunscreen. Butyloctyl salicylate is very closely related to octisalate (aka ethylhexyl salicylate), which is a chemical sunscreen active ingredient. Chemical sunscreen active ingredients undergo stringent regulations. Since Butyloctyl salicylate is not registered as an active sunscreen ingredient, there is no maximum percentage limit of Butyloctyl salicylate that can be used in the inactive ingredient formulation. The sunscreen you buy may have a very large percentage of Butyloctyl salicylate as an inactive ingredient, and this can cause the sunscreen to be more biased toward protecting against UVB rays and may be less effective at blocking UVA rays. If Butyloctyl salicylate is in your mineral sunscreen formula, you are not getting a truly 100% mineral sunscreen. For now I’m labeling all sunscreen on my website with Butyloctyl salicylate so you as a consumer can decide if you want this ingredient in your sunscreen.

One of my readers said she will still buy Babo Botanicals sunscreen because the Butyloctyl salicylate makes it so the sunscreen does not have a white cast on the skin.

Is Butyloctyl salicylate safe? The EWG has a rating of 1-3- This ingredient’s score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements and may have contamination concerns from toxic impurities. The score will be lower if used in products that do meet these safety guidelines and requirements and EWG’s contamination restrictions.

woman applying sunscreen