Finding a sunscreen that doesn’t make your skin worse is a real struggle. You need hydration without clogging your pores, and that’s a tricky balance to get right.
We know you’re tired of sunscreens that feel tight or cause breakouts. It’s frustrating when a product meant to protect your skin ends up irritating it instead.
Our team tested dozens of formulas specifically for this skin type. We looked for ingredients that soothe dryness while staying non-comedogenic and gentle.
This review shares our honest findings from weeks of testing. We’ll help you find a sunscreen that actually works for your sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 | Non-Comedogenic Formula | PRICES |
 |
Proactiv Clear Skin Face Sunscreen Moisturizer With SPF 30 | Matte Finish | PRICES |
 |
PCA SKIN Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | Mineral SPF Protection | PRICES |
 |
EltaMD UV Lotion Body Sunscreen, SPF 30+ | Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid | PRICES |
 |
Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50 | Reef-Safe Protection | PRICES |
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
This sunscreen is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with breakouts but still needs serious sun protection.
It’s specially formulated for acne-prone skin. You get broad spectrum SPF 50 protection that’s both oil-free and fragrance-free.
The lotion feels lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Pros:
👍 Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
👍 High SPF 50 broad spectrum protection
👍 Oil-free and lightweight formula
👍 Fragrance-free and oxybenzone-free
👍 Water-resistant for daily wear
Cons:
👎 Can feel a bit drying for very dry skin
👎 Some find the finish slightly matte
👎 Bottle size is on the smaller side
My Honest Opinion:
This is my top pick for acne-prone skin that’s also dry. It protects without causing flare-ups. Just be sure to moisturize well underneath it.
Proactiv Clear Skin Face Sunscreen Moisturizer With SPF 30
This sunscreen is a smart pick if you’re battling both dryness and breakouts, as it hydrates without clogging pores.
It offers SPF 30 protection in a formula specifically designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The oil-free, matte finish helps control shine throughout the day. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause new pimples.
The texture is a light lotion that absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue. I found it layers well under makeup and doesn’t pill or feel greasy on the skin.
Pros:
👍 Non-comedogenic and oil-free
👍 Provides a matte finish to control shine
👍 Hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy
👍 Formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin
👍 Absorbs quickly and works well under makeup
Cons:
👎 The bottle is quite small at only 1.5 ounces
👎 SPF 30 might be low for intense sun exposure
👎 The matte finish could be too drying for some
My Honest Opinion:
This is a reliable, no-fuss sunscreen that tackles two common concerns. It’s a great daily option if your main goals are hydration and preventing breakouts.
PCA SKIN Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This sunscreen feels like a hydrating serum that won’t clog your pores.
It’s a mineral formula with 8.4% zinc oxide for strong, gentle protection. The oil-free, hydrating base is perfect for dry, acne-prone skin that needs moisture without grease.
The texture is truly weightless and absorbs quickly. It leaves a natural finish, so you won’t look shiny or feel like you’re wearing a mask.
Pros:
👍 Excellent mineral SPF 45 protection
👍 Oil-free and non-comedogenic
👍 Hydrates without feeling heavy
👍 Leaves a natural, non-shiny finish
👍 Great for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 Bottle is only 1.7 ounces
👎 Can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
My Honest Opinion:
This is a top-tier pick if your budget allows. It solves the dry-yet-acne-prone dilemma perfectly. You get serious sun protection that also treats your skin kindly.
EltaMD UV Lotion Body Sunscreen, SPF 30+
This sunscreen feels more like a hydrating body lotion than a greasy sunblock.
It’s made with zinc oxide for gentle, broad-spectrum protection. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid to attract and lock in moisture. This combo is perfect for skin that’s both dry and prone to breakouts.
The pump bottle is convenient and mess-free. It spreads easily and absorbs without leaving a heavy, sticky residue behind. You won’t feel like you’re wearing a thick layer of sunscreen all day.
Pros:
👍 Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid
👍 Zinc oxide is gentle on acne-prone skin
👍 Non-greasy, lotion-like texture
👍 Convenient pump bottle design
👍 Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection
Cons:
👎 Bottle is on the smaller side (3 oz)
👎 Higher price point than some drugstore options
👎 SPF 30 may be low for intense sun exposure
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if you want serious moisture with your sun protection. It solves the dry skin problem without clogging pores or feeling heavy. I think it’s worth the investment for daily body use.
Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen is a dream for anyone with dry, acne-prone skin because it hydrates without clogging pores.
It offers strong SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection. The formula is oil-free and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s also reef-safe and vegan-friendly.
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. You won’t have to deal with a white cast, so it works well under makeup.
Pros:
👍 Excellent for sensitive, acne-prone skin
👍 Oil-free and non-greasy formula
👍 Provides hydration for dry skin
👍 No white cast
👍 Water-resistant and reef-safe
Cons:
👎 Can be a bit pricey for the size
👎 Some might find it not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
👎 Water resistance means you need a good cleanser to remove it
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss sunscreen that truly lives up to its “clear face” name. It protects your skin effectively while being gentle enough for daily use on temperamental skin.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Compatibility
Look for labels that specifically say “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free.” This means the formula is designed not to clog pores, which is essential for preventing new breakouts while protecting your skin.
Hydration & Finish
Dry, acne-prone skin needs moisture without grease. Choose sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide that offer a matte or natural finish to avoid looking shiny.
Active Ingredients & Sensitivities
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are often gentler and less irritating for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Avoid formulas with heavy fragrances, oxybenzone, or drying alcohols that can worsen dryness or cause flare-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sunscreen cause more acne?
Heavy, greasy, or pore-clogging (comedogenic) sunscreens can. That’s why it’s crucial to choose formulas labeled as non-comedogenic and oil-free specifically for acne-prone skin.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for acne?
Mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide are generally better for sensitive, acne-prone skin. They sit on top of the skin to block UV rays and are less likely to cause irritation or heat-related breakouts.
Do I need a separate moisturizer if my sunscreen is hydrating?
It depends on your skin’s dryness. Many modern sunscreens for dry skin are moisturizing enough to use alone. If your skin feels tight, apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer first, let it absorb, then apply sunscreen.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
Use about a nickel-sized amount (roughly 1/2 teaspoon) to cover your entire face and neck. Skimping on the amount drastically reduces the SPF protection.
Is a higher SPF always better for acne-prone skin?
Not necessarily. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which is sufficient for daily use. Higher SPFs can sometimes feel heavier. Focus more on the formula’s compatibility than just the SPF number.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After reviewing the top options, the Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is our top overall pick for its effective, non-greasy protection that won’t clog pores or break the bank. For those seeking a premium, ultra-gentle mineral formula, the PCA SKIN Weightless Protection SPF 45 is worth the investment. If you want a hydrating two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen, the Proactiv Clear Skin Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 is an excellent choice.
Protecting dry, acne-prone skin is a balancing act, but the right sunscreen will shield it from the sun without causing new problems.