12 Powder Sunscreens Dermatologists Love (2024)

12 Powder Sunscreens Dermatologists Love (1)

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Sunscreen has come a long way from the gloopy white paste of years past and now comes in a variety of formats, from liquid to cream, serum, and powder. Powder sunscreen, also known as “dry sunscreen,” is made from minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides, is similar in texture to setting powder, and often comes packaged with a built-in brush for easy application, says New York City–based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “I love these products for touch-ups,” she says. “My patients, particularly women, complain about the inability to reapply their sunscreen without ruining their makeup. These brush-on powders obviate that frustration.”

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But as ingenious as these products are, there are some limits to their powers, and they should not be used as your primary form of sun protection, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology in Hillsborough, New Jersey. “To provide adequate protection, sunscreen must completely cover the area you are protecting—it needs to be rubbed into skin,” Lal explains. “For this reason, it would be impossible to get the same type of coverage with a powder sunscreen as you’d get with a liquid.” But if a convenient touch-up is what you're looking for, both Lal and Henry say powders are the perfect choice. Here, the best powder sunscreens, according to dermatologists.

1

Best for Light Skin Tones

jane iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

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A refillable canister with a flow-through brush makes this product, which also comes in four shades and is a Henry favorite, a cinch to use. It offers protection via titanium dioxide and includes natural clay minerals to soothe skin and absorb excess oil throughout the day. It also provides water-resistant protection for up to 40 minutes.

2

Best Blue Light Protection

ISDIN Mineral Brush Powder

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This on-the-go option is formulated with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and iron oxide to provide comprehensive protection from the sun's UV rays as well as blue light from electronics and infrared radiation. It's no wonder this one is a favorite of Lal's.

3

Best Powder Sunscreen for Face

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100 Percent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35

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Lal likes this affordable option for its four tone-adapting shades and its sophisticated formula: Zinc oxide provides the sun protection, but ceramides and olive glycerides help seal in moisture, while coated silica diffuses light to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines.

4

Best Drugstore

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Powder Brush SPF 30

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The drugstore favorite brand—now in a convenient powder! "This is pretty translucent, making it great for all skin tones," says Lal. "Plus, it has a vitamin C derivative, so it will provide you with some protection against skin-damaging free radicals." The zinc oxide-based formula also absorbs excess oil to provide you with a shine-free face all day long.

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5

Best Powder Sunscreen for Dark Circles

bareMinerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20

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Powder sunscreens are quasi-makeup, says dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, so they provide more cosmetic coverage than a regular fluid sunscreen. "They serve a cosmetic benefit as a good coverup for dark spots, melasma, under-eye dark circles," she says. For that last one, this bareMinerals formula is a slam dunk: It instantly brightens for a wide-awake look.

6

Best Compact

SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact

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Not only does this light-as-air formula feel silky smooth on all skin types, but it also provides SPF 68 protection. It's light enough to wear as a primer underneath makeup and on top of makeup.

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7

Best for Environmental Protection

Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50

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One of the OGs of the powder sunscreen game, this product is a classic for a reason. Henry loves it for its finely milled zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide a seamless sun shield. Also in there: hyaluronic acid powder to help hydrate skin and special antioxidant-, infrared-, and pollution-defense complexes so your skin gets truly comprehensive protection.

8

Best for Darker Skin Tones

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40

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In five shade options to suit every skin tone on the spectrum, this sophisticated powder—a Henry pick—pairs zinc oxide with glycerin for skin barrier repair, lycopodium clavatum (from the clubmoss family) to improve hydration, and potassium-rich imperata cylindrica root extract to eradicate dullness.

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9

Best Budget-Friendly

Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Face Powder SPF 30

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There are two things about Derma E's version that Lal likes: the price (a steal at under $25) and the translucency, which makes it a great option for myriad skin tones. It's also infused with skin-loving ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and vitamin E. Plus, it's 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, recyclable, and wind energy-certified. What's not to love?

10

Best Glowy Finish

Zo Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45

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If you don't like the mattifying power of most powder sunscreens, an alternative is possible. This formula offers buildable coverage and contains light reflecting minerals to give skin a sublty luminous glow.

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11

Best Broad-Spectrum Coverage

Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF 30

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For truly broad-spectrum coverage, look for formulas that list both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on the ingredient label. This formula meets that benchmark, with a seamless application that won't mess up your makeup.

12

Best for Oily Skin

Luminess Air SPF30 Setting Powder Packets 18-Pack

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If your skin is on the oily side, these convenient single-use packets provide double duty, offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and nixing grease, shine, and oil, whether you're applying your makeup for the day or need a quick touch-up on the go.

12 Powder Sunscreens Dermatologists Love (2024)
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