12 Best Sunscreen for Face, According to Skin Experts & Vogue Editors

If you ask me questions about my beauty, sunscreen is hands down the most important. After talking to hundreds of experts, I found that nearly everyone agrees that this is the most important step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. But by 2026, the sunscreen market will look very different, with an influx of new brands, formulations and formats limiting most of the shortcomings that limit consumers’ actual daily use of sunscreen.

FashionFavorite facial sunscreen

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According to board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, increased FAAD education has played a significant role in the category’s growth. “There’s been an incredible amount of education over the past few years about the importance of wearing sunscreen every day,” she said. “The market has expanded dramatically as more people look to incorporate SPF into their daily routines.” Today, that means everything from invisible formulas and tinted sunscreens to SPF lip balms and on-the-go sticks.

Global influence has also reshaped people’s expectations. Countries such as South Korea, Japan and Australia have embraced daily use of SPF sunscreen for decades. To do this, they implement impressive testing standards and more advanced UV filters to ensure all sunscreens provide adequate protection. In contrast, the United States has not approved new UV filters since 1999. Still, competition in the category has become more intense now that global formulations are influencing consumer habits within the United States. Whether you’re stocking up on formula for your next trip to Asia (“Can you pick this up for me when you come to Seoul? I’ll pay you.”) or using American sunscreen with new UV filters in mind, there are more quality sunscreen options than ever.

What has improved significantly is the quality of the formula itself. Historically, sunscreens have focused primarily on UVB protection, but the introduction of broad-spectrum formulas that add UVA protection has revolutionized the category. Board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, adds that the new formula is not only more durable, but also more effective. “They’re lighter and suitable for daily use on all skin types,” she explains. The tinted formula, in particular, has an expanded shade range and no longer leaves a chalky cast. Many also contain iron oxide, which helps protect against visible light exposure, making them especially beneficial for people with melasma or hyperpigmentation.

Still, awareness has not yet fully translated into behavior. According to board-certified dermatologist Sandra Oska, MD, daily use remains inconsistent. “There’s been a real shift in consumer perceptions of sunscreen, but most people still don’t use it every day,” she said. Men, in particular, tend to underuse SPF, while women and Gen Z are generally more consistent. Even for the average user, common mistakes (such as under-application) can limit protection.

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