The 11 Best SPF 50 Sunscreens For Every Skin Type – 2024
Apply these effective sun blockers and roam around freely without any worry.
Raisa's passion for skin care and makeup began at a young age, inspired by her mother's experimentation with different products. While pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology in college, she realized her true calling and decided to change course during the pandemic.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Skin care routine may vary according to seasons, but the one thing that remains constant throughout the year is sunscreen. Even if you stay at home most of the time, you need to use the best SPF 50 sunscreen for your face to get the maximum sun protection benefits. Remember, you can get sun damage even when indoors as most windows don’t filter the harmful sunrays. And it is common knowledge that your skin needs to be well protected when you plan to spend time outdoors to create happy memories and go for a trip to the beach.
If you don’t use sunscreen, you will observe premature signs of aging, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Thankfully, with SPF 50, you can reverse all these effects and protect your skin from potential damage. Estheticians and dermatologists believe that you should never skip using sunscreen. Moreover, it is better to start using it in your 20s.
The market is now filled with sunscreens, and it might be overwhelming for you to pick one. To get the best sun-protecting companion, choose one based on factors like ingredients, long-lasting protection, SPF ratings, cost, and user reviews. In this article, we have rounded up the best sunscreens with SPF 50 that can be your go-to all year round. Keep scrolling to find the one that suits your needs well!
In This Article
11 Best SPF 50 Sunscreens To Protect Your Face From The Sun In 2024
1. Best Overall:Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream – Medium-Tan
Australian Gold’s makeup with SPF 50 is a winner for providing a smooth matte finish that is also non-greasy. On days when you can’t be bothered to put on a full face of makeup and follow that up with sunscreen, let this tinted mineral SPF 50 cream come to your rescue! It combines the convenience of a BB cream to provide lightweight coverage, with the protection of sunscreen. With the goodness of kakadu plum, which is rich in vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, your skin remains youthful owing to its anti-aging benefits. A combination of eucalyptus and red algae help protect the skin’s barrier, while providing your skin with a boost of hydration. Formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, your skin is going to thank you for this Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Sunscreen for face SPF 50.
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-sticky
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Might leave behind a white cast
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 27,559 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Oil-Free:CeraVe Hydrating SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion
The CeraVe face sunscreen SPF 50 is super-gentle on your skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays. Containing a blend of 3 ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) with hyaluronic acid, this dermatologist-recommended oil-free sunscreen for face SPF 50 amps up your skin’s hydration to the max, and strengthens it. Niacinamide, a skin-calming and brightening ingredient, is present to feed your skin with benefits that go beyond sun protection, and its non-comedogenic feature makes this chemical-free sunscreen ideal if you’ve got acne-prone skin, too. CeraVe’s lightweight, hydrating sunscreen goes on easily, and just might be your sensitive skin’s new best buddy.
- Amply hydrates skin
- Gentle formula
- Non-greasy consistency
- Lightweight formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- Free from parabens, fragrance, and chemical filters
- Might leave behind a stubborn white cast
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 11,946 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Water-Resistant:EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen
If you forget to care for your face when out in the sun, you may have a good time but end up with a nasty sunburn. EltaMD’s sunblock is perfect for you if you just can’t compromise on time spent in the sun. As it is water-resistant, you can swim outdoors, or even sweat without any worries. The zinc oxide present in it helps reflect UV rays, and vitamin E provides anti-aging benefits by protecting the skin from free radicals. Slather a generous amount of the dermatologist-recommended UV Sport waterproof sunscreen SPF 50 and enjoy sunny days like never before! Here’s a reviewer’s experience video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Might have a thick and greasy consistency
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 10,079 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream - Medium-Tan Best Overall | CeraVe Hydrating SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion Best Oil-Free | EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen Best Water-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 1.7 x 5 inches | 1.34 x 2.52 x 6.58 inches | 1.4 x 2 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 3 Ounces. | 3.74 Ounces | 3 Ounces |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 27,559 | 11,946 | 10,079 |
| Price | $13.99 | $13.48 | $28 |
4. Best For Sensitive Skin:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Mineral Sunscreen
Some zinc sunscreen formulas may leave you feeling super oily, but not this one! Neutrogena’s SPF 50 sunscreen for face is made with Dry-Touch technology, which ensures that your skin has a transparent finish and doesn’t feel greasy afterwards. With natural zinc oxide, it offers a maximum level of protection from harmful sun rays that would otherwise cause sunburns or even skin cancer. The soothing properties of Colloidal oatmeal in this 50 SPF sunblock will help calm dry and irritated skin prone to allergic reactions, while chrysanthemum extracts give your face the ultimate anti-aging benefit and reduces distress caused by chronic skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema. Get skin-nourishing, and skin-protecting benefits with dermatologist-recommended Neutrogena’s SPF 50 face sunscreen. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- PABA-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically-tested
- Weightless formula
- Might have a sticky consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 8,454 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
5. Best Dermatologically-Tested:Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion
Sun Bum’s SPF 50 for face will leave you wanting to soak up all the sunshine completely worry-free! Not only does it feel as light as a feather, it absorbs quickly and won’t clog your pores – a win-win for oily skin! To add to its glowing reviews, it also contains vitamin E, which reduces sun damage and other signs of aging, while being a star moisturizer. Sun Bum’s daily sunscreen for face SPF 50 will suit you no matter your skin type, so you can become one with the sun. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.
- Non-comedogenic
- Fast-absorbing
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-resistant
- Gluten-free
- Moisturizes skin
- Fragrance-free
- May have a strong and unpleasant odor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 10,028 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best Fragrance-Free:Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
If you’re struggling to find a gentle mineral sunscreen for your sensitive skin, you can end your search with Aveeno. Their natural sunscreen for face SPF 50 utilizes naturally-sourced zinc oxide and contains oat extracts that help unclog pores and soothe dry skin. With its lightweight feel, and semi-matte finish, you can use it daily before making an appearance in the sun. As the Aveeno sunscreen for face SPF 50 is also waterproof for up to 80 minutes, sweating will be the last thing on your mind!
- Lightweight texture
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Phthalate-free
- Travel-friendly size
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Might have a sticky consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,753 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best Non-Greasy:Image Skincare PREVENTION+ Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer
Image Skincare’s sunblock SPF 50 for face will be a great match for your skin that desperately needs some UV protection. It is designed with a unique Digital Aging Defense technology to shield your skin’s physical barrier from the harsh blue light of screens and even environmental stressors such as pollution. This way, your skin is not going to dry up, discolor, and show quick signs of aging. To supplement your skin health further, you will find pea protein, which slows down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A light scent of citrus essential oils also helps calm down your nerves and makes this sunscreen cream for face spf 50 pleasant-smelling.
- No animal testing
- Protects skin from screen light and the sun
- Hydrates skin
- Suited for mature and dry skin types
- Non-greasy formula
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Slightly expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,509 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
8. Best Cruelty-Free:Coppertone Defend & Care SPF 50 Oil-Free Face Lotion
No more worrying about a new sunscreen formula causing breakouts, because this high SPF lotion won’t! Made with no pore-clogging oils, Coppertone’s sunscreen lotion SPF 50 absorbs quickly to keep your delicate skin protected from the harmful UV spectrum. If you also take other sun-protection precautions, using this sunblock will help delay the signs of aging and also with painful sunburn prevention too! Now, you don’t need to skip a fun day at the beach with your besties, as this sunblock SPF 50 has a brilliant protection factor!
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-resistant
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Might leave a thick white cast that settles in lines
9. Best Lightweight Formula:ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion
One of ISDIN’s best-sellers, this mineral sunscreen is made with a unique formula that uses DNA Repairsomes. This active ingredient is a naturally-occurring enzyme which helps fix already present sun damage. Its water-resistant feature makes it suitable for daily use, so come rain or sweat, rest assured that your skin’s going to be shielded. You also get antioxidant-laden benefits of vitamin E, which slows down aging signs. And with a silky-smooth emulsion, you have the perfect base for makeup – no more heavy, cakey sunblocks!
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
- Water-resistant
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Doesn’t leave behind a white residue
- Prevents already existing and future sun damage
- Makes a smooth makeup base
- Contains fragrance which might be irritating on sensitive skin
10. Best Hydrating:COOLA Organic Classic Face Sunscreen
Packed with antioxidants that hydrate and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, you’ll not be disappointed with COOLA’s nourishing sunscreen. It is not only resistant to both sweat and water for a more fulfilling experience in the sun, but you can also use it as your daytime moisturizer! Made with plant-based safflower oleosome technology, you get an unbelievable amount of sun protection with this organic sunblock. The sunscreen ingredient’s list consists of red raspberry seed, buriti, meadowfoam seed oils along with pear extracts to help fight free radicals. Gently apply some of this lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen before stepping out and reap its benefits all year-round.
- Dermatologist tested
- Hydrates skin
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Free from parabens and GMOs
- Not tested on animals
- Needs reapplication every 2 hours
11. Best For All Skin Types:Jaxon Lane Rain Or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen
Formulated to suit all skin types, Jaxon Lane’s Moisturizing Sunscreen is packed to the brim with ingredients your skin’s going to love. You have vitamin E that fights off free radicals and hyaluronic acid that intensely hydrates dry skin. Green tea heals skin and prevents acne, while licorice root extracts protect the skin from sun damage. And if you’re looking to brighten your overall complexion, the ginseng will improve blood circulation to give you that healthy glow. With no more doubts, use this sunblock come Rain Or Shine, as it won’t leave a white film or cast on your face!
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
- Doesn’t leave a white film
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Might need frequent reapplication
Now that we’ve looked at the best SPF 50 sunscreens to protect your facial skin, let’s get into how you can choose the right one for you.
How To Choose The Right SPF 50 Sunscreen For Your Face?
- Active ingredients
with ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ecamsule, and avobenzone. They provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection from the sun, which can potentially cause skin tumors and cancers.
- Skin type
If your skin type falls in the dry range, a traditional sunscreen which contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin will provide ample hydration. Those with normal skin have the advantage of getting away with using any kind of sunscreen, so choose what you prefer most. Oily and combination skin types should keep an eye out for ‘oil-free’, or ‘non-comedogenic’ labeling. Additionally, opt for sunscreens that are lightweight, absorb quickly, and offer a semi-matte to matte finish to avoid looking greasy all day. And if you happen to have sensitive skin, reach out for physical sunblocks which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide without any chemical filters. You would also do well to avoid fragrance, or other harsh additives like sulfates and parabens.
- Water-resistant
Since the sun is strongest during summers, and that’s also when people love to vacation outdoors, sweating your sunscreen away is a problem. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors or engaged in activities like swimming, choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant. You might have to reapply it every 80 minutes, but the sunscreen won’t mix with your sweat or the water to create a stinging, burning feeling.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreens act as a great protective shield by preventing skin damage and sunburns. Unfortunately, most people mistakenly think that you need sunscreens only outdoors. However, you need them all the time as the skin needs good protection from sun rays and other harmful rays emitted by electronic screens and more. The Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream – Medium-Tan provides light coverage along with anti-aging benefits. With a water-resistant formula, the EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen offers durable protection for outdoor activities, and the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion’s unique formula is perfect for repairing already incurred sun-damage. Sunscreens with SPF 50 are the best for all purposes. You must ensure your sunscreen is dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and non-greasy. Also, you must avoid the products that leave a white cast, are sticky, and make you appear greasy. Applying sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in the skin care routine to prevent skin damage and early aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
As a skincare enthusiast, Krati Darak is always on the lookout for products that can help restore or protect the skin. It is no surprise that she considers sunscreens to be a critical component of skincare. However, she understands that all sunscreens are not created equal and so to find the best SPF 50 sunscreens for the face, she has extensively studied numerous products, looking at their formulations and user reviews. The products reviewed here are highly rated and protect the skin against sun damage without appearing flakey, causing acne, or irritating sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SPF 50 sunscreen good for your face?
Yes, sunscreens with SPF 50 help provide enough protection from the sun and harmful UVA/UVB rays which can cause skin cancer, sunburns, and early aging.
Can I use SPF 50 sunscreen everyday?
Sunscreen is the one product in your skincare routine you should never skip and using a SPF 50 will provide your skin with optimum protection from the sun.
How long does SPF 50 last on your face?
A sunscreen’s effects last for about 2 hours, after which it is recommended to reapply it without fail. Water-resistant sunscreens last for 60-80 minutes, and then they need reapplication.
Is spf 50 too strong to tan?
No, SPF 50 sunscreen may block up to 98% of UV radiation. However, it still allows some UV rays to pass through your skin, which causes a tan. To defend itself from sunburns, your skin reacts to these rays by producing dark pigment.
Does spf 50 sunscreen prevent tanning?
Yes, but not completely. Since with SPF 50, 2% UV rays can still penetrate your skin, it is possible to get slight tanning.
How to use spf 50 sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry, and well-hydrated skin. It is advisable to use half a teaspoon or three fingers’ worth of sunscreen to evenly cover face and neck.
How often to reapply spf 50 sunscreen?
Although it is recommended to apply SPF 50 sunscreen every 3 hours when you are in direct sunlight, the frequency also depends on your daily activities. The more your activities and sun exposure is, the more frequently you’ll need to reapply.
How long does it take to get a tan with spf 50?
The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the longer it will keep you protected against tanning and burning. According to studies, SPF 50 can protect you for up to 8 hours before tanning.
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