This common skin condition can intensify due to UV exposure. So, you need to use the best sunscreen for melasma. Wondering which is the best available sunscreen for this condition? Here, we have compiled a list of sunscreens you can use to manage melasma. Scroll down to find the best recommendations!

The 14 Top-Rated Sunscreens For Melasma In 2022

1. Best Oil-Free:EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This lightweight sunscreen is specially formulated for sensitive skin and rosacea and acne-prone skin. The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen contains niacinamide that calms irritated skin and keeps it nourished. It also improves the skin tone by reducing pigmentation and discoloration. The sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin hydrated and lactic acid that has a mild exfoliating effect on your skin. This facial sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists and the Skin Cancer Foundation. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product. Pros

Oil-free Suits all skin types Paraben-free Non-comedogenic

Cons

Not water-resistant

2. Best No-Residue:Think baby Sunscreen SPF 50+

This sunscreen is meant for children. However, adults can also use it. This is the first-ever sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and is rated on the top by Environmental Working Group. It has SPF 50+ and no biologically harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone, oils, or parabens. The sunscreen is easy to apply and does not leave any shiny or greasy residues on the skin. It imparts a hydrated and fresh feeling and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. This is a biodegradable and no-aerosol formula. Pros

No white residue Water-resistant Fragrance-free Dye-free Oxybenzone-free Paraben-free Reef-friendly Gluten-free Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

May not suit sensitive skin

3. Best Hypoallergenic:Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide SPF 50 Suncscreen

This oil-free sunscreen provides a UVA/UVB broad spectrum of SPF 50. It contains non-comedogenic zinc that creates a barrier to protect the skin from harmful sun damage. It is a hypoallergenic formula that doesn’t irritate the skin. The moisturizing formula contains Vitamin E that fights free radicals, prevents premature aging, keeps the skin feeling fresh and soft. It is also reef-friendly and stays water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Need more information on this sunscreen? Watch this video. Pros

Paraben-free Cruelty-free Gluten-free Oil-free Reef-friendly Hypoallergenic

Cons

Some people may find the smell strong

4. Best Water-Resistant:Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection

This is a powder sunscreen with SPF 50 and an attached applicator brush. It contains refined minerals to calm your skin and has a sheer tint to conceal acne, hyperpigmentation, and redness. The built-in antimicrobial brush makes it easy to apply and blend the mineral-rich sunscreen into your skin. The Sunforgettable Total Protection sunscreen powder is non-irritating, water-resistant, and available in four shades. This powder gives a finishing touch to your makeup. It is formulated with Enviroscreen Technology that forms a barrier over the skin to prevent oxidation stress. It is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Water-resistant Non-messy No white cast Non-greasy Fragrance-free Paraben-free

Cons

Faulty packaging

5. Best Matte Finish:La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 is a fast-absorbing formula. This lightweight sunscreen can be used on the face and the body. It gives a velvety finish and is non-greasy. The sunscreen is developed with Cell-OX Shield to provide broad-spectrum sun protection and antioxidant protection to your skin. This product is fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for sensitive skin. It is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. This YouTuber’s review will help you get a better insight on the sunscreen’s qualities and functions. Pros

Matte finish Non-greasy Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Allergy-tested Oxybenzone-free

Cons

May sting the eyes

6. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen

The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen is an oil-free mineral sunscreen. This ultra-light sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is developed with PureScreen Technology that protects the skin from UV rays and prevents sunburn. This sunscreen is gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy, and does not leave a white cast on the face. This mineral sunscreen is water-resistant up to 80 minutes and hypoallergenic. Pros

Hypoallergenic formula Fragrance-free Oil-free Dermatologist recommended Non-greasy PABA-free

Cons

Contains methylisothiazolinone Contains PEG

7. Best Non-Comedogenic:CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen

This sunscreen is formulated by dermatologists and is a 100% mineral-based product. The lightweight formula is enriched with ceramides that keep the skin hydrated and restore the natural barrier. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide filters and is free of oxybenzone. This sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and the National Eczema Association. Pros

Oxybenzone-free Oil-free Allergy-tested Fragrance-free Paraben-free Non-comedogenic

Cons

May leave a white cast

8. Best Sweat-Resistant:Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen

This daily-use sunscreen by Supergoop! is lightweight and protects your skin minus the white cast and the stickiness. Its broad-spectrum formula (SPF 50 and PA++++) shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is water-resistant and has a sting-free formula, perfect for those who spend extended hours in the sun. This sunscreen contains sunflower extract and is rich in beta-carotene that provides antioxidant-shield and protects your skin from environmental aggressors. The rosemary leaf and rice bran extracts in this sunscreen have a calming effect on your skin and keep it moisturized. Pros

Lightweight No white cast Non-comedogenic Water-resistant Sweat-resistant

Cons

Greasy

9. Best Fragrance-Free:MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50

This is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with a matte finish. It blends fast, giving a “barely there” feeling, unlike other sunscreens. That is why it goes well under makeup. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has a water-resistant formula and contains 2% titanium dioxide and 17% zinc oxide. It also contains vitamin C, green tea, pomegranate, and cranberry extracts. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental aggressors. This sunscreen is formulated by dermatologists and is compliant with EWG standards for safe ingredients. It is mild and suitable for all skin types. Pros

Lightweight Matte finish Non-comedogenic Ecocert compliant Fragrance-free Oil-free

Cons

May leave a white cast May sting the eyes

10. Best Photostable:TIZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen For Body & Face

This sunscreen is formulated with 20% zinc oxide for maximum sun protection. It also contains vitamins C and E. These antioxidants protect the skin from environmental damage and keep it hydrated. This lightly tinted sunscreen covers up dark spots and pigmentation. It is formulated without any fragrances and is gentle enough to suit sensitive skin. This is a photostable product, meaning it will not degrade when exposed to the sun. Pros

Photostable Oil-free Fragrance-free Dye-free Preservative-free

Cons

May cause breakouts

11. Best For All Skin Types:Anti-Aging SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

The Anti-Aging SPF 30 Sunscreen is a two-in-one product that hydrates and protects your skin. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and licorice root extracts to soothe your skin and treat melasma. It has broad spectrum protection, blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and comes in a TSA-friendly travel size. In addition, it is fast absorbing and clear in the finish, so there’s no white cast or greasiness. Pros

Cruelty-free Oil-free Fragrance-free Travel-friendly No white cast Hydrating

Cons None

12. Best Silicone-Free:Ava Isa Sun-e-Serum Drops SPF 35

The Ava Isa is a mineral sunscreen with a serum-like consistency. It feels lightweight and silky on the skin and is powered by 25% zinc oxide. This sunscreen blends well, has a transparent finish, and does not leave a white cast. It contains micah, an antioxidant that prevents signs of aging and is clinically proven to reduce the damage caused by harmful free radicals. Pros

Lightweight Vegan Silicone-free Matte-finish Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan Sulfate-free

Cons None

13. Best Sheer Coverage:Obagi Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

This tinted sunscreen protects your skin from UVA, UVB, and infrared rays. It contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and chemical sunscreen. It also helps to prevent heat-induced oxidative stress. This sunscreen is available in two shades – warm and cool. It is fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types. Pros

Hypoallergenic Sheer coverage Fragrance-free

Cons

May cause breakouts

14. Best Non-Greasy:Cotz Sheer Matte Mineral Sunscreen

This mineral sunscreen has SPF 40 and PA+++ rating, meaning it provides broad-spectrum protection to your skin. It has a sheer matte formula that covers up pigments and discolorations without making the skin feel greasy. The sunscreen prevents dermal heat build-up, thus protecting the skin from collagen depletion. It has an oil and fragrance-free formula that blends easily and works like a primer under your makeup. Pros

Non-greasy Oil-free Fragrance-free Available in 3 shades

Cons

Orange tint

As established, sunscreen is one of the most essential parts of our skincare routine even if you have melasma. Your choice of sunscreen product can make your melasma better or worse. Choosing the right sunscreen can fade the patches of melasma or hyperpigmentation. Therefore, we are providing a buying guide so that you can select the ideal sunscreen for melasma.

Things To Be Considered Before Purchasing Sunscreens For Melasma

 Ingredients

If you have melasma, purchase mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients offer protection against the harmful UVA and UVB rays. You can also go for hypoallergenic formulas containing vitamin E to avoid skin irritation and make your skin appear softer and fresh. The other important ingredient is SPF. Go with sunscreens that have SPF 30 or more. Your sunscreen’s SPF will tell you how long it would take for the sun’s UV rays to cause skin redness. For melasma, it is highly recommended to go for oil-free and non-greasy formulas in sunscreens. Always use sunscreens that are fragrance-free, dye-free, oxybenzone-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, oil-free, and allergy-tested.

 Formula

It is better to use a sunscreen cream or lotion rather than a sunscreen spray or powder to keep your melasma from getting triggered. Sunscreen spray or powder can be used as a top-up but should not be used as your primary sunscreen or base layer of protection.

 Skin Type

Avoid sunscreens with alcohol in the top five ingredients if you have dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using sunscreen with synthetic fragrances. Avoid sunscreens with oils mentioned as one of the first three ingredients if you have oily skin. For oily skin types, a sunscreen containing aloe is typically a preferable option. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, go for water-based sunscreen, not oil-based formulas.

 Reviews

To find the best sunscreen for melasma, you can also compare the reviews of various sunscreens in several e-commerce websites and make your buying decision accordingly. Scroll through reviews to understand whether the product that you are choosing has been useful to people with similar skin conditions. These are the best sunscreens for melasma. The list includes chemical, physical, tinted, and transparent sunscreens. If you are confused about which one to go for, here are some tips.

How To Find The Best Sunscreen For Melasma

Look for the following factors before you buy a sunscreen:

Easy To Use: Sunscreens must be easy to apply and blend. Choose one that blends well without a white cast. Go for water-resistant sunscreens if you sweat a lot. Affordable: High price doesn’t indicate quality. You will get good sunscreens at an affordable rate too. Before buying one, check the price and quantity. Broad-Spectrum: Choose a sunscreen that has “broad-spectrum” written on the package. It is best if you go for one that has both SPF and PA rating. This ensures your skin is safe from UVA, UVB, and infrared rays. Go for a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30 and PA ++ rating. Physical Or Chemical Filters: Physical or mineral sunscreens block the sun rays, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb the sun rays and release it in the form of heat. If you have melasma, choose physical sunscreens over the chemical ones. Mineral sunscreens have titanium dioxide andor zinc oxide as the filters, while chemical sunscreens have oxybenzone.

If you have melasma, you need to be aware of certain ingredients in your sunscreen.

What Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid When Treating Melasma?

Avoid sunscreens that contain:

Oxybenzone Avobenzone Octisalate Octinoxate

All these ingredients carry a risk of allergy and skin irritation.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She is enthusiastic about skin care and has a deep understanding of the skin’s cellular demands. She believes if you have melasma, sun protection is a must. Thus, she has selected the best sunscreens for melasma after thorough research to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from harmful sun damage by forming a barrier. Does sunscreen help melasma? Yes. Sun exposure triggers melasma and aggravates it. Use sunscreen to protect the areas. Can sunscreen make melasma worse? Yes. The chemicals in the chemical sunscreen may trigger an allergic reaction and worsen melasma. How can I remove melasma from my face naturally? Consult a doctor. They may prescribe medication or ask you to undergo procedures like microdermabrasion and dermabrasion. You can take care of your skin at home by keeping it moisturized and using sunscreen. Can melasma be cured permanently? No, it can’t be cured. However, with proper care and treatment, you can improve its appearance. What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma? Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation and is often caused by hormonal changes. On the other hand, hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term. It refers to a condition in which the skin may darken due to factors like acne, sun damage, eczema, or any other skin condition. Is zinc oxide sunscreen good for melasma? Yes. If you are experiencing melasma, physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are the best suited to protect from UVA and UVB rays.

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