How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin Type (2024)

Sing it with me: It’s the mooooost wonderful time of the yeaarrrrrrrr.

The festive season is underway, and some of you (me) are already mentally in holiday mode.

With sunset drinks and long, lazy beach days kicking off, we hope you’re soaking up every moment—responsibly slathered in sunscreen, of course.

And while yes, wearing your sunscreen all year round should be a non-negotiable, we know a lot of you are going to be on your very well-deserved summer breaks which usually means more time frolicking in the sun, so we want to make sure you are staying *extra* sun safe friends.

Hopefully we should all know by now, the Australian sun is NO joke. In fact, a staggering stat from this article explains that “Per the Melanoma Institute, 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV rays.”

Now, not to brag, but besides housing the best cosmeceuticals, K-Beauty (and more) a lot of people are sleeping on how many excellent sunscreens and sunscreen brands Adore Beauty houses too.

So there's really no excuse not to be sun safe.

Consider this your not-so-gentle-reminder to top up your SPF immediately.

Not sure which one add to cart?

Don’t stress, ahead we’ve got a bunch of top SPF picks for your skin type - which is a great place to start!

But first, a very important question...

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply To Your Face?

About one teaspoon!

"The recommended application is 5mL (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears)."

Now, on to some of our top sunscreens for different skin types...

Best Sunscreen For Oily Skin.

What to look for: A sunscreen that has a mattifying finish, doesn’t clog pores,controls shine and doesn’t feel greasy on the skin.

Try these:

Fast facts:

• An oil-free sunscreen with a matte finish.

• Has a lightweight texture, and dries down quickly.

• Also offers UV protection and is also blue light blocking.

• Is alcohol-free, mineral oil free and is also cruelty-free.

• Key ingredients:

  • Tinosorb M & S combination provides absorption in the UV light spectrum. This can aid in the prevention of premature skin ageing.

  • Humectants Hexanediol + Butylene Glycol (attracts water to the skin).

Fast facts:

• Ideal for oily and acne-prone skins.

• Has a lightweight, mattifying finish.

  See Also

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• Controls shine.

• Offers high UVA/UVB protection.

• Key ingredients include ‘ Airlicium’ an “a “anti-sweat molecule”, that has the unique ability to absorb perspiration, sebum and oil up to 150 times its volume.

• Is non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

• Also comes in a a tinted formula for shine control with sheer tone coverage.

Fast facts:

• A weightless, silky serum-like SPF.

• Key ingredients: Include skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide, antioxidant rich Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.

• Leaves a luminous finish.

• Is an Australian-made sunscreen, cruelty-free and vegan.

• Is fragrance and mineral oil-free.

Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin.

What to look for: Sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Try these:

Fast facts:

• Has a lightweight, silky, formula.

• Gives skin instant luminosity.

• Ideal for dry skin types.

• Is Australian-made, vegan and cruelty-free.

• Is Sustainably-packaged.

• Key ingredients include: vitamin C (antioxidant protection), resveratrol (helps neutralise free radical damage), hyaluronic acid (improves hydration levels), glycerin (moisturising) and kakadu plum extract (world's richest source of natural vitamin C).

Fast facts:

• Contains a cocktail of hydrating and brightening ingredients like vitamins B, C, E & F.

• Comes with a soft rose-like scent.

• Has a silky consistency that leaves a radiant finish.

  See Also

  Australian sunscreens to try this summer

• Key Ingredients:

  • Next Gen UV Filters Tinosorb M & S, along with Uvinul A Plus and Uvinal T150, work to shield your skin from a whole solar spectrum of UV light.

  • Superox-C™ - Derived from the Australian native plant Kakadu Plum, Vitamin C brightens, reduces redness and improves skin tone.

  • Pentavitin – Get an instant hit of hydration, that lasts for up to 72 hours, while improving the skins natural barrier.

Fast facts:

For very high UVA and UVB protection, this La-Roche Posay Sunscreen is 50+ and dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and lightweight this sunscreen is also eco-tested to ensure it's respectful of marine life - no coral bleaching here!

• Has a silky, lightweigth texture that can be worn under makeup.

• Is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

• Has an invisible finish suited to all skin tones.

• High UVA/UVB protection.

For more sunscreen inspo, see what our AB Staffer SPF go-tos are below:

Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin.

What to look for: Which type of sunscreen is good for sensitive skin? Those with sensitive screens are best to opt for mineral sunscreens as they sit on the top of the skin and are often absent of irritating chemicals. Those that have hydrating and calming ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide) are a bonus.

Try these:

Fast facts:

• A lightweight sunscreen for the face.

• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen.

• Dermatologically and clinically tested.

• This specific sunscreen is actually made in Australia against the harsh Australian sun.

• Is suitable for sensitive skin and provides a very high broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection.

• Formulated with vitamin E & aloe vera, known for their hydrating and antioxidant properties.

• Is fast absorbing into the skin and provides 4 hours water resistance**.

• Texture is dry touch, invisible finish leaves no white cast on the skin.

Fast facts:

• Please note this sunscreen only offers SPF 30 coverage.

• Is a partial mineral, partial organic sunscreen.

• Has a gel-cream hybrid texture and a mattifying finish.

• Is Australian-made.

• Includes Titanium Dioxide (ultra-gentle on delicate skin types with soothing properties) and Tinosorb M.

Fast facts:

• A lightweight, broad-spectrum cosmeceutical UVA / UVB facial sunscreen cream.

• Contains vitamin E and glycerin.

• Also suited to normal skin types.

• Made and formulated with Dermal Therapist James Vivian.

• Free from Oxybenzone, GMOs & Mineral Oils.

Fast facts:

• A super lightweight mineral fluid face sunscreen with a non greasy, invisible finish.

• Suitable for sensitive skin.

• Is Australian-made and cruelty Free

• Is non-comedogenic.

And again, please have all the fun this summer - you’ve deserved it friends, but more importantly, PLEASE make sure you are always wearing and reapplying your SPF, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing while doing so!

For even more sunscreen options for your skin type, read these next:

• Find Your Dream SPF With a Roundup of the Best Sunscreens for All Skins

• Why Sunscreen Is Your Skin’s Best Friend, Forever

• I Thought I Didn't Need to Wear Sunscreen Because of My Brown Complexion, But Boy Was I Wrong