The 14 Best Sunscreens For Melasma In 2023
Expert-reviewed sunscreens to effectively fight the most severe signs of sun damage.
Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP
Expertise: Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine & Venereology
Experience: 16 years
Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy... more
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness
Experience: 7 years
Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli 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 edito... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
When you have melasma, you get brownish patches and spots on your face. Dr. Priya Gill, a Malaysian dermatologist, says, “Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown /blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is harmless. However, many people find it cosmetically and aesthetically disturbing.”
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!
In This Article
The 14 Top-Rated Sunscreens For Melasma In 2023
1. Best Oil-Free:EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Image: Eltamd 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, keeps it nourished, and gives a translucent finish. 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 dermatologist-approved and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.
Pros- Oil-free
- Safe for skin
- Suits all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Not water-resistant
Remember2. Best No-Residue:Think baby Sunscreen SPF 50+
Image: Thinkbaby 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 for up to 80 minutes and improves skin tone. 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
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some people may find the smell strong
Caution4. Best Water-Resistant:Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection
Image: Colorescience 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 gives a finishing touch to makeup. It 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 including dry, oily, and combination skin types.
Pros- Water-resistant
- Ideal for all skin types
- Non-messy
- No white cast
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Faulty packaging
5. Best Matte Finish:La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60
Image: La Roche-posay 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 and the best thing about it is that it improves the skin’s natural resistance to UV rays and heat-induced stress. 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- Mattifying
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Oxybenzone-free
Cons
- May sting the eyes
6. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen
Image: Neutrogena 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
Image: Cerave 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
Image: Supergoop 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
Image: Mdsolarsciences 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
- Formulated and recommended by dermatologists
Cons
- May leave a white cast
- May sting the eyes
10. Best Photostable:TIZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen For Body & Face
Image: Tizo 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 lotion 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
- 100% mineral filters
- Suitable for mature skin
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Preservative-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts
11. Best For All Skin Types:Anti-Aging SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer
Image: Touch 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
Image: Cyberderm 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
Image: Obagi 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
- Best for sensitized skin
- Sheer coverage
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts
14. Best Non-Greasy:Cotz Sheer Matte Mineral Sunscreen
Image: Cotz 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 high-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 is suitable for your skin type and blends well without a white cast. Go for water-resistant sunscreens if you sweat a lot. Stay away from sunscreens that sting the eyes.
- 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 a physical sunscreen 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.
Infographic: How To Apply Sunscreen Correctly For Melasma
Skipping sunscreen is a no for everyone, especially those with melasma. A good sunscreen protects your skin from developing new hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of existing dark spots. Check out the infographic below to know how you can apply sunscreen correctly to provide your skin with extra protection.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Melasma is a common skin condition that turns your skin into blue or brown patches. And exposure to UV rays may aggravate skin conditions. So your skin needs specially formulated sunscreens that will not aggravate your skin condition. For example, the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with skin-calming properties and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 is suitable for sensitive skin, while the Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen is a good option if you are looking for something lightweight and water-resistant. Sunscreen not only protects skin from sun rays, but it improves skin conditions like melasma, and uneven skin tone, reduces pigmentation and discoloration, and hydrates the skin. Consider sunscreens formulated with no nasty chemicals as they are safe for your skin and suitable for your skin type. And stay away from the sunscreens that sting the eyes.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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