Non Comedogenic Sunscreen

Unfortunately, some sunscreen formulas can trigger breakouts and worsen skin conditions, especially if your skin is sensitive and prone to acne. If you tend to develop blemishes after applying SPF, it may be due to comedogenic ingredients, or a reaction to chemical UV filters that are used as active agents. But you shouldn’t be deterred from applying sunscreen out of fear of breakouts—so make the switch to Colorescience physical sunscreen that’s free of ingredients that are known to clog pores.

Physical sunscreen is safer for acne-prone complexions because it rests on top of the outermost layer of skin to refract the sun’s UV rays. It harnesses the naturally reflective properties of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide an all-natural sunscreen solution that’s gentle on skin.

Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, works by absorbing through pores, past the skin cell barrier, and into the bloodstream. Then, it filters the sun’s rays with a chemical reaction that converts UV light into heat to be released from the body. This helps prevent the intense rays from penetrating skin and leading to the development of free radicals known to damage tissue and accelerate the signs of aging, but it also exposes you to harsh chemicals such as PABA and oxybenzone that are likely to irritate skin.

For those with sensitive skin due to eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or drying agents found in acne-fighting skincare products, it’s important to choose oxybenzone-free sunscreen to minimize your risk of flare-ups. It’s also wise to opt for non-comedogenic sunscreen, regardless of whether your skin is dry or oily, to maintain a youthful complexion free of blemishes.

Colorescience’s non-comedogenic sunscreen offers a better solution for acne-prone skin because it’s made with organic ingredients that sit on the surface of skin, rather than absorbing into pores. Our safe sunscreen lacks ingredients that are known to lead to the development of “comedones”—or whiteheads and blackheads—to promote a clear, radiant complexion.

We offer several non-comedogenic sunscreen formulas you can apply to defend against the sun and breakouts. Browse our SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ collection to find the product that fits your preferences:

• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50 – Our proprietary mineral powder is available in four natural shades that blend seamlessly with all skin tones. This product comes with a self-dispensing brush for a hassle-free, mess-free application that you can easily touch up throughout the day.
• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ SHEER MATTE SPF 30 SUNSCREEN BRUSH – This is one of the best non-comedogenic sunscreens for the face because it lends a matte finish, ideal for those who struggle with excessive shine due to overproduction of sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance secreted by skin cells that often clogs pores when trapped by dirt and debris. Dust this sheer SPF powder over your makeup application as a finishing touch before walking out the door to keep skin protected and oil buildup in check.
• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ SPORT STICK SPF 50 – We also offer non-comedogenic SPF in the form of a stick that provides the perfect, pocket-sized companion for on-the-go protection. When you’re active out in the sun, it’s easy to rack up pore-clogging sweat, so you should be sure to choose a sunscreen formula that lacks comedogenic ingredients known to further clog pores and make skin problems worse.
• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ FACE SHIELD SPF 50 – If you’re looking for a liquid non-comedogenic sunscreen formula, then this product offers a weightless texture that’s rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. It’s a great choice for those whose skin may be on the drier side due to strong skincare products designed to treat acne, such as salicylic acid and retinol.

The entire collection of SUNFORGETTABLE^® products provide non-comedogenic SPF with broad-spectrum coverage. Backed with our advanced EnviroScreen^® Technology, you’ll receive protection against environmental aggressors at every angle, including UVA and UVB rays, infrared radiation, blue light, and air pollution that can cause the formation of damaging free radicals within cell tissue.

No, “oil-free” is not necessarily synonymous with non-comedogenic sunscreen. Even though it may lack oil, a formula could still contain comedogenic ingredients—such as fragrances, emollients, and chemical UV filters—that often irritate skin and cause acne flare-ups.

When you shop with Colorescience, you don’t need to scan labels to find oil-free sunscreen or non-comedogenic sunscreen. All of our non-comedogenic SPF formulas are gentle, free of oils, and safe for acne-prone skin. Browse our collection and choose Colorescience, the skincare company that prioritizes skin health above all else, so you can achieve a youthful complexion, clear of blemishes.

Non-comedogenic sunscreen is formulated to avoid clogging pores. It uses ingredients that are less likely to cause breakouts, which can be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Dermatologists generally suggest reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming. Brush-on powder formulas make midday reapplication simple.

Not always. "Mineral" refers to the type of UV filter used, like zinc oxide. "Non-comedogenic" means the formula is designed not to clog pores. A product can be both, and every formula in this Colorescience collection is.

Yes. Lightweight liquid and powder formulas layer well under or over makeup. The Brush-On Shield and Sheer Matte Brush are especially easy to apply over a finished look.