12 Best Powder Sunscreens For Your Face, According To Dermatologists
You can even use some to set your makeup.
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It’s no secret that sunscreen should be applied every day—even when you're indoors, and even when it's cloudy out. But remembering to reapply throughout the day does get tricky, especially when you’re out and about. That’s where powder sunscreens come in really handy.
"A powder sunscreen is pretty similar to any other liquid formula, except, of course, the fact that they are a type of mineral-based sunscreen in a powder form,” says Anthony Rossi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Rossi Derm MD. And using them is super easy, too: Simply brush or pat it onto your skin as a quick and easy touch-up.
Here's a preview of the best powder sunscreens, per experts:
Beyond that, powder sunscreen is not only a great option for those who need to re-layer sunscreen over makeup, it's also helpful and convenient for those with oily skin, says Women's Health advisor Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. So if ease is a concern of yours, it's definitely worth considering adding a powder-based sunscreen to your daily skincare lineup. Below are the 12 best options recommended by dermatologists.
Pros
- Easy to carry on-the-go
- Light coverage won't disrupt your makeup look
Cons
- Pricey
If you’re looking to add a powder sunscreen to your stash, board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD, recommends Colorescience's powder SPF that has thousands of positive reviews. “It’s super portable which means no more excuses that you forgot your sunscreen," she says. "You can bring it everywhere. It's always in my purse—even in the winter.”
| SPF Level | 50 |
| Tinted | Yes |
Pros
- All mineral formula
- Silky, seamlessly coverage
Cons
- Auto-feed brush doesn't deposit a lot of product
Dermatologist Hadley King, MD, recommends Isdin's mineral brush because the ingredients help to protect from more than just UV rays. "It protects against free radical pollution damage, blue light, and infrared radiation.” Even though it's a powder formula, it has a fine and silky finish on the skin.
| SPF Level | 50 |
| Tinted | Yes |
Pros
- Four different shades
- Water resistant
Cons
- Not ideal under a lot of makeup
Dr. Zalka also recommends this powder formula. It's a weightless SPF that comes in four different shades and can be worn alone or with makeup. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and contains a soft brush that makes reapplying the product a breeze.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | Yes |
Pros
- Good over makeup
- Reduces shine
Cons
- Brush doesn't distribute as evenly as others
Powders can get messy, but the compact tube this comes in allows for mess-free application (so you won't end up with a purse filled with powder). It effortlessly glides over makeup and doubles as a setting powder to reduce shine.
| SPF Level | 35 |
| Tinted | Tinted and non-tinted options |
Pros
- Good value
- Available at mass retailers
Cons
- Can be slightly cakey if overapplied
While most powder SPFs are meant to have a sheer finish, this pick from Dr. Zalka has a particularly transparent look on the skin, so you'll never have to worry about it leaving a white cast behind. The formula also has a matte finish, making it ideal for touch-ups on oily skin.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | No |
Pros
- Good tinted option to even out skin tone
- Absorbs oil and reduces shine
Cons
- Expensive
This silky tinted powder actually has hydrating, nourishing ingredients in it like glycerin and a variety of antioxidants—so it's a great option if your skin tends to run dry. Available in four shades, reviewers also enjoy applying it to areas other than their face, like their décolleté or scalp after a workout.
| SPF Level | 40 |
| Tinted | Yes |
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Pros
- Protects against visible light spectrum
- Gives off a glow
Cons
- Must reapply to get adequate coverage
This powder sunscreen protects skin with a formula containing light-reflecting minerals that give off a radiant, glowy effect. It's also infused with fractionated melanin, an ingredient that adds a layer of protection against blue light from electronics in addition to the sun's rays.
| SPF Level | 45 |
| Tinted | Yes |
Pros
- Highly-rated on Amazon
- Good with or without makeup
Cons
- Can get clumpy
Derma-E's SPF has garnered thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Not only is it affordable at under $20, reviewers love that the tint on it leaves skin with a healthy glow. The compact tube packaging also makes it easy to stick in your bag for easy access throughout the day.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | No |
Pros
- Great on all skin tones
- Silky lightweight powder
Cons
- Sometimes powder gets clogging in brush
This super-sheer powder glides onto skin, offering UVA and UVB protection with easy application. The matte finish makes it great for humid weather touch-ups. Reviewers across a wide range of skin tones love that it doesn't leave a white cast on skin.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | No |
Pros
- Water resistant up to 60 minutes
- Soft brush good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not as ideal for adults
See that super-fluffy purple brush head? It's not just pretty—it's also super gentle on kids' delicate skin, meaning they actually won't hate putting on and reapplying sunscreen over and over and over again. It's water-resistant, too.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | No |
Pros
- All natural formula
- Highly rated
Cons
- Applicator brush can be tricky to use
Eminence’s mineral SPF is infused with vitamins A and E—ingredients that combat free radicals and sun damage. The water-resistant formula is available in either translucent or tinted shades, too.
| SPF Level | 30 |
| Tinted | Tinted and untinted options |
Pros
- High SPF
- Blends well
Cons
- Can pill if other products are applied on top
If you're not ready to do a full powder or have more dry skin, Dr. Gohara suggests checking out a cream-to-powder formula. "Eau Thermale Avène's compact is perfect for a midday touch-up to absorb some sheen and add protection," she says. Plus, she loves that the tint makes it protective against blue light/visible light from your cell phone or computer.
| SPF Level | 50 |
| Tinted | Yes |
What are the benefits of powder sunscreen?
Dr. King explains that powder sunscreens have a fine, light texture and don’t leave any white cast behind. “They can be worn over makeup without messing it up, and they’re also great for the part line in the scalp,” she says.
She adds that powder sunscreens also absorb excess oil, so they can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder that can extend the life of your makeup with added sun protection.
How do you wear powder sunscreen?
“Apply it as the last step over makeup, a tinted moisturizer, or another SPF,” Dr. Zalka explains. “Brush it all over the face, neck, top of the chest, and backs of hands.” Always apply a generous amount to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
Can I wear powder sunscreen alone?
Even though powder sunscreens are great for adding protection to your skin, Dr. Rossi still recommends layering them with another sunscreen. ”As a dermatologist, I still like to encourage patients to use a mineral-based cream or physical sunscreens like titanium and zinc dioxide as a base under a powder,” he says.
Addison Aloian is the associate health & fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness verticals. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City—she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon—and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, she’s made an appearance on the Oprah Podcast and her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
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