Why should acne-prone wear sunscreen?
Does sunscreen help pimples, or does sunscreen cause acne? The answer is both a yes! Sunscreen can 100% help prevent pimples from worsening, especially if your lifestyle or work requires daily sun exposure. Aside from protecting your skin from UV rays, sunscreen can also reduce free radical exposure, which has been linked to worsening acne.
The benefits don’t end there. Using sunscreen can also reduce skin redness or soothe irritated skin. It is known that zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen filter, has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and even treat acne. And if you have severe acne, your doctor might prescribe you oral medicine for acne treatment like isotretinoin. This will increases sun sensitivity; therefore, using sunscreen is a must!
On the other hand, picking the wrong type of sunscreen can cause irritation and reaction that can lead to breakouts. Sunscreen alone does not cause acne, but other ingredients included in the formula, such as artificial fragrances and preservatives, can. If you have acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic sunscreen.
What to look for in sunscreen for acne prone skin?
Understanding what type of sunscreen you are using and its ingredients are crucial, especially if you have acne-prone skin, as your skin tends to be oily, inflamed, and quite sensitive. So what are the things you know before shopping a sunscreen?
There are 2 types of sunscreen – chemical and mineral/physical sunscreen. You should look for 100% mineral sunscreen if you have acne-prone skin. Mineral sunscreen filters are easy to remember as they only consist of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These sunscreen filters are generally safe as they only sit on top of the skin, literally blocks the sun’s rays, and reflect them by creating a physical barrier.
Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog pores. Mineral sunscreen filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are excellent examples of non-comedogenic ingredients.
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, avoid emollient-rich ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, mineral oils, lanolin, and beeswax that can trigger breakouts. Additionally, sensitive, acne-prone skin should stick to fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free sunscreens that could potentially irritate the skin.
By that, we filled this article with information about the best mineral sunscreens. There are mineral creams, sun sticks, and even cushion sunscreens to choose from.
If In A Hurry, Here Are The Best Mineral Sunscreens:
Best sunscreen with verified SPF claim: Dr. Orga Premium Sun Protection Cream
Best vegan-certified sunscreen: Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick
Best mineral sunscreen stick: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick
Best sunscreen for teenagers: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Tone Up Sun Cream
Best sunscreen cushion: SCINIC Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Cushion EX
KOREAN SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
1. Dr.Orga Premium Sun Protection Cream
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Physical/mineral sunscreen
Manufacturer/Distributor: Innocosma Laboratory/ Gamsung Global Co., Ltd
Special features: Verified SPF, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Reef-safe, Alcohol-free
Description: It is important to avoid ingredients that could cause irritation since acne often occurs as a result. Good thing this mineral sunscreen from DR. G is created mainly from organic and natural ingredients to make it safe for your sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is made with 100% mineral filters, paraben-free, and fragrance-free!
In addition to protecting your skin from the sun with SPF 50+ and PA+++, it can also shield it from free radicals that worsen acne. Keeping skin hydrated and soothed, Dr.Orga Premium Sun Protection Cream contains Aloe Vera and Centella Asiatica; both have anti-inflammatory properties and promote skin healing. And to regulate sebum production, jojoba oil is also added.
Also, if you’re heading to the beach, pack this with you, as this one is reef safe too.
Dr.Orga Premium Sun Protection Cream Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Antioxidant: Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Cell-communicating ingredient/s: Adenosine
Skin-identical ingredient/s: Glycerin
Soothing ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Alpha Bisabolol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
2. Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Tone Up Sun Cream
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Physical/mineral sunscreen
Manufacturer/Distributor: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd. / Magnif Co., Ltd.
Special Features: Verified SPF, Chemical-Free, Non-nano physical Sunscreen, Tone-up sunscreen, Fragrance-free, Essential oil-free, Alcohol-free
Description: A fragrance might smell great, but if you have sensitive skin, it will only cause breakouts. If this sounds like you, then let me introduce Make P:rem UV Defense Me Sun Cream! Make p:prem formulated this sunscreen fragrance-free with a pH of 5.5 (for healthy skin) and formulated with 93% naturally derived ingredients to make it gentle enough to use for sensitive skin.
Make P:rem Defense Me Calming Tone Up Suncream is also a non-nano physical sunscreen that makes it safer for the body, pregnant women, and teenagers with pimple problems. The calming and soothing effect can be felt immediately, thanks to the Rosemary leaf extract, Bamboo water, and other soothing ingredients.
Additionally, calamine gives you a pinkish glow instead of the typical ghostly white cast that mineral sunscreens are known for.
Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Tone Up Sun Cream Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Antioxidants: Tocopherol, Rosemary Leaf Extract
Soothing ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract
3. Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Physical/Mineral sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd.
Special Features: Tone-up sunscreen, Alcohol-free, Fragrance- free, Essential oil-free
Description: Get yourself a mild mineral sunscreen that’s great for acne-prone and suitable for sensitive skin like Dr. G Green Mild Up Sun.
Dr. G Green Mild Up Sun is formulated to soothe irritated skin with Centella Asiatica and Houttuynia Cordata Extract. It also has a range of antioxidants like Tocopherol and Pinus Pinaster to help protect the skin’s surface from free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
Another great thing about this sunscreen from Dr. G is it has an antipollution + electronic protection complex, which protects skin against blue light from electrical appliances such as smartphones and monitors, as these could lead to premature aging and skin damage.
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
Soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Cell-communicating ingredient/s: Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
4. Round Lab 365 Derma Relief Sun Cream
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Mineral/Physical sunscreen
Manufacturer / Distributor: COSON Co., Ltd. / Seorin Company Co., Ltd.
Special Features: Certified NO Benzene content, Non-nano Physical sunscreen, Alcohol-free
Description: Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and PABA, as these causes irritation and worsen acne. A great example of oxybenzone-free and PABA-free sunscreen you can try is Round Lab 365 Derma Relief Sun Cream.
This sun cream from Round Lab is formulated to help soothe sensitive & sun-damaged skin with Panthenol, Centella Asiatica, & Houttuynia Cordata extract (which is, by the way, a great wound healing ingredient, too!). There’s also aqua ceramide content added to help supply & lock in moisture on the skin.
In fact, Round Lab 365 Derma Relief Sun Cream won two consecutive years (2018 & 2019) in Hwahae Beauty Award sunscreen/lotion Category for a reason. Over 10 million Korean consumers vote on the most trusted Korean beauty products at this annual event, so you can also discover the best Korean products.
Round Lab 365 Derma Relief Sun Cream Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Antioxidant: Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panthenol, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin-identical ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Serine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline
5. SOME BY MI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone Up Suncream
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Mineral/Physical sunscreen
Manufacturer/Distributor: SOME BY MI
Special Features: Alcohol-free, Tone-up sunscreen, Non-nano mineral sunscreen
Description: The SOME BY MI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone Up Suncream comes from the famous miracle line of powerful anti-acne skincare. By using Truecica sun cream, you can combat active pimples, soothe skin and brighten your complexion.
SOME BY MI’s signature ingredients TruecicaTM (378,000 ppm) and Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, are one of the best hydrating and calming ingredients for acne-prone skin. Besides Niacinamide, it also has Resveratol, an antioxidant that has a brightening effect, as well as Pear flower extract that improves skin tone, texture, and complexion.
Lastly, Truecica Mineral Calming Tone Up Suncream has a non-sticky texture, making it easy to blend. The way it blends without a white cast will have you forgetting you’re wearing mineral sunscreen!
SOME BY MI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone Up Suncream Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Anti-acne: Niacinamide
Skin brightening: Niacinamide
Soothing ingredients: Madecassoside (0.5 Ppb), Aloe Vera Leaf Extract
Antioxidant: Resveratrol, Madecassoside (0.5 Ppb), Asiaticoside (4 Ppb)
Cell-communicating ingredients: Niacinamide, Adenosine
Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin
6. Benton Mineral Sun Cream
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Mineral/Physical sunscreen
Manufacturer/Distributor: BENTON
Special Features: Vegan Registered, Oxybenzone-free, Tone-Up sunscreen, Alcohol-free, Fragrance-free, Essential oil-free
Description: When picking a sunscreen for skin that tends to get acne, look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen like Benton Mineral Sun Cream. Benton sun cream is proudly vegan and contains only healthy ingredients without artificial fragrance or essential oil to suit sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Aside from strong sun protection, Benton Mineral Sun Cream has a natural tone-up effect, all thanks to calamine. And with ingredients concentrated on skin protection and soothing like Panthenol, Centella Asiatica, and Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, sensitive skin can also use this comfortably.
As for the texture, this sun cream applies smoothly and moistly but leaves no trace or white cast. This is also known as a sunscreen that doesn’t sting or irritate the eye.
Benton Mineral Sun Cream Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Anti-acne: Niacinamide
Skin brightening: Niacinamide
Soothing ingredients: Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Cell-communicating ingredients: Niacinamide, Adenosine
Skin-identical ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
7. Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Physical / Mineral sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Etude House
Special Features: Long-lasting sunscreen, Sebum-free
Description: If you have oily, acne-prone skin, go for a 100% mineral sunscreen with sebum control formula like Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish sunscreen. This is also formulated to help soothe and calm itchy, irritated skin with soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, aloe vera extract, sunflower seed oil, and many more.
Etude House Sunprise sunscreen settles down pretty matte, but all thanks to aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it is not drying at all. Plus, it works as a makeup base too! And for a healthier complexion, they also added 20 plant ingredients.
Note: A heads up, this sunscreen contains perfume and alcohol content. This is only great for oily, acne-prone skin. Please skip if you have sensitive skin.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Soothing ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Centella Asiatica Extract, Mistletoe Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin brightening ingredient/s: Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Skin-identical ingredient/s: Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
8. Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick
SPF: SPF 50+
PA: PA++++
Type: physical/mineral sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: KOLMAR KOREA CO., LTD.
Special Features: Oxybenzone-free; Non-nano physical sunscreen, Alcohol-free, Fragrance-free, Essential oil-free, Paraben-free
Description: If you’re always on the go, there is still no excuse not to wear sunscreen, all thanks to sun sticks like Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick, perfect for on-the-go adventurers like you!
This sun stick from Make P:rem is designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin since it only uses physical sunscreens (meaning no chemical filters), is fragrance-free, and is paraben-free!
Another good feature of this sunscreen is the fact that it is oxybenzone-free and contains Bambusa Vulgaris water and fructan, which soothe the skin. Enjoy the beach without harming corals or other marine life when you use this reef-friendly sun stick.
As Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick is a non-nano physical sunscreen, it’s generally safe for teenagers battling pimples.
Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick Key Ingredients
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide
Soothing ingredients: Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Rosemary Leaf Extract
Skin-identical ingredient/s: Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
9. Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick
SPF: SPF 50+
PA: PA++++
Type: physical/mineral sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Enprani Co. Ltd
Speacial Features: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Alcohol-free
Description: If your skin still suffers from maskne (mask acne), Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick is the best partner to minimize redness and repair skin damages faster. As the name suggests, this sun stick is infused with wild Cica, combined with Green Tea extract and magnesium to soothe, ease inflammation, and speed healing of the skin.
Cica Sun Stick from Holika Holika provides broad spectrum protection that you can easily reapply throughout the day. And while Holika Holika Calming CICA Sun Stick is 100% physical sunscreen, it leaves no white cast and instead moisturizes your skin.
Holika Holika Less On Skin Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Skin brightening ingredient/s: Licorice Root Extract
Soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Skullcap Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Antioxidant/s: Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Skullcap Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Skin-identical ingredient/s: Sodium Hyaluronate
10. Dr.G Green Mild Up Facial Sun Stick
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: mineral/physical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd.
Special Features: Alcohol-free
Description: When you break out a lot, mineral sunscreen should be your go-to sunscreen with skin-friendly ingredients like Dr. G Green Mild Up Facial Sun Stick that protects your inflamed and sensitive skin fivefold!
Dr. G’s sun stick contains seven complex ingredients of young leaves, provitamin D, and pycnogenol to calm and protect irritated skin. Not only that, Dr. G’s Mild Up sunscreen can block blue light, infrared light, and fine dust to protect skin from premature aging and skin damage from free radicals!
Note: This sunscreen is fragranced. This is only recommended for oily, acne-prone skin. Acne-prone with sensitive skin, please skip this one.
Dr.G Green Mild Up Facial Sun Stick Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
Soothing ingredients: Cica Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ectoin, Lactobacillus Ferment
Antioxidant: Tocopherol, Cica Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ectoin
Cell-communicating ingredient/s: Telosomyl
11. Benton Mineral Sun Stick
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: mineral/physical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd.
Special Features: Alcohol-free, Fragrance-free & Essential oil-free
Description: Mineral sunscreens using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, like Benton mineral sun stick, are better tolerated by sensitive, acne-prone skin types. With Benton Mineral sun stick, you’ll be protected from the sun for 12 hours without any irritation!
Designed with 3 types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to further prevent UV damage to the skin, Benton sun stick keeps your skin hydrated even under extreme sun conditions.
As for its texture, Benton mineral sun stick has a balm-like texture that glides smoothly on the skin. It makes skin softer and leaves a minimal white cast and non-sticky feeling.
Benton Mineral Sun Stick Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide
Soothing ingredients: Centella Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Purslane Extract
Antioxidant/s: Centellae Extract, Tocopherol, Asiaticoside, Purslane Extract
Skin-identical ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin
12. Bring Green Tea Tree Tone-Up Sun Cushion
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: mineral/physical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: COSMAX INC
Special Features: Reef-safe, No artificial fragrance, Alcohol-free
Description: Applying sunscreen will never be the same again with cushion sunscreen! Those who have overactive sebaceous glands should try the BringGreen Tea Tree Tone-Up Sun Cushion!
Easily fit into small pouches, this cushion sunscreen keeps you looking fresh and oil-free all day long! Key ingredients include Tea Tree Leaf water (30,000 ppm) and Tea Tree Leaf oil to tame your red bumps or pimples. Also included is Niacinamide, which brightens the skin and fades uneven skin tones.
Bring Green Tea Tree Tone-Up Sun Cushion Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Soothing ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Tea Tree Extract, Tea Tree oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Skin brightening: Niacinamide
Anti-acne: Niacinamide, Tea Tree Extract, Tea Tree oil
Cell-communicating ingredients: Niacinamide, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Adenosine
Antioxidant: Centella Asiatica, Curcuma Longa Root Extract
13. SCINIC Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Cushion EX
SPF: SPF50+
PA: PA++++
Type: mineral/physical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: SCINIC
Special Features: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Alcohol-free
Description: If you’ve heard about the Korean sunscreen controversy, you must have encountered one of the sunscreens with verified SPF like SCINIC Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Cushion EX.
This lovely mineral sunscreen in a cushion is enriched with glacial water and Madecassoside extracts to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin. It also brightens and evens out discoloration and dullness with Niacinamide.
Those looking for an easy application before and after makeup will love this sunscreen cushion as the water droplet-shaped wide puff provides a detailed application on the side of the nostrils and around the eyes. And who wouldn’t want a natural tone-up effect?
SCINIC Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Cushion EX Key Ingredients:
Sunscreen: Zinc Oxide
Anti-acne: Niacinamide
Skin brightening ingredients: Niacinamide, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Soothing ingredients: Green Tea Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Willow Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ectoin, Madecassoside
Antioxidant/s: Green Tea Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ectoin, Madecassoside,
Cell-communicating ingredients: Niacinamide, Adenosine
Skin-identical ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Conclusion
Which mineral sunscreen is the first on your list? I highly recommend Dr. Orga Premium Sun Protection if you’re still undecided. Suitable for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, this sunscreen ticks all the boxes. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and reef safe.
Dr. Orga Premium sunscreen has verified UV index of SPF 50+ PA+++ as tested by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences along with Make P:rem UV Tone Up Sun Cream, Round Lab Sun Cream, Scinic Airy Sun Cushion, and more. For a complete list of sunscreens with verified SPF claims in our TOP KOREAN SUNSCREENS WITH VERIFIED SPF CLAIMS blog.
And if you’re into vegan-certified mineral sunscreens, we have featured Holika Holika Calming Cica sunscreen, Benton Mineral sun cream, and Scinic Airy cushion.
Lastly, mineral sunscreens are the safest option for teens -acne-prone or not. I highly recommend Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Cream or Benton Mineral Sun Cream, especially for teens battling teenage acne.
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