Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
10 Best Powder Sunscreens That Get Rid of Oil & Simplify SPF Reapplication
Reapplying sunscreen doesn't have to be a big deal.
No matter if you're relaxing on the beach with your besties during the summer vacay or making snow angels on a wintertime ski trip, there's one skincare staple that must grace your face no matter where you are or what season it is: Sunscreen. You're probably all too familiar with the benefits of slathering on sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays from the sun, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Still, the key to truly protecting your skin comes from reapplication. Applying sunscreen every two to three hours may not be fun when you're on the go, but that's where powder sunscreens come in. Instead of disrupting your makeup only a few hours after applying it, the best powder sunscreens provide protection from the sun and preserve your makeup, too.
Just like drugstore and other affordable lotion and spray sunscreens serve as daily moisturizers, the best powder sunscreens are multipurpose. When you're in a rush to reapply your SPF, but you're wearing a full face of makeup, grab a tinted powder sunscreen to refresh your look and make oil disappear. The best powder sunscreens even work on the scalp, too. In case you were wondering, SPF stands for sun protection factor, which measures how long the sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's rays. The higher your SPF (30+ is recommended), the longer you can vibe out without reapplying.
The convenience of powder SPF is one of the things that make them unforgettable too. Most sunscreen powders are usually broad-spectrum mineral formulas that provide a "physical barrier protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays," says Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Founder of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the dynamic duo that helps mineral sunscreen powders combat exposure to harmful sun rays. Along with combating damaging sun exposure, the minerals found in powder sunscreen SPF help soak up excess oils, reducing shininess.
Dr. DeRosa suggests using powder sunscreen on the face and at the hairline to provide adequate protection as a follow-up measure to a cream or oil-basd sunscreen. While powder SPF does provide protection from UVA and UVB rays, it should be used in addition to lotions. “I recommend still using a lotion as your first application to get the adequate amount of coverage for sun protection,” Dr. Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist, says. Because powder sunscreens are dusted on, Dr. Idriss adds, “you don’t know with full certainty that you’ve covered your entire face, neck, and ears.” The same goes for sunscreen sprays. However, the Idriss Dermatology founder says powder SPFs are the best bet for the scalp, especially if you’re experiencing thinning and breakage. According to the #PillowtalkDerm creator, powder sunscreens are “the most ideal type of sunscreen to use on your scalp if you’re just trying to cover up bald spots in between your hair.”
Our Top Picks
Since powder SPFs shouldn't be worn alone, licensed esthetician and PÜR Cosmetics Global Director of Education & Training Lynette Cole, recommends wearing powder sunscreen SPF as part of your "everyday makeup; then it can easily be dusted, or layered over a moisturizer or spray SPF throughout the day."
While powder sunscreen shares many similarities with liquid and spray SPFs, there are some vast differences, too. Many liquid and spray options are waterproof, making them ideal for use when doing a cannonball into your family's pool. Powder sunscreen, on the other hand, works best when used on dry skin. "Not all SPF powders are waterproof," Coles says.
It's important to pay attention to the ingredient label on your powder sunscreen, too. The active ingredients in some powder SPFs aren't reef-safe and could potentially damage the environment. According to Dr. Idriss, "chemical filters" have been connected to coral reef deterioration." To ensure that your powder SPF is on the up and up, steer clear of sunscreens with harmful substances. According to Save The Reef's Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide, powder sunscreen shouldn't include ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, triclosan, and many others.
Now that you're ready to freshen up your SPF without the risk of damaging the environment — check out the 9 best powder sunscreens that get rid of oil and simplify the SPF reapplication process.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
Watch Next
9 Best LED Light Makes to Achieve Glowing Skin
10 Places to Buy "Euphoria"-Inspired Face Gems
18 Best Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals Under $20
Editor-Approved Sunscreens on Sale for Prime Day