Best Sunscreens for Fungal Acne

Fungal acne is an inflammatory condition caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia in the hair follicles.

This type of acne is characterized by small, red bumps on the skin that appear in clusters and are often itchy and painful.

To make matters worse, fungal acne can be exacerbated by many factors, including hot weather, sweating, and cosmetic products which allow Malassezia yeast to grow.

Which is why protecting your skin with sunscreen is essential, especially when dealing with this condition.

However, as it happens, sunscreens and many other skincare products contain certain ingredients that can cause or further inflame fungal acne. This is why selecting the proper fungal acne-safe cleanser and fungal acne-safe moisturizer is so important.

Which is why choosing the right product for this condition can be a challenging process.

But worry not.

In this article, I have put together a list of the ten best sunscreens for fungal acne based on my own experience and research.

But before we jump to my recommendations, here’s how I determined which products made the cut.

How We Reviewed Each Product

To create this list, we focused primarily on the ingredients in each product.

This means that we specifically picked products that don’t contain ingredients such as oils, waxes, butters, as well as a few other potentially problematic additives such as stearates and irritating ingredients such as fragrance. Then we checked them in a Malassezia ingredient analyzer to ensure none of the sunscreens selected would trigger fungal acne breakouts.

Next, we focused on the consistency and texture of each product, meaning we specifically picked sunscreens with a lightweight and runny consistency which are hydrating but not greasy.

Finally, we took into account the experience of other consumers with various skin concerns besides fungal acne and decided what to add to the list based on reviews we read across multiple websites.

If you are looking for a sunscreen recommendation that will help soothe fungal acne prone skin without exacerbating breakouts, check out our top ten picks for the best sunscreens for fungal acne:

Best Sunscreens For Fungal Acne Summary

Best	Sunscreen
Overall	Paula’s Choice – CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
On a Budget (for the money)	Differin – Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
To Use With Makeup	SUNNYSIDE – Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral Sunscreen	Colorescience – Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
Water-Resistant Sunscreen	BLUE LIZARD – Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+
Alcohol-Free Sunscreen	EltaMD – UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF
Fragrance-Free Sunscreen	Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Sunscreen	Humane Regular-Strength Acne Wash – 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Korean Beauty Sunscreen	Missha – All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin	EltaMD – UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer for Face with SPF

The Paula’s Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30 is by far one of the best sunscreens for both fungal and bacterial acne. When it comes to the texture, the Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid is more of a thick essence than a cream, making it perfect for those dealing with excessively oily skin who can’t stand anything greasy and heavy.

When it comes to the finish, the sunscreen is described as having a matte finish; however, although it’s more matte than some other sunscreens on this list, it isn’t entirely dead matte, and it still leaves a bit of glow behind that makes your skin look normal and healthy rather than plastered.

The only issue I have with it is that I wish it comes in SPF 50 instead of only 30, but hopefully, that will change in the future.

Overall, the Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid is an excellent choice for anyone who’s dealing with combo or oily skin as well as fungal or bacterial acne.

Paula’s Choice – Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ Pros:

• Super light texture.
• Broad-spectrum sun protection.
• Contains antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients.
• Helps skin recover from damage and inflammation.
• Leaves a healthy glow behind.

Paula’s Choice – Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ Cons:

• None

Differin’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 is an excellent option for anyone on a budget looking for an affordable yet effective sunscreen that will help with fungal acne.

However, much like the above-mentioned Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid by Paula’s Choice, the Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer is marketed as oil-free and matte, but it doesn’t dry fully matte.

Instead, it leaves a little bit of glow behind, making the skin look healthy and radiant rather than greasy.

Lastly, Differin’s Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer is also fragrance-free, which makes it a good option for anyone who’s allergic or sensitive to fragrance, and it comes in a good-sized bottle of 118 ml, so you will definitely get your money’s worth out of it.

Differin – Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 Pros:

• Affordable.
• Chemical sunscreen with several cosmetically elegant UV filters that don’t leave a white cast behind.
• Contains soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Fragrance-free.
• Good-sized bottle.

Differin – Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 Cons:

• Not easily available outside of the US.
• Differin can cause short term skin purging in some people

The SUNNYSIDE Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen contains zinc oxide as its main active ingredient, which works to reflect and scatter harmful rays away from the skin, offering broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 50.

But besides zinc oxide, the sunscreen also contains green tea and vitamin E to provide antioxidant activity and nourish all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, as well as soothe inflammatory skin conditions such as fungal acne.

Available in one universal shade that easily adapts to all skin tones, SUNNYSIDE is super convenient and easy to use; it can be brushed directly over makeup to refresh the sun-protective properties of the SPF that may have worn off since the last application but also fix any makeup that has been disturbed due to sweat and sebum production during the day.

SUNNYSIDE Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen Pros:

• Convenient and easy to use.
• Nourishing and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Excellent for those dealing with fungal acne.

SUNNYSIDE Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen Cons:

• None!

The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 is a mineral-based sunscreen that stands out from the crowd due to its ability to provide broad-spectrum sun protection while also being fungal acne friendly.

Additionally, the Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield also contains a number of skin-loving ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin hydrated, niacinamide, which brightens the skin and reduces redness, as well as soothing panthenol, and bisabolol, a grape-derived antioxidant with brightening and moisturizing properties.

The Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield is also lightweight and leaves a semi-matte finish.

Another thing worth noting about this particular sunscreen is that it comes in three shades, making it a good option for many skin tones; however, some consumers have complained that the shades are hard to match and that correction with makeup is needed.

So, if you’re dealing with fungal acne and are looking for an effective sunscreen that won’t clog your pores or exacerbate your skin concerns, then the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 is definitely worth checking out.

Colorescience – Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Pros:

• Mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
• Non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.
• Lightweight and leaves a semi-matte finish.
• Comes in three shades.

Colorescience – Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Cons:

• Some consumers have complained that the shades are hard to match.

Blue Lizard’s sunscreen protects you while swimming or exercising without worrying that you’ll get sunburnt; however, bear in mind that you would need to reapply every two hours to ensure maximum protection while exposed to the sun.

The formula of the Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is non-greasy, lightweight and it leaves a semi-matte finish on the skin; however, having personally used this product on my oily skin, I can tell that it does get slightly greasy, especially if I’m running errands during the day and I’m exposed to the sun for a long time.

In addition to that, this fungal acne-friendly sunscreen contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients like propanediol as well as vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.

The Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is also fragrance-free and comes in a good-sized bottle of 150 ml, making it an excellent value for money.

Blue Lizard – Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Pros:

• Broad-spectrum protection.
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
• Soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
• Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Good value for money.

Blue Lizard – Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Cons:

• Can become greasy when exposed to the strong sun for a long time.

It’s a well-known fact that some ingredients, such as alcohol often found in skincare products, can exacerbate conditions such as fungal acne and make the skin more susceptible to inflammatory reactions and irritation.

Therefore, if you are looking for a sunscreen that doesn’t contain alcohol, the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is definitely worth checking out.

Formulated to suit people with oily and sensitive skin, this fungal acne-friendly sunscreen contains zinc oxide, a mineral that’s super effective in providing broad-spectrum sun protection.

Bonus points for sitting well on the skin without pilling and balling, thus providing the perfect glowy base for any type of complexion products, such as BB balms, tinted moisturizers, and foundation.

EltaMD – UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Pros:

• Alcohol-free.
• Contains zinc oxide to protect the skin from UV damage.
• Brightening niacinamide and softening lactic acid help with hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.
• Lightweight consistency and natural finish provide a healthy glow.

EltaMD – UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Cons:

• It might be too heavy for oily skins in summer.

If your skin is on the dry side and you are looking for a fungal acne-friendly sunscreen that’s free of fragrance, then the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 would be an excellent option.

Additionally, the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion also contains ceramides, which are lipids or fats found naturally in the skin, and are needed to keep the skin healthy and functioning properly.

This is why the formula tends to pull towards the heavier side even though the description says otherwise, which might not be the best option for someone with excessively oily skin; however, it’s definitely an excellent match for someone with combination or dry skin who is dealing with fungal or bacterial acne.

What’s more is that the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion is an excellent affordable option for those who don’t want to spend a lot on a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

CeraVe — Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 Pros:

• Affordable and easily available.
• Good sun protection through mineral filters.
• Moisturizing and softening.

CeraVe — Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 Cons:

• It can be too heavy for oily skin.

If your skin is on the oilier side and you are dealing with fungal acne, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60 would be an excellent choice.

This sunscreen is incredibly lightweight, runny, and virtually undetectable once applied to the skin.

The reason for this is that it’s a chemical sunscreen that uses cosmetically elegant filters to absorb UV rays and release them as heat, rather than reflecting them as some mineral sunscreens do.

The result is a smooth, powdery finish that provides the perfect base for flawless makeup application. The only downside to this sunscreen is its price; however, you are sure to love it once you try it out.

La Roche-Posay – Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid Pros:

• Lightweight and runny consistency that makes it undetectable once applied to the skin.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• Natural finish for a beautiful and healthy glow.

La Roche-Posay – Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid Cons:

• Pricey.

If you are looking for an affordable, fungal acne-safe sunscreen that is widely available, then the Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a great option.

In addition, the Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion also contains silica, which is a non-comedogenic, oil-absorbing agent that helps mattify the complexion and keep shine at bay.

Furthermore, the sunscreen also contains bisabolol, a calming agent derived from chamomile that helps soothe and reduce redness triggered by yeast or bacterial overgrowth.

This makes it an excellent choice for those with oily, dry, and sensitive skin who are looking for a sunscreen that will provide sun protection and help calm and soothe their skin.

The result is a lightweight, non-greasy cream base that provides broad-spectrum sun protection without triggering fungal acne breakouts.

Neutrogena – Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Pros:

• Lightweight gel consistency.
• Non-comedogenic and oil-absorbing.
• Natural matte finish.
• Contains soothing and brightening antioxidants.

Neutrogena – Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Cons:

• None.

K-beauty sunscreens are known for their innovative formulas and unique ingredients, and the Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++ is no exception.

All these make Missha’s All Around Safe Block a suitable option for those who are dealing with fungal and bacterial acne, as well as skin sensitivity and irritations.

Additionally, when it comes to the texture, All Around Safe Block has a lightweight, gel-like consistency that’s runny and glides effortlessly on the skin.

Once applied, the formula absorbs quickly, without leaving any greasy residue or white-cast behind, making it an excellent option for darker skin tones and those with oily skin.

All in all, the Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++ is a great K-beauty, fungal acne-safe sunscreen for those with sensitive, oily, and breakout-prone skin.

Missha – All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++ Pros:

• Lightweight consistency and powdery finish.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Doesn’t leave a white cast.

Missha – All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++ Cons:

• None.

If you have sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin that is also prone to fungal acne breakouts, then the EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 might be a good option for you.

Furthermore, the EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate and plump the skin, as well as a blend of antioxidants with protective, calming, and soothing properties.

When it comes to the texture, the EltaMD UV Elements has a creamy consistency that’s easy to apply and blends into the skin with ease.

We also love this sunscreen because the tinted formula neutralizes redness and doesn’t leave a white cast behind.

All this makes the EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 an excellent choice for those with sensitive and irritable skin that is also prone to fungal acne breakouts.

EltaMD – UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Pros:

• Safe for irritated, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin.
• Lightweight and creamy consistency that applies easily.
• Semi-matte finish.

EltaMD – UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Cons:

• Pricey.

Frequently Asked Questions