Best Fungal Acne Safe Sunscreen

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fungal acne safe sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the holy grails when it comes to skincare: it protects your skin from harmful UV rays that damage it, cause sunburn and skin cancer, and accelerate aging. However, finding and choosing a fungal acne safe sunscreen can be tricky. In this article, we help you make a decision about which sunscreen is right for you.

While the sun is good for our skin because it helps our bodies produce vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can cause damage. Hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and premature aging are some of the ways sun damage can show up on our skin.  Worse, overexposure to UV rays is known to cause skin cancer. You can’t see UV rays, but you can be sure your skin feels their effects.

Why is Sunscreen Important?

Sunscreen prevents these dangerous rays from having direct contact with our skin. Apart from this essential role, sunscreen also slows down skin aging and helps maintain even skin tone. Wearing sunscreen has never been more important—thanks to the ozone layer’s continual depletion, which has increased our exposure to these deadly rays. But it is not enough to get just any sunscreen; you need to use sunscreen suited for your skin type. If you are suffering from fungal acne, you must use a fungal acne safe sunscreen. Using a general sunscreen can worsen your skin condition, which no one wants.

What is SPF?

SPF (Sun Protective Factor) is a measurement relating to the amount of UV rays that penetrate through a certain sunscreen to your skin. The higher the SPF, the lower the amount of UV exposure. On the other hand, the lower the SPF, the higher the UV exposure. The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

UVA vs. UVB

There are two types of UV: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA’s wavelength is longer, meaning that it penetrates more deeply into the skin. UVA has been associated with both skin aging and cancer. UVB has a shorter wavelength and reaches the skin’s surface meaning that this is the radiation associated with tanning and burning of the skin.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. The table below shows the difference between them.

mineral sunscreen

Mineral Sunscreen

  1. Acts like a shield, deflecting UV light
  2. Ingredients are natural (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide)
  3. Can leave a white film on the skin
  4. Does not degrade when exposed to UV rays and is recommended for swimmers and even snorkelers and SCUBA divers
  5. 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly
  6. Better for sensitive skin
chemical sunscreen

Chemical Sunscreen

  1. Acts like a sponge, absorbing UV light
  2. Ingredients are non-natural and can be harmful (e.g., oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene)
  3. Leaves no residue when applied
  4. Can degrade when exposed to UV rays and wears off easily after use – especially in water
  5. Environmentally unfriendly
  6. Can be too harsh for sensitive skin
Based on the table, it is obvious that mineral sunscreen is generally better than chemical sunscreen. Although there have been studies revealing that chemicals in sunscreen are absorbed at significant levels into the bloodstream, there are no current findings indicating that chemical sunscreen is unsafe. With that being said, using a chemical sunscreen is better than using none. The health risks of exposing the skin to the sun far outweighs the potential risk of absorbing sunscreen chemicals.

How to Apply Sunscreen

    • For best results, apply sunscreen about 15-30 minutes before going into the sun. This ensures that it is well absorbed and won’t get washed off by sweat.
    • Apply sunscreen after exercise or swimming
    • Ensure you shake the contents well before using
    • Apply liberally on all exposed parts of the body
    • Be careful while applying around the eyes
    • Reapply at least every two hours
If you have fungal acne or are susceptible to it, here are the best fungal acne safe sunscreens currently on the market that you should consider:

1. UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
by EltaMD

Price: $ | Check on Amazon
  • Sunscreen Type
  • Protection Factor
  • Water Resistant
  • Product Category
  • Ingredient Insights
  • Mineral/Chemical
  • SPF 46
  • -
  • High-End
  • 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate
FASP Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

If you have or are prone to acne, rosacea and/or hyperpigmentation, then we’ve got great news for you! This sunscreen fights free radicals related to UV. It has 9.0% transparent zinc oxide that makes it very absorbent. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, which are all very effective for creating healthy-looking skin. This product leaves no residue on your skin and does not contain fragrance, paraben, or oil.

Active Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate

Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium
Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane

2. Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 55
By Neutrogena

Price: $ | Check on Amazon
  • Sunscreen Type
  • Protection Factor
  • Water Resistant
  • Product Category
  • Ingredient Insights
  • Chemical Sunscreen
  • SPF 55
  • Yes (up to 80 minutes)
  • Low (Drugstore)
  • Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
FASP Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5
Neutrogena is no new kid on the block when it comes to skincare products. This broad-spectrum face mist sunscreen spray is no exception. It is SPF 55, so it offers ample protection from the sun.  This sunscreen is oxybenzone-free and lightweight, allowing for a smooth application. It also has a non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and oil-free composition, making it an excellent choice for fungal acne-prone skin.

Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)

Inactive ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone Trisiloxane, Diisopropyl Adipate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate

3. Mineral Sunscreen for face SPF 40
By TIZO 3

Price: $$ | Check on Amazon
  • Sunscreen Type
  • Protection Factor
  • Water Resistant
  • Product Category
  • Ingredient Insights
  • Mineral Sunscreen
  • SPF 40
  • Yes (80 minutes)
  • High-End
  • Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 3.8%
FASP Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Let’s face it: over 1000 reviewers can’t be wrong. With SPF 40, this mineral sunscreen gives your skin excellent protection against dangerous UV light. But that’s not all! It also acts as a primer, giving your skin that lovely matte finish needed for flawless makeup. This sunscreen is free of chemical filters, preservatives, oil, and fragrances—protecting your skin from harmful ingredients that can trigger breakouts. It is very gentle on all types of skin and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8% Zinc Oxide 3.8%

Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Iron Oxide (CI77491), Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18-Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate

4. Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen, Broad Spectum SPF 50
by La Roche-Posay 

Price: $ | Check on Amazon
  • Sunscreen Type
  • Protection Factor
  • Water Resistant
  • Product Category
  • Ingredient Insights
  • Chemical Sunscreen
  • SPF 50
  • -
  • High-End
  • Avobenzone 2.68%,  Homosalate 9.60%, Octisalate 2.88%, Octocrylene 5.38%,  Oxybenzone 3.46%
FASP Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5

This antioxidant-sunscreen combo has SPF 50, so you can bury your worries about getting skin cancer, sunburn, and premature wrinkles. The texture is weightless, so it absorbs flawlessly into the skin. This sunscreen is created with Cell-Ox Shield Technology, which protects from both UVA and UVB radiation. Its antioxidant complex is made of Vitamin C, Baicalin, and Vitamin E to help you fight free radicals that can damage your skin cells. It is also oil-free and non-comedogenic to protect those with fungal acne-prone skin.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.68%,  Homosalate 9.60%, Octisalate 2.88%, Octocrylene 5.38%,  Oxybenzone 3.46%

Inactive Ingredients: Water, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, tocopherol, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, silica, sodium polyacrylate, ascorbyl glucoside, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, disodium EDTA, diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoparaffin, laureth-7, cassia alata leaf extract, maltodextrin, triethanolamine

5. Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
by Cotz

Price: $ | Check on Amazon
  • Sunscreen Type
  • Protection Factor
  • Water Resistant
  • Product Category
  • Ingredient Insights
  • Mineral Sunscreen
  • SPF 40
  • Yes (80 minutes)
  • Mid-Range
  • Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 3.8%.
FASP Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5

This mineral sunscreen is all you need to protect you from the harmful UV light that can mean serious skin trouble. Dermal heat, which can damage collagen, won’t build up in your skin while using this product. This non-greasy sunscreen prevents age-marks, wrinkles, spots, and inelasticity. It also works as a primer, giving you that silky matte finish. The result? You get to protect your skin while at the same time rocking your makeup. Win-win!

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 3.8%.

Inactive Ingredients: Alumina,Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crossspolymer, Dimethiconol, Lauryl PEG/PPG 18/18 Methicone, Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone (May Contain Iron Oxide)

Now that you know all about the benefits of sunscreen and how important it is, which fungal acne safe sunscreen are you opting for?

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