Of all the skincare products out there, one reigns supreme: SUNSCREEN. Here at The Skinny Confidential, we’re so passionate about sun protection that our founder literally wrote the book on it. Get the F*ck Out of the Sun is like the bible of skincare secrets, and the best tip it offers is right there on the cover. When it comes to beauty and skin health, the sun is NOT our friend. (Psst . . . you can also binge all the episodes of the “Get the F*ck Out of the Sun Podcast” for some of the book’s highlights!)
Why is sunscreen so important? Broad-spectrum protection from a quality sunscreen protects your skin from premature aging, hyperpigmentation, skin cancer, inflammation, and collagen breakdown caused by UV exposure. And, since sunscreen helps keep your skin healthy, it provides the BEST canvas for skincare products and cosmetics.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? However, a lot of people wonder if sunscreen is the culprit behind their acne. Because if it is, it kind of feels counter-productive to the skincare benefits. So, today, we’re here to settle the score once and for all. Does sunscreen really cause acne?
Here’s what you need to know:
Can Sunscreen Cause Acne: How to Protect Without Breakouts
Yes, some sunscreen can cause acne—but not all! But whatever you do, PLEASE don’t delete sunscreen from your morning skincare routine because it’s still non-negotiable. Instead of skipping sunscreen to avoid acne, you need to know which ingredients and labels to avoid, and which ones to seek out!
Does Sunscreen Clog Pores?
It can! Chemical sunscreens often contain comedogenic ingredients, greasy textures, and strong fragrances. These, in turn, can clog pores, increase oil production, and irritate sensitive skin, eventually leading to breakouts. Although chemical sunscreens are mainstream, they’re really not ideal for any skin type—especially if you’re acne-prone.
Does Mineral Sunscreen Clog Pores?
Nope! Mineral sunscreens, AKA sunblocks, don’t clog pores, and that’s because they work differently from chemical sunscreens. Mineral UV filters sit on top of the skin insteading of sinking in, acting as a shield against UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are designed to absorb into your skin (and your pores.) This is why dermatologists often recommend mineral face sunscreens for acne-prone or oily skin.
However, mineral sunscreen could still clog pores and cause breakouts if the other ingredients (beyond the physical UV filters) are heavy, irritating, or comedogenic. Always check the full ingredient list to make sure it aligns with your clear-skin goals. Also, make sure to check out “What’s the Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock?” for a more in-depth explanation!
Does Tinted Sunscreen Cause Acne?
Not usually. When a sunscreen is tinted with iron oxide, like our Caffeinated Sunscreen, it’s unlikely to cause acne. That’s because it’s a mineral formula with physical UV filters—so no greasy or harsh ingredients are penetrating your skin! As long as the other ingredients are clean and nourishing, the mineral-based sunscreen won’t cause acne.
What Sunscreen Ingredients Cause Acne?
-
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate), Octocrylene, Avobenzone (Chemical UV Filters): Absorbs UV rays but can irritate the skin, clog pores, and potentially disrupt hormones
-
Fragrance/Parfum: Adds scent but often inflames sensitive or acne-prone skin
-
Coconut Oil, Lanolin: Deeply moisturizes but frequently clog pores
-
Isopropyl Myristate, Myristyl Myristate, Silicones: Improves texture and spread but are known to clog pores
-
Heavy Oils or Butters (like shea butter, mineral oil, cocoa butter): Nourishes dry skin but can be heavy and contribute to breakouts
What Sunscreen Ingredients Don’t Cause Acne?
-
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (Physical UV Filters): Provides broad-spectrum UV protection while calming and protecting sensitive skin
-
Caffeine: Fights free radical damage and helps firm and energize skin
-
Spirulina Maxima Extract: Defends against blue light damage from screens and devices
-
Rice Bran Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Extract, Vitamin E: Delivers antioxidant protection to combat UV stress and support skin repair
-
Niacinamide: Regulates excessive oil production, soothes inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier
-
Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without clogging pores; locks in moisture while keeping skin light and balanced
-
Bisabolol and Allantoin: Calms irritation, reduces redness, and supports healing
Does Sunscreen Make Acne Worse?
It all depends on the type of sunscreen you use. Chemical sunscreen can clog pores, cause irritation, and disrupt the skin barrier. All of this can make acne worse and lead to more breakouts! These chemical sunscreens are often packed with harsh ingredients like fragrances, alcohol, and greasy emollients that are far from acne-friendly.
Does Sunscreen Help Acne?
YES! Where chemical sunscreen can worsen acne, oil-free mineral sunscreen can help. This is especially true if the sunscreen is fortified with nourishing ingredients like The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen. Its strategic ingredients can improve acne by:
-
Easing inflammation
-
Protecting the skin against environmental stressors
-
Promoting skin healing, including acne scars
-
Balancing oil production
-
Strengthening the skin barrier
-
Providing antibacterial support
-
Exfoliating gently
-
Oil production
The right sunscreen can improve acne while protecting your skin from UV rays!
So, what’s the takeaway? The quality of your skincare comes down to its ingredients. When shopping for a face sunscreen that’s going to save you from UV damage, make sure it’s also formulated to promote overall skin health. We all love a multi-tasking skincare product!
The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen is the mineral SPF your skin has been waiting for. It’s clean, breakout-safe, and multitasks like a pro. It protects your skin from the sun while nourishing, tightening, and calming it with every application. Oh, and did we mention it’s tinted? Designed to flatter every skin tone, it gives you that bronzy glow without UV damage from tanning.
Pretty dreamy, right? Snag your bottle (and explore the rest of our award-winning skincare and tools) over at The Skinny Confidential Shop. Your skin’s going to love this.
