Sunscreen Guide: How to Choose Sunscreen for Your Skin Type?
July 2026
Wearing sunscreen is important – but so is choosing the right one. While many options can offer protection from the sun, choosing the wrong sunscreen for your skin type may prove to be ineffective and can lead to further issues down the line, such as clogged pores.
In this sunscreen guide, we’ll cover everything there is to know about choosing the right sunscreen based on your skin type and concerns.
How to choose sunscreen: key takeaways
- A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 is essential every day, regardless of skin type or season.
- Different skin types need different sunscreen textures for comfort and wearability.
- Non-comedogenic formulas are best for oily and breakout-prone skin.
- Hydrating sunscreens help support the skin barrier in dry and dehydrated skin.
- Fragrance-free or mineral formulas are ideal for sensitive skin.
- Serum sunscreens combine high UV protection with visible skincare benefits like smoothing and firming.
Understanding sun protection and skin types
SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a way of measuring how long sunscreen can protect you from the sun’s rays.
Of course, the recommendation of daily SPF is universal for every skin type. That said, different people will often feel most comfortable with different textures and formulas. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive or combination skin, we’ve broken down the ways you can make sure you’re using the best sunscreen for you.
As well as being important for your health, SPF sunscreen is a key part of any skincare routine. Chronic sun exposure can accelerate visible signs of ageing such as dark spots and wrinkles, but a high-quality sunscreen can mitigate some of this impact. For example, in a six-month clinical study, our recommended daily-use sunscreen was found to correct visible signs of ageing including wrinkles, sunspots and rough texture.
How to choose sunscreen for sensitive skin
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you might be a bit wary of introducing a new product into your skincare routine. Fragrance-free options are a great place to start to avoid unnecessary irritants, and mineral-based formulas can be a safer bet.
Our best sunscreens for sensitive skin include the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ and Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++. Both offer a gentle touch and have been specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind.
Another strong choice of SPF which is suitable for sensitive skin is the Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 PA++++. This skincare-SPF hybrid is non-comedogenic and helps protect against UV damage and the early signs of ageing. Its lightweight, invisible finish delivers broad-spectrum SPF50 protection while helping to visibly firm, tone, and protect the skin.
For the best sensitive skin SPFs, look out for:
- Fragrance-free formulas
- Mineral-based or formulated for sensitive skin
- Lightweight and non-comedogenic to reduce the risk of irritation or breakouts
How to choose sunscreen for oily skin
If you’ve got oily skin, you’re probably looking for a product that won’t leave a greasy residue or exacerbate shine.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free formulations, like our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++, are made to avoid blocking pores on your skin, which is perfect for anyone worried about acne. Applying this ultra-light and fast absorbing SPF ensures your skin is protected without clogging it up.
When choosing the best sunscreen for oily skin, look for:
- Non-comedogenic formulas
- Lightweight, gel or fluid textures that absorb quickly
- Oil-free or mattifying to help control excess shine
How to choose sunscreen for dry skin
If your skin type is on the dry side or your skin tends to feel tight or dehydrated, especially in colder months, choosing a sunscreen that also nourishes and supports hydration can make all the difference.
The best sunscreen for dry skin is formulated to deeply hydrate your skin, helping to maintain moisture while still delivering broad-spectrum UV protection. Opt for the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50, a hydrating daily SPF that absorbs easily and keeps the skin moisturised all day.
When looking for dry skin SPF, look for:
- Hydrating formulas enriched with ingredients like squalane or glycerin
- Creamy or lotion textures that feel nourishing
- Alcohol-free formulas to avoid further drying the skin
How to choose sunscreen for combination skin
If your skin is combination, you may find that some areas feel oily while others feel dry or tight. The key is choosing a combination skin sunscreen that balances hydration with a lightweight feel, so it doesn’t overload oilier zones or leave drier areas under-nourished.
The best sunscreen for combination skin delivers broad-spectrum UV protection while feeling comfortable and breathable across the entire face. Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 PA++++ is ideal for all skin types, including combination skin, thanks to its lightweight hydrating formula that is at once a skincare serum and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
When looking for SPF for combination skin, look for:
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that won’t feel greasy
- Hydrating ingredients that won’t overload oil-prone areas
- Non-comedogenic textures to help prevent clogged pores
How to choose sunscreen for breakout prone skin
If your skin is prone to breakouts, finding the right sunscreen can feel tricky – especially if you’ve experienced blemishes from SPF in the past. The key is choosing a formula that protects your skin without clogging pores or triggering excess oil production.
The best sunscreen for breakout-prone skin is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and fast-absorbing, so it won’t sit heavily on the skin or block pores. Opt for Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++, a refreshing, oil-free sunscreen with a gel texture that feels weightless on the skin while delivering high-level UVA and UVB protection.
When looking for SPF that doesn’t cause breakouts, choose formulas that are:
- Non-comedogenic, so won’t clog pores
- Lightweight, gel or serum textures that absorb quickly
- Oil-free or low-oil formulas to help reduce shine
Sunscreen guide comparison table
| Sunscreen | Aqua Gel | Sunscreen Serum | |
| Best for… | Normal skin, including sensitive skin | Oily skin, including sensitive skin | All skin types, including combination skin |
| SPF protection | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Key ingredients | Baicalin | Vitamin E | Collagen Peptides |
| Texture | Lightweight | Water-light | Lightweight serum |
| Best Kiehl’s SPF | Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ | Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ | Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50 PA++++ |
Shop the best sunscreen for face to suit your skin type and concern
Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type can help improve your skin’s appearance while ensuring you get maximum protection. Take a look at the full range of Kiehl’s sun protection products and SPF skincare to find the one that matches your needs.
