Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 for acne-prone skin
Zinc Oxide
Sodium Hyaluronate
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilHigh
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few sunscreens fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers excellent UV protection for your combination skin, with zinc oxide providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits to help manage acne and breakouts. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate offer humectant action, while argania spinosa kernel oil provides emollient benefits, making it highly suitable for your skin type.
- The inclusion of bisabolol and camellia sinensis leaf extract further soothes and calms the skin, complementing the primary ingredients.
- The product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh or prohibited ingredients and has a low risk of irritation.
How to apply
- Apply this sunscreen every morning as the final step of your skincare routine. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors for best protection against breakouts.
- Apply the sunscreen after your moisturizer and before applying any makeup. Let it absorb completely ⏱ before going outside.
- Take a nickel-sized amount and gently pat it evenly across your face and neck. Avoid rubbing aggressively to keep your combination skin calm.
- Apply the sunscreen on clean, dry skin to ensure an even protective layer. This helps manage excess shine without clogging your pores.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a quick patch test before first use. Stop using it if you notice any irritation and consult a specialist.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this mineral sunscreen is highly recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin due to its soothing properties that prevent irritation and breakouts. However, users with medium-to-deep skin tones frequently report a noticeable white or blue cast, and those with oily skin often find the finish too greasy or shiny.
Highlights
Good for sensitive skin Mostly Mentioned
- “only SPF that doesn't burn my eyes”
- “didn't cause breakouts”
- “gentle on sensitive skin”
Lightweight texture Often Mentioned
- “glides on like butter”
- “feels like a light moisturizer”
- “doesn't feel thick or cakey”
- “absorbs quickly”
Leaves white cast Often Mentioned
- “leaves a purple cast on dark skin”
- “looked like a ghost”
- “took forever to rub in”
- “definitely not invisible on tan skin”
Good protection Sometimes Noted
- “feel protected all day”
- “blocks blue light from screens”
- “great physical barrier”
- “no sunburns”
Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like a spa”
- “light citrus scent”
- “love the herbal fragrance”
- “no harsh sunscreen smell”
Expensive product Sometimes Noted
- “way too pricey for the size”
- “tube didn't last long”
- “too expensive for daily use”
- “not worth the money”
Greasy finish Sometimes Noted
- “looked like a disco ball”
- “too greasy for oily skin”
- “makeup slid right off”
- “felt heavy and sticky”
Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
- “smell gave me a headache”
- “scent is too strong”
- “smells like essential oils”
- “wish it was fragrance-free”
Sources: lovi.care, dermalogica.com, ulta.com, dermstore.com, sephora.co.uk, lovelyskin.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense a great fit for acne-prone skin?
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 is a great fit for acne-prone skin because zinc oxide helps manage breakouts with its antibacterial and calming benefits. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep the skin hydrated, while argania spinosa kernel oil, bisabolol, and green tea leaf extract soothe the skin safely without irritation.
Which ingredients make this sunscreen a good fit for acne-prone skin?
This sunscreen is a great fit for acne-prone skin because zinc oxide helps manage breakouts with its antibacterial benefits, while sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and argania spinosa kernel oil keep the skin balanced. Additionally, bisabolol and camellia sinensis leaf extract help soothe and calm the skin with a low risk of irritation.
What does Zinc Oxide do for acne-prone skin?
Zinc oxide helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing breakouts, redness, and the bacteria linked to pimples. Studies show that using it on your skin is generally safe and unlikely to cause irritation.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps acne-prone skin by soothing irritation, calming redness, and keeping the skin balanced without clogging pores. When combined with targeted ingredients like zinc oxide, it may also help reduce breakouts.
Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This sunscreen goes as the final step in your morning routine, right after your moisturizer. It is a great fit for acne-prone skin because zinc oxide helps manage breakouts and soothe the skin without irritation.
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this sunscreen in the morning as the final step before makeup, well after applying your evening retinol. This sunscreen provides soothing protection, and using it alongside your routine is unlikely to cause irritation.
How often should I use it?
This sunscreen is a great fit for your acne-prone skin and is designed for daily use every morning as the final step in your daytime routine. The zinc oxide it contains helps calm breakouts and soothe the skin with a low risk of irritation.
Can this sunscreen clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This sunscreen is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for acne-prone skin because it features zinc oxide to help manage blemishes and has a low risk of irritation. It contains no harsh or prohibited ingredients, helping keep your skin calm and smooth.
Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (linalool and limonene).
What the research says
Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles selectively inhibited C. acnes, outperformed erythromycin in preclinical acne models, and safely reduced acne lesions and redness in a clinical trial.
Journal of Controlled Release, 2025Topical 0.5% hyaluronic-ZnO nanogel applied twice daily reduced inflammatory-lesion counts by 58% at week four in human subjects compared to baseline without causing erythema.
Biomedicines, 2025A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Nels cream achieved a similar reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts compared to 5% benzoyl peroxide in acne vulgaris patients, but caused significantly fewer side-effects such as peeling and dryness.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2000Topically applied coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles under flexing and massage are retained in the stratum corneum with no significant penetration into the viable epidermis and no cellular toxicity in human skin.
Nanomedicine, 2016Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019Cordyceps sinensis mycelium hydroethanolic extract increased sirtuin expression, NAD+ synthesis, ATP production, collagen synthesis, and reduced ROS and wrinkles in in vitro assays and human subjects compared to controls.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical cream containing 0.2% Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide extract was safe and achieved over 70% overall preference in 20 female volunteers.
Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 2023A cordycepin/chitosan hydrogel dressing served as a quicker re-epithelization of skin wounds and an apparent increasing collagen deposition compared with chitosan hydrogels in vivo.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2019Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2025Topical application of an argan oil NLC-based hydrogel formulation increased skin hydration in healthy volunteers over a one-month period through a synergistic effect of NLC occlusion and argan oil hydration.
International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014Incorporating allantoin into argan oil enriched liposomes improved its accumulation in the dermis (~8.7μg/cm(2)) and permeation through the skin (~33μg/cm(2)) compared to conventional liposomes, water dispersion, and a commercial gel.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2016
Ingredients
Water, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf, Lavandula Spica Oil Flower Lavender Oil Flower, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Propanediol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Citrate, Propylene Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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