Sunscreen is the one product that everyone should have in their skincare routine. SPF is no longer just for sunny beach days – it should be worn every day, even if the sun isn’t shining or you’re staying inside.
However, some chemical sunscreen formulas can irritate sensitive skin, causing discomfort, burning, and stinging. Thanks to the burgeoning beauty industry, new and sophisticated sunscreen formulations are now available that won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin.
What To Look For In A Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Sensitive skin is complex, so what irritates one complexion may not irritate another. However, while looking for an SPF for sensitive skin, a few factors are to bear in mind.
According to board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, mild formulations with no harsh active ingredients or perfumes are the best choice.
“There’s nothing wrong with fragrance for the great majority,” she explains, “but the subset of folks who are sensitive often have issues with fragranced products.”
She also recommends using products with calming components like allantoin and niacinamide to keep your skincare calm while protecting it from the sun’s rays.
Ready to go shopping? We’ve compiled a list of Hirsch’s favorite alternatives and some of our own to make your search easier. Continue reading to learn about the best sunscreens for sensitive skin.
Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Don’t be fooled by the name: this simple sunscreen is perfect for anyone with delicate skin, not just newborns. Hirsch likes this option because of its gentle formula, ease of use, and low price.
The mineral sunscreen is constructed entirely of zinc oxide, which acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. The formula is tear-free, hypoallergenic, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes because it is created for babies.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion – SPF 30
Sunburnt easily at the beach? Take with you this reef-friendly mix from Hirsch’s list of favorites. The water-resistant SPF is fragrance- and paraben-free, common irritants for persons with sensitive skin.
A combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Another fascinating feature is Smart Bottle Technology, which causes the bottle and cap to change color when exposed to UV rays, which is helpful for extended days in the sun when reapplying numerous times is required.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
Usually, we wouldn’t include a perfumed choice on the list, but Glow Recipe’s version was created with sensitive, acne-prone skin in mind. A fruity-scented SPF made with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe is contained in the pink bottle.
Chemical filters absorb the sun’s rays, while a mineral filter reflects and scatters UV radiation in the hybrid chemical-mineral composition. This is also a winner for melanin-rich skin because the formula blends effortlessly and leaves no gray or white cast.
It’s on the glowy side, so this isn’t for you if you’re looking for a matte formula.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Tinted Sunscreen
This Elta MD pick is perfect for those who prefer a subtle tint. The fragrance-free, lightweight sunscreen is ideal for those with sensitive skin because it won’t clog pores or cause irritation.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide UVA/UVB protection. In contrast, linoleic acid, quercetin, and thioctic acid provide adequate antioxidant protection against free radical damage, producing noticeable indications of aging.
While the other Elta MD option on our list isn’t ideal for beach days, this one is, thanks to its water-resistance of up to 40 minutes.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Sunscreen
Put this handy SPF in your luggage for quick touch-ups and application while on the go. A sheer, lightweight solid sunscreen glides onto the skin and evenly disperses mineral blockers inside the stick package.
The oil-free, Ecocert-certified sunscreen is designed to go into those hard-to-reach areas like the nose, lips, and eyes. This one was developed for days when a plunge in the pool is involved that’s to its water-resistant composition that lasts up to 80 minutes.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
As if you didn’t already love Frank Ocean, his mother designed this sunscreen for people with dark skin tones. Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides are found in mineral SPF, and they provide a physical shield on the skin without leaving a white or gray tint.
The uber-hydrating thick cream, containing shea butter, coconut, olive oil, and safflower seed oils, is another excellent option for exceptionally dry skin.
Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
This option is ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin. Hirsch says, “It’s my go-to for sensitive skin and eczema patients. It has very few ingredients and nearly nothing to be irritating potentially.”
The zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is fragrance-free, dye-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, and gluten-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
It is also non-comedogenic, so if you’re prone to breakouts, this is the one to get.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
This fragrance-free, broad-spectrum alternative is rich with antioxidants, according to Hirsch. La Roche-Posay is known for its beautiful skincare formulae, and this sunscreen, in particular, is a longtime favorite of dermatologists, makeup artists, and influencers.
It’s formulated using broad-spectrum zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and senna alata, a tropical herb noted for its anti-free radical properties. There are also some of the brand’s calming thermal spring water, which has antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, the creamy, runny texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no white cast or film. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic. Before using, give the bottle a good shake and work fast because it can get nasty rapidly.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This is the gold standard in SPF for everyday use. For people with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or rosacea, this dermatologist-recommended oil-free mineral sunscreen is a must. It clings to the skin’s surface rather than seeping into it, reducing irritation and acne flare-ups.
The feather-light product provides broad-spectrum sun protection, a shot of hyaluronic acid for relaxing moisture, and a little quantity of lactic acid to gently smooth skin. The silky, creamy lotion absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy behind or a white tint.
This sunscreen isn’t water-proof or resistant, so don’t wear it to the pool or the beach.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
With or without makeup, this luxurious alternative from Tatcha feels dreamy on the skin. This liquidy solution has a mineral composition and contains silk extracts to maintain the skin barrier, 10% zinc oxide and red algae extract for UVA/UVB protection, and hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to moisturize and even out skin tone.
Because of its air-light fluid texture that instantly smooths onto the skin, the formula won’t pill under foundation. A word of caution – give it a good shake before using it to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Saie Sunvisor Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 35
This dewy collection from clean-beauty brand Saie should be added to the Sephora carts of sensitive skin types that are also dry. Sun protection is provided by non-nano zinc oxide, while hydration is provided by grapeseed oil, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Brightening licorice and calming aloe vera are also included. It also doesn’t have the dreaded white cast, making it a fantastic find for people of all skin tones. We recommend skipping this one if you have oily skin because it may be too rich for you.
