Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin That Will Keep You Protected
The summer is here, the days are getting hotter, and it’s critical to ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. There are several good sunscreens available, but finding the best sunscreens for sensitive skin can be hard. To make the right choice you’ll need to know what ingredients you can use for your skin, and what ingredients irritate your skin. If you’re looking for a good sunscreen for sensitive skin you could use every day, it should be lightweight, chemical-free, and preferably unscented to avoid irritation. If you want a tan without going in the sun, we recommend you check, out the best facial self tanners.
We’ve reviewed a dozen of formulas, searching for the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, that doesn’t cause irritation, or redness, and made a list to share our top recommendations with you.
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best Lightweight:
Best Tinted:
Best Mineral:
Best For Hydration:
Best SPF:
Best Sunscreen Serum:
Best Stick:
Best Spray:
Best Overall
This is probably one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, as it is the #1 Dermatologist-recommended and trusted sunscreen brand. This sunscreen is the best seller on Amazon, and it is lightweight and doesn’t leave any white casts after use. The main ingredients are Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidants, which are suitable for sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin. The only negative thing about this sunscreen is the price, but the price for its abilities is worth it.
Best Budget
If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable, Dermatologically tested, and suitable for sensitive skin product, you’ve found it. Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Daily Sunscreen is infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E which will provide you with long-lasting hydration. One reviewer says “I was tired of facial sunscreens that left a greasy white film on my face which I could still feel and see hours and hours later. This product is NOT that and there’s no offensive smell. It goes on easily, absorbs quickly and I think this is my new favorite sunscreen for my face!”
Best Lightweight
You’d have to look hard to find more lightweight sunscreen than this, in fact so light, that you won’t even feel it when you apply it. It’s also packed with 8 natural ingredients that help protect the skin from UV, as well as help to reinforce vitality, relax, and hydrate the skin. The only downside is that it has a strong scent, not to worry, there’s an unscented one on the table.
Best Tinted
MDSolarSciences is a relatively new brand to the game, focusing on hydrating products and sunscreens. This tinted, oil-free mineral sunscreen is so gentle that you can even use it for sensitive, acne-prone, rosacea-prone skin. It has 5 natural ingredients infused, that are Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit, Pomegranate Extracts, and Vitamin C. This sunscreen might replace your foundation in the summer. One reviewer says “FINALLY I have found one that goes in so silky smooth and non-shiny and looks great! I actually enjoy putting it on it feels so good! The tint has allowed me to not need to use foundation, either.”
Best Mineral
Blue Lizard is an Australian brand, that has been specializing in sunscreen products for over 20 years. Australia has a harsh climate and extreme UV rays almost every day, which makes sunscreens a must. This mineral-based sunscreen contains no fragrances or paraben, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The consistency is a little thick, and it may leave a white cast that will eventually fade, for some, it may be a positive thing, but for others negative.
Best For Hydration
This sunscreen + facial moisturizer was specifically made for older women, as it has Niacinamide (an anti-aging agent), but anyone can use it. Hyaluronic Acid is known for its hydrating ability, which makes it a perfect moisturizing sunscreen. The formula is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin as it is free from fragrance, paraben, and oil.
Best SPF
Hawaiian Tropic is a brand that focuses its attention on products with sunscreen protection. This sunscreen is SPF 70 – it blocks 99% of UVB rays. The formula contains Vitamins C & E to nourish the skin. The texture is lightweight and might be a little bit sticky for some, and the scent is mangos, which is wonderful.
Best Sunscreen Serum
Zitsticka creates products that can help you with zit-fighting. This sunscreen serum is an ideal product for breakouts and sensitive skin. It is lightweight, dermatologist-tested, and packed with ingredients like Hyaluronic, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Tea Tree, Ceramides, and Niacinamides. One reviewer says “It goes on like a moisturizing serum and rubs in effortlessly and leaves nothing behind. It doesn’t sting my eyes and doesn’t have any odor, not just fragrance-free, but also has no chemical smell from the ingredients like other products can sometimes have. I don’t typically break out but I do get red easily and this does not make my skin sting or burn. WIN!”
Best Stick
If you’re on the go and need sunscreen at all times, the best option would be to use a sunscreen stick, as it fits in your pocket and is easy to use. The Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick is the perfect add-on for your travels and trips. It has a fragrance, parabens-free clean formula that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. The only negative thing about this sunscreen is that it leaves a white cast after you use it, but you’ll just have to blend it in.
Best Spray
Sun Bum has 4 types of sunscreens to offer, with different SPF levels (15-70), scents, and benefits. The original sunscreen has a delightful “summer” scent and offers SPF 50, to block 98% UVB rays. This sunscreen contains Vitamin E, known for its amazing moisturizing benefits. One reviewer says “This sunscreen smells amazing and works well for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, the beach… you name it!”
Are mineral sunscreens better for sensitive skin?
In short, Yes. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate because they sit on the surface of the skin, rather than being absorbed into the skin.
How often should I reapply sunscreen for sensitive skin?
Just like with regular sunscreens, it should be reapplied every two hours, when you’re outside. It might be more frequent if you are swimming or heavily sweating, but, make sure that you choose the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin.
What ingredients should I avoid in sunscreens if I have sensitive skin?
We recommend you avoid chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone as they can irritate. Also avoid harsh chemicals like fragrances, alcohol, parabens, and methylisothiazolinone to avoid triggering a skin reaction.