We know that finding the right sunscreen for sensitive skin can be a pretty daunting task. Having countless products on the market doesn’t really help either, since you have to check all the labels and find the products that are gentle, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. We know the pain!
That’s why, in this article, we put all the best sunscreens specifically formulated for sensitive skin, highlighting their key ingredients, benefits, and why they stand out in providing both protection and care. We emphasize the importance of using broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Using sunscreen can also help prevent early skin aging. No more skimming through each and every label or just crossing your fingers in hopes the sunscreen you just bought will work.
Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this list will help you find a sunscreen that keeps your skin safe and comfortable under the sun.
How to choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin?
Choosing products suitable for sensitive skin is always a bit of a challenge. However, to make it all a bit easier, we have some tips on choosing sunscreens that will provide effective skin protection while minimizing the risk of irritation:
Opt for mineral sunscreens
Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and look for “mineral sunscreen” or “physical sunscreen” on the label. Mineral sunscreens are less irritating to sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens, making them more suitable for individuals with allergies or skin sensitivities.
Avoid common irritants
Choose fragrance-free products, avoid parabens, and steer clear of high alcohol content in your sunscreen. By choosing a product without these common irritants, you’ll definitely minimize the chance of irritation and discomfort. Additionally, opting for mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen can be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, as it often contains moisturizing and calming ingredients.
Look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic options
Hypoallergenic formulations minimize allergic reactions, while non-comedogenic ones prevent clogged pores.
Consider sensitive skin formulations
Look for sunscreens labelled for sensitive skin; chances are they’ll be just what you need.
Test the product
Even though the label might say “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin”, it’s still a good idea to do a patch test. Apply your product to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours. If nothing happens – you are good to go! You might also want to consider getting a smaller package first, because sometimes an irritation might occur with frequent use. So, better start small!
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Choose the right texture
Texture plays a huge role, too. Creams and lotions are usually friendlier for dry, sensitive skin, while gels and sprays might contain more irritants. If you’d like to purchase such a sunscreen, make sure to check out the label first.
Check SPF and protection levels
Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to ensure high protection. Better yet, choose a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF, as it protects against UVA and UVB rays simultaneously. It is essential to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 for adequate protection from sun exposure.
Follow these tips whenever you’re choosing a sunscreen product, and your skin will thank you. However, if you’d like to skip all that browsing and choosing, we have rounded up some of the best body and face sunscreens suitable for sensitive skin below.
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen
Price: 36.00 GBP
This lightweight, reef-friendly SPF 30 mineral sunscreen effectively shields skin from harmful UV rays while leaving a soft, natural-looking finish. It is enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, soothing chamomile, and a naturally derived tint that blends beautifully with all skin tones. Suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, this sunscreen addresses concerns of dryness and dullness with a lightweight serum formulation.
Key ingredients include zinc oxide, which provides gentle yet effective UV protection, and squalane, which helps skin appear softer, smoother, and plumped. An antioxidant complex featuring vitamin E and ethyl ferulate offers additional defence against free-radical damage. This vegan, cruelty-free product is also packaged in recyclable materials, making it a conscientious choice for both your skin and the environment.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Price: 25.44 USD
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ offers advanced sun protection with the exclusive MEXORYL400 filter, guarding against ultra-long UVA rays. This non-perfumed, ultra-resistant sunscreen protects against UVB, UVA, and ultra-long UVA rays, preventing UV-induced damage. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture leaves no white marks and is gentle enough for use around the eyes without stinging.
Designed for sensitive skin, this minimalist, hypoallergenic formula is rigorously tested and suitable for all skin types and phototypes. Key benefits include anti-eye-stinging properties, water, sweat, and sand resistance, and an invisible finish. Clinically proven efficacy is backed by XL-PROTECT technology for broad-spectrum protection and NETLOCK TECHNOLOGY for high resistance.
Anthelios sunscreen is dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and is allergy-approved.
Best for body: Naked Sundays SPF50 Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Crème
Naked Sundays SPF50 Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Crème
Price: 24.65 GBP
This Australian-made (aussies sure know a thing or two about sun) SPF50 Antioxidant Body Sunscreen might be the ultimate summer essential. It has a high-performance, water-resistant formula (80 minutes) and is perfect for face and body. Infused with Kakadu Plum and Vitamin E, it firms, hydrates, and illuminates your skin while providing robust sun protection.
Vegan-friendly, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Why is it so important to use sunscreen products?
We all know that we should be using sunscreens every time we step out into the sun. While we are all certain that such products are huge helpers in avoiding sun burns, there are quite a few more benefits of incorporating sun protection into your daily skincare routine. It is important to wear sunscreen daily, even when not directly in the sun, to protect against skin aging, skin damage, and potential development of skin cancer.
Sunscreen helps protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, making it an essential part of any skincare regimen.
Prevents sunburn
As we’ve already mentioned, sunscreen shields the skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause sunburn, which can be painful and damaging to the skin.
Reduces the risk of skin cancer
Regular use of sunscreen significantly lowers the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. UV radiation is a major risk factor for these cancers! So, as they say – better safe than sorry.
Prevents premature aging
UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen helps to prevent photoaging by blocking these rays. In fact, many dermatologist agree that sunscreens are the best anti-aging products you can use.
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Protects against hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Sunscreen is excellent in evening-out skin tone as it helps prevent the formation of dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by UV exposure. This is particularly important for individuals prone to hyperpigmentation.
Maintains skin health
Because sunscreens are such good doers at protecting your skin from the harmful sun rays, it also helps maintain overall skin health. Regular use of sun shield products ensure your skin remains resilient and less prone to damage and sensitivity.
Prevents heat damage
Sunscreen can help prevent the breakdown of the skin barrier caused by heat and UV exposure, maintaining skin integrity and moisture balance. So, better a quality sunscreen than repairing the damaged skin barrier afterward.
Enhances effectiveness of other skincare products
Using sunscreen can enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products, especially those containing active ingredients like retinoids and acids, which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. After all, ingredients in cosmetics tend to work in synergy with each other.
In short, daily use of sunscreen products might be the best thing you could do to your skin today to protect it and maintain its health. However, bear in mind that the choice that is suitable for your skin type is still very important here.
Best under makeup: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body (SPF30)
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body (SPF30)
Price: 32.00 GBP
This daily primer with broad spectrum SPF30 offers invisible, weightless, and scentless protection while gripping makeup. Its unique formula provides a natural finish suitable for all skin types.
Key benefits include an oil-free, antioxidant-rich composition that preps skin for makeup, delivering an efficient, feel-good application. Dermatologist-tested, it is gluten-free, vegan, and ideal for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
Best Moisturizing: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30
Price: 22.47 USD
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 with Ceramides is a facial sunscreen that offers hydration and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a 52ml bottle. Developed with dermatologists, this lotion is suitable for all skin types, including dry and acne-prone skin. Enriched with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it hydrates, calms, and protects the skin while supporting its natural barrier.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, it features a silky, non-greasy texture that spreads easily and dries with a clear finish. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this lotion utilizes patented MVE Technology to lock in moisture, providing continuous hydration for 24 hours.
What’s the “three finger” application rule?
The “three finger application” rule, although it sounds a bit cryptic, is a method used to ensure you’re applying enough sunscreen to adequately protect your face and neck. To use this method, squeeze out a line of sunscreen along the length of three fingers—usually your index, middle, and ring fingers. This amount is considered just about enough to cover your entire face and neck.
Next, dab the measured sunscreen onto various parts of your face, such as your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, as well as your neck. Finally, gently spread and blend the sunscreen over your skin until it’s evenly absorbed.
This method is a sure-shot to knowing you’re using enough sunscreen to provide effective protection. Many people tend to under-apply it! So, next time you’re putting on your sunscreen, use this rule as a simple way to measure the right amount.
Best Water-Resistant: Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch Sensitive Protect SPF 50+
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch Sensitive Protect SPF 50+
Price: 16.00 GBP
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ provides very high UV protection with advanced spectral technology, combining UVA/UVB filters and Licochalcone A to neutralize free radicals. This quick-absorbing gel-cream is extra water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and anti-sand, ideal for various outdoor settings.
Free from octinoxate and oxybenzone, it is reef-safe and compliant with the Hawaii Reef Bill, ensuring it does not harm coral reefs. Perfect for all skin types, this sunscreen offers robust protection without compromising environmental health.
Best for Mature Skin: Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50 50ml
Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50 50ml
Price: 13.45 GBP
Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigment Sun Cream SPF50 provides highly effective protection against sunburn and sun-induced skin damage. This moisturizing lotion offers instant UVA/UVB protection and helps reduce the risk of sun allergies. Enriched with Q10, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smooth and fresh-looking.
Key benefits include SPF 50 protection, anti-wrinkle properties, and immediate defense against harmful UV rays. Dermatologically approved for skin compatibility, this sun cream cares for and moisturizes your skin while reducing the risk of sun damage and allergies.
Takeaway note
Sunscreen’s popularity isn’t just marketing; it is an absolutely indispensable beauty product to be used every day, wherever you go. Its role extends beyond preventing sunburn; it offers crucial protection against skin cancer, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin damage caused by UV radiation.
And with so many to choose from these days, it would be crazy not to use one! Because by integrating sunscreen into your daily routine, you not only preserve the health and appearance of your skin but also enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products.
So, choose one of these sensitive skin-approved beauties, use the three-finger application rule (or just put on a generous glob each time), and see your skin say “thank you” every day.
It’s real when you’re with Monetha. 😉 We find the best deals for the nicest products + give you cashback when you buy through Monetha.
