Sensitive skin can be tricky because it’s prone to redness and easily bothered by ingredients in a variety of skincare products. This can include sunscreens, which tend to irritate reactive skin, often due to chemical active ingredients that are meant to shield from environmental and sun damage. The best sunscreens for sensitive skin (like our top overall pick from EltaMD) combine SPF with a non-inflammatory formula, so skin is soothed and protected all at once.
These are the best sunscreens for sensitive skin that that provide effective, broad-spectrum sun ... [+]
Sunscreens are made with different kinds of filters: chemical, mineral or a blend of both. Chemical ingredients absorb into the skin and are generally sheer when applied, but they can be irritating to some. Mineral sunscreens feature active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are typically gentler on delicate skin, making them ideal for sensitive types. This version, however, can sometimes be difficult to blend, and may leave you with a pale, chalky appearance. With the help of experts, we’ve rounded up the best sunscreens for sensitive skin that that provide effective, broad-spectrum sun protection without irritation.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve logged countless hours testing and reviewing makeup and skincare products—including facial sunscreens and SPF for babies—as well as poring through reviews from consumers.
- Author Molly Calhoun regularly researches the latest in skincare, reporting on everything from the best vitamin C serums to neck-firming creams.
- Deputy editor Jane Sung, who has edited every iteration of this story, oversees the beauty and grooming category and has 15-plus years of experience covering beauty and style.
- Calhoun also consulted with dermatologists Dr. Heather D. Rogers and Dr. Leah Ansell for their take on what to look for in sunscreens for sensitive skin.
How We Chose The Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
When putting together a list of best sunscreen options for reactive skin, we looked at top options available at different price points and then considered consumer reviews from a wide range of retailers.
- We used our tested insights to choose some of our winners, including our best overall pick that our testers with highly reactive skin raved about.
- We also spoke with leading dermatologists for their expert advice on the best ingredients and formulations to protect skin from the sun—and stave off redness and any angry flare-ups.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
There are some key factors to consider when shopping for sunscreens for sensitive skin. Here’s what to look for.
Ingredients
“Sensitive skin is more likely to be irritated by everything, including sunscreen,” says Dr. Heather D. Rogers, dermatologist and co-founder and CEO of Doctor Rogers Skin Care. “This is because the skin is typically thinner, drier and often has more blood vessels closer to the skin’s surface, all of which contribute to absorbing more of whatever you put on, thus making it more sensitive.” So paying close attention to ingredients when you have sensitive skin is a must.
“Chemical UV filters, including avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone and homosalate, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals,” Rogers says. “Preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol and formaldehyde releasers used to prevent microbial growth in sunscreens can also cause skin irritation. Alcohol—like denatured alcohol or SD alcohol, which stands for specially denatured—can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin types.” As a general rule, look for things that are non-comedogenic.
Chemical Vs. Mineral
Chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin and are sheer when applied; however, “chemical sunscreens are a higher risk for irritation due to the many ingredients and preservatives,” says Dr. Leah Ansell, board-certified dermatologist with Treiber Dermatology. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, on the other hand, can be drying and “tend to leave a white residue and are thicker, but they’re very safe for those with sensitive skin,” says Ansell. If your skin is reactive and prone to redness, hybrid options are protective and absorb well, but finding out if they irritate skin may require some trial and error.
“If you are using zinc-based sunscreen, it starts working as soon as it is applied,” says Rogers. “A chemical based sunscreen needs to be absorbed into the skin before it is effective. We are taught to wait 30 minutes, although some studies suggest it starts to work faster than that.”
SPF
The SPF factor in a sunscreen shouldn’t affect sensitive skin, according to Ansell. “SPF 30 is generally adequate, though recent studies show that higher SPFs tend to be more effective,” says Ansell. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends water-resistant, broad spectrum skin protection of SPF 30 or higher for any extended outdoor time.
Fragrance
For the most part, you want to try to avoid fragrance if you have reactive or delicate skin. “Fragrances or fragrance additives can irritate those with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin,” Rogers says.
What Type Of Sunscreen Is Best For Sensitive Skin?
Our pick for best sunscreen for sensitive skin overall is the EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum Protection. It has SPF 46, and it hydrates and soothes in addition to providing broad spectrum protection.
Is SPF 30 Or 50 Better For Sensitive Skin?
Both are good, but there are certain factors to consider. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “SPF 30 allows about 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2% of those rays through. That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50% more UV radiation onto your skin.” So while an SPF of 50 is more protective, it can also give a false sense of security. It’s still a good idea to reapply, seek shade and cover up when in the sun for extended periods.
Should You Use Different Sunscreen On Your Face And Body?
While it’s perfectly fine to use the same sunscreen on both, you may want to use different products based on your skincare concerns in certain areas of the face and body. “If a patient is acne-prone, they should use non-comedogenic sunscreen on the face but don’t need that on the body, unless they have acne on the chest and back,” says Dr. Ansell.
