Keep Your Face Protected While Minimizing the Risk of Redness, Irritation, and Breakouts
By now, you know the importance of applying (and re-applying) sunscreen. It protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause damaging burns, hyperpigmentation, brown spots, premature aging, and skin cancer. But if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation or breakouts, you may be hesitant to slather sunscreen on your body—especially your face.
Why Sensitive Skin Needs Special Sunscreen
Certain formulas that contain chemical filters, fragrances, preservatives, or essential oils can aggravate a delicate complexion. Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York, explains that this can result in redness, dryness, flaking, or general sensitivity. These reactions could either be a simple irritation to the product or a true allergic reaction to a specific ingredient.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
When in Doubt, Choose Mineral Sunscreens
In general, people with sensitive skin have better luck with mineral or physical sunscreens compared to those with chemical filters like oxybenzone or avobenzone. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the label, “which provides a physical shield between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. These ingredients are considered safe by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Avoid Fragrances
Some sunscreens may contain fragrances that can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Dr. Garshick advises opting for fragrance-free options, even if that means using a chemical filter-containing sunscreen, as long as it’s free of irritants.
Opt for Oil-Free Formulas
Having acne-prone skin is no excuse to skip sunscreen. Blemishes and dark marks will only worsen with sun exposure. Dr. Garshick recommends choosing an SPF that is oil-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Gel-like formulas often feel lighter on oily skin.
Look for Hydrating Ingredients
If you have dry, eczema-prone skin, some sunscreens offer additional moisturizing benefits. “Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or ceramides can provide the same type of benefits as traditional moisturizers while protecting you from the sun,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Test Before You Apply
If you know your skin is finicky, always test a bit of sunscreen on a separate part of your body before applying it to your face. Rub a small amount on your inner arm and wait a day or two. If you don’t react, it should be safe to use.
Top 11 Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This mineral sunscreen is designed for sensitive skin types, particularly those prone to acne, discoloration, and rosacea. Its lightweight formula includes lactic acid, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants.
2. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
Recommended by Dr. Murphy-Rose, this mineral sunscreen offers SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage with soothing ingredients like oatmeal. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-greasy.
3. Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Ideal for oily skin, this moisturizer with SPF cuts back on oil while providing sun protection. It has a lightweight, non-greasy finish and is free of parabens and fragrances.
4. Vanicream Sunscreen Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Dr. Garshick recommends this water-resistant sunscreen for active individuals with sensitive skin. It’s free of preservatives, botanical extracts, essential oils, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde.
5. CeraVe Tinted Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Dermatologists love this tinted mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to restore the skin barrier.
6. Jan Marini Physical Protectant Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This slightly tinted sunscreen provides water resistance and is perfect for those with sensitive skin needing light coverage. It contains iron oxide and green tea extract for added benefits.
7. ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Combining UV protection with antioxidants, peptides, and DNA Repairsomes, this SPF is noncomedogenic and offers natural coverage.
8. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+
This mineral sunscreen is water-resistant and fragrance-free, with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum coverage. The bottle changes color when exposed to UV rays.
9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
A crowd favorite, this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection with a non-greasy formula. It’s suitable for deeper skin tones and contains an antioxidant complex.
10. Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50
This compact sunscreen offers a cream-to-powder formula that’s ideal for reapplications and provides broad spectrum coverage without irritating the skin.
11. CoTz Face Prime & Protect Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
With a sheer, matte finish, this mineral-only sunscreen is budget-friendly and easy to reapply. It’s great for sensitive skin, with a short ingredient list to reduce the risk of reactions.
