When spring rolls around, beauty outlets constantly tout the benefits of using sunscreen every day, whether you plan to lounge around at the pool, run errands or tackle yard work.
Regular application of a quality sunscreen protects your skin from sun exposure, one of the most common causes of premature wrinkling and skin cancer, keeping your skin youthful and glowing. But if you have sensitive skin, using certain sunscreens can feel like trading one problem (excessive sun exposure) for another (dry, flaky, irritated skin).
The following 11 sunscreens are the best for sensitive skin, lacking unnecessary fragrances and other irritants, yet still protecting your face and body from UVA and UVB rays.
Best Sunscreens For Your Face
Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
The EltaMD UV Clear facial sunscreen not only offers the best sun protection, it also moisturizes your skin, restores its suppleness and helps diminish the signs of aging by reducing the free radical damage. It is noncomedogenic, with no oils, parabens or fragrance and with anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it perfect for sensitive, problematic and acne-prone skin.
Goes on smooth, leaving no residue and feels very light, nothing like your typical sunscreen. You can wear it under makeup or alone and it is best to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it often. Its only downside is that it is not water resistant, so if you are looking for a sunscreen to use only while swimming this is not the best choice.
Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream SPF 38
The Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream is a face sunscreen suitable for all skin types, especially recommended for sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and unscented, meaning it will not cause any skin irritation or clog the pores.
It provides good moisturizing and high protection from UVB and UVA radiation. Contains transparent zinc oxide which enhances and extends protection in the UVA spectrum and is extremely water resistant. It can also be a great base for make up, so you can use it daily and not only at the beach or pool.
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
Cotz Face Sunscreen is a tinted mineral sunscreen, 100% free of chemical sunscreens, fragrances, oils, preservatives and parabens. It’s non-greasy, lightweight and very gentle, great for all skin types including sensitive skin. It helps prevent uneven skin tone and premature aging signs and is water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Thanks to its Balanced Mineral Complex™, the Cotz Face Sunscreen helps prevent heat build-up in the skin, which can cause serious damage to the dermis. It will leave your skin with a sheer matte finish, feeling soft and smooth. You can use it alone or as a makeup primer.
Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
With key ingredients like Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide and Artermia salina, this sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, increases the skin’s defense against UV and heat stress and protects the collagen and other skin proteins from UV damage.
It uses only mineral filters and is non-comedogenic and free of chemical filters and parabens. It’s recommended for all skin types, even very sensitive skin. Shake it before application to ensure even distribution of its active ingredients and apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure to your face, neck and chest.
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunblock is recommended for sensitive acne prone skin. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, waterproof and sweatproof. It has a water-light texture, goes on very smooth and absorbs quickly, leaving a weightless, matte finish.
It leaves no residue and will not clog your pores or cause breakouts. It features Helioplex® technology, which ensures superior broad spectrum protection form UVA and UVB rays.
Avene High Protection Mineral Cream SPF 50
Avene High Protection Mineral Cream is a 100% mineral sunscreen, suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive and intolerant skin. With ingredients like Avène Thermal spring water, Titanium dioxide & Zinc oxide and Pre-tocopheryl, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, moisturizes and soothes the skin and protects it from free radical damage.
This is a highly water resistant sunscreen, which can retain its SPF after 40 minutes of activity in the water. It is non-irritating, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Vanicream Sunscreen – Sensitive Skin SPF 30
Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the Vanicream Sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays without the use of chemical sunscreens. Thanks to the Coenzyme Q10, this sunscreen also helps prevent free radical damage to the skin when it is exposed to the sun. It is non-comedogenic and free of oils, fragrances, gluten and preservatives. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Solar Protection Formula TIZO Sunscreen Lotion For Ultra Sensitive Skin SPF 35
The TIZO Sunscreen Lotion is one of the best sunscreens specially formulated for ultra sensitive skin without any irritating chemical sunscreen filters. It uses a pure mineral protection in the form of Zinc Oxide (20%) which provides high and broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
It is non-greasy and free of oils, parabens and fragrance. Goes on smooth and easy and is formulated to offer transparent protection, which means that it will not leave a white film on most complexions after application. If, however, you have a very dark skin be ware that it might leave a light, thin, white residue.
Best Sunscreens For Your Body
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-light Sunscreen Fluid
Being a winner of the InStyle 2013 Best of Beauty Award, Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-light Sunscreen Fluid had to be featured on this list. It is a fast-absorbing, weightless sunscreen, recommended for all skin types and tested on sensitive skin.
Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield™ antioxidant technology, it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and protects the skin from free radicals responsible for causing premature skin aging. It is non-comedogenic, free of oils and fragrance and water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Ocean Potion Protect and Nourish Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Ocean Potion Protect and Nourish Sunscreen Lotion provides high broad spectrum protection against UVA I, II and UVB rays and it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The ingredients list includes seaplant extracts and anti-oxidant vitamins that nourish the skin and help preserve its youthfulness by reducing cell-damaging free radicals caused by the sun. It is non-greasy and absorbs very quickly. It is also hypoallergenic and paraben free.
Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion is clinically proven to be appropriate for sensitive skin and skin with rosacea. This sunscreen lotion provides gentle but very powerful broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with SPF 50.
It helps prevent sunburn and protects the skin from sun’s harmful effects that can cause damage or premature aging. It is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, oils, alcohol and fragrances.
To conclude, if you have delicate, sensitive skin doesn’t mean that you have to avoid the sun at all cost. In the summer months that’s nearly impossible. Just choose the best sunscreen for your sensitive skin, tan safely and enjoy the summer.
Meet Lisa, the talented and dedicated editor of our wedding, health, relationship, and lifestyle blog. With her keen eye for detail and her passion for all things related to love and wellness, Lisa is an essential part of our team.
As an expert in all things wedding, Lisa knows how to help couples navigate the often-overwhelming process of planning their big day. From choosing the perfect dress to selecting the ideal venue, she understands that every detail matters when it comes to creating a memorable and magical wedding experience.
But Lisa’s expertise doesn’t stop at weddings. She’s also a health and wellness enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tips and trends in self-care and mindfulness. Whether it is advice on healthy eating, fitness routines, or ways to reduce stress, Lisa knows how to help readers live their best lives.
