Picking the right sunscreen for sensitive skin is a challenge. Merely checking the SPF is not enough – you need to be cautious about what you are putting on your face. Most sunscreens contain chemical ingredients to block UV rays, and any of the ingredients can irritate your skin. Fortunately, some brands cater to those who have sensitive skin. Below is a list of 17 best sunscreen lotions for sensitive skin that you can try.
17 Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
1. Suntegrity 5-In-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
Product Claims
This sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage as well as dark spots, redness, fine lines, and inflammation. This is why this sunscreen consistently ranks well in the EWG ranking system (Environmental Working Group database). This is a chemical-free tinted sunscreen that you can use as a BB cream to prime, cover, and protect your skin.
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Contains active zinc oxide
- Hygienic packaging
- No parabens
- No phthalates and mineral oils
- No synthetic dyes and sulfates
- No chemical UV absorbers
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free (PETA and Leaping Bunny certified)
- Non-greasy
- Reef-friendly
Cons
None
2. Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Product Claims
This facial sunscreen contains niacinamide that calms your sensitive skin and protects it. It is especially beneficial for those who have rosacea and acne-prone skin and discoloration issues. It is incredibly lightweight and easy to apply.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Zinc oxide-based
- Available in both tinted and untinted versions
- Oil-free
- Sensitivity-free
Cons
None
3. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Product Claims
This is a mineral-based sunscreen that is free of harmful chemicals. It is a broad spectrum sunscreen, and the best part is, the bottle turns blue when exposed to UV rays. In this way, it also reminds you to reapply sunscreen.
Pros
- No parabens
- No artificial fragrance
- Dermatologist recommended
- Water-resistant formula
- Reef-safe
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
None
4. NYDG Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30
Product Claims
This lightweight sunscreen contains squalane and argan extracts that prevent skin damage caused by environmental stressors. The micronized ingredients spread fast and blend evenly.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
None
5. St. Botanica Vitamin C Mineral Based Sunscreen
The St. Botanica Vitamin C Mineral-Based Sunscreen provides complete UV protection with its broad spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ formula. The water-resistant sunscreen is formulated using a blend of lemon peel oil, orange peel, amla fruit, licorice, turmeric, saffron, tamarind seed, rose flower, sandalwood, and vitamins B3, C, and E. It is rich in antioxidants and keeps your skin protected against free radicals.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
None
6. Plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen SPF 35 PA++
Product Claims
This lightweight sunscreen provides all-day sun protection with the goodness of green tea and SPF 35 PA+++. Its gel-based formula gets absorbed quickly and is suitable for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types. It is enriched with green tea extracts that fight acne, blemish-fighting natural extracts, aloe vera, and calendula that soothes irritated skin. It also provides balanced hydration to oily skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Non-greasy
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
- Non-comedogenic
- No white cast
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Not suitable for very dry skin
7. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen
Product Claims
This sunscreen is perfect for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types. It is a tinted sunscreen that contains 100% mineral filters that are incredibly gentle on your skin. It provides a broad spectrum of coverage and gives a radiant finish. It contains plankton extracts that boost your skin’s resistance to the stress induced by UV rays and heat.
Pros
- Contains zinc oxide
- Water-resistant (up to 40 minutes)
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin
- Non-oily
Cons
None
8. MD SolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense
Product Claims
This is a mineral-based sunscreen, which means it doesn’t contain UV-absorbing chemicals that often irritate sensitive skin. It has an oil-free formula and contains ceramides. It locks in moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. This sunscreen also helps repair your skin’s natural barrier and prevents photoaging.
Pros
- Safe for kids (6 months and older)
- Fragrance-free
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains antioxidants
- Non-oily
Cons
None
9. Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Product Claims
This lightweight sunscreen contains zinc oxide and moisturizing ingredients, such as beeswax, vitamin E, and sunflower oil. These ingredients soothe your skin and also strengthen its natural defenses.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Reef-safe
- Biodegradable
- Non-GMO
- Non-greasy
- No harmful chemicals
- Water-resistant
Cons
None
10. Colorscience Sunforgettable Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Product Claims
If you are tired of applying (and reapplying) sunscreen lotions and creams, try this lightweight mineral powder. It has a brush applicator with which you can simply dust your face, and you are good to go. It comes in a variety of shades (to match your skin tone) and protects your skin throughout the day.
Pros
- Can be used alone or on makeup
- Chemical-free
- Water-resistant formula
- Travel-friendly
- Suits all skin types (even hypersensitive skin)
Cons
None
11. Vanicream Sunscreen Sport
Product Claims
The formula of this sunscreen is pure love for sensitive skin. It is good for skin that is prone to breakouts, rashes, and hives. It has a non-greasy formula that will not weigh your skin down.
Pros
- No synthetic dyes
- No artificial fragrance
- No lanolin
- No parabens
- No formaldehyde
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Water-resistant (for 80 minutes)
Cons
None
12. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Product Claims
This is sunscreen is oil-free and lightweight. It is easily absorbed and provides a broad spectrum of sun protection. It is formulated with purescreen technology that uses ingredients that are 100% naturally sourced. It is also suitable for people with eczema (approved by the National Eczema Association).
Pros
- Water-resistant formula (for 80 minutes)
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- PABA-free
Cons
None
13. SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47
Product Claims
This lightweight sunscreen does not clog your skin pores and offers the highest sun protection. It contains antioxidants that keep your skin healthy and glowing. It protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
Cons
None
14. ISDIN Fotorprotector Fusion Water Color SPF 50
Product Claims
This has an ultra-light and ultra-smooth texture and sinks into your skin instantly. It doesn’t leave behind a glossy finish and a whitish cast on your skin. It prevents tanning, keeps your complexion even, and provides wide coverage.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Developed with Safe-Eye technology (doesn’t irritate the eyes)
- Can be applied on both wet and dry skin (thanks to Wetflex technology)
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Biodegradable formula
- No alcohol
Cons
- Contains PEG-8
15. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Product Claims
This sunscreen doesn’t feel sticky on your skin and is ideal for acne-prone skin. It contains avobenzone, which is an FDA-approved chemical for protecting the skin from UVA rays. It is formulated with advanced cell-ox shield technology and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Leaves an ashy residue on the skin.
16. Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen
Product Claims
It contains olive polyphenols that prevent redness and irritation and calm your skin down. It is a lightweight sunscreen that contains zinc oxide. After you apply it, the sunscreen forms a protective barrier on your skin immediately and blocks UV rays. It can be used on the face and other body parts.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- SPF 40
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains PEG-100
17. Aveeno Active Naturals Protect + Hydrate Broad Spectrum SPF 70
Product Claims
This ultra-moisturizing sunscreen lotion protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. The formula of this sunscreen contains oats extracts that keep your skin hydrated, protect the skin barrier, and also calm it down. This sunscreen is perfect for daily use.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Contains PEG-100
Go ahead and pick the sunscreen you like. Share your experience and feedback with us in the comments section below.
