It can be tough to craft a good skin care routine if you have sensitive skin, especially if you have certain skin concerns like rosacea or eczema. Protecting sensitive skin from the sun can be challenging, too. There are other reasons you may not be able to tolerate certain sunscreens that go beyond active ingredients — it simply depends on your specific skin type and triggers.
“It’s very rare to find true skin allergies to the active ingredients of sunscreens, but people [with sensitive skin] may be allergic to some of the ingredients commonly used in lotions and creams,” says Dr. Amy McMichael, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. These include fragrances, preservatives, parabens and dyes.
I've covered sunscreen at NBC Select for the past three years. To help you shop for sunscreens that won't irritate your sensitive skin, I spoke to six dermatologists about what potentially causes irritation and sensitive skin-friendly ingredients to look for. I also rounded up expert-recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin to consider, as well as NBC Select staff favorites.
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The experts I spoke to recommend the following factors to keep in mind:
- Chemical vs mineral: Mineral sunscreen — also known as a physical sunscreen — is less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens, which rely on chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate. This is because mineral sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which aren’t absorbed into the skin and act as a physical shield instead, according to experts.
- Ingredients: In addition to noting the active ingredients in your sunscreen, you should also look for other factors that may cause irritation, including fragrances and botanical extracts. “When it comes to sensitive skin, the simpler the formula, the less likely for irritation,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Formulation: Lotions and gels are also easier to spread and rub into the skin, which reduces the likelihood of a friction reaction, says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Plus, they provide more coverage than a spray sunscreen might.
- SPF protection: Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures your level of protection against a sunburn, according to experts in our guide to sunscreen. The dermatologists I spoke to agree you should look for a minimum SPF 30 rating, with SPF 50 or higher as the ideal amount of protection.
Below, I rounded up expert-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite sunscreens that won’t block pores, have a minimum SPF 30 and have mineral-based formulas.
Best overall sunscreen for sensitive skin: EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen with SPF 46
What we like
- Absorbs quickly
- No white cast
- Hydrating
Something to note
- May pill
The EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is a favorite among my experts and several NBC Select editors with sensitive skin since it’s noncomedogenic, meaning it is free of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores. It also has niacinamide, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient for those with skin concerns like rosacea. The mineral-based sunscreen offers SPF 46 protection and includes zinc oxide, which experts say provides protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while soothing the skin.
It’s the only sunscreen I’ve tried that doesn’t flare up my rosacea, and NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez says it works great on her rosacea-prone, sensitive skin, too. NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg also uses it on her fair, sensitive skin every day. “I love the texture and it never burns my eyes if I sweat,” she says.
Type: Mineral and chemical | SPF: 46 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Water-resistant: No | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sunscreen lotion for sensitive skin: Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
What we like
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
Something to note
- May leave a white cast
- Thick cream
“This ultra lightweight lotion sunscreen uses mineral-only [blockers] that can be used on both the face and the body,” says Zeichner. “It can easily be spread to large body surface areas and fully rubs into the skin without leaving a harsh, white cast.” The sunscreen is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t cause irritation, and free of fragrances, oils and dyes.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sensitive skin sunscreen with no white cast: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
What we like
- Repairs damaged skin
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Higher price
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen comes recommended by multiple experts due to its non-greasy, mineral-based formula that provides SPF 50+ protection. “It is easy to apply under makeup as it doesn’t leave a greasy finish or white cast and can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Hartman recommends this sunscreen to his patients with sensitive skin because it “delivers moisture and [is a] chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy,” he says. However, reviewers note this sunscreen has a light fragrance, which can be irritating for some.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50+ | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: No
Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
What we like
- Sheer green tint for redness
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Pump packaging
Something to note
- Not water-resistant
This fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen is made specifically for those with acne-prone skin, and it’s a favorite of NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks. “My sensitive, fair skin is very prone to redness, so I love the formula’s sheer green tint,” she says. “I can’t see myself going without this on a daily basis.” It’s also moisturizing, reef-safe and very lightweight, so it can double as a light primer before makeup, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No | Consistency: Green-tint lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sunscreen for very sensitive skin: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
What we like
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Something to note
- Not water-resistant
This sunscreen from Vanicream is noncomedogenic, lightweight and formulated with ceramides to hydrate the skin, according to the brand. “It’s free from potential skin irritants like fragrances, dyes and parabens, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin,” Hartman says.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sunscreen for dry, sensitive skin: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
What we like
- Sheer tint
- Hydrating
- Oil- and fragrance-free
Something to note
- Not for all skin tones
- Not water-resistant
If you have dry skin, Garshick recommends this Cerave sunscreen for its hydrating formula that has hyaluronic acid, ceramides to help support the skin’s natural barrier and niacinamide to soothe the skin. It pairs SPF 30 protection with a sheer tint, which helps offset any white cast on the skin, says Garshick. The sunscreen is noncomedogenic and free of oil and fragrances, which also makes it a great option for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: No | Consistency: Tinted lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sunscreen for oily, sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 30
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios mineral sunscreen is lightweight and noncomedogenic. It’s oil-free and made with silica, a lightweight powder that helps absorb excess oil from skin and reduce shine, according to the brand. “[The sunscreen] has the benefits of a mineral filter with SPF 30, plus the hydrating properties of a moisturizer with glycerin, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, all which are suitable for sensitive skin,” says Hartman.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sensitive skin sunscreen for under makeup: Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
What we like
- Lightweight
- Sits well under makeup
- No white cast
Something to note
- Higher price
NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez loves wearing this Supergoop mineral sunscreen daily, and says it sits well under a full face of makeup. “It has such a lightweight, almost mousse-like texture that blends in so easily without leaving a white cast or causing irritation,” says Alvarez. The brand recommends allowing 30 seconds for the product to absorb into your skin before applying makeup on top.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 40 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes) | Consistency: Mousse | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sweat-resistant sunscreen for sensitive skin: Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35
What we like
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Hydrates and calms redness
- Sweat-resistant
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin wears the Kinfield Daily Dew face sunscreen while running. “It’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so I can go on an hour-long run and not worry about reapplication,” she says. Since she’s more prone to breakouts in the summer due to sweat, Malin says the sunscreen is “super gentle” and doesn’t irritate her skin or cause acne. It also has glycerin, sea kelp and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated, moisturized and calm, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 35 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: No
Best powder sunscreen for sensitive skin: Brush on Block Sheer Genius Mineral Sunscreen + Moisture SPF 50
What we like
- Brush-on application
- Easy to reapply
- Hydrating
Something to note
- Higher price
- Not as much coverage
This Brush on Block mineral sunscreen “has an amazing formulation for being all-mineral — it’s moisturizing, doesn’t leave a white cast or any greasiness,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. It also serves as a daily moisturizer since it’s formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, squalene and glycerin, according to the brand. The brand also offers a powder mineral sunscreen that is lightweight, great for sensitive skin and easy to reapply throughout the day, especially if you are wearing makeup, says King.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Powder | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best fast-absorbing sunscreen for sensitive skin: Urban Skin Rx SheerGlow Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30
What we like
- No strong chemical smell
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Helps even out skin tone
Something to note
- Has some fragrance
“If I’m not wearing tinted sunscreen, I wear this face sunscreen — it doesn’t smell strong like most sunscreens do, and I can’t even feel it once it’s blended in because it soaks into my skin so well,” says Malin. She adds that it never irritates her sensitive, acne-prone skin, or leaves a shiny, greasy feel when she applies makeup over it. The sunscreen has a silky texture with a subtle citrus scent (a factor to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance). It’s also formulated with a blend of antioxidants, like grapefruit extract (which is rich in vitamin C) and sunflower seed oil, to help soften and even out skin tone, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: No
Best sensitive skin body sunscreen: Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30
What we like
- Great for face and body
- Fragrance-free
- High SPF
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This mineral-based sunscreen from Blue Lizard, one of our favorite expert-recommended mineral sunscreens and a favorite of Alvarez, is a great option for those with sensitive skin around the entire body (not just the face). It’s fragrance-free and offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage. “The bottle changes color when exposed to UV using the brand’s Smart Bottle Technology, making it not only fun to watch but also helpful to know when sunscreen is needed,” says Garshick.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 50+ | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sensitive skin sunscreen for kids: Banana Boat Kids 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
What we like
- Great for eczema-prone skin
- Non-greasy
- Great for face and body
Something to note
- May leave a white cast
One of our favorite sunscreens for kids, this Banana Boat option has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s suitable for people, including kids, with very sensitive skin and eczema. It’s also oil-free, so it won’t leave a greasy feel after applying it, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best splurge sunscreen for sensitive skin: Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
What we like
- No white cast
- Fragrance- and oil-free
- Hydrating
Something to note
- Higher price
Recommended by Garshick and Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, this sunscreen is noncomedogenic, free of fragrances and oil, and it can be worn underneath makeup. “The lightweight formula can be used on the face or body and, in addition to zinc oxide, contains moisturizing ingredients, such as silver ear mushroom extract to help boost hydration,” says Garshick. “And as the name implies, it absorbs easily and won’t leave behind a white cast.” It protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light (which is great if you work in front of a computer all day), infrared light, free radicals and pollution, according to the brand.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best tinted sunscreen for sensitive skin: Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
What we like
- Improves dark spots
- Sheer tint
- Absorbs quickly
Something to note
- Higher price
This mineral sunscreen has a universal tint, which means it can improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on all skin tones, according to the brand. “It absorbs easily while offering a universal tint, without leaving behind a greasy or white residue,” Garshick says. It’s noncomedogenic, paraben- and fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 50 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 40 minutes) | Consistency: Tinted lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
Best sunscreen for eczema-prone skin: Neutrogena Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
What we like
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance- and oil-free
Something to note
- May leave a white cast
This mineral sunscreen from Neutrogena includes the brand’s Dry-Touch technology, which ensures it dries sheer and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy, according to Garshick. Like the Banana Boat kids sunscreen, this one also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so it’s suitable for very sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The sunscreen is noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil- and fragrance-free.
Type: Mineral | SPF rating: 30 | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: Yes (up to 80 minutes) | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes
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In addition to considering a chemical or a physical sunscreen and looking for products formulated for sensitive skin, my experts recommend a few other factors to keep in mind when shopping for sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen.
- Avoid formulas with common irritants, including chemical filters, fragrances, preservatives and botanical extracts. To make sunscreen more tolerable for sensitive skin, look for active mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You should also consider added skin care ingredients, including dimethicone, which is noncomedogenic and helps keep the skin hydrated, as well as niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten the skin, says Dr. Zakia Rahman, board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care.
- Look for a lotion, gel or powder sunscreen rather than sprays. “If a patient cites friction as a trigger for a reaction in their skin, I would recommend a lotion or gel sunscreen as they tend to spread easily and rub into the skin quickly,” says Hartman. The aerosol in spray sunscreens can also be very irritating on sensitive skin, he says. Keep in mind that thicker, cream-based sunscreens may be too heavy for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, too.
- Combine your sunscreen with UPF clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, especially if your sensitive skin can’t tolerate sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher. “Clothing isn’t necessarily keeping the sun’s rays from harming our skin. But if you were to use UPF clothing, you can cover a large percentage of your skin and it tends to be safer and easier in terms of compliance,” says Rahman.
Frequently asked questions
There isn’t just one ingredient that can cause sunscreen to irritate your skin — it often has to do with your specific skin type or concerns. Overall, looking for sunscreens labeled as noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and free of fragrances (the most common irritant), botanical extracts, preservatives and, ideally, chemical UV filters is a good first step. Certain fragrances or preservatives that are added to sunscreens may lead to red, flaky patches, burning or stinging, especially for those with rosacea or eczema-prone skin, says Garshick.
People with sensitive skin should consider using a mineral sunscreen, which is formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that block UV rays, rather than chemical filters that turn those rays into heat, according to Hartman. Chemical sunscreens can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory disease of the skin that causes it to become red and sensitive, says Rahman.
But mineral sunscreens do have their limitations: “Traditionally, mineral sunscreens don’t look as elegant as chemical sunscreens, especially for people with brown and black skin,” says Hartman. But most have come a long way in providing physical SPF protection for darker skin tones without leaving a white or iridescent cast on the skin, he says.
Keep in mind that many people with sensitive skin can tolerate both mineral and chemical options. “I recommend doing a patch test on the skin — rub a small amount of sunscreen on the underside of your wrist and see how the skin reacts after 24 hours,” says Hartman.
You should always look for a minimum SPF 30 rating, with SPF 50 or higher as the ideal amount of protection, according to all of our experts. Keep in mind that once you go above SPF 50, the higher SPF rating only offers marginal improvements when it comes to sun protection. “It’s more important to apply sunscreen properly and reapply often,” says Hartman.
You should apply a quarter-size amount for your face and a shot glass-size amount on your body at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, she says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Amy McMichael is board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. He specializes in cosmeceuticals, skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Dr. Michele Farber is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. She specializes in skin cancer treatments, as well as general, cosmetic and procedural dermatology.
- Dr. Zakia Rahman is a board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care. She also serves as the assistant chief at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Livermore.
- Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
I am an updates editor at NBC Select, where I've covered a wide range of skin care topics, including under-eye circles treatments, sunscreens for oily skin and rosacea treatments. For this article, I spoke to eight dermatologists to narrow down the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, and highlighted their recommendations for the best ingredients and products to consider.
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