These are the only sunscreens that don't freak out my sensitive skin (2024)

We know by now that sunscreen isn't just for sunny occasions, but that it's one of the most important steps in a daily skincare routine. Often, hyperpigmentation and fine lines arise because of the way our skin is treated early on, so we cannot hammer it home hard enough; protecting your skin now will make all the difference in the future.

With something as crucial as SPF, it’s a real downer to know that the wrong bottle can lead to stingy skin and watery eyes. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip sun protection altogether; you just need to find a gentle, non-irritating formula.

With so many formulas to choose from, selecting the right sunscreen can feel rather eenie meenie miney moe, and those with sensitive skin are likely to find it especially challenging.

We take testing SPF seriously here at Women's Health. There are so many things to consider when finding the best products around – and believe us, there are so many to choose from. Firstly, we consider the sensorial element. Gone are the days of claggy creams which leave a white cast. Today, we're looking for lightweight formulas that feel as good to use as your favourite serum. We've also specifically tested mineral-based formulas as these tend to be gentler on those with sensitive skin.

How they appear on the skin is another consideration. We're asking questions like: do they leave a greasy finish? Does the formula sink into fine lines? Do they leave a matte or dewy result?

Then, of course, we're assessing how well they protect sensitive skin from the sun. The formulas in this edit feature high-factor protection against UVA and UVB rays, while keeping reactive skin calm and content. We've brought these formulas on seaside staycations, sun-soaked holidays and trips to the pub – and all surpassed our expectations.

To point you in the right direction, we hit up Dr Ana Mansouri, aesthetic doctor and SkinCeuticals brand expert, to share everything there is to know about SPF for sensitive skin. Plus, our beauty team share the top formulas to try today.

1. La Roche-Posay, Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid

This is another expert choice from Dr Mansouri: in fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who wouldn’t recommend La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin. The liquid formula quickly absorbs and feels undetectable to wear. Formulated with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, it also keeps your skin moisturised while it protects.

2. Avène, Very High Protection Fluid for Sensitive Skin

If you prefer the feeling of thicker sunscreens, Avene’s fluid sun cream is a wise choice. Don’t be fooled by the name; it sounds like it should have a liquid texture but it’s actually a comforting cream. Even so, it quickly absorbs and doesn't leave behind a white cast. However, it does take a moment to blend so be patient with it.

3. CeraVe, AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50

An SPF and moisturiser in one? We’re sold. Perfectly formulated for anyone with a temperamental complexion, CeraVe’s ever-so-popular Moisturising Lotion is enriched with ceramides to keep dry skin safe and hydrated. See it as your morning moisturiser and you’ll never skip out on sunscreen again.

4. Garnier, Invisible Serum Super UV

This serum formula raises the bar for high-street sunscreens, and luckily for you, it’s strictly designed for sensitive souls. The milky serum instantly sinks into your skin without leaving a trace – in fact, you can barely feel it after a few seconds.

Enriched with ceramides and factor 50 protection, it helps to reinforce your barrier function (which is often compromised if you have a sensitivity), while fighting pollution too.

5. The Inkey List, Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

You can expect big things from The Inkey List's Mineral Sunscreen. It's formulated with a 100% zinc oxide base to protect against UV rays, while shea butter conditions sensitive skin and promotes a restored barrier.

A small dollop swiftly sinks into the skin, feeling more like a moisturiser rather than a high-power SPF.

7. Riemann, P20 Sensitive Face SPF50+ Cream

Riemann's formula is specifically tweaked for those with sensitive skin. With high factor 50 sun defence, and the added benefits from vitamin C and E, it offers up to 10 hours of protection while keeping your skin nourished throughout the day.

The serum-like pump disposes a lightweight cream which easily slips over the skin, sinking in instantly. It also layers well under makeup, ensuring that those who often miss the sunscreen step have zero excuses.

7. Ultra Violette, Clean Screen

Any sunscreen savant will be very familiar with Ultra Violette – we'd say it’s one of the brands that made applying SPF cool (because it is). Playful packaging aside, this gentle formula is specifically tweaked for those with sensitive skin.

Beautifully creamy, it glides on like a moisturiser to quell dry zones, but it also provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Fragrance-free and formulated with titanium dioxide (a mineral filter), it’s one of the best around for sensitivity.

8. Caudalie, Vinosun High Protection Spray SPF50

Spray-on sunscreens are a dream to bring on beach days when you’re contending with sweat and sand. One of our new favourites is Caudalie’s Vinosun protection spray. It applies like a refreshing mist to keep your skin feeling juicy and shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays, too. Simply spritz and go.

9. Supergoop, Mineral Sheerscreen

As the name suggests, Supergoop’s Mineral Sheerscreen leaves an undetectable veil – ideal if you don't like rich creams.

Even with a featherlight consistency, it provides moderate, broad-spectrum protection and thanks to hydrating ingredients, like squalane and aloe vera, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated too. While it doesn’t provide coverage, it does create a smooth finish to your complexion, meaning it sits beautifully under makeup.

10. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Lotion

Anyone with dry skin will know that finding a formula that provides enough SPF protection without exacerbating flakiness is a tough task. However, not like the claggy creams of old, you’ll find that many lightweight formulas today offer great hydration while defending your skin from the sun.

A current favourite is Naked Sunday’s Collagen Glow lotion; it provides factor 50 protection, while keeping your skin supple and conditioned. The silky cream glides on and instantly sinks in for a radiant glow.

No matter your skin type, using SPF daily is non-negotiable; however, Dr Mansouri emphasises the importance of protecting your skin when it’s prone to sensitivity.

‘Sensitive skin can present itself in a variety of manners; however, commonly it’s red, uncomfortable, dry or dehydrated,’ says Dr Mansouri. ‘The protective infrastructure isn’t as robust compared to other skin types, and often its barrier is impaired, which makes it more susceptible to damage,’ she adds. ‘On the whole, sensitive skin is more at risk to environmental aggressors, including UV rays.’

When you’re doing your SPF research, you’ll likely see the words ‘physical’ and ‘chemical’ pop up. This might look like marketing jargon to the untrained eye, but it's actually important to understand the difference - especially when you're dealing with sensitive skin.

Physical (or mineral) products contain filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which create a barrier to deflect UV rays.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, prevent damage by absorbing UV rays that hit your skin. They contain active ingredients which turn the rays into heat which are then emitted through your skin.

Both can be equally effective, and the one you choose will generally come down to personal preference. However, Dr Mansouri notes that mineral options are often gentler on sensitive skin.

Another general rule of thumb is that you should look for a bottle that’s labelled broad-spectrum as it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Most of the time our skin is exposed to UVA rays as they are present all day long – even through clouds and rainy skies. You can’t feel them, but behind the scenes they’re diminishing substances (like collagen) that keep your skin firm.

UVB rays are more powerful and are associated to sunburn. Unlike UVA, you can feel UVB rays hitting your skin – often causing a burning sensation – when directly exposed to the sun.

Even on a cloudy day, powerful UV rays are beaming directly down to your skin, which is why dermatologists are so vocal about using sunscreen every day.

Getting your application right is vital, as this will ensure that you’re properly protected from the sun. You should use a similar amount to the size of two fingers and thoroughly massage the cream into your skin – not forgetting those often-neglected areas like behind your ears, eyelids and lips.

SPF is best used in the morning after cleansing and moisturising. Dr Mansouri suggests using a vitamin C serum under your SPF as this will help maximise your protection from free radicals. ‘On a bright day we recommend topping up every four hours, whether that’s reapplying the cream or using a spray over your makeup,’ she says.

Today’s formulas also sit beautifully underneath your makeup, and many are packed with nourishing ingredients to keep your skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. Dr Mansouri suggests choosing a formula that contains moisturising ingredients, like niacinamide or glycerin, as these will cater to easily irritated complexions.

And contrary to popular belief, many high-factor formulas (we’re talking 30 to 50 SPF) aren’t the claggy, rich creams they used to be. Most formulas will have a breathable consistency and an invisible finish that makes slathering them on an absolute joy.

• Exactly how to reapply sunscreen over your makeup
• Best children sunscreen to keep your little ones safe in the sun
• Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: what's the difference?

Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER