If you know you have sensitive skin, you’re probably aware of the things that trigger redness, rashes, and bad reactions. And you’ve discovered that any old drugstore sunscreen for sensitive skin isn’t sufficient for your skincare regime. Instead, you’re shopping for a natural sunscreen, something with no fragrance or preservatives.
Sensitive skin conditions require extra care in choosing products like a sunscreen moisturizer. You may find that a mineral-based sunblock is gentler than one that contains PABA, oxybenzone, or avobenzone. Fortunately, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection all the same.
Finally, when shopping for a face sunscreen for sensitive skin, aim for products with at least SPF 15 to block out up to 93% of UVB rays. Or try SPF 30 to filter out up to 97%. And don’t forget to reapply the lotion after you’ve been in the water.
Best Face Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2024
Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Lotion was tested and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It’s water-resistant up to 80 minutes, and it contains Vitamin to moisturize dry skin.
One of the primary attractions of the Sun Bum lotion is that it offers broad-spectrum protection without relying on chemicals like PABA or Oxybenzone. It also does not contain parabens or oils, making it gentle for sensitive skin.
CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe’s Sunscreen Lotion contains a microfine zinc oxide formulation that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. This “Invisible Zinc” technology won’t make your skin look ghostly white. Plus, the lack of oil means it’s gentle for sensitive skin.
The lotion also has ceramides to restore the skin’s natural barrier against moisture loss. And it lasts up to 40 minutes in water.
CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Forget the mess of a lotion—try the CeraVe Sunscreen Stick with SPF 50 instead. It’s straightforward to rub on, and then it dries clear. And you won’t have to reapply until after 40 minutes in the water or two hours in the sun.
Similar to the CeraVe sunscreen lotion, the Stick contains microfine zinc oxide that filters out UV radiation without turning your skin white. And it also contains three essential ceramides that repair and strengthen your skin against environmental damage.
TotLogic Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
TotLogic reports that the EWG database gives their Natural Sunscreen a low hazard rating of 1. That’s because the vegan formula has no parabens, phthalates, nano-ingredients, artificial fragrances, or dyes. It’s based on 20% natural zinc oxide, the traditional protection against UV rays.
The moisturizing lotion has botanical extracts with powerful antioxidant properties, like white tea, jojoba, arnica, chamomile, and lavender. And it also moisturizes with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin.
Wear the sunscreen in water and use it on adults and children, too.
Kiss My Face Sunscreen Sensitive Side 3 in 1 with Oat Protein Complex, SPF 30 Sunblock
One of the best features of the Kiss My Face sunscreen is that it helps you stay comfortable out in the sun. The Micro-Oat E technology makes your skin feel cooler while Oat beta glucan is a good defense against getting burned. And of course, it has natural good sun protection, too.
There are few ingredients in this formula that could irritate sensitive skin. It avoids parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and Oxybenzone. But it lasts quite a while in the water before you need to put it on again.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian, Aloe Vera Sunscreen SPF 30
If the Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen smells pleasant, it’s not because of an artificial perfume. Instead, it contains pineapple extract, plus other natural ingredients to moisturize your skin. And it lasts up to one hour twenty minutes in the water.
While this product has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it relies on chemical sun blockers like homosalate, octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, and Ethylhexyl Salicylate to filter out UV rays. At least there are no parabens nor phthalates.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+
Blue Lizard’s Australian Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB with a mix of natural minerals, not chemicals. It contains 10% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide as its active ingredients. The formula also avoids parabens and fragrances.
Even the bottle is an essential part of the plan to keep you from getting sunburned. It turns blue under sunlight, and the stronger the UV rays are, the deeper the blue becomes. It’s a reminder to apply sunscreen and cover up from the sun.
Beauty by Earth Facial Sunscreen SPF 20
But what if you’re worried that they will cause you to break out with pimples? That’s where the Beauty By Earth Facial Sunscreen will come to your defense. It’s a non-greasy solution that you can wear under makeup.
The vegan formula won’t clog pores although it will moisturize your skin and protect against signs of aging. And the marine-safe formula won’t poison coral reefs or fish if you take a dip in the ocean.
Finally, it’s packed with soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber extract, but there are no GMOs, soy derivatives, or toxins in it.
Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+
You might also enjoy Blue Lizard’s Face Sunscreen with 8% zinc oxide. It’s formulated to protect your complexion from burning and breakouts. Plus, it has ingredients that actively roll back signs of aging.
The label lists moisturizing hyaluronic acid as well as rejuvenating Vitamin E and green tea. But there are no oils, parabens, and it’s fragrance-free. And the bottle is even BPA-free, too.
Badger SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Cream
Badger’s Baby Sunscreen depends on zinc oxide, an ingredient proven to block UVA and UVB radiation. It’s safer for sensitive skin because it forms a protective layer without sinking in to irritate.
The formula is sweat and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes before you need to apply it again. And it’s very moisturizing to skin because it contains Vitamin E, sunflower oil, and beeswax.
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Moisturizer
Why might you prefer the Juice Beauty Sport Moisturizer over other brands? For one, it uses certified organic components like grape juice, aloe, and sunflower oil. Those three protect against wrinkles and promote the health of your skin.
Then, it relies on a powerful 20% zinc oxide formulation that provides broad-spectrum protection against sunburn and sun damage. And it’s also water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
Finally, it does not have parabens, petroleum derivatives, phthalates, propylene or butylene glycol, harsh sulfates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances in it.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD’s UV Clear sunscreen is targeted at relieving the irritation that people with rosacea suffer. It has 9% transparent zinc oxide along with other ingredients that reduce redness and soothe skin.
For example, it contains Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, every one of these evens out skin tone and improves your complexion. And you can buy it in a tinted or untinted version.
In conclusion, it absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue. And it contains no perfumes, oils, or parabens.
Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Often, adults with very sensitive skin will try out face sunscreens designed for babies. And that’s not a bad idea, especially with the Babyganics formula. Although it contains octisalate, it also relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And octisalate is one of the chemical UV filters that have a lower hazard rating.
There is no PABA, parabens, perfumes, nano-particles, or phthalates in this sunscreen. But it offers both SPF 50 plus ingredients that nourish and protect skin. And it lasts up to 80 minutes in the pool.
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Another top pick for adults and children with hypersensitivity to chemicals is Thinkbaby’s Safe Sunscreen with SPF 50. The company points out that the EWG rates it a “1” for low hazard, and it also passes the While Food Premium Care requirements.
The 20% zinc oxide formulation endures up to 80 minutes of sweating or time in the water. And it was never tested on animals and does not contain parabens, phthalates, PABA, or 1,4 dioxane.
Aveeno Natural Protection Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Aveeno’s Natural Protection Sunscreen with SPF 50 uses 3% zinc oxide in combination with 6% titanium dioxide to screen out UV rays and protect your sensitive skin from damage. It lasts up to 80 minutes in the water, too.
Of course, this product contains Aveeno’s signature oat extract that soothes skin. But it also keeps irritation at bay by avoiding oils and being fragrance-free.
Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30 For Sensitive Skin
Vanicream’s SPF 30 Sunscreen is made for kids and adults with sensitive skin. It protects against sunburn with a mix of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but with no chemical UV filters. Plus, it lasts for up to 80 minutes of swimming. And the non-greasy, odorless lotion was tested and approved by dermatologists.
Jack Black Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45
Jack Black’s Sun Guard isn’t just for guys because women appreciate its protection, too. The non-oily formula absorbs quickly and resists sweat and swimming without running into your eyes.
The sunscreen’s protection against UVA and UVB rays comes from zinc oxide, octinoxate, and octisalate. Of the three, octinoxate offers the higher hazard, according to the EWG database. But it’s not so much a skin irritant as it may be a hormone disrupter. On the other hand, the Sun Guard contains Vitamin C to neutralize free radicals and calendula to calm most skin types.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with SPF 15 and Mexoryl SX
Much of the concern over chemical sunscreens is based on lab studies of animals. They show a possible link between hormone disruption from some UV filters like octinoxate. But avobenzone, one of the active ingredients in the Anthelios SX Daily Face Sunscreen, is seen as a low hazard by the EWG.
The main benefits of the Anthelios SX are its broad-spectrum protection, its lightweight formula, and the fact that it hydrates skin for up to 24 hours after application. In fact, it’s so light and non-greasy you can wear makeup over it. It’s also fragrance-free.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Sunscreen Spray SPF 60 Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion
The Anthelios 60 Sunscreen is made to protect your body with SPF 60 for up to 80 minutes in the water. It’s a spray with a lightweight texture, but you can see where you’ve applied it until you rub it into your skin. There are no parabens, no alcohols, and no perfumes to make it safe for sensitive skin as well as other skin types.
Conclusion
Sensitive skin needs protection from sunburn. Also, there are many high-quality facial sunscreens for acne prone skin that filter out UVA and UVB rays. Many offer other benefits like hydration and water-resistance, too. We hope you found the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin that suits your needs.
Related:
Related Articles
14
Jan
Can I Use Sunscreen as a Moisturizer?
No one, absolutely no one, wants sun damage. That's why we always have a bottle of sunscreen when heading to the beach. If it's broad-spectrum, it protects you from two types of UV light that are UVA and UVB rays.[...]
14
Jan
When Can You Put Sunscreen on a Tattoo?
We all love to show off our tattoos. No one gets a new tattoo with the intention of hiding that art form from the world. We all love to show off the tattoos on our hands, legs, shoulders... That’s why[...]
14
Jan
Is Blue Lizard Sunscreen Safe to Use?
There are obvious immediate benefits of sunscreen, such as healthy, hydrated skin. Then there are long-term gains that you'll notice years after you start using sunscreen regularly. But, both short and long-term gains depend on the brand you choose. If[...]
Categories: Beauty, Sensitive Skin, Sunscreen
