Ask any dermatologist for their best skin care advice, and the first thing they're likely to mention is wearing sunscreen every single day, regardless of whether it's sunny or cloudy outside. By protecting your skin against harmful UV rays wherever you are, you’ll both reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevent premature wrinkles. Talk about a win-win.
While the benefits of wearing sunscreen are clearly paramount for ensuring a healthier dermis, it can still be hard to find one that’s right for you, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Since certain sunscreens can cause dryness, itchiness and breakouts, it’s important to choose options that are gentle enough for even the most reactive skin. We've compiled some of the best SPFs on the market to keep you both irritation-free and protected throughout the day.
What to look for | What to avoid | Derm faves | Editor faves | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in sunscreen for sensitive skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says sunscreens are available in three categories: physical, chemical and a combination of the two. When it comes to sensitive skin, both she and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Orit Markowitz recommend opting for a physical formula.
“When shopping for sunscreen, I tell my sensitive skin patients to look for mineral or physical sunscreens that are formulated with zinc oxide or titanium oxide as the key ingredient,” Markowitz tells us. “These are active natural ingredients found in physical sunscreens that provide UV protection by reflecting light off the surface of the skin where the sunscreen is applied, and then back into the environment.” King echoes these sentiments, adding titanium dioxide as another key ingredient to look for.
The FDA recommends that you use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
"If breakouts are part of your reaction, be sure your sunscreen says it is non-comedogenic meaning it will not clog your pores," says Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD, owner of Brooke Jeffy MD in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
Ingredients to avoid in a sunscreen for sensitive skin
In your hunt for sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen, King recommends avoiding chemical formulations.
"Chemical sunscreens are made up of chemicals that absorb UV rays and create a chemical reaction that changes the UV rays into heat and the heat is then released from the skin," she explains.
King emphasizes that chemical sunscreens often include two key ingredients that can be harmful for those with sensitive skin: oxybenzone (which has been linked to allergies, per King), and avobenzone.
"Chemical sunscreens can also cause a photoallergic reaction in some susceptible individuals," explains Dr. Serena Mraz, board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates. "This means when the sunscreen is applied to the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight, an allergic reaction on the skin may ensue," she says.
Derm-approved sunscreens for sensitive skin
Eucerin Sun Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35
- Easy to apply
- Great coverage
- Smell may be strong
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E
"This lightweight fragrance-free sunscreen is good for all skin types," says Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. "It combines zinc oxide for broad spectrum coverage with an Advanced Antioxidant Complex, 5 AOX Shield to also help protect the skin against free radical damage," she explains.
Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
- Great coverage
- Easy application
- May feel dry
Size: 3.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
"Providing broad-spectrum coverage, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it a great option for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin," says Garshick. "It also incorporates vitamin E and uses Dry-Touch Technology, so it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth and without feeling greasy," she says.
Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- Easy to apply
- Feels gentle on skin
- May cause redness
Size: 3 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
"This broad spectrum SPF 50 is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as not only is it a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide but is also free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde and other preservatives," shares Garshick. "It is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores," she says.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
- Great coverage
- Lightweight
- Provides a dewy glow
- Mixed reviews on the smell
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide
"This ultralight sunscreen fluid is mineral-based, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but also offers a fast-absorbing, lightweight texture that leaves behind a matte finish," explains Garshick. "It is easy-to-apply and also offers antioxidant protection through the Cell-Ox Shield Technology. It also comes in a non-tinted formulation for those who prefer that," she says.
With over 14,700 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, it is no secret why this sunscreen is a dermatologist's favorite.
Colorescience Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen
- Easy to apply
- No white cast
- Does not irritate skin
- May be slightly greasy
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
"The latest from Colorescience, this 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. "As the name implies, it absorbs easily and won’t leave behind a white cast," she says.
Editor-approved sunscreens for sensitive skin
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Doesn't have an overwhelming scent
- Doesn't leave skin feeling greasy
- Be wary of expiration dates; some are sooner than expected
Size: 8 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E
“This has been my family’s go-to ever since I can remember because of its vegan and vitamin ingredients,” says SEO editorial assistant Sierra Hoeger. “It’s never once irritated my skin and also comes in a miniature version to apply to your face...can also vouch that their face sunscreen doesn’t make my skin breakout, nor does make my face feel more oily/greasy.”
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
- Helps skin feel smoother
- Leaves face feeling non-greasy
- Leaves a white cast
- Bit of a heavy texture
Size: 1.5 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, bamboo extract, wild butterfly ginger
Associate editor Emma Stessman says this is her go-to daily sunscreen. "It’s great for wearing on its own or under makeup and is helpful for oil control, if you get really oily during the hotter months like I do."
EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
- Doesn't have that typical "sunscreen smell"
- Reviewers use in place of foundation
- Pump dispenser malfunctions
- Left some reviewers' skin feeling drier than before
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E, ginger root extract
SEO writer Jannely Espinal says this is one of the beset sunscreens she’s ever worn. “My sensitive skin cannot withstand most formulas and this one is gentle on my skin and spreads evenly without leaving a white cast.” She also calls out how hydrating it feels and how well it wears under makeup.
True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30
- Blends well on skin; with other products
- No white cast
- Check expiration date; has a short usage time
- Has a fragrance-y smell
Size: 1.7 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, green tea water and extract, aloe leaf juice, jojoba, squalane
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender says her mom has been using this sunscreen for her irritation-prone skin and is a fan of how dewy it leaves her skin looking. She also likes to use it as a tinted moisturizer.
According to the brand, it’s suitable for those dealing with fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts, anti-aging and uneven skin tone and roughness. It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
How we chose the best sunscreens for sensitive skin
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. Based off of insight from experts, we were able to find sunscreens that have a dermatologist-approved list of ingredients. Plus, Shop TODAY editors shared their favorites that work with sensitive and irritant-prone skin.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Orit Markowitz, MD, is a New York City-based dermatologist that specializes in skin cancer and is the CEO and founder of Markowitz Medical.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD, is the owner of Brooke Jeffy, MD in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Serena Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, California.
- Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
