This is an objective, non-biased article. We base our product choices on various factors, such as product reviews, ingredient analysis, and overall reputation of brands. It does, however, contain affiliate links for featured products.
Summer is in full swing and if you still haven’t found the right sunscreen that doesn’t break you out, or irritate your skin – you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you find the best sunscreen for sensitive skin.
We understand that even though many people share the struggle of having sensitive skin, their skin needs still differ. That’s why we’re breaking down the SPFs based on different categories and hope you’ll find something that suits you just right!
Without further ado – here are our product recs for the best SPF for sensitive skin!
The Best Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluid
This sunblock for sensitive skin is dermatologist-approved – plus, it’s unscented and fits all skin colors and types, although it works best for dry and sensitive skin.
It has a pretty light, serum-like texture so it’s quickly absorbed and doesn’l leave a sticky finish. Other than that, it’s also rich in antioxidants which help fight against free radicals that can speed up the aging process, on top of protecting you against UVA and UVB rays.
And, you can use it under your makeup as well!
- PROS
• Fits any type, but works best for dry & sensitive skin
• No white cast
- CONS
• Not as hydrating as you might expect it to be
The Best Sunscreen for Oily Sensitive Skin: Etude Sunprise Sun Milk
Since this product by K-beauty giant Etude is a milk and not a cream, it’s exceptionally light. It doesn’t clog your pores or leave you feeling sticky and oily like some sunscreens tend to do.
It contains minerals and 20 plant-based ingredients that have other benefits on top of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Although this product is extremely mild and gentle, that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. It has an SPF of 50, which means that you’ll be more than sufficiently protected. The Amazon reviews also praise it for being very long-lasting.
- PROS
• Non-sticky
• Doesn’t leave a white cast
• Has a matte finish
- CONS
• Has fragrance
• Contains essential oils
The Best Affordable Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Positively Mineral
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen is designed to cater even to those with most sensitive skin. It incorporates mild and beneficial ingredients like vitamin E and oat to ensure a soothing experience.
Although it may seem thick upon initial application, the sunscreen blends easily and turns into sheer texture that gets fully absorbed. And it doesn’t leave any white residue either!
This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, parabens, and dyes. Plus it’s formulated to withstand sweating and water exposure for up to 80 minutes.
- PROS
• Water-resistant
• Can be used on the face or body
- CONS
• Thicker consistency
• Can leave some residue
The Best Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
This body sunscreen by Blue Lizard is a dermatologist favorite for sensitive skin! On top of SPF 30, it also contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E that nourish the skin. Plus doesn’t have any parabens or fragrances!
It’s very liquid, which can be a problem for some, but others see it as another benefit.
- PROS
• Reef-safe
• Paraben and fragrance-free
- CONS
• A few reports of damage on delivery
• More liquid than the others
The Best Tinted Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizers are a cool life hack for summer since you can eliminate heavy foundations from your makeup routine and get both coverage & sun protection in one product. For this category, we recommend the Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow.
It’s super lightweight, so there’s no creasing or caking, which we all know can be extremely annoying, especially during hot days. It’s infused with goji berries, gold, and peptides to ensure your skin is nourished on top of being protected from the sun!
However, if your skin isn’t just sensitive, but also damaged or broken in some places, this product might not be the best option.
- PROS
• Lightweight
• A good substitute for a light foundation
- CONS
• Not great with damaged skin
• No skin color options
The Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
If you’ve had sensitive skin your whole life, you’ve also probably already tried Eucerin. It’s one of the most famous brands that has lots of products that cater specifically to sensitive skin. So, it’s no surprise that their mineral lotion made it onto our list!
The formula is ultra-lightweight and only uses minerals to block the UV rays. It can also be used on your body since it spreads and rubs in easily. It doesn’t leave a white cast so it’s suitable to all skin tones.
The formula is also hypoallergenic and free of dyes, fragrances, and oils.
- PROS
• No white cast
• Lightweight
- CONS
• Although it can be used on the body too, note that the packaging is small
• Migrates more easily than the others
The Best Face Moisturizer with SPF for Sensitive Skin: Oars + Alps SPF 37 Sunscreen & Moisturizer
This Oars + Alps moisturizer can be used as an everyday cream – providing sun protection is just a really nice bonus! It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration as well as vitamins E and B5 for nourishment and antioxidant protection. It’ll leave your skin feeling soft, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
It’s generally fragrance-free, although reviewers say that it has a subtle sunscreen-like smell. It also feels like sunscreen so the texture isn’t as lightweight as the others, although it still blends well with makeup.
- PROS
• Contains hyaluronic acid
• Blends well with makeup
- CONS
• Sunscreen-like texture
The Best Natural Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This product by Elta is dermatologist-approved for all skin types and tones, including aging skin, teen skin, and even acne-prone skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic on top of having a formula that includes niacinamide that can help prevent breakouts.
It works well with oily skin and can be easily blended with makeup, leaving no residue or white cast. However, some people have had allergic reactions to this SPF, so we suggest conducting a patch test before use.
- PROS
• Dermatologist-approved
• Non-comedogenic
- CONS
• May cause an allergic reaction
• Pricier in comparison to the others
The Best Korean Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Water Sun Cream
This product is not only great for sensitive skin, but it’s especially designed to benefit dry skin as it places a special accent on dewiness. That’s not to say that other skin types can’t or shouldn’t use it – drier skin will just see the most benefits.
The THANKYOU FARMER sun cream contains cica, aloe vera, and purslane extract which are proven to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, so this is a great option for anyone struggling with redness. It’s also infused with sunflower seed oil and sacha inchi oil that help lock in moisture.
Keep in mind that the product does contain fragrances, so if that’s something you’re sensitive to, it might be best to choose another sunscreen from the list.
- PROS
• Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Exceptionally dewy finish
- CONS
• Contains fragrance
• Not great with oily skin
Final Thoughts
If you’re working with sensitive skin, we understand how big of a struggle that can be – especially during the summertime when both the sun and the heat cause additional hardships.
Hopefully, you found something on this list that will make summertime a little easier on your skin!
In case you need more options, you can check out The Best Sunscreens of 2023 – Ranked.
