8 Best Sunscreens for Eczema-Prone Skin
A marriage of SPF and skin-soothing benefits.
Jordan Lutes/Getty Images
When you have eczema, the last thing you want to do is pile on lots of skin-care products. But as much as you want to keep your routine minimalistic, eczema doesn’t make skin immune to sun damage. In other words, incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen is still a non-negotiable.
We could wax poetic about the necessity of SPF all day long, but being clued in to the benefits of sunscreen doesn’t make it easier to find the right one for your skin—and it’s even harder when you experience eczema breakouts. After all, certain skin-care ingredients can cause irritation and make your condition worse. “People suffering from eczema should ensure that the sunscreen they’re using contains no fragrance (synthetic and natural essential oils) which may cause sensitization and trigger irritation,” says Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, skin-care formulator and cosmetics chemical engineer. “I recommend selecting a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as the main ingredient, which has soothing and protective properties. The daily use of emollients and moisturizers is also considered a relevant adjunctive strategy to improve skin barrier function in people suffering from atopic dermatitis.”
Long story short, you’ll want to look for ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide coupled with a good dose of SPF in your sunscreen. But don’t worry, we made the search easier for you by putting together the eight best sunscreens that won’t irritate eczema below.
Best Sunscreens for Eczema
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
This Innisfree sunscreen is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil for the ultimate soothing and hydrating boost. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties, cica works to soothe and repair irritated skin, and sunflower seed oil delivers moisture. Plus, it’s white cast-free!
Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Tower28’s founder Amy Liu, who suffers from severe eczema, created the brand with skin sensitivities in mind. In fact, Tower 28 is the first makeup brand that follows the National Eczema Association's ingredient guidelines to a T, avoiding all known irritants and allergens. Its tinted sunscreen is available in 14 versatile shades, offers a buildable light-to-medium coverage, and is non-irritating for all skin types, thanks to prickly pear extract and aloe vera.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the power players in this CeraVe formula, which helps strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Bondi Sands SPF 50 Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion
This lightweight sunscreen is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, both of which help moisturize and reduce inflammation. The fragrance-free formula also works as a great primer before applying makeup, thanks to the gorgeous texture it leaves behind.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, Rice + Probiotics Facial Sunscreen, SPF 50+ PA++++
While some chemical sunscreens aren’t always the right fit for people with sensitive skin types, some are gentle enough and less irritating. This Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is one that TikTok can’t seem to get enough, and it’s easy to see why—the lightweight formula melts in like a second skin and leaves skin uber-hydrated.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 / PA++++
If an ultra-light, fragrance-free, and luminous formula that layers well under makeup is what you’re after, look no further. While it’s on the pricier side, Murad’s sunscreen is definitely worth the investment considering all the boxes it ticks off.
e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30
This vegan drugstore formula is infused with hydrating aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. And with that price, you don’t have to feel guilty about applying—and reapplying—all the sunscreen you need (which, heads up, is probably more than you think).
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Immersed with a unique blend of anti-aging peptides, this rich sunscreen lotion replenishes and intensely moisturizes dry skin, leaving it soothed and glowy.
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