The 8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
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By now, most of us know how important daily sun protection is, but if you have sensitive skin like I do, you might be wary about trying anything new in case it makes your skin freak out. As Dr. Orit Markowitz, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, explains, "For people with sensitive skin, using any products with preservatives or synthetic ingredients in them can lead to irritation." And since both of those things are commonly found in many sunscreens, the challenge becomes finding a formula that's free of those potential triggers, but still does a good job of protecting your skin. Luckily, we have plenty of options to choose from these days—if anything, there are too many, so I've asked for Dr. Markowitz's help in narrowing things down for us ahead.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Orit Markowitz is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin Medical, a dermatology practice and training center for other dermatologists seeking to learn the latest non-invasive skin cancer management protocols. In the past, Dr. Markowitz has served as Director of Pigmented Lesions and Skin Cancer at both Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology and Brooklyn Veterans Hospital of Downstate University Medical Center, as well as Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai and SUNY Downstate University Medical Center. She currently runs a fellowship in non-invasive imaging and early detection at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
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The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
I asked Dr. Markowitz and PureWow editors for their top recommendations. I also looked for the highest-rated sunscreens for sensitive skin across major retailers like Amazon and Walmart to round out this list. All of the sunscreens featured use mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, have an SPF of at least 30 and offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Though it's at a higher price point than some drugstore options, this derm and celeb favorite is a "100 percent mineral formula that also includes other great skin restoring ingredients like squalane to keep skin smooth and target dark spots," says Dr. Markowitz. "It's also dye-free, fragrance-fee, oil-free, paraben-free and noncomedogenic, which makes it a great option for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.”
2. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+
"The Blue Lizard brand in general is one of my favorite mineral sunscreen lines and I find it to be at a great price point. This one is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and contains no parabens or fragrance. It is also water-resistant which is another great thing to look out for when purchasing a sunscreen," says Markowitz.
3. Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Unscented Body
Unscented and vegan, this sunscreen is free of harsh chemicals, non-greasy and full of antioxidants. With organic ingredients like green tea extract, cucumber extract and pomegranate seed oil, it’s a formula your skin will appreciate from tip to toe. "I've been using this product loyally for several years now on both [my] face & body. It's amazing. [Whenever I've used this], I've never gotten burnt when at [the] beach or playing tennis, etc," says one Amazon reviewer.
4. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Another go-to for Markowitz, "This is a great mineral option formulated with zinc and titanium. It is paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free, fragrance free and non-comedogenic, meaning it has been shown to not clog pores." (In short, it's a great choice if you're worried about breakouts.)
5. Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This lightweight sunscreen combines zinc oxide with a blend of antioxidants and peptides to tackle existing sun damage and improve skin tone, while protecting against UV damage. The texture is incredibly silky and thinner than most other formulas, which makes it easy to spread evenly over your skin. Bonus: There's a subtle tint to it that evens out any redness around your nose and cheeks.
6. Cotz Face Prime & Protect Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
If you're wary of a shiny T-zone, you'll want to check out this matte mineral sunscreen. It has a super sheer texture and is very lightly tinted so it tamps down shine and any redness without pilling on your skin. As its name implies, this formula also wears beautifully as a base underneath makeup.
7. Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
At 12 bucks a tube, this soothing sunscreen has green tea, chamomile and aloe vera to hydrate and calm easily triggered skin. The lightweight formula also applies evenly, absorbs quickly and has a non-greasy finish. As one reviewer on iHerb shares, "I was searching for a sunscreen that wouldn't leave a white residue on my skin, while also containing only zinc oxide and avoiding harmful chemical ingredients. This product met those requirements. It does take a little time to fully rub into the skin and eliminate any white residue, but it does an excellent job of moisturizing my skin and protecting me from sunburn. Also, I appreciate that it doesn't feel heavy like some other sunscreens can."
8. Minu Brightening Sunscreen Minerals Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Gel-Cream
PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera highly recommends this dermatologist-designed sunscreen for anyone with reactive skin. "I really like the super lightweight feel and mineral-based formula. Also, I was worried the tint would be too dark, but it blends perfectly with my fair skin tone," she says. The multitasking sunscreen can be used as a sunscreen, moisturizer and primer in one, and it has a unique, gel-cream texture to it that's refreshing to the touch.
Final Takeaways:
"My number one tip for people with sensitive skin is to stick to mineral sunscreens," Dr. Markowitz tells me. "These are traditionally made with more natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium and won't irritate your skin like many of the synthetic ingredients used in chemical formulas. I would then advise patients to take things a step further, because not all mineral sunscreens are 100 percent safe for sensitive skin, as some do contain other ingredients like propylene glycol, lanolin and fragrances that can be irritating. I think it's smart to always read the ingredients listed on the back to make sure."
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