It can be tough to craft a good skin care routine if you have sensitive skin, especially if you have certain skin concerns like rosacea or eczema. Protecting sensitive skin from the sun can be challenging, too. There are other reasons you may not be able to tolerate certain sunscreens that go beyond active ingredients — it all depends on your specific skin type and triggers.
“It’s very rare to find true skin allergies to the active ingredients of sunscreens, but people [with sensitive skin] may be allergic to some of the ingredients commonly used in lotions and creams,” says Dr. Amy McMichael, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. These include fragrances, preservatives, parabens and dyes.
I’ve extensively covered sunscreens for over four years at NBC Select. To help you find one that won’t irritate your sensitive skin, I spoke to six dermatologists about what potentially causes irritation and sensitive skin-friendly ingredients to look for. I also rounded up expert-recommended sunscreens to consider, as well as NBC Select staff favorites.
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How I picked the best sunscreens for sensitive skin
The experts I spoke to recommend keeping in mind the following factors:
- Chemical vs mineral: Mineral sunscreen — also known as a physical sunscreen — is less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens, which rely on chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate. This is because mineral sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which aren’t absorbed into the skin and act as a physical shield instead, experts say.
- Ingredients: In addition to noting the active ingredients in your sunscreen, you should also look for other factors that may cause irritation, including fragrances and botanical extracts. “When it comes to sensitive skin, the simpler the formula, the less likely for irritation,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Formulation: Lotions and gels are also easier to spread and rub into the skin, which reduces the likelihood of a friction reaction, says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Plus, they provide more coverage than a spray sunscreen might.
- SPF protection: Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures your level of protection against a sunburn, according to experts in our guide to sunscreen. The dermatologists I spoke to agree you should look for a minimum SPF 30 rating, with SPF 50 or higher as the ideal amount of protection.
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Best sunscreens for sensitive skin
Below, I rounded up expert-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite sunscreens that won’t block pores, have a minimum SPF 30 and have mineral-based formulas.
Best overall
The EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is a favorite among my experts and several NBC Select editors with sensitive skin since it’s noncomedogenic, meaning it is free of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores. It also has niacinamide, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient for those with skin concerns like rosacea. The mineral-based sunscreen offers SPF 46 protection and includes zinc oxide, which experts say provides protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while soothing the skin.
It’s the only sunscreen I’ve tried that doesn’t flare up my rosacea, and NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez says it works great on her rosacea-prone, sensitive skin, too. NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris says it has a lightweight, absorbent texture that doesn’t leave your skin looking oily. “I love that the formula doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, so I tend to grab this when I know I’ll be active and outdoors, like during days spent in the garden or walking around my neighborhood,” says Morris.
Best lotion
“This ultra lightweight lotion sunscreen uses mineral-only [blockers] that can be used on both the face and the body,” says Zeichner. “It can easily be spread to large body surface areas and fully rubs into the skin without leaving a harsh, white cast.” The sunscreen is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t cause irritation, and free of fragrances, oils and dyes.
Best for no white cast
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says this sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast on her darker skin tone, and doubles as a breakout preventative. “It didn’t irritate my skin and layers beautifully with my go-to skin tint,” she says. Plus, it’s easy to blend into the skin, feels lightweight and it's made with silica, a lightweight powder that helps absorb excess oil and reduce shine, according to the brand. “[The sunscreen] has the benefits of a mineral filter with SPF 30, plus the hydrating properties of a moisturizer with glycerin, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, all which are suitable for sensitive skin,” says Hartman.
Best for all skin types
Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen comes recommended by multiple experts due to its non-greasy, mineral-based formula. “It is easy to apply under makeup as it doesn’t leave a greasy finish or white cast and can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Hartman recommends this sunscreen to his patients with sensitive skin because it moisturizes the skin and is a chemical-free, physical sunscreen to prevent any allergies, he says. However, reviewers note it has a light fragrance, which may irritate very sensitive skin.
Best for acne-prone skin
This fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen is made specifically for those with acne-prone skin, and it’s a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “This sunscreen is super lightweight and non-greasy, so I don’t worry about it clogging my pores — it’s also perfect for everyday wear,” she says. “I absolutely love the pump dispenser: It helps me control how much I dispense at a time much better than a wider, squeeze opening.” The sunscreen is moisturizing, reef-safe and very lightweight, so it can double as a light primer before makeup, says Malin.
Best for very sensitive skin
This sunscreen is noncomedogenic, lightweight and has ceramides to hydrate the skin, according to the brand. “It’s free from potential skin irritants like fragrances, dyes and parabens, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin,” says Hartman.
Best for dry skin
If you have dry skin, Garshick recommends this Cerave sunscreen for its hydrating formula that has hyaluronic acid, ceramides to help support the skin’s natural barrier and niacinamide to soothe the skin. It pairs SPF 30 protection with a sheer tint, which helps offset any white cast on the skin, says Garshick. The sunscreen is noncomedogenic and free of oil and fragrances, which also makes it a great option for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Best for under makeup
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is another favorite of Morris, who says it has a smooth, matte texture that makes for the perfect base under her makeup. “Although my skin will still get considerably sweaty, the sunscreen stays in place, and still manages to keep my oiliness at bay through it all,” she says. Morris also loves that it’s clear, so it leaves a dewy tint and no white cast.
Best for post-procedures
This mineral sunscreen is one of my favorites to use when my rosacea is flaring up or after I get laser facials or other cosmetic procedures. The consistency is my favorite part since it’s light and absorbs in seconds. Plus, it doesn’t leave any hint of a white cast, in my experience. Since I have very dry skin, I always worry about sunscreen pilling or clinging on my dry patches — this one blends in seamlessly and leaves my skin looking glowy and hydrated.
Best powder
This Brush on Block mineral sunscreen “has an amazing formulation for being all-mineral — it’s moisturizing, doesn’t leave a white cast or any greasiness,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. It also serves as a daily moisturizer since it’s formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, squalene and glycerin, according to the brand. The brand also has a powder mineral sunscreen that is lightweight, great for sensitive skin and easy to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re wearing makeup, says King.
Best fast-absorbing
“If I’m not wearing tinted sunscreen, I wear this face sunscreen — it doesn’t smell strong like most sunscreens do, and I can’t even feel it once it’s blended in because it soaks into my skin so well,” says Malin. She adds that it never irritates her sensitive, acne-prone skin, or leaves a shiny, greasy feel when she applies makeup over it. The sunscreen has a silky texture with a subtle citrus scent (a factor to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance). It’s also formulated with a blend of antioxidants, like grapefruit extract (which is rich in vitamin C) and sunflower seed oil, to help soften and even out skin tone, according to the brand.
Best for body
This mineral-based sunscreen from Blue Lizard, one of our favorite expert-recommended mineral sunscreens and a favorite of Alvarez, is a great option for those with sensitive skin around the entire body (not just the face). It’s fragrance-free and offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage. “The bottle changes color when exposed to UV using the brand’s Smart Bottle Technology, making it not only fun to watch but also helpful to know when sunscreen is needed,” says Garshick.
Best for kids
One of our favorite sunscreens for kids, this Banana Boat option has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s suitable for people, including kids, with very sensitive skin and eczema. It’s also oil-free, so it won’t leave a greasy feel after applying it, according to the brand.
Best splurge
Recommended by Garshick and Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, this sunscreen is noncomedogenic, free of fragrances and oil, and you can wear it underneath makeup. “The 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. “And as the name implies, it absorbs easily and won’t leave behind a white cast.” It protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light (which is great if you work in front of a computer all day), infrared light, free radicals and pollution, according to the brand.
Best tinted
This mineral sunscreen has a universal tint, which means it can improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on all skin tones, according to the brand. “It absorbs easily while offering a universal tint, without leaving behind a greasy or white residue,” says Garshick. It’s noncomedogenic, paraben- and fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Best for eczema-prone skin
This Neutrogena mineral sunscreen dries sheer and won’t leave your skin feeling or looking greasy, according to Garshick. Like the Banana Boat kids sunscreen, this one also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so it’s suitable for very sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The sunscreen is noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil- and fragrance-free.
Best for redness
This color-correcting sunscreen has a non-irritating formula that helps reduce the appearance of redness, which makes it great for those who struggle with rosacea. “I have naturally rosy cheeks, but don’t like to wear foundation or a lot of concealer, and I found the light green tint to be quite effective in concealing that redness,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. If you tend to get red from excessive heat, this formula stays put without becoming greasy in the summer sun, says Schneider.
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How to shop for sunscreen if you have sensitive skin
In addition to considering a chemical or a physical sunscreen and looking for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, my experts recommend a few other factors to keep in mind when shopping.
- Avoid formulas with common irritants, including chemical filters, fragrances, preservatives and botanical extracts. To make sunscreen more tolerable for sensitive skin, look for active mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You should also consider added skin care ingredients, including dimethicone, which is noncomedogenic and helps keep the skin hydrated, as well as niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten the skin, says Dr. Zakia Rahman, board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care.
- Look for a lotion, gel or powder sunscreen rather than sprays. “If a patient cites friction as a trigger for a reaction in their skin, I would recommend a lotion or gel sunscreen as they tend to spread easily and rub into the skin quickly,” says Hartman. The aerosol in spray sunscreens can also be very irritating on sensitive skin, he says. Keep in mind that thicker, cream-based sunscreens may be too heavy for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, too.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Amy McMichael is board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. He specializes in cosmeceuticals, skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Dr. Michele Farber is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. She specializes in skin cancer treatments, as well as general, cosmetic and procedural dermatology.
- Dr. Zakia Rahman is a board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Resident Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at Stanford Health Care. She also serves as the assistant chief at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Livermore.
- Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am an updates editor at NBC Select, where I’ve covered a wide range of skin care topics, including under-eye circles treatments, sunscreens for oily skin and rosacea treatments. For this article, I spoke to eight dermatologists to narrow down the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, and highlighted their recommendations for the best ingredients and products to consider.
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