Sensitive skin is no joke, especially when it’s exposed to the sun. There could be a variety of things that cause skin to be sensitive, including skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, certain medications that make skin photosensitive, procedures that leave skin delicate, and just plain old reactive skin. If you have sensitive skin, protecting it from the sun is essential, but not all sunscreens are up for the challenge. Some sunscreen formulas will further aggravate reactive skin, while other products’ level of protection might not be enough for sensitive skin. We gathered the best sunscreens for sensitive skin with non-irritating formulas and powerful protection.
Sunscreens that are safe and effective for sensitive skin
2 / 10
This formula was developed with dermatologists specifically for sensitive skin. It’s lightweight and hypoallergenic, so you can apply it without any worries of residue or irritation. “As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve always struggled to find a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate or break me out, but this one has been a total game-changer,” writes one reviewer.
BUY ON AMAZON - $19
BUY ON CVS - $19
4 / 10
Light and silky-smooth, this sunscreen from Tatcha is a great option for sensitive skin as it’s non-irritating and non-comedogenic. In addition to protecting skin from the sun, it hydrates and helps even skin tone over time.
BUY ON ULTA - $64
BUY ON AMAZON - $64
5 / 10
This K-beauty brand exploded onto the American scene this year with its sunscreens being some of the biggest showstoppers. The Day Dew Sunscreen soothes, protects and hydrates, leaving a fresh, dewy finish, even on the most sensitive skin types. Plus, it's now available at Sephora.
BUY NOW - $18
6 / 10
Fragrance-free, allergy-tested and mineral-based, this facial sunscreen is a home run for sensitive skin. It’s so safe for sensitive skin, it’s even recommended by the National Eczema Association. It comes in sheer and tinted options.
BUY ON AMAZON - $18
BUY ON DERMSTORE - $16
7 / 10
As an avid Blue Lizard fan, I was glad to see their sensitive line stood up to the rest of their products. This formula was specifically developed for sensitive skin and features soothing aloe vera alongside mineral sun protection instead of harsh chemical actives that could irritate already angry skin.
BUY ON ULTA - $13
BUY ON TARGET - $15
8 / 10
Developed by New York dermatologist David Kim, MD, this sunscreen is top-notch and suitable for sensitive skin. The formula, available in tinted and non-tinted, features the brand’s proprietary Light Activated Repair Complex, which repairs signs of sun damage, brightens, moisturizes and helps provide blue light protection.
BUY ON LIGHTSAVER- $45
BUY ON SEPHORA - $45
10 / 10
This serum sunscreen melts into skin, leaving a dewy, radiant finish in its wake. The brand’s unique Hyalu-Cica formula, featuring Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid, intensely hydrates and soothes skin, making it an optimal formula for sensitive skin users.
BUY NOW - $24
