The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin This Summer

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: A Buyer’s Guide

If you take your skincare routine seriously, then you know that sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your regimen. The sun is your skin's biggest enemy, and sunscreen is the only way to protect yourself from wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration caused by the sun. Let's not forget the most important benefit of sunscreen: minimizing the risk of skin cancer. However, if you're plagued with sensitive skin like me, then you know the struggle of finding a facial sunscreen that won't cause breakouts, irritation, or worse, allergic reactions. The answer to our problem is finding a sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Not only will it protect you from harmful UV rays, but it will also soothe and nourish your skin, keeping it healthy and radiant. Our comprehensive buying guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the perfect protection for your delicate skin.

How to Pick the Right Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

UVA and UVB protection

Make sure that the sunscreen you choose has high UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays are responsible for photoaging, and UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Look for a sunscreen that has broad spectrum coverage, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Water resistance

Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Look for a sunscreen that offers water-resistant protection so you don’t have to worry about it coming off even when you’re active or exposed to water. This might not be an important criteria if you live in a cold climate where you're less likely to sweat or get wet, but if you plan on going to the beach or working out at the gym, prioritizing water resistance will be better for the long run.

Oil-free or non-comedogenic

If you have sensitive skin, it's essential to choose the right sunscreen to avoid any adverse reactions. It's advisable to opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens that won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. Oil-free sunscreens contain ingredients that don't add any extra oil to your skin, making them an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic sunscreens, on the other hand, are specifically formulated not to block pores or cause blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Most non-comedogenic sunscreens are also considered great sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

SPF rating

The SPF rating tells you how well the sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The higher the SPF rating, the longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. In order to ensure maximum protection from the sun, it's recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. This level of SPF provides adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. But if you plan to be out and about under the sun all day long, try to opt for a higher SPF rating.

Key ingredients

Natural and organic ingredients are best when choosing sunscreens for sensitive skin because they won’t cause irritation or allergic reactions. Look for sunscreens that contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection while also being gentle on the skin.

Fragrance-free

Fragrance-free products are key when it comes to sensitive skin, as fragrances can cause irritation and redness in some people. While fragrances in sunscreens might be soothing, the rule of thumb for people with sensitive skin is to avoid any skincare products with a fragrance. As such, make sure the sunscreen you choose doesn’t contain any added fragrances or dyes.

Natural minerals or zinc oxide

Natural minerals, such as zinc oxide, provide broad-spectrum protection while being gentle on your skin. These ingredients act as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s damaging UV rays and won’t cause any irritation.

Non-irritating or hypoallergenic

Sunscreens with hypoallergenic or non-irritating formulas are best when it comes to sensitive skin, as they are formulated without any harsh chemicals or fragrances that could cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Non-greasy texture

Non-greasy formulas will absorb into the skin quickly without leaving behind any residue or buildup on the surface of your skin, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts in those with sensitive skin types. In contrast, greasy textures will likely clog pores and cause breakouts.

No white cast

Many sunscreens with natural mineral ingredients can leave behind a white cast on the skin, which can be difficult to hide with makeup. Look for non-whitening formulas that offer sheer coverage if having a white cast makes you uncomfortable.

Reapplication time

Most of the time, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating a lot. Being diligent about reapplication is key when it comes to ensuring maximum protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As such, look for products that are easy to use and will make reapplication a breeze.