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
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery ($52)
If redness and irritation come with your sensitive skin, this NewBeauty Award-winning sunscreen is a must-have. The green pigment helps neutralize redness while the formula hydrates skin. It’s also recommended by dermatologists for post-procedure to ensure skin is safe and soothed at its most sensitive.
Eucerin Sun Sensitive SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion ($19)
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.
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin With SPF 30 ($15)
Vanicream is the sensitive skin brand, so it only makes sense that their moisturizer with SPF would check all the boxes. Even super sensitive reviewers—including those with eczema, rosacea, hormonal acne and reactive skin—found this product to be great.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 ($64)
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.
Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50 ($18)
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.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15)
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.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ ($13)
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.
Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen ($45)
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.
LANEIGE Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($30)
This Sydney Sweeney favorite is soothing and hydrating, making it a perfect pick for sensitive skin. It goes on smoothly with no whitecast or pilling, making it a great daily go-to.
SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum ($24)
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.