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If your skin is as sensitive as a Pisces, finding the best sunscreen for sensitive skin may pose a challenge. Many of the best sunscrens on the market can trigger breakouts or irritation, which is why it’s important to stick to a vetted list of options that are truly safe for reactive skin. More often than not, that means reaching for mineral or nontoxic formulas, which tend to be less irritating. But don’t rule out chemical sunscreens entirely, as some are surprisingly gentle (like those found in our roundup of the best K-beauty sunscreens).
Vogue s Favorite Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
- Best Overall: Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen, $32
- Best Lightweight Texture: Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, $38
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen, $17
- Best Oil-Free: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen, $40
- Best for Hydration: BYOMA SPF 50 Face Fluid, $19
- Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense, $42
With so many face sunscreen formulas out there, we turned to the experts for their insights and recommendations. Many of their picks include anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients, so they double as skincare and help keep your complexion looking radiant, whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of both.
And since sunscreen is something you should apply (and reapply) daily, it’s worth finding one you actually enjoy using. The last thing you want is a white cast that leaves you looking ghostly or a formula that pills and feels tacky on your skin. You’re also going to want to find one within your price range so you can use it generously every time, and make sure you’re not skipping any part of your face (or your neck!).
Below, find the 11 best sunscreens for sensitive skin, as recommended by leading dermatologists and makeup artists.
In This Story
- What type of sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
- What to look for in a sunscreen for sensitive skin?
- Should I wear sunscreen if I have sensitive skin?
- Is SPF 50 too much for sensitive skin?
- What sunscreen should you use if you re allergic to the sun?
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn’t rave about this sunscreen. Its lightweight formula glides on easily with no white cast, and it helps soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Board-certified dermatologist Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne describes it as her go-to: “This sunscreen blends in well with all skin tones, including deep skin tones, and also contains niacinamide—a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.” Plus, it’s oil-free, making it ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- SPF Level: SPF 46
- Texture: Lightweight and silky
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (9% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate)
- Oil-free: Yes
- Finish: Clear and natural finish
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs quickly, doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts, helps calm redness | Some users report that the pump can get stuck or stop working properly over time |
Best Lightweight Texture: Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: The masterminds behind countless amazing SPF formulations, Supergoop’s Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, in particular, deserves a spot on this list. According to Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne, it is “antioxidant-rich, as well as fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin.” Its lightweight texture is described as “cloud-like,” so it blends in easily, and you won’t even notice you have anything on your skin. It also doubles as a makeup primer, so you can use that to justify its cost—girl math!
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, bamboo extract
- SPF Level: SPF 40
- Texture: Sheer
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (17.68% zinc oxide, 1.33% titanium dioxide)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes, feels weightless on the skin, wears well under makeup | Doesn’t last as long as some other sunscreens, so you may need to reapply more often |
Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense
- Why We Love It: If you’re heading to the beach or pool, you’ll need something water-resistant like this one from SkinCeuticals, which is effective for up to 40 minutes. It glides on easily with no white cast, leaving behind a gorgeous natural tint so you can skip the base makeup. Dr. Obioha-Lolagne is also a fan: “This mineral sunscreen is oil-free and fragrance-free. It contains iron oxide, providing a tint to the formula and protecting against visible light, which may contribute to unwanted hyperpigmentation.”
- Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, zinc oxide
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight mineral fluid
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5%)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Sheer, tinted finish
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Adapts to your skin tone with no white cast, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, the tint provides a touch of light coverage | The texture can be a bit runny, which might make application slightly messy |
Best Non-Comedogenic: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: New to the La Roche-Posay lineup, this invisible sunscreen contains niacinamide and is specifically designed for acne- and rosacea-prone skin. “La Roche-Posay is high on my list of SPF recommendations,” says Dr. Ruth. “This one is great because it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores. The oil-free, fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin.”
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, azelaic acid
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%)
- Oil-free: Yes
- Finish: Clear
- Size: 1.7 Fl. Oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Blends invisibly into all skin tones, supports the skin barrier, lightweight, non-comedogenic formula | Some users report that it can feel a bit heavy on the skin |
Best Fragrance-Free Option: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+
- Why We Love It: Similar to the brand’s other formulations, this mineral sunscreen glides smoothly over the skin for a sheer, even finish every time. It’s super lightweight, never sticky or tacky, and works well for all skin types. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth, “There are no chemical filters, which makes it a good option for more sensitive or reactive skin types.” She adds that it’s a 100% mineral sunscreen lotion with a high SPF that offers broad-spectrum protection and a water-resistant formula, which is ideal for both daily wear and outdoor activities.
- Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- SPF Level: SPF 60+
- Texture: Lightweight
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Titanium dioxide 5.7%, zinc oxide 5.9%)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Sheer
- Size: 5 oz, 1.7 oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Infused with 85% skincare ingredients, water-resistant for outdoor use, doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy | Some users with deeper skin tones noticed a slight white cast |
Best for Hydration: Byoma SPF 50 Face Fluid
- Why We Love It: A common complaint about sunscreens is that they either leave a strong white cast or cause breakouts, but not this one from Byoma. Dr. Ruth explains that no matter your skin tone, this SPF offers high protection with a breathable, serum-like texture, making it ideal for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. “It includes barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides and is alcohol- and fragrance-free to minimize irritatio.” It also fits nicely into the Byoma ecosystem, which features a slew of other affordable products designed to repair and rebuild the skin barrier.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, bisabolol, aloe leaf juice
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight fluid serum
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 9%)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Radiant
- Size: 1.69 Fl. oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Layers well under makeup, includes skin-barrier boosting ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide, great price point | Some users report that it can pill when layered over certain skincare products |
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: With an SPF of 70, it’s clear Neutrogena is aiming to compete with some of the most protective formulas on the market. (SPF 70 theoretically allows you to stay in the sun 70 times longer without burning.) Dr. Ruth says, “I recommend this for patients looking for a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that layers well under makeup.” Its mineral-only filter is gentle on sensitive or acne-prone skin, making this non-comedogenic SPF formula less likely to cause breakouts.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin E
- SPF Level: SPF 70
- Texture: Sheer
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (Titanium dioxide 6.6%, zinc oxide 14.4%)
- Oil-free: Yes
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.4 Fl. Oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| High SPF protection, oil-free and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin | Some users note a slight white cast, especially on deeper skin tones |
Best for Acne Prone Skin: InnBeauty Project Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: This mineral tinted sunscreen comes in several shades, perfect for days when you want your skin to breathe but still want a thin, barely-there base layer to even out pigmentation. “I recommend this product because it is safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin, is a mineral sunscreen, and leaves a glow on the skin—an added bonus,” says dermatologist Dr. Greenfield.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C + rice extract, peptides, hydroviton 24
- SPF Level: SPF 43
- Texture: Weightless gel-cream
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (14.2% zinc oxide)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Radiant finish
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Comes in three shade options to suit a range of skin tones, offers blue light protection, keeps skin hydrated throughout the day | Some users find the texture too thick for their skin |
Best for Outdoors: Dune Mineral Melt Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Just what the doctor ordered, this modern facial sunscreen features a micro-dispersion delivery system that provides a melting effect for ease of application and better absorption. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shambam, its combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is safe for sensitive skin types. “The formulation is very skin-centric and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Vitamin E is a great antioxidant to support protection, while peptides enhance skin structure and elasticity. Brightening agents like carrot root and extract are an added bonus,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, carrot root extract, carrot seed extract, sunflower extract, rock rose extract
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Ulta-smooth and thin
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (4.8% zinc oxide, 2.34% titanium dioxide)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Sheer finish
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Goes on invisible across all skin tones, gently calms and soothes the skin, great pick for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors | Comes at a high price point for the size |
Best K-Beauty: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen
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- Why We Love It: Korean sunscreens are praised for their velvety textures, and this one from Haruharu Wonder is one of our favorite mineral options. It blends seamlessly, so there’s no worry about missing a spot or ending up with streaks of white cast on your face. Shambam says it is “solid” for sensitive skin types, as it is free from octinoxate and oxybenzone. It combines pure zinc oxide with key moisturizing and antioxidant factors to further protect, correct, and nourish the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are ideal ingredients for sensitive skin. “Heart leaf and rice bran oil are less common but are equally effective in soothing and supporting skin protection,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, houttuynia cordata extract, niacinamide, daisy flower extract, black rice bran oil, hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oil
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Non-greasy, lightweight
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (non-nano zinc oxide)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Satin finish
- Size: 1.69 oz
- Fragrance: N
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Wears well under makeup, delivers a matte finish without drying out the skin, a little goes a long way | May require a bit of buffing to fully absorb without leaving a white cast |
Best For Glow: Ranavat Radiant Rani Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: As longtime fans of the Ayurvedic-inspired brand Ranavat, we were excited to see them introduce a mineral sunscreen to their lineup, especially one that pairs physical UV protection with antioxidant-rich botanicals for both barrier defense and skin-calming benefits. “It’s a good option for sensitive skin due to its non-irritating formula,” says Dr. Ruth. “I love when sunscreens include antioxidants, which can help provide additional protection against UV damage.” The price point leans on the higher side, but the ingredients deliver added skincare, and it leaves behind a radiant finish—so glowy, in fact, that you might just skip base makeup altogether (girl math).
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, saffron, squalene
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Lightweight mineral fluid
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (12.3% zinc oxide)
- Oil-free: No
- Finish: Radiant
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Fragrance: Y
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Infused with Ayurvedic botanicals, offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, luxurious feel and packaging | Might be too glowy for users who prefer a more matte finish |
What type of sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
The experts are in agreement that if you have sensitive skin, you should stick with mineral sunscreen. “Mineral sunscreen contains no chemicals that frequently cause irritation and allergic reactions in the skin,” explains Dr. Greenfield. Minerals sit on top of the skin and provide broad-spectrum sunscreen coverage against all wavelengths of UVA and UVB light while avoiding common skin reactions and rashes.
More specifically, according to Dr. Obioha-Lolagne, you’ll want to look for mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in the formula. “The reason being that those with sensitive skin are more likely to have allergic reactions to the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens than to those in mineral sunscreens.”
What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Chemical vs. Mineral
For sensitive skin, Dr. King generally recommends mineral sunscreens as well. These often include humectants and non-comedogenic emollients in their base formulas, which help keep the skin moisturized and prevent pore clogging.
SPF Level
According to Dr. Greenfield, SPF should be 30+ (minimum) for the face, and mineral sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection.
Key Ingredients
Protection doesn’t mean you have to compromise on hydration. “Look for moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides, squalene, and hyaluronic acid to enhance skin hydration and avoid leaving the skin chalky with a white cast,” says Dr. Obioha-Lolagne.
If breakouts are your main concern, King notes that two factors can cause sunscreen-related breakouts: occlusion of the pores by comedogenic materials or a sensitivity reaction to chemical UV-blocking ingredients. Breakouts can result from any ingredient in the product, not just the active sunscreen components. Other emollients, fragrances, preservatives, or additional ingredients can also cause breakouts. Look for “non-comedogenic” on the label. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both non-comedogenic.
King also warns to be wary of expiration dates. If the sunscreen has expired or the ingredients have been exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, the heat and sun can break down the chemicals, rendering them ineffective and potentially irritating to the skin
Texture
Dr. Greenfield advises that the texture should be light and breathable to avoid clogging pores or causing breakouts, yet thick enough to stay on the skin and not rub off easily. Lotions, creams, and gels are preferred over sprays, which can result in skipped areas.
Should I wear sunscreen if I have sensitive skin?
Absolutely! Dr. Greenfield emphasizes, “It’s perfectly fine to have a little sun exposure on your body, but UV radiation will only cause accelerated aging, discoloration, and texture changes on your face. I recommend facial sunscreen every single day, rain or shine.”
Is SPF 50 too much for sensitive skin?
According to Dr. Shambam, the amount of SPF is not the primary factor for sensitive skin; rather, it’s the type of chemicals, actives, or ingredients that often cause reactivity. Products with higher percentages of chemical actives can be more aggressive and lead to irritation. Dr. Shambam explains that while using a sunscreen with SPF 50 is perfectly fine, the difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is minimal, and even less so between SPF 30 and SPF 70 or higher. A quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 95-97% of UV rays. She adds, “For the most sensitive or reactive skin types, it s important to read the labels, be aware of key ingredients, and look for products specifically labeled for sensitive skin.”
What sunscreen should you use if you’re allergic to the sun?
“Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens are usually the best and most effective options to prevent allergic reactions when in the sun,” Dr. Shambam says. However, she does advise patients who are allergic to the sun to do their best to avoid exposure when possible. When that’s not feasible, UPF clothing, hats, and umbrellas are always recommended.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Boutik Dermatology in Beverly Hills
- Dr. Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
- Dr. Hadley King is a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist
- Katie Mellinger is a bi-coastal makeup artist living in both Los Angeles and New York
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist living in both Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and the founder of Ava MD and Skin Five.
- Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
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