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Skip the sunburn—and the irritation—with these formulas that are perfect for your sensitive complexion.
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Summer is getting closer by the minute, which means long days spent in the sun, sand, and saltwater, all of which can take a toll on sensitive skin. While you can't necessarily protect your skin from everything the warm weather may throw at it, you can stave off the harmful effects of the sun's rays with sunscreens for sensitive skin that will help keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and free of sunburns without causing irritation.
Some sunscreens are chock full of chemicals, fragrances, and parabens that can lead to dryness, rashes, and itchiness, but there are plenty of formulas on the market that eschew these ingredients in favor of gentle ones that actually benefit the health of your skin. We've rounded up our favorite sunscreens for sensitive skin—and some things to consider before you shop—below.
What to Consider
There are two primary types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. While they can both protect your skin against damage, you'll want to consider their respective merits (and potential drawbacks) before making your purchase.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens create a visible barrier between your skin and the sun. They usually contain natural ingredients like zinc, which offer great protection, but can leave a white cast on your skin unless they are tinted to match your skin color. These are also generally better for sensitive skin.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens soak into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. They are generally thinner than mineral sunscreens and won't leave behind any color. They often work well as a primer used under makeup, and are also a good choice for acne-prone skin.
How We Selected
To find the best sunscreens for sensitive skin among the many options on the market, we researched the most popular formulas available and considered their ingredients, feel, SPF level, texture, and wear longevity. We then looked at both expert reviews and customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these sunscreens on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below.
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EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 46
- Water Resistance: No
-
Best for Use On: Face
If you're looking for a basic, everyday sunscreen/moisturizer combo, this Elta MD formula could be just what you need. It packs SPF 46, which was specifically designed to be the ideal amount of sun protection for your face, and its fragrance-free formula won't irritate your skin. It is moisturizing without being greasy, and has niacinamide to help keep skin clear.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 60
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Best for Use On: Face
For days when you're spending a lot of time in the sun, you'll want something that will give you extra protection and won't cause you to breakout after hours of wear. This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is great for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. It also doesn't leave an oily residue on your skin even after reapplying, and is waterproof, making it great for sweaty workouts and days at the beach.
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 30
- Water Resistance: No
- Best for Use On: Face
Tinted sunscreen is a great replacement for foundation in the summer months as it helps to even out skin tone without looking cakey or melting off your face. This one is super lightweight and hydrating, so it won't cause you to break out. Since it is a mineral sunscreen, it's also super gentle and won't sting dry skin.
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 50
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
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If your summer plans include days spent at the beach, it's important to make sure the sunscreen you choose is reef-safe. This Sun Bum formula is designed to be safe for you and the ocean's inhabitants, keeping you protected against burns and irritation for up to 80 minutes before requiring reapplication. It is designed to be matte, but since it is a high SPF formula with zinc, it can have a bit of a white cast. That said, it feels lightweight and silky on the skin, and won't cause a breakout.
Key Specs:
- SPF Level: 40
- Water Resistance: 40 minutes
- Best for Use On: Face
If you do prefer a chemical sunscreen, this Supergoop formula is a great option. It's designed to be invisible and weightless, and is fragrance-free, making it ideal for those who don't love the greasy feel or tropical odor of many popular brands. It also goes on clear, so you won't have to worry about it not rubbing in enough or it showing up under makeup.
Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 32
- Water Resistance: No
- Best for Use On: Face
We all know probiotics are good for the gut, but did you know that they can also help to improve the skin barrier and make your skin extra glowy? This sunscreen includes probiotics, along with ingredients like turmeric, which helps soothe the skin, and zinc, which provides sun protection. It also has a light, pleasant vanilla smell, which will make you eager to reapply.
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 30
- Water Resistance: 40 minutes
- Best for Use On: Body
If you are going to slather your body with sunscreen before heading into a natural body of water, you should absolutely double-check the ingredients to make sure it won't harm the local wildlife. This sunscreen is not only clean and reef-safe, but it is also specifically designed for sensitive skin by cutting out fragrances, parabens, Oxybenzone, and Octinoxate. It also lasts for 40 minutes in water, so you'll stay protected even when riding the waves.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 70
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Best for Use On: Body
If being greasy is your biggest sunscreen turnoff, you will love this formula, which quickly absorbs into the skin and leaves it feeling dry and soft to the touch. It boasts SPF 70 and is waterproof for up to 80 minutes, which makes it great for beach days or long, sweaty workouts outside. This can be used on your face and body, and is non-irritating.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sensitive Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 50
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Best for Use On: Body
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with a baby sunscreen. Designed for the most sensitive skin, this sunscreen has SPF 50 and uses zinc in its formula, which is gentle on the skin. It also includes soothing colloidal oatmeal and reviewers say it's comfortable, even on dry or eczema-prone skin. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Key Specs
- SPF Level: 30
- Water Resistance: 40 minutes
- Best for Use On: Body
Another reef-safe option, this Badger sunscreen is made from 98 percent organic ingredients. It uses ingredients like sunflower oil, beeswax, and seabuckthorn extract, which lock in moisture and keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated. It is water-resistant for 40 minutes, and is hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin, and gluten-free.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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