14 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, Vetted by Dermatologists and Tested By Editors

Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a loyal user of the Isdin sunscreen. "This formulation contains patented DNA repair technology that repairs existing sun damage caused by years of unprotected sun exposure," she previously explained.

Editor Tip: Make sure to shake the bottle well before applying (at least) two finger lengths of product to your face and neck.

Key Ingredients: 11% zinc oxide, vitamin E | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People looking to soften fine lines | Type: Mineral

Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: Because it's one of the top dermatologist-recommended brands, it was no surprise when Joel Lamm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body's supervising physician based in Hicksville, New York, suggested SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. This sheer zinc oxide-based sunscreen is fragrance-free and has a subtle tint that allows it to easily blend across a range of skin tones without creating a white cast. Deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegal previously wrote, "[This sunscreen] almost replaces concealer (almost), and it definitely replaces tinted moisturizer. It's got a natural-looking finish so I can wear it all over like a sheer foundation."

Editor Tip: This sunscreen's formula features artemia salina, a plankton extract that helps increase the skin's UV resistance over time.

Key Ingredients: 5% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide, artemia salina | Tinted: Yes | Who It's For: Everyone | Type: Mineral

Best Hybrid Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Why It's Worth It: EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is like the Swiss army tool of sunscreens. With 5% discoloration-fighting niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this formula provides your skin with some TLC while protecting it from dangerous UV rays. "This silky white cream seeps into the skin seamlessly, without creating more sensitivity (great for my redness-prone cheeks) and doesn't have a scent, which means my underlying eczema is never triggered," associate digital beauty director Sarah Kinonen previously told Allure in her review of the product. It's non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, and super lightweight—just note that this hybrid formula does use octinoxate, a common chemical blocker.

Editor Tip: "I apply it in the morning, after my serums and moisturizer, right before my BB cream and bronzer. Then, I toss it in my bag for light reapplication in the afternoon. I've found that this product even holds up during the sweatiest of workouts," Kinonen added.

Key Ingredients: 9.0% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Tinted: No | Who It's For: Everyone | Type: Hybrid

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Why It's Worth It: Uncompromising on your mission to find a no-white cast formula? Look no further. As its name suggests, Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 has a transparent finish that has garnered a long list of fans, including Dr. Lamm. This oil- and fragrance-free formula contains blue light-fighting red algae, soothing frankincense, and meadowfoam seed extract to hydrate and even skin texture. "I find that primer-type textures can be really drying. So by adding this complex that's derived from meadowfoam, we can harness the benefits of the hydration and leave the skin feeling very even, but without making it greasy," Sofia Gracia, Supergoop's former director of product development, previously told Allure. "This is the complex that's derived from the oil, without it actually being an oil. Unseen sunscreen is still oil-free."

Editor Tip: The Unseen Sunscreen also works well as a grippy, matte makeup primer, which is yet another reason we love it. No wonder it won a Best of Beauty Award.

Key Ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 4% octocrylene, red algae | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People looking for multiple benefits | Type: Chemical

Best Tinted Sunscreen: Tower 28 SunnyDays Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Why It's Worth It: We always have room in our makeup bags for multitasking products like Tower 28's SunnyDays Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen. This zinc oxide-based, prickly pear-spiked sunscreen protects against sunburns and early signs of photoaging, but it's also a sheer-finish foundation that lightly conceals blemishes. This formulation is available in 17 shades, so finding your perfect, white cast-free match is a breeze. SunnyDays has earned the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance as a testament to its sensitive-skin-friendly formula.

Editor Tip: When using this tinted sunscreen to cover up blemishes, tap on the product using a foundation brush, stippling brush, or damp beauty sponge. Layer as much as you please.

Key Ingredients: 12.6% zinc oxide, prickly pear, aloe vera | Tinted: Yes | Who It's For: People looking to cover blemishes | Type: Mineral

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Why It's Worth It: Drop what you're doing and pick up a bottle of the Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops if you've yet to find a sunscreen that makes you excited to re-apply (and re-apply). Powered by ectoin—a soothing, free-radical-defending skin-care ingredient found in bacteria (in a good way, don't worry). Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare based in New York City previously explained: “It’s an extremolyte, which is extracted from extremophilic microorganisms. Extremolytes help protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions.” This sunscreen leaves behind zero white cast and is lightly tinted to leave behind a glowy finish.

Editor Tip: Make sure you give the bottle a hearty shake before applying. By the way, this formula enlists non-nano zinc oxide, a buzzy phrase in the world of sunscreen which means the formula does not use particles larger than 100 nanometers in size. As Allure previously reported, Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat, confirmed that the potential ecological detriment of physical nanoparticles is being assessed.

Key Ingredients: 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide, ectoin | Tinted: Yes | Who It's For: People with dry skin | Type: Mineral

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

Why It's Worth It: Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York City, says one of the safest facial sunscreen choices for sensitive skin types on the market is the Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30. "This broad-spectrum SPF 50 is a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide that is also free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives," she says. She also notes that this formula is noncomedogenic, so it's less likely to clog pores—a total plus for those prone to breakouts.

Editor Tip: This sunscreen's moisturizing power is due to ingredients like squalene, glycerin, and ceramides.

Key Ingredients: 19.5% zinc oxide, squalene, glycerin| Tinted: No | Who It's For: People with acne-prone skin | Type: Mineral

Best for Oily Skin: Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: Yes, the Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 is a hybrid formula powered by both physical and chemical UV filters, but it still goes super easy on sensitive skin. Along with mattifying kaolin clay and soothing aloe vera extract, this weightless sunscreen is spiked with antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E to protect against free radical damage and plump skin with much-needed moisture. It's also water resistant, making it an excellent match for sweaty activities.

Editor Tip: "I love that this sunscreen blends into my skin without irritation or leaving behind a white cast, and it's formulated with a slew of skin-soothing ingredients that keep rosacea flare-ups at bay," says commerce writer Jennifer Hussein.

Key Ingredients: 10% homosalate, 6% oxybenzone, 5% octisalate, 3% avobenzone, 2% octocrylene, titanium dioxide | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People who sweat a lot | Type: Hybrid

Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: Marchbein recommends La Roche-Posay's Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 Face because it's ultra-sheer and sinks in so fast you barely feel like you're wearing anything. "It has a subtle mattifying effect that's perfect to wear under makeup," she adds. It's also infused with vitamin E oil to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

Editor Tip: For more UV protection, opt for La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60.

Key Ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water | Tinted: No | Who It's For: Everyone | Type: Mineral

Best for Layering Under Makeup: Vacation Shake Shake SPF 50 Mineral Milk Face Sunscreen

Why It's Worth It: Vacation has some of the cutest skin care vibes in the game—just look at the packaging on the Shake Shake SPF 50 Mineral Milk Face Sunscreen. It's more than just a pretty bottle, though: The delightfully milky formula contains ZincWater, a smooth, clear, (and proprietary) non-nano zinc ingredient that goes on light and soft. You'll also find skin-loving ingredients like cucumber, white tea, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Editor Tip: The coolest part? The bottle uses two little metal balls to keep the formula nice and watery when you shake up the product (yes, watery consistency can be just as desirable as creaminess).

Key Ingredients: 20.5% zinc oxide, aloe vera, shea oil | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People who want a super lightweight option | Type: Mineral

Best Face & Body Sunscreen: Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: The beauty of Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion SPF 50 is that its mineral-based formula is delicate enough to use from head to toe. This ultra-light lotion provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, while sunscreen ingredients such as allantoin, bisabolol, and the brand's signature Thermal Spring Water soothe irritation. And did we mention it's a 2023 Best of Beauty winner? Sold.

Editor Tip: Want a tinted option? Try the cream-to-powder Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF for serious protection and a little wash of color.

Key Ingredients: 12% zinc oxide, allantoin, glycerin | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People with acne-prone skin, everyone | Type: Mineral

Best Blendable Sunscreen: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Mineral Cream SPF 30 PA+++

Why It's Worth It: The first rendition of the Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 won a Best of Beauty award but also two consecutive Readers' Choice Awards, and recently, the formula has been improved to make it even more lovable. The blendable, breathable non-pilling sunscreen features 20% zinc oxide, a PA+++ ranking, and antioxidant-packed algae and sunflower sprout extracts, to fight off free radical damage. Like all Drunk Elephant products, this sunscreen is made without essential oils, silicones, SLS, fragrances, dyes, and drying alcohols.

Editor Tip: You can pick up this sunscreen in a tinted version, but keep in mind that the Umbra Sheer isn't bright white—it's actually a very light pink.

Key Ingredients: 20% zinc oxide, raspberry seed oil, jojoba oil | Tinted: No | Who It's For: Everyone | Type: Mineral

Best Sunscreen for Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Why It's Worth It: Innisfree's Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is a green-tinted, redness-neutralizing formula that goes on like silk and leaves no white cast. It's made with eight varieties of hyaluronic acid and cica to hydrate and soothe skin and fend off redness in the first place. The sunscreen is noncomedogenic, so it's an excellent match for oily skin and easily clogged pores. And by the way, this mineral sunscreen was preceded by its Best of Beauty-winning, chemical-version big sister—the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen, which also goes easy on sensitive skin.

Editor Tip: Instead of rubbing in the sunscreen, gently pat until it's absorbed and the green color is neutralized.

Key Ingredients: 17% zinc oxide, cica, squalene, hyaluronic acid | Tinted: No | Who It's For: People with redness | Type: Mineral

Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: Dr. Marchbein also recommends the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen because it's made without parabens, fragrances, or known irritants that tend to make sensitive skin freak out. It's water-resistant, so you can sweat all you want while wearing it and don't have to worry about reapplying until you hit the two-hour mark. And get this, the cap changes from white to blue or pink when exposed to UV rays as a little reminder that it's time to apply sunscreen.

Editor Tip: This pediatrician-approved formula is a great sunscreen for the entire family, including babies.

Key Ingredients: 8% titanium dioxide, 10% zinc oxide, vitamin E | Tinted: No | Who It's For: Everyone | Type: Mineral

Frequently Asked Questions

As we mentioned, it could be hard for those with sensitive skin to find a sunscreen that won't irritate them due to common irritants from chemical sun blockers. If that's you, you'll want to try a gentler, mineral sunscreen.

Even if you're not sensitive to every chemical present in a chemical sunscreen, discerning which one is irritating to your skin is complicated. "Even if you identify which [kind of] product it is, you don't know which chemical it is [because] formulas typically contain up to four [photoprotective chemicals]," says board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Thus, a mineral sunscreen with no chemicals rids you of the root issue. Plus, cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure that mineral sunscreens are less pore-clogging.

Another consideration is "to avoid mineral sunscreens that have parabens, phthalates, and added fragrances, as these can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation of the skin," board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body's supervising physician, Joel Lamm, MD, says. The lesson at hand: Always read the ingredient list, especially as some sunscreens are hybrid formulas and contain physical and chemical UV filters.

Dr. Lamm notes that mineral sunscreens are gentler but still have high SPF protection options for sensitive skin. "Physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral) work by reflecting the UV rays off skin," he says. Conversely, Dr. Lamm explains that chemical-filter sun protection products work by absorbing the sun's rays that hit your skin, rather than bouncing them off.

Mineral-based products utilize, well, mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are usually gentler than chemical options. "Mineral sunscreens also typically do not irritate the eyes like chemical sunscreens," he says. Plus, they're photostable, so they don't need to be applied as regularly as chemical sunscreens, according to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.

• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Hadley King, MD. a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Joel Lamm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body's supervising physician based in Hicksville, New York
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York City
• Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
• Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Skincare based in New York City
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, protection, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

More UV-protection favorites:

• 14 Best Sunscreens That Go Above and Beyond UV Protection
• 13 Best Body Sunscreens That Literally Have You Covered Against UV Rays
• 12 Best Sunscreens for Glowing Skin
• Your Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen Application, According to Dermatologists

Done reading? Now, watch Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan try 9 things she's never done before:

Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.