5 best sunscreens for sensitive skin, reviewed by dermatologists and our testers
Chances are, if your skin veers on the sensitive side, you know what it’s like to be in constant pursuit of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. Not long ago, even the mention of SPF was enough to trigger redness and irritation for me, but the good news is that sunscreens have come a long way from the thick, greasy formulas and heavy finishes of the past.
Today, there are truly gentle formulas out there that are still hardworking enough to protect you from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Many of the best sensitive skin sunscreens also count skincare ingredients, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide – all of which have soothing, calming properties.
To help you find the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, I spoke to dermatologists about what formulas are less likely to cause the unpleasant flare-ups and stinging side effects. Then, I put the top contenders to the test myself, along with tasking Glamour editors to slather them on, spend some time outside, and report back. Because when you have sensitive skin, staying safe in the sun is paramount.
How I tested sunscreens for sensitive skin
As a shopping writer who has been testing beauty products for more than five years, I have tried well over 30 sunscreens, ranging from mineral sunscreens to tinted SPFs. But as I have very sensitive, acne prone skin, not every formula I have tested worked well for my skin type.
For this article, I brought in other Glamour editors with sensitive skin to test SPFs alongside me so we can share our honest reviews with you. Whenever a new sunscreen landed on our desk, we used it for at least 30 days in a variety of real life situations, including busy commutes, long office days, after work drinks and gym sessions.
Together, we evaluated each formula based on how it felt to apply, how quickly it absorbed, and how well it worked with skincare and makeup throughout the day. We also looked at whether it caused pilling as the day went on.
Our favourites have been included in the edit below, scored on their protection grade, consistency, how greasy they are, whether they leave a white cast, and how well they sit under make up. Find out more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
While I definitely don't claim to know everything there is to know about skincare, I am an experienced shopping writer and product tester who has written for magazines including Glamour, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, and Red over the past five years. During that time, I have attended new product launches and panel talks as part of my job, and I have interviewed numerous experts and dermatologists to learn from those with the most knowledge in the field.
When it comes to sunscreens specifically, I have tested more than 30 products myself. As someone with sensitive, acne prone skin, I have spent many of my own hours of my personal time assessing how each formula interacts with my skin, including whether it triggers breakouts, irritation, or discomfort in a bid to find the best formulas designed with sensitive skin in mind.
Ahead, the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, uncovered.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50+
- Type: Chemical,
- Key ingredients: Rice extract, ginseng, niacinamide, panthenol, ferments, modern UV filters.
- SPF: 50+.
- Oil-free: Yes.
- Tester: Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
Glamour-tester review: "K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon is known for its lightweight formulas that rely on skin-friendly natural ingredients, and this sunscreen follows that approach well, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin types. It includes soothing probiotic ingredients, such as a bio ferment that is designed to help reduce the likelihood of breakouts, without stripping moisture or triggering irritation.
The texture feels deliciously smooth on application, sitting somewhere between a light cream and a milky lotion, so it gives a hydrating feel without ever tipping into something heavy or greasy. Over the course of the day, it settles into a soft, natural matte finish that never looks dry or chalky, making it easy to forget I’m even wearing it."
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+
- Type: Chemical.
- Key ingredients: UVMune 400, thermal spring water.
- SPF: 50+.
- Oil-free: No.
- Tester: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Glamour-tester review: "This SPF has been a Glamour editor favourite for years – powered by skincare ingredients that help defend against environmental aggressors during wear. Starring the brand's exclusive UVMune 400 technology, it provides ultra-broad-spectrum protection, including defense against ultra-long UVA rays (yep, it's a thing), which absorb deeper into the skin, contributing to sun damage and premature ageing.
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested (so it's suitable for around your eyes without causing irritation), it features La Roche-Posay's signature Thermal Spring Water to add a soothing, calming element, and it's ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand.”
BYOMA Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 Sunscreen
- Type: Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, and hydrating/barrier support ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.
- SPF: 50+.
- Oil-free: No.
- Tester: Danielle Jackson, Beauty Contributor.
Glamour-tester review: "My skin can be really fussy with sunscreen, so I am always cautious about trying new formulas. The BYOMA Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 instantly impressed me because it feels incredibly weightless on the skin and absorbs so quickly without clogging my pores or leaving behind a white cast.
The formula combines ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant rich astaxanthin to help keep skin hydrated and soothed while protecting against UV damage. I also love that it is fragrance free, non comedogenic, and gentle enough for everyday use, which makes such a difference when your skin reacts easily to new formulas like mine does."
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Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Mini Mate
- Type: Chemical.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, pentavitin, kakadu plum, vitamin E.
- SPF: 50+.
- Oil-free: No.
- Tester: Shani Cohen, Commerce Writer.
Glamour-tester review: "For a lightweight, invisible sunscreen, look no further. This fragrance-free formula delivers broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection without leaving behind any greasiness, white cast, or sticky residue. It layers beautifully under makeup and instantly gives my skin a smooth hydrated finish without feeling heavy or clogging my pores.
I applied it first thing in the morning and, unlike so many SPFs I have tested over the years, it stayed looking fresh throughout the day without pilling or separating under my makeup. I will say that if you are extremely fragrance sensitive it is worth noting there is added fragrance in the formula, but personally I found the hydrating finish and skin smoothing feel made it a really lovely everyday option."
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
- Type: Mineral.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, ectoin, hydroxyectoin, squalane/ethyl macadamiate emollients, and tocopherol (vitamin E).
- SPF: 50+.
- Oil-free: No.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Glamour-tester review: “I have very sensitive, acne prone skin, so finding a sunscreen that does not trigger irritation or breakouts can be a challenge. This lightweight formula blends in beautifully thanks to the sheer mineral pigments, leaving my skin with a healthy glow while still giving me the SPF 50+ protection I was looking for.
The addition of ectoin really stands out for me because it helps support the skin barrier and keeps my reactive skin calmer against environmental stress. I also love the dropper applicator because it lets me control how much I use and it layers so easily under makeup or mixed into moisturiser for days when I want a more natural finish."
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FAQs
Meet the experts
| Dendy Engelman, MD | A board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic. |
|---|---|
| Deeptej Singh, MD | A board-certified dermatologist. |
| Shereene Idriss, MD | Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology. |
| Dr Marisa Garshick, | Board-certified dermatologist. |
Which sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, since they’re generally less irritating to the skin and don’t cause adverse reactions, says Dr. Engelman. “Unlike chemical sunscreens, which need to absorb into the skin to work effectively, mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier that remains on the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Singh. “This difference minimises the risk of allergic and irritant reactions by preventing the activation of immune responses in the epidermis.” Mineral formulas also tend to be fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and anti-inflammatory, says Dr. Engelman. Read: No harsh ingredients like oxybenzone.
When shopping for sunscreen for sensitive skin, you can also look for key features like hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas. If you have dry, sensitive skin, look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid (for skin-barrier hydration) and niacinamide (for soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits). If your skin is acne-prone, you may want to target oil-free formulas, since they’re less likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Is SPF 50 too much for sensitive skin?
Level of SPF is not determined by skin type. Dr Singh recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against UVA and UVB rays) with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, regardless of skin type. Many dermatologists, however, tell us this is just a baseline, noting SPF 50 is preferable across the board.
After more sunscreens content? Shop the best mineral sunscreens, best sunscreen for oily skin, and best SPF for dark skin.
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
