The 10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

Beloved French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay makes the best, most gentle sunscreen, according to Westbay. “The brand’s sunscreens contain newer filters that provide long-lasting UVA protection,” she explains. “La Roche-Posay is one of the few companies with products sold in the U.S. with this type of UVA protection. This particular sunscreen is a favorite of mine because it is 100 percent mineral with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is fast-absorbing, provides a matte finish, and does not leave a white cast the way many mineral-only formulations do.”

One customer says: “I only wear mineral sunblocks (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), and am always looking for something gentle enough for rosacea and mature skin. I am fair-skinned, so I did not find a white cast on my skin. I apply it several minutes after moisturizing, and it goes on very smoothly and feels wonderfully soothing on my skin.” —Andie

While no one likes a sunscreen that leaves a white cast, some do prefer a formula that enhances their skin and provides a subtle glow. For those people, Rogers recommends the Self Reflect Moisturizing Sunscreen from Kinship. Not only has this sunscreen won countless beauty awards over the years, Rogers says it’s also one of the only reflective, glow-giving formulas on the market that is gentle enough for very sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

One customer says: “The best sunscreen ever!! No white cast, no toxic smell, easy to apply and rub in, gives a nice glow, and best of all protects my face!” —Kristen

Cetaphil’s sunscreen is a must-have at under $13 per bottle. “It contains broad-spectrum SPF 50 to reflect both UVA and UVB rays, to help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early signs of aging due to sun exposure,” says Westbay. “The formula is serumlike and blends in translucent, even on the darkest of skin tones. It dries to a hydrating, yet matte finish ideal for application under makeup, thanks to the moisturizing properties of vitamin E.”

One customer says: “Not only does [using this sunscreen] allow me to have confidence that my skin is protected with an SPF of 50, it also blends so well with my makeup and other skincare products! It is also cost-efficient. I would invest in this gem again.” —Natalie

Westbay recommends this Clark’s Botanicals sunscreen to patients with sensitive skin who experience dryness and acne. “This broad-spectrum, noncomedogenic mineral sunscreen contains many hydrating ingredients that make it a great choice for sensitive skin,” she says. “Besides 15 percentzinc oxide, it contains hyaluronic acid and marine algae to instantly hydrate, plump, and minimize wrinkles, and niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores and stimulate the skin’s lipid barrier.”

One customer says: “This sunscreen is nothing like other mineral ones I’ve tried. It is lightweight and there is no white cast. I used it under makeup and it acted like a smoothing primer. It never felt heavy or greasy, and I forgot that I used it.” —Leslie

This souped-up mineral sunscreen melts into the skin without leaving a white cast, and contains a blend of antioxidants (like vitamin C and licorice) that help block pollution, blue light, and UVA and UVB rays. It also contains skincare extras like kiwi and licorice to boost skin’s radiance with each use.

One customer says: “I use this every morning as a last step before makeup. It feels great on my skin, has an undetectable scent, and absorbs quickly and fully. Instant glow! I will keep buying this product as long as Paula keeps making it!” —Kay

If you’re looking for a protective, light, translucent sunscreen, Westbay recommends this one by Colorescience. “This mineral sunscreen is one of the sheerest sheer formulations,” she says. “It’s ultra-lightweight but not drying, and combines non-nano zinc oxide with powerful hydrators, and protects not only from UV light, but also blue light, infrared, free radicals, and pollution, all of which can wreak particular havoc on skin barriers.”

One customer says: “Astonishingly good sunscreen. [It] has zero fragrance, and does not pill or [cause] breakouts—even [on] my hypersensitive skin. There is no reason or excuse left for me not to use sunscreen. Very happy with this.” —Su

Dermatologists are obsessed with EltaMD—and for good reason. The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, in particular, remains a staple for those of us obsessed with elegant sun protection. “I’ve been a fan for many years and regularly recommend this one to facial clients, as it’s suitable for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and even dry skin,” says Ian Michael Crumm, a celebrity esthetician and co-host of the BeautyCurious podcast.

One customer says: “I’ve been using this sunscreen for over 10 years. The formulation is amazing and glides on [my] skin so smoothly. It doesn’t feel gross or sticky like some sunscreens do. I tried a popular brand advertising sunscreen makeup and it clogged my skin. I will never switch again and will continue to use my Elta MD!” —Melanie

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that leans into the latest science, try this tinted one from Neova. In a clinical study, the brand found that the addition of photolyase, a DNA-repair enzyme, to a traditional sunscreen base contributes to the prevention of ultraviolet-radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death—when applied topically to human skin. Beyond its superior skin protection, Crumm finds the tinted formula to be suitable for sensitive skin.

One customer says: “I struggled for years trying to find a sunscreen for my face that wouldn’t irritate me, make me break out, or cause a rash. [Then] I found this one. It’s perfect for my sensitive skin and doesn’t feel heavy, and the tint doesn’t make me look like a ghost.” —Shirley

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every day—and this foundation-sunscreen hybrid is so genius that it makes the drag that is sunscreen application rather fun. Tower 28’s whole brand is built around creating products that are safe for sensitive and reactive skin, so this cult-favorite tinted sunscreen uses 100 percent mineral non-nano sunscreen, plus soothing white sage and prickly pear extract. It gives the prettiest glow to skin with medium coverage, like an upgraded tinted moisturizer. “I went through a whole tube of this tinted sunscreen because I couldn’t stop reaching for it in the morning,” says Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein. “The shade range is impressive, and the formula leaves skin looking so beautiful, you’ll forget about the SPF 30 protection.”

One customer says: “I have been wearing this for four weeks now and I love it. It has enough coverage to even out my rosacea, but not so much as to look ‘makeup-y.’ I highly recommend.” —TwinsBoys4Me

For those with sensitive skin looking for a multifunctional sunscreen that doubles as makeup primer, this one by California-based skincare brand Mama Sol is a great option. The mineral formula with SPF 30 also features specific antioxidants and natural extracts that offer additional moisturizing and skin-smoothing benefits. It’s safe for use during pregnancy, and for nursing moms or anyone with sensitive skin.

One customer says: “I’ve researched and sampled dozens of sunscreens over the years and this is the only one that truly moisturizes, works beautifully under makeup, and doesn’t leave you feeling sticky. My skin glows. Even more, every ingredient is made by nature and has the most inviting fragrance.” —Libby