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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Many sunscreen formulas are not suitable for sensitive skin types and may clog pores and cause breakouts. Share on Pinterest A quick look at the best sunscreens for sensitive skinBest ocean-friendly sunscreen Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SunscreenBest for acne-prone skin Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen for Acne-Prone SkinBest travel-friendly sunscreen Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily SunscreenBest for face sunscreen Coppertone Oil Free Face SunscreenBest for a higher SPF La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SunscreenBest for children Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby Tear Free Mineral-Based SunscreenBest anti-aging sunscreen CeraVe 100% Mineral SunscreenBest moisturizer with SPF Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30Best for all skin tones and types Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45Best vegan sunscreen Thrive Natural Mineral SunscreenBest sunscreen spray: KINeSYS Fragrance Free Clear Spray SuncreenThe Skin Cancer Foundation states that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. According to an older article in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, people with sensitive skin are more likely to develop sunburns, which can lead to various forms of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher daily can reduce a person’s risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40%. People who wear sunscreen daily show fewer visible signs of aging on the skin than those who do not. People with sensitive skin should opt for mineral-based sunscreen products. Other labeling to look out for includes: noncomedogenic (does not clog pores)for dry skinfor oily skinfor acne-prone skinoil-freedermatologist-recommended Keep reading to learn more about what makes a good sunscreen, and nine top sunscreens for sensitive skin. List of sunscreens for sensitive skin Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best ocean-friendly sunscreen Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen List price: around $15Skin type: sensitiveVegan: yesKey ingredients: titanium dioxide and zinc oxidePro: free from ingredients that damage coral reefsCon: some reviewers state it is difficult to wash this sunscreen offThis skin-friendly sunscreen is free from ingredients that damage coral reefs, such as octinoxate and oxybenzone. It is a mineral formula that blocks the sun’s rays physically instead of absorbing them like a chemical product. The SPF 50+ sunscreen is also free of parabens and fragrances and is long-lasting­. SHOP NOW Best for acne-prone skin Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin List price: around $28Skin type: acne-prone skinVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylenePro: may reduce acne as it is noncomedogenicCon: some reviewers state that it leaves a white film over the skinThis sun protection product is suitable for acne-prone skin types. It comes as an SPF 30 or 55 formula that does not contain pore-clogging oil or skin-irritating fragrances. It offers broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for a little over an hour. It does not contain oxybenzone. SHOP NOW Best travel-friendly sunscreen Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen List price: around $10Skin type: sensitiveVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: zinc oxidePro: more affordable than some other optionsCon: some reviewers state the sunscreen is thick and hard to rub into the skinThe SPF 50 formula from Aveeno comes in a travel-friendly, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved tube. The mineral formula is suitable for those with sensitive skin but is also lightweight and quick-absorbing. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. SHOP NOW Best for face sunscreen Coppertone Oil Free Face Sunscreen List price: around $7Skin type: sensitive and acne-prone skinVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: no information availablePro: this product is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenicCon: some reviewers state the sunscreen flakes when it driesThis broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen features a hypoallergenic mineral formula that does not contain dyes, alcohol, or oils. Coppertone claims that the product will not sting the eyes or clog pores. It is also water-resistant and budget-friendly. SHOP NOW Best for a higher SPF La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen List price: around $20Skin type: sensitiveVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylenePro: higher SPF than some other optionsCon: some reviewers state this product flakes when on the skinThe dry-touch sunscreen has a higher price tag than other options but has consistently high ratings. The SPF 60 formula is oil-free and goes on without a greasy residue and offers broad-spectrum protection. Recommended by dermatologists, it has won multiple beauty awards and features Cell-Ox Shield technology.SHOP NOW Best for children Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby Tear Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen List price: around $21Skin type: sensitiveVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: zinc oxidePro: this product is suitable for children and infant’s delicate skinCon: some reviewers state this product caused a rashAnother Coppertone-brand option, this SPF 50 formula is safe for babies and is recommended by pediatricians. The gentle sunscreen delivers UVB and UVA protection and is water-resistant. SHOP NOW Best anti-aging sunscreen CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen List price: around $16Skin type: sensitive and dry Vegan: no information availableKey ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxidePro: has age-supporting ingredients and is noncomedogenicCons: some reviewers state it does not soak into the skin easilyThe Cerave mineral formula contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun’s rays. The sensitive skin sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and contains anti-aging (age-supporting) ingredients to keep skin looking youthful. The product is noncomedogenic and is free of parabens, oxybenzone, and fragrances. SHOP NOW Best moisturizer with SPF Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 List price: $68Skin type: all skin typesVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: vitamin CPro: moisturizes and protects skin against sun damageCon: has a lower SPF than some other optionsThis moisturizer has 30 SPF and the company states it is suitable for those living in a city environment, as it contains antioxidants that help shield the skin from pollution. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Additionally, it is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and gluten.SHOP NOW Best for all skin tones and types Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 List price: $69Skin type: all skin typesVegan: no information availableKey ingredients: mineral zinc oxide, UV responsive carotenoid technology, beetroot extractPro: suitable for all skin tonesCon: more expensive than some other optionsThis serum provides antioxidant defense through UV-responsive carotenoid technology, which absorbs and reflects UV light. This sunscreen protects against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution. The manufacturers claim this product also helps with hyperpigmentation and prevents discoloration. Murad also states that this sunscreen does not leave a white film on any skin tones, and it tests the product on all Fitzpatrick skin types.SHOP NOW Best vegan sunscreen Thrive Natural Mineral Sunscreen List price: around $27Skin type: all skin typesVegan: yesKey ingredients: zinc oxidePro: vegan and made it in the USACon: has a lower SPF than some other optionsThis vegan SPF 30 sunscreen is cruelty-free, reef safe, and free of parabens, gluten, synthetic dyes, GMO, and unsafe preservatives. Additionally, there are no essential oils or fragrances which makes it suitable for daily use on sensitive skin. The manufacturers say it absorbs quickly and that the antioxidants within the sunscreen help protect against pollutants and daily skin stressors.SHOP NOW Best sunscreen spray KINeSYS Fragrance Free Clear Spray Sunscreen List price: around $25Skin type: sensitiveVegan: yesKey ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, oxtisalate, octocrylenePro: hypoallergenic and noncomedogenicCon: some reviewers state it stings if a person applies it around the eyesThis sunscreen spray is suitable for those looking for an alternative to cream-based sunscreen. It is SPF 50 and has UVA and UVB protection. Additionally, this product is alcohol, gluten, preservative, oil, and paraben free. It contains antioxidants and is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. The company states this sunscreen is water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares the sunscreen in this article.List priceSkin typeKey ingredientsBlue Lizardaround $15sensitivetitanium dioxide and zinc oxideNeutrogenaaround $28acne-proneavobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneAveenoaround $10sensitivezinc oxideCoppertone Oil Freearound $7acne-prone and sensitiveno information availableLa Roche-Posayaround $20sensitiveavobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneCoppertone Pure & Simple Babyaround $21sensitivezinc oxideCeraVearound $16sensitive and dryniacinamide, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, titanium dioxideMurad Essential-C$68all skin typesvitamin CMurad Correct & Protect$69all skin typesmineral zinc oxide, UV responsive carotenoid technology, beetroot extractThrivearound $27all skin typeszinc oxideKINeSYSaround $25sensitiveavobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, oxtisalate, octocrylene What makes a good sunscreen The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people wear sunscreen that offers the following properties:SPF 30 or higherwater-resistancebroad-spectrum (e.g., UVA and UVB protection) A generous application is essential to provide maximum protection. People with oily skin should avoid creamy formulas. These are best for people with dry skin. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical formulas soak up the sun’s rays and contain active ingredients, such as octinoxate and oxybenzone. Physical sunscreens create a physical barrier to deflect the sun’s rays. Active ingredients in physical sunscreens include titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Physical formulas often leave a white residue, but they are the superior option for people with sensitive skin. The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends that people with eczema use physical sunscreens containing mineral-based ingredients. They also suggest that people opt for alcohol-free products. When to contact a doctor People should seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction to sunscreen. Symptoms may include:redness and swellingitching or stingingraised bumps or hivesbleedingrash or fluid-filled blisters Learn more about sunscreen allergies here. People should also seek medical attention if they have heatstroke or severe sunburn. Frequently asked questions about sunscreen Here we answer some common questions about these products. What SPF do dermatologists recommend Dermatologists recommend people use broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that has at least SPF 30. Some people may prefer to use sunscreens with higher SPF. However, it is important to note that sunscreen cannot offer protection against all of the sun’s rays. People should still wear sun-protective clothing and sunglasses, stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day, and ensure they drink water and stay hydrated. Do I have to wait 15 minutes after applying sunscreen The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors into the sun. Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen Although some sunscreens have moisturizing properties, sunscreen is not an alternative to moisturizers. People should apply moisturizers first, allow them to dry, and then apply sunscreen. While some moisturizers have SPF, it is often not as much as sunscreen. Should you apply sunscreen on your neck A person should apply sunscreen on all areas of the body they expose to the sun. This generally includes the neck, face, hands, legs, and arms. Summary People with sensitive skin may have trouble finding sunscreen formulas appropriate for their skin type. Chemical sunscreens and products with oils and fragrances may cause skin irritation. However, various physical barrier sunscreens on the market are noncomedogenic and made, especially for sensitive skin types. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2020DermatologyAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaMelanoma / Skin CancerMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Steph Coelho and Hayley Osborne — Updated on August 17, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about sunscreen allergyMedically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD Some people may experience an allergic reaction when using sunscreens that contain certain chemicals. Learn more about this type of allergy here.READ MORESunburn relief: Managing symptomsMedically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD A person can treat sunburn with a range of home remedies and medications. 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