From facial sunscreen to something for your whole body, protect sensitive skin from the sun with our pick of the best sunscreens for your skin type
Protecting your skin from sun damage isn’t just a summer job. In fact, it’s important for everybody to apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy. There are lots of different sunscreen formulas to choose from, and if you’ve got sensitive skin, you might want to pick a specific sun protection product that’s been formulated with your skin type in mind.
Understanding sensitive skin
If your skin’s sensitive, it may look or feel irritated. For example, it may be dry, itchy, red, or feel uncomfortable.
Sensitive skin can be triggered by many different factors, including existing skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, sensitivities to certain ingredients, chemicals, or fragrances, or environmental factors like wind, cold, sun or heat exposure.
What’s the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you may want to look for sunscreen products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
A quick look at the label should tell you whether it’s suitable for your skin type. Look out for the following:
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Before using a new sunscreen, remember to do a patch test first to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.
If you know certain ingredients don’t suit your skin, you may choose to use a mineral, or physical, sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen. Not sure what the difference is between chemical and physical sunscreens? Check out this video for a quick overview of each.
8 of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin
Whether you’re looking for a face sunscreen for sensitive skin or something for your whole body, check out our pick of the top products that’ll provide sun protection whilst being kind to sensitive skin…
Best for everyday use
Try: Soltan Sensitive & Sun Allergy Protect Suncare Lotion SPF 30
• Size: 200ml
• Fragrance free
Ideal for sensitive skin and those prone to eczema, this lightweight lotion provides UVB and five-star UVA protection to help guard against sun-induced skin damage. The water-resistant formula is free from colour and fragrance, so you can concentrate on having fun in the sun, knowing your sensitive skin’s protected.
Best for on-the-go top-ups
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Make-up Mist SPF 50
• Size: 75ml
• Hypoallergenic
Looking for an easy way to top up your sun protection throughout the day, without having to reapply your make-up? Check out this clever mist, designed to be spritzed over your make-up. The lightweight, non-greasy formula contains skin-loving glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate while it protects.
Best for calming & soothing sensitive skin
Try: Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Daily Moisturiser SPF 30
• Fragrance free
This non-greasy, sheer-tinted formula helps protect sensitive skin from sun-induced damage like fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation. Formulated with mineral UV filters and enriched with soothing oat and calming feverfew, it’s fast absorbing, dermatologist tested and fragrance free – simply apply it as the last step in your sensitive skin routine.
Best mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin
Try: Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF 50
• Size: 30ml
• 100% mineral sunscreen
This ultra-lightweight mineral formula is oil free and gentle enough to use on the eye area. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it feels comfortable on the skin. Apply liberally to your face 15 minutes before you head outside, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you need.
Best for face & body
Try: Eucerin Sun Allergy Protect Sun Cream Gel SPF 50
• Size: 150ml
• Fragrance free
Specially formulated for allergy-prone skin, this water-resistant gel-cream formula is free from fragrance and emulsifiers. Offering high protection for face and body, it’s a non-sticky, non-greasy solution to keeping sensitive skin calm, happy and protected.
Best for ultra-sensitive skin
Try: Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50 Very High Sun Protection
• Size: 150ml
• Non-comedogenic
This gentle giant provides heavy duty protection without disrupting sensitive skin. Designed to protect extremely sensitive skin in intense conditions, this fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula helps protect your skin from the sun, whilst keeping skin hydrated and happy.
Best for daily protection
Try: E45 Sun Care Sensitive Face Cream SPF 50+
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologically tested
Suitable for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, this gentle formula provides high protection from daily sun exposure. Hero ingredient hyaluronic acid offers intense hydration, and the lightweight texture promises not to clog or block pores. Pop it in your bag for regular top-ups on the go.
Best for the whole family
Try: Avène Intense Protect SPF 50+
• Size: 150ml
• Suitable for babies from six months*
Fast-absorbing, ultra-light and hydrating for up to eight hours, this fragrance free facial SPF provides protection for everyone from children to pregnant women, those with very fair skin, and is even suitable for use on tattoos and injured skin such as scars. If you’re looking for the perfect all-rounder to provide high protection, this might be the one for you.
Now you’ve got your sunscreen for sensitive skin sorted, it’s time to get outside and reap the benefits of the great outdoors!
