8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (2024)

8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (1)

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If you havesensitive skin, it can feel tempting to stay away from SPF because the chemical burn can feel worse than a sunburn! Armed with a little product wisdom, there are plenty of great sunscreens for people with sensitive skin.

Mineral SPFs are the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, according to Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine: “Since they sit at the skin’s surface to function and don’t penetrate, they are less likely to cause irritation,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says.

Whichever sunscreen for sensitive skin you choose, here’s another doctor’s recommendation to make sure it’s effective. “Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating,” saysSaulis Baniones, MD, a physician board-certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging.

Here are the best sunscreens for sensitive skin as recommended by dermatologists and estheticians—experts in both preventing and repairing sun damage.

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8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (2)

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1. ISDIN Mineral Brush

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This easy-to-apply, brush-on mineral sunscreen is great for touching up SPF protection on the go, and helps with reapplying throughout the day. “This formulation is a silky, smooth, fine powder containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and iron oxides that provides protection against free radical pollution damage, blue light and infrared radiation,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says.

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2. Vanicream Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

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“I like this one because it’s free of the most common skin irritants and formulated with ceramides, which support the skin barrier, which is critical in managing sensitive skin,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says, adding: “The formula is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and super lightweight, making it ideal for use on the face.”

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8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (4)

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3. Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

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Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, a Los Angeles-based, board-certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist, says this lightweight, tinted sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. “It offers UV protection while enhancing your natural skin tone,” she says. “It contains ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and artemia salina to protect sensitive skin from sun damage.”

8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (5)

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4. Alastin Hydratint pro mineral sunscreen SPF 36

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This lightweight SPF provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with a gentle, all-mineral formulation. “It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin types,” says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a New York-based, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.

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5. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

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Dermatologists consistently recommend CeraVe’s line of products (not just the sunscreen) and consider it one of the most trusted skincare brands. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, who is dual board-certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology, recommends this hydrating mineral sunscreen because it’s both inexpensive and high quality.

Joyce Park, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Refinery, a virtual dermatology clinic, also likes this product because in addition to mineral sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, “It contains three ceramides to help lock in moisture.”

8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (7)

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6. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 60

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This fragrance-free and oil-free sunscreen is made of 100% naturally sourced physical sunscreen ingredients and is a favorite of Dr. Baniones. “It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection,” Dr. Baniones says, and provides water-resistant protection from sun damage for up to 80 minutes.

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8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (8)

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7. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

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Like CeraVe, EltaMD is an all-around favorite among dermatologists and estheticians alike. Emma Smith, Licensed Esthetician and learning and development manager at Glowbar, likes this one because it contains part physical and part chemical SPFs to provide broad-spectrum protection against burning and aging rays. “The slight tint in the Elta also aids in shielding any redness if someone is prone to inflammation,” Smith says.

8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (9)

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8. EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer for Face

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There’s no coincidence that Elta products show up multiple times in our recommendations for sensitive skin. “This tinted, oil-free sunscreen restores moisture to dry, stressed skin,” explains Douglas Henstrom, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Salt Lake City, UT. “This sunscreen includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin-E and and iron oxides.”

GetThe Healthy @Reader’s Digestnewsletterto stay up on wellness insights every day.Keep reading:

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Jaime Stathis

Jaime Alexis Stathis is a nonfiction writer whose favorite topics are humans, technology, animals, wildlife, and the places where they intersect. She writes about health, wellness, technology, nutrition, and everything related to being a human being on a constantly evolving planet. Her work has been published in Self, Wired, Parade, Bon Appétit, T...

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8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (10)

SOURCES

  • Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, President and Co-Founder, Modern Dermatology and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale New Haven Hospital
  • Saulis Baniones, MD, a physician board-certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging
  • Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, an LA-based board-certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist
  • Jeremy Brauer, MD, a NY-based board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser
  • Joyce Park, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Refinery, a virtual dermatology clinic
  • Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, dual board-certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology
  • Emma Smith, Licensed Esthetician & Learning and Development Manager at Glowbar
  • Douglas Henstrom, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Salt Lake City

8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in 2023, from Dermatologists and Estheticians (2024)
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