The rules have changed when it comes to choosing the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. In the past, mineral or nontoxic was the way to go for those prone to breakouts or irritation. These days, the playing field has widened considerably, with gentle chemical formulas and K-beauty options designed to pamper and protect the skin.
Best Overall: Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen, $42 Best With BEMT: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50, $40 Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen, $14 Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Mineral Sunscreen Multi-Defense Fluid, $38 Best for Hydration: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen, $28 Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense, $45 “Overall, sunscreens for sensitive skin are improving both in terms of efficacy and cosmetic elegance,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and New Jersey. Garshick says, the new class of sunscreens are formulated with daily use in mind, rather than an occasional day at the beach. Incorporating hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus calming ingredients like niacinamide, the modern formulas minimize the potential for dryness and irritation in sensitive skin—and they’re more enjoyable to use.
Ahead, find the soothing formulas that dermatologists and Vogue editors trust to keep UV damage (and breakouts and redness) at bay. Why We Love It: You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn’t rave about this sunscreen. Its lightweight formula glides on easily with no white cast, and it helps soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Board-certified dermatologist Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne describes it as her go-to: “This sunscreen blends in well with all skin tones, including deep skin tones, and also contains niacinamide—a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.” Plus, it’s oil-free, making it ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin. The formula has another fan in Blair Murphy-Rose, MD a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist. "My patients love it! [This] is noncomedogenic and formulated with lactic acid and niacinamide to prevent acne and reduce inflammation.” Love It Leave It Absorbs quickly Some users report that the pump can get stuck or stop working properly over time Doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts Helps calm redness Why We Love It: Have a winter escape planned?
If you’re heading to the beach or pool, you’ll need something water-resistant like this one from SkinCeuticals, which is effective for up to 40 minutes. It glides on easily with no white cast, leaving behind a gorgeous natural tint so you can skip the base makeup. Obioha-Lolagne is also a fan: “This mineral sunscreen is oil-free and fragrance-free.
It contains iron oxide, providing a tint to the formula and protecting against visible light, which may contribute to unwanted hyperpigmentation,” she says. Just heed this advice: “water-resistant” is not “waterproof.” Basically, the phrase means that if you get splashed with water, the sunscreen won’t instantly come off. But if you’re padding around in a pool for longer than 40 minutes, it will.
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