The Active Edit

How to Pick the Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 9 Oct, 2024

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

You know you need to be wearing sunscreen every day. We all do. But for those with super sensitive skin, the need for sun protection is even greater. Not only can burns do more skin damage, but other problems with the skin such as eczema, dermatitis, redness and flare ups can be exacerbated by both the sun and harsh chemicals that "all-rounder" sunscreens might contain. If you have reactive skin, then you know full well that skin care for sensitive skin is the essential go-to.

Sensitive Skin Sunscreen

It might be tricky to figure out what the best sunscreen for sensitive skin is. You want to look for products that use natural ingredients, like mineral and physical sun blockers, or nourishing vitamins and other skin repairing actives that replenish the skin's harmonious balance. And it's okay to demand a bit more from your sun block than just UV sun protection. With irritated or acne-prone skin, you want to look for additives that help calm your skin and won't block pores. Ingredients like Zinc Oxide offer skin soothing, healing and protective properties whilst Titanium Dioxide in sunscreens offers no irritation and physical sun protection.

To help you find the ideal product for your skin, we've tried and tested the masses to come up with a list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin that will pamper your skin while they protect.

The Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

1) Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30

Dermalogica knows skin, especially sensitive skin, which is why this weightless UVA & UVB superior sunscreen was developed. The Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 is a broad spectrum physical sunscreen that was perfected for sensitised, reactive, and recently resurfaced skin. It uses those natural minerals, like Zinc Oxide, to prevent photo-damage and UV exposure, making it a great choice in your anti aging skin care line up. Furthermore, a bio-active Mushroom Complex partners up with antioxidant Green Tea to reduce redness without leaving any white case. It also hydrates your skin and reinforces barrier lipids to boost the health of sensitive skin. Even better, it's vegan, cruelty-free and free of artificial colours, fragrances and parabens.

Shop Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30

2) Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+

A highly effective SPF50+ sunscreen, the Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ contains broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB to shield the skin from environmental damage and sunburn. This non-clogging and lightweight formula harnesses Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to reflect the sun's damaging rays away from your skin, preventing signs of photoageing without leaving shiny residue. If that wasn't great enough, this Medik8 sunscreen is 100% nano free and fragrance free and boasts anti-infrared, anti-glycation and anti-pollution technology. I'll take two thanks!

Shop Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+

3) La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

When you're looking for trusted and assured sensitive skin sun protection, you can't go past the Dermatologically tested La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+. The non-whitening formula is not only a delight on the skin, but it holds an innovative UV filtering systemn for the highest UVA and UVB protection. Being ultra lightweight and oh so gentle means this fragrance-free sunscreen leaves sensitive skin calm and soothed without a greasy residue or whitening. Bonus point are awarded here as this superior sunscreen falls nicely into skin care for acne thanks to a non-comedogenic formula that won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

Shop La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

4) Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturiser SPF15

What if you could find sensitive skin sun protection in a formulation that also heals and hydrates your skin at the same time? Sound good? Then check out Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF15. This product goes on with a flawless finish, but still delivers hydration, moisture-loss prevention, calming for inflamed skin, and improvement in your skin's elasticity. The Dream Tint creates a soft-focus effect that minimises the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, as the antioxidantb Grape seed extract strenthens and protects. Even better, it's one of the best tinted moisturisers and can be enjoyed as a primer for Jane Iredale's mineral makeup bases. Choose from 6 sun-kissed shades.

Shop Jane Iredale Dream Tint Tinted Moisturiser SPF15

5) ASAP SPF50+ Moisturising Defence

Reformulated from ASAP's SPF 30+, ASAP SPF50+ Moisturising Defence has amped up its game. A versatile daily moisturiser, this 3-in-1 sunscreen, moisturiser and primer deeply hydrates the skin and protects against photo-ageing. A perfected blend of antioxidants helps keep unwanted skin pigmentation at bay and also elevates the skin's natural defences. With calming zinc oxide, that is a natural UVA and UVB block, this broad spectrum sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skins. It goes on like dream, is fast absorbing and non-comedogenic, which makes it a great choice for even acne-prone skin.

Shop ASAP SPF50+ Moisturising Defence

6) Mukti Organics Daily Moisturiser With Sunscreen

When your skin is flaring up, we know you only want to reach for the most soothing protects to bring it back into line. That's why the Mukti Organics Daily Moisturiser With Sunscreen is a best-seller thanks to it's all natural, fragrance-free, certified organic and super-soothing formula. Highly protective 20% Zinc oxide filters both UVA and UVB whilst Vitamin C enriched Kakadu Plum, Rosehip and antioxidant Green Tea extracts shield and strengthen the skin's resilience the natural way. Furthermore, your skin will fall head over heals for the lightweight texture that absorbs well without any oily residue.

Shop Mukti Organics Daily Moisturiser With Sunscreen

7) Eco Tan Glory Veil Face SPF50 Sunscreen

The Eco Tan Glory Veil Face SPF50 Sunscreen stands apart from many as an all-natural and vegan-friendly sunscreen that loves sensitive skin. Offering high UVA and UVB protection that is packed with Rosehip Oil, Watermelon Seed extract and antioxidants, the skin is shielded and strengthened against environmental aggressors. The mineral Zinc Oxide relfects the UV away from the skin whilst gently soothing and encouraging skin healing to take place. In case you needed more, your skin will enjoy Vitamins A, C & E as this silky, non-clogging and glowy sunscreen delivers.

Shop Eco Tan Glory Veil Face SPF50 Sunscreen

Perfect Protection Pick

Despite a market flooded with sunscreens, it is possible to find one that not only provides gentle protection for sensitive skin, but that moisturises and repairs the skin as well. We think you'll love these great sunscreens that will revitalise and rejuvenate as they respect your skin's need for tender care.