Face sunscreen for sensitive skin

The importance of wearing sunscreen year-round

If there’s one step you never want to skip in your morning routine, it’s sunscreen application. It may feel like a drag to slow down to apply (or reapply) sunscreen when you’re ready and raring to go, but think of it this way: future you will be so thankful that you did! And with the products we recommend in this guide, your skincare routine can become a fun, feel-good activity. Some of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin (which we’ll list below) include ingredients that can help make your skin feel hydrated, comforted, and ready to face the day.

Sun exposure can cause redness and dryness. If your skin is sensitive, it’s extra important to apply and reapply your sunscreen daily. Consider sunscreen your skin’s personal bodyguard: it not only protects* your skin from sun damage and signs of aging, it also reduces your risk of getting skin cancer—as long as you reapply as needed so it can do its job properly. No matter what the weather outside is like, no matter the season or temperature, the sun’s rays can still damage your skin, even on a cloudy day!

If your skin is sensitive, it’s important to choose the right type of sunscreen to minimize irritation. Don’t worry—we’ve got all the information you need right here to make choosing the best sunscreen for your face as easy as can be. In this guide, you’ll find recommendations for facial sunscreen for sensitive skin, from plain, clear sunscreen to tinted ones. We’ll also educate you on why chemical sunscreen may irritate the skin for some, and more need-to-know info.

*Sunscreen cannot prevent all harm from UV rays.

What you need to know about sunscreen

Read on to find out…

• How to investigate if any sunscreen will break out or irritate your skin

• Product recommendations for sunscreens that may work for your skin type

• How to layer sunscreen under makeup

• What to do if you think you’re allergic to sunscreen

• How to protect your skin while swimming or sweating

But first, here’s a quick crash course in the need-to-know basics.

What is SPF?

You know those numbers on bottles of sunscreen? If you’ve ever wondered what that’s all about, you’re not alone—and the SPF number you use really does matter. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number of any sunscreen is based on how quickly redness forms on sunscreen-protected skin compared to unprotected skin. It’s a measure of the sunscreen’s ability to prevent the sun’s UVB rays from damaging the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is the minimum recommended by Curology’s dermatology providers. It's super important to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and right away after swimming or sweating.

What exactly are UVA and UVB rays? The sun’s UV (ultraviolet) light rays are classified into UVA, which are a longer wavelength, and UVB, which are shorter. It’s important to protect your skin from both. Sunscreens that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays are typically called broad-spectrum.

UVA

• Main cause of aging and wrinkling — photoaging

• Contributes to the development of skin cancer

• Penetrates through clouds and glass — think of the sun exposure in your car!

• Penetrates deeper into the skin compared to UVB

• Major contributor to tanning (skin darkening is a response to sun damage and injury to the skin’s DNA — there is no such thing as a healthy tan!)

UVB

• Main cause of redness and sunburn

• Contributes to the development of skin cancer

• Largely blocked by glass

How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type

The first thing you need to know is the difference between physical - aka mineral -sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. And yes, for you skeptics, there really is a difference!

Sunscreens can be classified as physical, chemical, or both, depending on their ingredients. Physical sunscreen is often the best choice for sensitive skin—it tends to be more gentle than chemical sunscreen. The usual ingredients to look for are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They actually bounce the sunlight away from the skin, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays.

We’ll delve deeper into ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin a little later on in this guide—but, as a rule of thumb, avoid any face sunscreens with alcohol in the ingredients. Typically, it’s listed as “alcohol denat.,” or “denatured alcohol.” (Other kinds of “alcohol” in skincare products such as coconut alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are actually fine to use.) And, as always, look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” (translation: designed to not clog pores) and be on the lookout for pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil, laureth-4, and isopropyl palmitate.

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can find your new favorite face sunscreen. Don’t forget to wear it and reapply it. Every. Single. Day.

Curology Everyday Sunscreen (aka The sunscreen)

• Mineral formula

• Quick-absorbing and non-greasy

• Made without pore-clogging ingredients

• Minimizes white cast

Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

• Mineral formula

• Minimizes white cast

Best tinted sunscreen for sensitive skin

Care for a side of coverage with your sun protection? A tinted sunscreen or tinted moisturizer with SPF is a great two-in-one product for those of us always looking for products that go the extra mile. Tinted sunscreen does double-duty as a lightweight foundation. All you need for a fresh-faced, glowy, effortless daytime look (complete with sun protection) is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher. The tint evens out the appearance of your skin tone, and makes things like redness, acne, and pores a little less visible (just add some well-placed concealer, if needed). For more coverage, you can layer foundation makeup on top of tinted sunscreen, then follow it up with concealer on any spots you’d like to hide.

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40

• Mineral sunscreen

• Two-in-one product, also works as a primer

• Tinted formula gives skin a smooth, matte finish

• Wear underneath makeup for more coverage, or on its own

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30

• Lightweight formula

• Matte finish

CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50 - Tinted

• Fragrance-free

• Reef-friendly formula

Sunscreen for sports, swimming, and sweating

Not-so-fun fact: there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen! In 2011, the FDA released a new set of rules regulating sunscreen in the United States, which did away with “waterproof” and “sweatproof” labels on sunscreens because such claims are not possible. Instead, sunscreens can be labeled “water resistant” for either 40 minutes or 80 minutes, depending on test results.

That means you swimmers, surfers, athletes and boogie-boarders need to choose your sunscreen wisely, and remember to reapply. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating, and reapply according to the label instructions, either after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and every 2 hours at a minimum.

Skincare pro tip: reapply your sunscreen religiously

You and your skin deserve better than to be stingy with the sunscreen, so slather it on liberally and when in doubt, apply more! Most of us don’t use enough sunscreen—the sun’s rays don’t really get boundaries, so make sure any skin in the sun’s line of proverbial fire is fully covered. We know we sound like a broken record by now, but seriously, re-applying throughout the day is essential! Sunscreens need to be reapplied at least every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

Avoid denatured alcohol

If you’ve got sensitive skin or dry skin, take care to avoid ingredients that can dry it out even more! Alcohol is unfortunately used in a lot of skincare products, even though it dries out the skin and can damage its protective barrier. Watch out for “denatured alcohol” or “alcohol denat.” on the ingredients list of your skincare or makeup. Not all alcohol-related ingredients are created equal, though: cetearyl alcohol and coconut alcohol, for two common examples, are generally fine to use.

How to check any product for pore-clogging ingredients

Some common ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products can clog pores or irritate sensitive skin (yes, even if the label says a product is “non-comedogenic” or “gentle”). You can check the acne-causing potential of the products you use by making sure it doesn’t contain the potentially pore-clogging ingredients mentioned.

How to layer sunscreen under makeup

Ever try to layer makeup on top of sunscreen, only to have it pill or flake off in annoying little white bits? Ugh! Try applying moisturizer before your sunscreen, then give it a few minutes to dry before putting on your makeup. This should give it enough grip so it won’t flake on you!

How to reapply sunscreen over makeup

Powder sunscreens are a great, easy way to reapply your sun protection throughout the day without messing up your makeup. Bonus: a little powder can also help get rid of any oiliness that’s accumulated on your skin, making your makeup look refreshed while you’re at it.

Sensitive skin needs a personal touch

If you’ve got concerns like breakouts, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or rosacea—we’re here for you. Sign up for a trial today** and, if right for you, you can get a personalized prescription formula designed to target your unique skin concerns. We’ve got your back.

**Subject to medical consultation. Subscription required. Applies only to your first box. Trial lasts 30 days. New subscribers only. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.

We’re here to tell you what we know. That’s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique—the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands’ products in this post are not paid endorsements—but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).

Written by

Curology Team