Sunscreen has come a long way – where once we just used an all-over body formula (and only when we were at the pool or beach) we now have sunscreens designed for different skin types, different parts of the body and every application you can imagine.
However, if you have sensitive skin, you may find a lot of sunscreens irritate your face, and feel like all this variety is for nothing since you can’t find a sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin.
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Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST SUNSCREENS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, $30.49 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
The La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ has become my new favourite for everyday. Incredibly lightweight and runny in consistency, this sunscreen absorbs into the skin really effortlessly, doesn’t leave a white cast and has no unpleasant scent whatsoever. While it’s technically for those with normal to combination skin, it went on smoothly and did not irritate my dry, sensitive skin at all.
My makeup applied SO seamlessly over it and I did not look greasy at all throughout the day which is so impressive.
The TikTok girlies really didn’t lie about this one, it’s truly worth the hype and price!
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Go-To Nifty Fifty, $45 at Go-To Skincare
What You Need To Know
Go-To’s long-awaited sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF50 protection thanks to four advanced UV filters: Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150 and Tinosorb A2B.
It also contains kakadu plum to protect skin against premature ageing, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin as well CoQ10 for antioxidants. The non greasy, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial SKINSCREEN SPF 30, $49 at The Iconic
What You Need To Know
Ultra Violette offers two options for sensitive skin types – Lean Screen, which is SPF 50, and Clean Screen. I included Clean Screen here as it also has a mattifying effect, thanks to its gel-cream texture that’s partly mineral, partly organic sunscreen ingredients.
It’s worth noting that you should use the highest SPF you can, so 50+ is ideal. However, many mineral sunscreens will only go to SPF 30.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion, $39.95 at Naked Sundays
What You Need To Know
The Naked Sundays Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is best suited for sensitive skin.
This award-winning sunscreen contains vegan collagen, watermelon extract and has a tinted colour that buffs out easily to a beautiful, whitecast-free natural finish.
Five star reviews say it “works great on my sensitive and breakout-prone skin” and is lightweight on the skin.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST SUNSCREEN FOR OILY, SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
McoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, $35 at McoBeauty
What You Need To Know
This zinc-based sunscreen is formulated for oily and sensitive skin types. As well as being UVA and UVB broad spectrum this sunscreen also contains kakadu plum, which is high in vitamin C.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free SKINSCREEN SPF 50+, $52 at The Iconic
What You Need To Know
This lightweight sunscreen is perfect for oily, combo or sensitive skin types. The zinc-only formula is free from parabens, oxybenzone and doesn’t have the sticky white consistency of traditional sunscreen.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF 50+, $34.99 at Priceline
What You Need To Know
A gentle sunscreen designed for sensitive skin types, this product uses Avene’s Thermal Spring Water to help maintain hydration, while the product applies clear and has a mattifying finish.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST HYDRATING SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance SPF 50 Day Cream, $21.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
This bills itself as a daily moisture treatment with SPF 50+ as well as rosewater and nourishing skin extracts to keep your face nourished and hydrated.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Eco Tan Face Sunscreen SPF30 Suncare, $39.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
This vegan sunscreen is formulated especially for acne prone and sensitive skin types. The non-comedogenic formula won’t block pores and has skin-loving ingredients like watermelon seed, cucumber and sunflower.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF 50 Moisturiser, $22.99 at Bondi Sands
What You Need To Know
This is a two-in-one product, working as a hydrating moisturiser and SPF 50+. The non-greasy formula is ideal for wearing under makeup and it’s non-comedogenic making it good for sensitive skin.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST AFFORDABLE SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
NIVEA Sun Sensitive Protect SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion, $20 at Chemist Warehouse
What You Need To Know
This is a great, affordable option and the 200ml bottle means you can use it all-over, if you like. Fragrance free and formulated with aloe vera and camomile to help soothe skin, it’s a good one for the beach bag.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
WHY DO SOME SUNSCREENS IRRITATE SENSITIVE SKIN?
It’s hard to know for sure, but it comes back to tolerance levels of skin and makeup products in general. If you’re sensitive to sunscreen, it’s likely you struggle with other topical skin products, too. You may see this as redness, dryness, peeling or little bumps that looks like hives. Or there might be no visual evidence, but you’ll feel stinging, itching or burning when using certain products.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A SUNSCREEN WON’T IRRITATE MY SKIN?
Again, without knowing what your skin is specifically irritated by, it’s a bit of trial-and-error. If you are concerned, seeing a GP or dermatologist is the best course of action. In general though, Some ways to avoid common sensitivity triggers are avoiding products with fragrance, products with preservative and going for mineral-based products. It’s also worth nothing that prolonged sun exposure and heat can irritate sensitive skin types, so to further protect yourself it’s always worth covering up, sticking to shady spots and keeping cool during summer.
WHAT ARE CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS?
More Coverage
Something you might hear a lot of when it comes to sensitive skin and sunscreen is the difference between chemical and physical. Many people will swear that the only sunscreen they can use on their sensitive skin is physical sunscreen, which usually uses zinc oxide to reflect away UV rays. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, penetrates your skin and absorbs UV rays, then turns them into heat. It’s this function that some sensitive skin sufferers find irritating to their skin, but it won’t be the case for everyone. While we can’t promise you a sunscreen won’t irritate your sensitive skin, we can share some top-rated, well-loved sunscreens that people with sensitive skin have claimed worked well for them.
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Originally published as Best sunscreens for sensitive skin to buy in 2023
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