By now most people know the importance of daily sunscreen protection to support both the skin's health and reduce visible signs of ageing. But for more reactive skin types, the best sunscreens for sensitive skin will offer both high-factor UV protection and reduce the risk of irritation. That doesn't seem like too much to ask – but finding those select formulas is another thing entirely.
As with trialling any new skincare products, those with sensitive complexions may feel sceptical when it comes to introducing a sunscreen into their everyday routine, in fear of it aggravating the skin and causing irritation.
While the main priority of a sunscreen is to effectively protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, there are actually plenty of benefits of wearing SPF every day, such as preventing pigmentation and encouraging a plumper, radiant complexion. However, testing a new formula can feel risky for those with sensitive skin: "People with sensitive skin may find that some sunscreens can cause irritation, stinging, burning, and redness when applied," says advanced aesthetic doctor Dr Preema Vig.
Thankfully, as a beauty team we've tested hundreds sunscreens (and best face moisturisers with SPF) over the years and know exactly what ingredients and formulas sensitive skin can generally rely on. After much testing and revisiting, we've come together to share in-depth reviews of the nine very best sunscreens for sensitive skin. Without further ado...
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The best sunscreens for sensitive skin, reviewed by our beauty team
Reviewed by: Rachael Martin
RRP: £20 for 50ml | Texture: Fluid
Fragrance-free, tested on sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and with portable, slimline packaging, this La Roche-Posay formula ticks the boxes with ultra-high SPF 50+ protection. Typically finding sunscreens to break out her skin in angry red spots, our tester Rachael Martin says: "After wearing this every day for a week I haven't seen so much as a blemish. I love how quickly it sinks in and that you can't see it once it's on; there's no white cast or oily residue and I found it easy to apply makeup over the top without it smudging or slipping." Contributing Beauty Editor Lucy Abbersteen loves the oily skin edition, which boasts the same high level of protection alongside a more matte finish, ideal for skin like hers that gets greasy easily.
Pros
- Great level of protection
- Non-sticky finish
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
Cons
- Very runny consistency can make application difficult
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
RRP: £13 for 40ml | Texture: Fluid
Super lightweight on the skin, this Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF is a bit of a high street hero. With high, broad spectrum protection, this fluid is super easy to rub into the skin without leaving behind a greasy feel or being detectable to the eye. Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this formula is also non-comedogenic (a term that means it won't clog pores), making it a great choice for blemish-prone skin, too. It's very well-loved among beauty editors, including contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen, who regularly recommends it as one of her favourite affordable sunscreens to those looking to add a new one to their skincare routine.
Pros
- Lightweight feel
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Quite runny
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
RRP: £28 for 40ml | Texture: Fluid
A brand that has very sensitive skin at the centre of its product development, this relative newcomer to Ultrasun's product range is an excellent one. With high-factor protection, the formula contains rainbow algae, an ingredient that works to reduce pigmentation; the brand has found that a week of use does so by 27%. Not only that, though this water-resistant formula isn't super runny, it blended into ourskin with ease and felt lightweight and non-greasy after we applied it. What's more, it's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, making it ideal for blemish-prone skin. It's a truly excellent buy.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- High-factor protection
- Works to improve the appearance of pigmentation with time
Cons
- On the pricey side
Reviewed by: Sennen Prickett
RRP: £39 for 50ml | Texture: Fluid
Kate Somerville's water-resistant mineral sunscreen offers SPF 50, while also arriving equipped with ectoin for hydration and sheer peach coloured pigments, which help to even out some skin tones. Our Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, hailed its lightweight formula that makes for a great base for makeup, she says: "It seamlessly blends into my skin, leaving my complexion with a radiant glow that makes for a healthy illuminated base whether you're applying makeup or opting for natural no-makeup day. It also withholds pilling when applied underneath makeup – which is usually a bugbear of mine." We would also point out just to be on the safe side that despite the name drops, you still need to apply the usual generous amount to get the right level of protection.
Pros
- Radiant finish
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
Cons
- Won't suit oilier complexions that like a matte finish
Reviewed by: Michelle Rostamian
RRP: £69 for 50ml | Texture: Fluid cream
Murad's City Skin Age Defense SPF is an ideal choice for those who to protect their skin from the key causes of damage. Skin is shielded from both UVA and UVB rays, infrared radiation, pollution and blue light, while the lightweight and non-greasy formula sits well under makeup. All this makes it ideal for everyday wear. This mineral formula has a peach tint, which we didn't find left a white cast on our skin. It's also free from alcohol and fragrance, making it a great option for sensitive skin types, while PA++++ also offers the highest level of protection from UVA rays alongside the SPF of 50. In other words, while it's undoubtedly an expensive option, we think it packs a punch with a great user experience to boot.
Pros
- Great level of protection
- Optimised to help stave off pollution
Cons
- Very expensive for the size compared to others in this guide
Reviewed by: Sennen Prickett
RRP: £14.99 for 50ml | Texture: Lightweight fluid
Despite many sunscreen fluids boasting very runny, difficult to control formulas, BYOMA's Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 Sunscreen has a slightly thicker, incredibly easy-to-apply fluid texture that remains lightweight on the skin. Testing it on her sensitive, blemish-prone skin, Sennen praised this hydrating formula: "This peach-hued fluid glides onto the skin for a weightless feel, working to protect and moisturise the complexion, combat any white cast and impart an admirable healthy glow. I've worn this formula countless times, trialling it both underneath makeup and on no makeup days, all of which have resisted pilling, irritation and breakouts – while keeping my skin protected from sun burn."
Pros
- Ultra lightweight feel
- Hydating formula
- Reasonably affordable
Cons
- Can leave skin feeling slightly sticky
Reviewed by: Michelle Rostamian
RRP: £17 for 52ml | Texture: Cream
CeraVe is another much-loved affordable skincare brand with a legion of loyal fans. Despite having a consistency that we initially found quite thick, it rubbed in easily. This broad-spectrum SPF moisturiser also features the brand's signature blend of three ceramides, which help support healthy skin barrier function. On top of these, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E are also at play to help nourish and support the skin – something we really noticed in the formula's feel on our skin during the testing process. All things considered, it's no surprise that this is a brand that dermatologists regularly recommend in their clinics.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Packed with ceramides for skin barrier care
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
Cons
- Thicker formula won't suit all preferences
Reviewed by: Fiona McKim
RRP: £16.50 for 50g | Texture: Lightweight cream
Not only does Cetaphil cater to sensitive skin types, it does so at very affordable prices. Ticking many of our boxes, it's gentle, fragrance-free, non-pore-clogging and utilises mineral UV filters, which usually pair well with easily irritated skin. The texture was bang-on for our tester's reactive complexion; a light, cooling cream that felt comfortable, hydrating and softening. It didn't feel like a sunscreen at all, thanks to its skincare ingredients like glycerin, which tackles signs of sensitivity like tightness and rough skin texture. Its consistency is on the thicker side, but it feels gorgeous to slather on.
Pros
- Hydrating
- High-factor SPF
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- Tube is fairly small
Reviewed by: Michelle Rostamian
RRP: £15 for 50ml | Texture: Thick cream
This product spells out its USP; it's a broad-spectrum formula with glycerin, squalene and polyglutamic acid to quench sensitive skin while protecting it. Our tester Rachael says, "This was my first time trying The INKEY List and I wasn't disappointed as far as a product for sensitive skin goes. My skin didn't react at all while I was using this. However, it is quite thick and took a little longer to apply and rub in compared to products such as the La Roche-Posay sunscreen. It also took a while to sink in, leaving my skin glowing white while the product settled." Our tester didn't find it wore so well under makeup, but we think it would suit someone with very dry skin that absorbs product easily.
Pros
- Lovely dewy finish that's great on dry skin
- Gentle on reactive skin
Cons
- Can take a while to absorb
How we tested the best sunscreens for sensitive skin
A selection of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin that we tested for this guide from (left to right) Milani, Cetaphil, Hawaiian Tropic, MONAT, SkinCeuticals and La Roche-Posay
Sensitive skin varies hugely in terms of what might "set it off", meaning finding the best sunscreens for sensitive skin isn't a one size fits all situation. With this in mind, we put dozens of formulas to the test with at least one full day of work each on multiple testers with various types of sensitivity. While assessing each formula, they paid close attention to a number of factors. Each one of the sunscreens in our guide made the cut because it impressed our testers based on the below criteria. We therefore deem them reliable, enjoyable to use, shout-out worthy sunscreens for sensitive skin.
- Ingredients and formulation: For example, skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, or non-comedogenic properties
- Type of UV filters used: Mineral, chemical or a combination of both
- Level of protection: The SPF rating and broad spectrum protection (covering both UVA and UVB)
- Consistency and feel of the formula: For example, whether it was a lightweight fluid or a nourishing cream
- Ease of application: How it applied, how long it took to absorb and whether it left behind a white cast
- How it interacted with the skin: We noted whether products caused any irritation or breakouts, and how makeup applied over the top.
- Packaging: We considered how easy the packaging made the application and whether it was travel-friendly
- Price and value for money: Is the product genuinely worth investing in?
How to choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin
Once you know what to look for, there are several things to consider when it comes to picking the best sunscreen for your sensitive skin, specifically. The following list covers these key factors, according to the experts.
- Chemical vs physical: There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Very generally speaking, chemical-based sunscreens use filters like octinoxate, avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb the rays of the sun and convert them into heat. Physical sunscreens work by bouncing away the sun's UV rays from the skin's surface. "I would recommend seeking physical sunscreens," explains Dr Vig. "They are a gentler option and contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation as chemical sunscreens do."
- Consider fragrance-free: "Fragrance is a blanket term for essential oils and perfumes, so it’s difficult to discern exactly what ingredients are being included and how your skin may react," notes Cindy Ha, lead aesthetician at Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. Perfume can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, which manifests as red, blotchy, scaly patches that are itchy. Of course, it's possible for something else entirely to cause irritation in a non-fragranced skincare product, which is why it's always worth doing a patch test before slathering a new product all over your skin.
- Be mindful of sensitising ingredients: We know we're stating the obvious, but if you know that certain skincare ingredients trigger your skin, ensure that any potential new sunscreen doesn't feature them on its INCI (ingredient) list.
Your sunscreen for sensitive skin FAQs, answered
Do you need to wear sunscreen every day?
The expert advice is to wear facial sunscreen every day for multiple reasons. Firstly, sunscreen will protect your skin from UV damage and burning, which increases your risk of skin cancer. But not only that, UV radiation also causes photoageing (accelerated skin ageing), so applying sunscreen 365 days a year will help to shield your skin and prevent this, too. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen as this term means it will protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Does sunscreen expire?
All beauty products have a shelf life so, yes, sunscreen does expire. In fact, it's all the more important here as, if the UV filters are past their best, your skin won't be protected from the sun's damaging rays.
One of two symbols on the product packaging (both of which are visible below) indicates how long a skincare product lasts. An open box containing a number and the letter M – e.g. "12M" – means the product should be used within 12 months of opening. In this case, it's sensible to write the day you opened it somewhere on the packaging so you don't forget.
The back of a La Roche-Posay skincare product showing both expiry symbols and a use-by date
The other symbol to take note of is a black and white egg timer, which indicates the product has a max shelf life of 30 months. It will therefore also have a use-by date on the packaging; both symbols and a use by date are visible on the above product as an example.
If the use by date is on the external packaging, such as a cardboard box, but not the bottle, be sure to write it on the actual product to remind you when it's time to dispose of any remaining sunscreen and buy a new one. But as sunscreen should be applied daily, it's unlikely to get to that point!
Our expert panel
Fiona McKim has been part of the woman&home beauty team for more than a decade. During that time her work has included interviewing countless experts, reporting from backstage at Fashion Week and judging the woman&home Beauty Awards. Having tested hundreds, probably thousands, of products over the years, she knows exactly what makes a good gentle-yet-efficacious facial sunscreen.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty launches, trending buys and personal product recommendations, from makeup and hair to skincare and nails. With a sensitive skin type, she always chooses from the best sunscreens for sensitive skin for her own skincare routine, making her well placed to share reviews for this guide.
Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty, wellness and lifestyle writer who has contributed beauty and shopping content to woman&home. As an expert product tester, she also shared reviews for this guide to sunscreens for sensitive skin.
Lucy Abbersteen is a freelance beauty editor and one of woman&home's contributing beauty editor. With close to a decade of experience in the industry, she's tested a lot of product over the years – and as her skin is prone to both the odd bout of sensitivity and eczema, she knows which ones are generally fuss-free.