After much testing, we vote these the 9 best sunscreens for sensitive skin – for high protection without irritation

From lightweight fluids to hydrating creams, our beauty team highly rate these kind-to-skin formulas for sensitive skin

Collage of four of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin from (left to right) Cetaphil, Ultrasun, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay, set in front of three product swatches against an off-white background
(Image credit: Cetaphil/Ultrasun/CeraVe/La Roche-Posay/Future)

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...

The best sunscreens for sensitive skin, reviewed by our beauty team

How we tested the best sunscreens for sensitive skin

A selection of the sunscreens we tested for this guide

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

(Image credit: Fiona McKim)

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.

A close up of the back of a La Roche-Posay product to show the skincare expiry date information and symbols

The back of a La Roche-Posay skincare product showing both expiry symbols and a use-by date

(Image credit: Lucy Abbersteen)

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

Tested by
Fiona McKim
Tested by
Fiona McKim

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.

Reviewed by
Image of Sennen Prickett, Digital Beauty Writer, smiling with curled long brunette hair
Reviewed by
Sennen Prickett

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.

Reviewed by
Michelle Rostamian
Reviewed by
Michelle Rostamian

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.

Reviewed by
Lucy Abbersteen
Reviewed by
Lucy Abbersteen

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.

TOPICS
Michelle Rostamian
Beauty & Shopping Writer

Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty writer with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is an editor and writer on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, The Zoe Report, HelloGiggles, Yahoo, Byrdie, Well+Good, Reviewed, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, The Girlfriend, and more.

With contributions from