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It's easy to overlook the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, which is funny, because guys with irritation-prone skin are often the most ingredient-conscious shoppers. They know that the slightest inclusion of irritating ingredients could lead to hives, itching, pain, or breakouts. They know to go easy on exfoliation, avoid fragrances, search for easy-on-the-skin face washes. But too often, when a beach day hits, that flies out the window and they use whatever sunscreen is on hand at the drug store. Which is just fine for preventing sunburn—but can lead to a week of bad skin. If that sounds like you, condolences—and here's our guide to sunscreen for sensitive-skinned dudes.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
If you’re using a chemical-based sunscreen, then it could be that any one of its active ingredients is causing the irritation. The safest thing to do is to throw a blanket over all chemical sunblock options and instead shop for mineral-based shields (those utilizing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Mineral sunscreens sit atop your skin as opposed to being absorbed into the skin (like chemical ones), where they then deflect UV rays rather than absorb them. These two key mineral ingredients are far gentler on skin, too. Typically, in terms of sun defense, it is safer to prioritize zinc oxide, but a formula that balances ZO with titanium dioxide can be good on sensitive skin.
It’s also worth adding, though, that mineral sunscreens tend to wear “heavier” on the skin than chemical ones. Secondly, some of them leave a chalky white cast on skin (and the darker one’s skin tone, the more this contrast shows). So, when shopping for one, follow the reviews towards one that is actually, legitimately “cast free” (since they will all claim to be).
Lastly, in terms of chemical options—since some might wear fine and others may irritate—it is particularly wise to avoid oxybenzone and benzophenone-3. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), these two chemicals are the likeliest to cause an allergic reaction. So, if you prefer a chemical, lightweight product, just avoid those two ingredients.
For the same reason you shouldn’t use a body wash as a facial cleanser, you should avoid using a body sunscreen on your face. That’s because the face is far more sensitive than the body, and it needs formulas that honor its delicate nature. With all of that in mind, however, you can work backwards: Why not use face-dedicated sunscreens across your entire body? That way, you are only using the most sensitivity-minded picks across your entire outer shell. Many products are designated as safe for face and body alike; if a brand notes this on the product label, then go ahead using it head to toe.
Any sensitive-skinned shopper knows that two of the most common ingredients to avoid in skincare are artificial fragrance and dyes. And since sunscreens don’t tend to be dyed, then it’s best to keep a watch for any artificially scented picks—and to avoid using them. As much as we love a sunscreen that smells like coconut and pineapple, it’s just not in the cards for irritation-prone folks. You can always huff the bottle if you want the essence of island paradise!
These days, the FDA is pretty good about limiting the use of preservatives that cause allergic reactions. However, it could be that one of the preservatives in your SPF bottle is running amok. The most common offender is Quaternium 15, though it is still often used in trace amounts without problems. This should be the lowest priority in terms of sensitive skin defense (at least when it comes to sunscreens), but it’s still worth noting and looking out.
You should re-up on sunscreen every few hours, especially if you're going to be in the sun for extended periods of time or plan on jumping in the body of water closest to you. So, the last thing you want to do is weigh your sensitive skin down with a heavy product that might also do some major clogging to your pores. A lightweight sunscreen, typically a water-based formula, is going to make sure your skin is well protected from UV rays but still feels like it can breathe, so you won't have to worry about the additional layers causing your skin to freak out.
Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Cetaphil mineral facial sunscreen SPF 50, $12
- Best for Avoiding White Cast: Black Girl Sunscreen mineral-chemical SPF 50 sunscreen, $16
- Best for Extremely Sensitive Skin: Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 face and body sunscreen, $12
- Best for Preventing Redness: Ginger Armor SPF 50 mineral face sunscreen + moisturizer, $40
- Best for On-the-Go Coverage: Supergoop mineral SPF 50 face stick, $24
- Best for Moisturizing: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 moisturizing cream SPF50+, $32
- Best for Soothing Irritated Skin: Innisfree daily UV defense SPF 36 sunscreen, $16
- Best for Preventing Premature Fine Lines: Beauty of Joseon rice + probiotics relief sunscreen, $18
Best Overall
You trust Cetaphil for a gentle cleanse and layer of hydration, so it makes sense that you would turn to the derm-approved brand for added sun protection. Formulated for sensitive skin, Cetaphil's lightweight, mineral sunscreen passes all our filters, as does its matching body SPF lotion.
Best for Avoiding White Cast
A hybrid mineral-chemical option, fragrance free, and lacking the two primary chemical offenders (oxybenzone and benzophenone-3). Also, formulated for face and body, and famous for its cast-free finish. If you've been struggling to find a sunscreen that won't turn you white (or worse, silver like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz), meet your match.
Best for Extremely Sensitive Skin
Here's a little secret: Any sunscreen formulated for babies is among the safest for everyone, especially if you've got sensitive skin (which is exactly what babies have got!). And Sun Bum's is the best. When the product is this good, you've got full permission to shop in the designated parent aisle of your local drugstore even if you're sans kid–just don't get between a frantic mom trying to re-up on sunscreen, if it's the last one on the shelf, she'll win.
Best for Preventing Redness
It's smart to target a mineral sunscreen to fair-skinned folks: They have fewer concerns about the chalky white casts, since it probably matches the skin tone. And here's a moisturizer/sunscreen hybrid that packs on plenty of nourishing ingredients, all of which are safe for sensitive, easily reddened faces.
Best for On-the-Go Coverage
There's nothing more annoying than getting to your sunny destination and opening up your bag to find everything covered in sunscreen. You can skip the mess (and burning anger) by opting for a face stick with SPF. Supergoop's version is a fully mineral, fragrance-free water- and sweat-resistant option that travels oh-so-easily. See, sometimes it is worth shelling out for the travel-size.
Best for Moisturizing
Dry skin rejoice! This ultra-moisturizing SPF cream will keep your skin well protected (without clogging your pores) so you don't have to resort to slicking oil all over your face just to maintain a lit from within glow.
Best for Soothing Irritated Skin
If you randomly decided to test out a bunch of new skin care products all at once (never a good idea), chances are you're dealing with some very agitated skin. To calm things down and protect your extremely vulnerable barrier from sun damage, layer on Innisfree's daily sunscreen. It's made with soothing green tea and cica, along with moisturizing sunflower seed oil to keep what little life your skin still has intact.
Best for Preventing Premature Fine Lines
If you're someone who likes their products to be as skilled in multi-tasking as you are, then a sunscreen packed with barrier-strengthening rice extract and probiotics is going to make your day. Beauty of Joseon's silky, lightweight formula is made with a whopping 30% rice extract that'll smooth over hyperpigmentation and plump your skin right up to prevent premature wrinkles in addition to blocking out UV rays.
