This Is the Sunscreen Dermatologists Always Recommend for Sensitive Skin (2024)

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Ask any dermatologist what the best sunscreen is, and there’s a high probability they’ll name-drop EltaMD. Every dermatologist we’ve spoken to (out of dozens and dozens) recommends this formula, whether it’s for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or dry skin. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa, in New Jersey.

Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley agrees: “The SPF is creamy but ultra-light and doesn’t leave any sticky residue in its wake—ideal for layering under makeup daily. Despite the high 46 SPF, it’s largely transparent and won’t leave any white cast. I also love that the UVA/UVB-blocking formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes—all good sunscreens should be, IMO.” (You could also opt for the Elta MD tinted sunscreen, which has all the same great characteristics of the clear.)

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide / SPF: 46 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Lightweight; nongreasy
• What could improve: On the more expensive side

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Want a hardworking drugstore sunscreen pick? Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City recommends this mineral one for all skin types. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin barrier. It’s lightweight, noncomedogenic, and formulated with sensitive skin in mind.

This is a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who uses it for a no-makeup beach day look. “The consistency is thick but after some rubbing it settles in nicely and leaves a gorgeous glow,” Calle says. If you’re not into tinted sunscreens, it’s also available in an untinted formula.

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid / SPF: 30 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Light coverage; nontacky formula
• What could improve: Formula is a bit thick

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

For those who want a higher SPF for their face and body, it’s hard to go wrong with this pick from MDSolarSciences. The mineral sunscreen is specially formulated for those with sensitive skin and designed to be entirely noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic. The ingredient list boasts a whole host of soothing ingredients, including green tea and cranberry fruit and pomegranate extracts. It also has vitamin C for a dose of brightening and anti-aging benefits—a lovely little bonus.

Our tester loved the consistency of the product, noting it spread really nicely. “Don’t be put off if it feels a little oily at first. There’s no oil in the formula—it’s just so silky that it needs a few minutes to fully absorb. Once it does, rest assured, your skin will be supersmooth.”

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit and pomegranate extracts / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic; has anti-aging benefits; formula is nice and creamy
• What could improve: Takes a few minutes to fully absorb

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Here’s a 2023 Glamour beauty award-winner that won best face sunscreen for its anti-aging benefits. Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco likes that it’s a serum with SPF, not a lotion. It contains prebiotics that help improve the skin’s texture—minimizing fine lines—and wild butterfly ginger to counteract the effects of blue light and pollution. Best of all? No white cast in its wake. “On days when I don’t feel like wearing foundation, I can wear this for a hydrated glow without worrying about greasy or chalky residue,” says Yaptangco.

On the downside, one tester found the formula a bit runny and recommends moving quickly to minimize any mess—though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since the consistency means a little bit goes a very long way.

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, S6Pro Complex, wild butterfly ginger root / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: High SPF; has anti-aging benefits beyond sun protection
• What could improve: Formula is very runny

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseUlta promo codes.

Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York City praises La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide because it boasts broad spectrum SPF 50 and is fragrance-free, oil-free, and noncomedogenic. “I love how it is fast-absorbing and has a matte finish—perfect as a base layer before makeup,” she says.

Our tester agrees: “Sometimes it feels impossible to find a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, but this one is that unicorn. It doesn’t leave a white cast behind—no excess rubbing required. One pass and it soaks right in.”

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Doesn’t leave a white cast; suitable for the body and face
• What could improve: Some users say it stings their eyes

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Great for combination and oily skin, SkinMedica’s SPF 35 is oil-free, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance- and paraben-free. It’s more invisible than most too. “This product contains titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide, which leaves less of a white residue,” says Carolyn Stull, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

Our tester, a longtime sufferer of oily, shiny skin that skews extra-sensitive says she has a hard time finding the right sunscreen but finally landed on this one. “It’s a little expensive, but it’s my holy grail,” she says. “Seriously, it actually feels weightless on my skin and doesn’t cause any of the flare-ups or redness that I’m used to.”

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 35 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Light tint; suitable for sensitive skin
• What could improve: Pricier than others

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

The packaging on this product is what first caught our tester’s eye. Not only is it really cute but it also has a little clip that allows you to hook the SPF onto your bag. The ever-so-slightly tinted formula is worth writing home about too. It’s super lightweight and blends into skin in an instant with absolutely no hint of white. It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, which helps cut down on the need for reapplications, especially for the more active out there.

Earley says this is one of her top picks for the whole family, adults and kids. “When it dries, my skin feels so soft and silky—not at all tacky like so many others,” she told us, noting it just feels more luxe than other conventional SPFs. “My only complaint is that the bottle is so small, because I can’t get enough of this stuff.”

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: No (sunflower seed oil)

• What we love: Leaves skin silky soft; has a clip to attach to a bag
• What could improve: Bottle is very small

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

This is another favorite of Glamour’s Calle, who likes to use it as a SPF makeup primer. It’s affordable, lightweight, and absorbs in mere seconds. Earley loves it, too, but says it’s worth mentioning that it’s a little bit runny. On the upside, a little bit goes a long way, extending the life of the small bottle.

It’s this consistency that makes it such a great SPF for layering under makeup too. Your sensitive skin won’t feel bogged down by product. “I use this as a primer, because it really smooths and creates the perfect canvas for my foundation,” says another Glamour tester.

Type: Chemical / Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene 8.0, hom*osalate, meadowfoam seed, aloe / SPF: 35 / Oil-free: No (meadowfoam seed oil)

• What we love: Doubles as a primer for makeup; completely clear gel formula
• What could improve: Small tube

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseUlta promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz}

After five weeks of testing through various temperatures, climates, and environments, this tinted SPF has quickly become an editor favorite. Danielle Sinay, Glamour’s associate beauty editor gives Kosas DreamBeam rave reviews, calling it a “dream for oily yet highly sensitive skin.” Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz is a big fan, too, telling us it’s perfect for girlies like her who prefer to go foundation-free.

Think of it as the perfect combo product: skin care and SPF all in one. This lightweight product—which is runnier than your average lotion, is similar to a face serum—plumps, hydrates, and smooths skin. At the same time, the subtle peachy-pink tint works to correct any discoloration and redness. Testers say it layers beautifully under makeup but prefer to wear it solo for a fresh glow and a dewy finish.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Oil free: No

• What we love: Hydrating; lightly tinted; smoothing
• What could improve: Slightly tacky formula

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseSephora promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore}

Celebs love it, derms love it, editors love it, and we’re confident you’ll love it, too. Another skin care and sunscreen hybrid, this tinted moisturizer with SPF comes in an extensive and inclusive 30 shades. Our testers love how smooth it goes on—just like a serum—so you can easily apply it with your fingers and achieve a dewy glow with a touch of coverage.

Dermatologists tell us the ingredients are up to snuff, too. “It provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. It’s also gluten-free, oil-free, and free of silicones, fragrance, and chemical sunscreen filters, she adds.

Type: Mineral / Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Lightweight; hydrating; radiant finish
• What could improve: Not for oily skin

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

When you want the convenience of a stick sunscreen (they’re great for kids and applying on the go), reach for VitaSea’s Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick. “Most sticks I’ve tried don’t glide effortlessly over skin and, even worse, leave a big old streak of white across your skin,” one Glamour tester said. “This one glides like butter and applies completely clear.” She praised the small size as well. “It fits in all of my purses. I pop them in my kids’ backpacks for camp too, since they’re easy for kids to use on their own.”

Type: Mineral / Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamins E and C, sea kelp / SPF: 30 / Oil-free: No (olive oil, jojoba oil)

• What we love: Glides across skin effortless; applies clear; highly portable
• What could improve: Small container doesn’t last as long as some others

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay}

The easiest way to make sure you apply SPF on the regular? Pick a face moisturizer that contains enough of the good stuff to satisfy as a hybrid product—derms say you should wear at least SPF 30, and this everyday lotion qualifies. “With a mattifying finish, this SPF 30 daily moisturizer helps control shine while protecting skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.

Our testers say it’s a great layering product for makeup and confirm it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Glamour’s Sinay likes it for long walks, noting the oil-free formula doesn’t get all shiny, even during long walks outside. It’s great for frequent touch-ups throughout the day, too, she tells Glamour.

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Affordable; lightweight; mattifying
• What could improve: Might be too drying for non-oily-skin types

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

Eucerin is another drugstore brand you’ll hear a lot when talking about formulations for sensitive skin. “This product relies solely on zinc oxide and is enhanced with antioxidants and dimethicone,” says Deeptej Singh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Albuquerque. “It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for active or outdoor use.” Though we haven’t tested this formula, reviewers are quick to sing its praises, confirming that it is indeed nonirritating on sensitive skin.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

• What we love: Contains a host of antioxidants to nourish skin; high SPF; widely available
• What could improve: Some users say it leaves a slight white cast

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

Parents may often reach for this formula as a baby sunscreen, but dermatologists tell us it’s a great option for adults too. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, sings its praises as a noncomedogenic and paraben- and fragrance-free option. She likes that it rubs in clear, and contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to moisturize the skin while it works against the sun’s UV rays.

One tester told us she’s converted for good. “I’ve tried dozens on my son’s sensitive skin, and this is the only one that didn’t leave splotchy red marks in its wake,” she says. We also like the unique packaging. The color of the cap changes gradually when exposed to the sun, a gentle reminder that it’s time to rub on the SPF. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: No

• What we love: Rubs in clear; reef-safe; non-comedogenic
• What could improve: May leave slight white cast on darker skin tones

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.

Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York, points to this “family-friendly” option as a great full body sunscreen. Though it’s on the thicker side, he says it blends seamlessly and is so gentle that even people with skin conditions like rosacea can comfortably use it.

Our testers compare the feel of the formula to vaseline or aquaphor but say it doesn’t leave any greasy residue in its wake. And even those with dark skin say it goes on completely clear. Overall, testers praised the unique scent, too. Instead of the traditional sunscreen smell, it has a light citrus scent.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: No

• What we love: Lightweight; nongreasy; fragrance-free; suitable for all skin types; water-resistant for 80 minutes
• What could improve: Some users say it’s thick and hard to spread

Save when you shop for the best sunscreens with theseAmazon promo codes.