<p>In general, “we tend to overreact about the true allergic potential [of sunscreen],” says dermatologist <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/robertfinneymd/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Robert Finney</a>, MD, “but chemical sunscreens have a slightly higher incidence of allergies.” For reactive or sensitive skin, Dr. Finney recommends using <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g39171929/best-mineral-sunscreen/” target=”_blank”>mineral sunscreens</a> instead, since they sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed into it, which helps minimize the risk of reactions. He also recommends looking for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options (meaning they won’t clog your pores causing breakouts). The most important thing when it comes to sunscreen is finding one that you can tolerate wearing every day (especially on your face), which may take some trial and error. As for where to start, use this list as your jumping off point.<br><strong><br><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g42312869/best-moisturizers-for-sensitive-skin/” target=”_blank”>Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g39196291/best-acne-sunscreen/” target=”_blank”>Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g32581649/best-reef-safe-sunscreen/” target=”_blank”>Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g39294143/best-natural-sunscreen-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Natural Sunscreens</a></strong></p>” />
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Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
This oil-free, mineral and chemical combination sunscreen is Dr. Finney’s personal favorite for protecting his own sensitive skin against sun damage. Not only is it specifically designed for sensitive skin, but it also contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help soothe dry skin.
Read more: Best Moisturizers With SPF
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Both |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Best Sunscreen For Very Reactive Skin
Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best Sunscreen For Very Reactive Skin
Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+
For those with true skin allergies, Dr. Finney recommends this sunscreen containing non-nano zinc oxide, meaning the particles are too large to absorb into the skin. Additionally, all the other ingredients are safe for anyone with extremely sensitive or reactive skin.
| Size | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Mineral |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Dr. Finney recommends this facial sunscreen because it’s “pure zinc oxide” but also contains DNA repairosomes which help to heal existing sun damage and Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant for free radical protection.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Mineral |
| Fragrance-Free | No |
Best Sunscreen for Mildly Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 30
Best Sunscreen for Mildly Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 30
Now 15% Off
This super hydrating gel sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin hydrated but still not greasy or sticky. It uses chemical sunscreen, but Dr. Finney says could still be good for mildly sensitive skin thanks to the additional hydrating factors.
| Size | 5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Fragrance-Free | No |
Best Sunscreen for Easily Irritated Skin
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Best Sunscreen for Easily Irritated Skin
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- 100% mineral protection
- Contains additional soothing ingredients
Cons
- May have a white cast on some skin tones
Not only does this sunscreen check all the sensitive skin boxes (mineral sunscreen, fragrance free), but it also contains aloe and oat extracts to help soothe easily irritated skin. Plus, we love how easily it applies.
| Size | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Mineral |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Best Face Sunscreen with Niacinamide
Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50
Best Face Sunscreen with Niacinamide
Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50
Looking at what additional ingredients your sunscreen has can be just as important as what it doesn’t have. This daily facial sunscreen contains niacinamide that “helps restore the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as can block pigment changes,” says Dr. Finney.
| Size | 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Best Sunscreen Spray for Sensitive Skin
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Best Sunscreen Spray for Sensitive Skin
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Pros
- Easy to apply spray formula
- Chemical and mineral sunscreen combo rubs in easily
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- You still need to rub in a spray
This combination chemical and mineral sunscreen is fragrance free and sprays on easily without a white cast like from all-mineral versions. The spray formula makes it easy to ensure you don’t miss a spot (just remember you still need to rub it in).
Read more: Best Sunscreen Sprays
| Size | 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Both |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Pros
- Rubs in easily
- Extra moisturizing
Cons
- Can be pricey
As a sunscreen, this stuff is top-notch—easy to rub in and disappears into your skin in seconds. But there’s also niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen and hydrate skin all day long.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Fragrance-Free | No |
BEST DAYTIME MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30
BEST DAYTIME MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Offers lightweight hydration with UVA-UVB protection
- Barely leaves a white cast
Cons
- Expensive
Sensitive skin needs moisture around the clock, not just at nighttime. This daytime moisturizer provides continuous hydration alongside SPF 30 protection to prevent sun damage, which can wreak havoc on sensitive skin since it’s already compromised. It pairs hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acids and ceramides with antioxidants like vitamin C and rose hips to help brighten.
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Non comedogenic
- Has anti-inflammatory ingredients
Cons
- Can leave a white cast
This sun-protecting moisturizer “is great because it’s non-comedogenic (won’t cause acne breakouts), has anti-inflammatory components such as niacinamide and it has prebiotics to help restore the good bacteria that are important for proper functioning of the skin barrier,” says New York-based dermatologist Shira Wieder, MD.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
What Is the Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens, like avobenzone and oxybenzone, are absorbed into your skin and create a chemical reaction that converts UV rays to heat which is then dissipated. Mineral sunscreens on the other hand, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a protective barrier on top of your skin that reflects the UV rays before they are absorbed into your skin.
What Is Nano Versus Non-Nano?
You’ll often see the term “non-nano” paired with mineral sunscreens. This refers to the size of the actual mineral sunscreen particles. Nano particles are so microscopic that they they can actually be absorbed into your skin. Non-nano particles, on the other hand, are too large to absorb into your skin and remain on the surface.
Should You Really Use Different Sunscreens on Your Face and Body?
You should wear sunscreen on your face every single day, advises Dr. Finney, which means that you should find a lightweight version you can tolerate either on top of your moisturizer or in place of it (if it has enough moisturizing ingredients in the formula). The skin on your body is slightly thicker, plus you likely won’t wear sunscreen on your body every day (unless you work outside or are exposed to the sun on a daily basis). This is especially important if you have have sensitive skin on your face, which tends to be more reactive in general. You may be able to use a heavier sunscreen on your body than your face can tolerate. “I often tell people to save money on their body sunscreen,” he says, since a higher quality facial sunscreen formula means you’re more likely to wear it every day.
What Causes Skin Reactions in Sunscreen?
It’s fairly rare to have a true allergy to a sunscreen ingredient, but chemical sunscreens are usually the culprit if you have a reaction. This is because they are actually absorbed into your skin unlike mineral sunscreens. There could also be added ingredients in the formula, like Vitamin C or even hyaluronic acid which could cause a reaction in some people. “For must of us, if you just have skin that’s on the drier, more sensitive side, but you’re not really prone to allergies, you don’t need to be as careful in that respect,” says Dr. Finney. But you can err on the side of caution and opt for a lightweight mineral or combination formula.
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
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