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ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Excellent protection that won't upset your fragile skin.
Published: July 19, 2024
ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin
Photo: Courtesy of the brands

When it comes to skincare, nothing excites me more than sunscreen. I've been devoted to SPF from a really young age, and I'm so pleased to see just how far formulas have come. Gone are the days of chalky textures and white casts (although I must admit that Korean and Japanese sun creams are the real trailblazers, achieving an invisible finish long before its Western counterparts), many SPFs now feel like second skin and boast the added benefits of brightening and hydrating the complexion.

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I can generally tolerate most formulas, but my skin experienced a new kind of sensitivity while I was on tretinoin. Tretinoin did take care of my acne to some degree, but the side effects meant my complexion felt delicate and prone to inflammation and redness. It goes without saying that face SPF is important all year-round, but it is especially essential if your skincare routine includes a vitamin A product, whether that's oral isotretinoin, tretinoin treatments or retinol.

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How does SPF affect sensitive skin?

According to Dr Jinah Yoo, consultant dermatologist at MAYLIN x Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, fragrances, certain preservatives and chemical UV filters can sometimes cause redness and irritation. "Many often often report stinging or sensitivity around the eye area," she tells me. While these ingredients are completely safe and useful, those with extra sensitive skin might experience a lowered tolerance to them. She also recommends checking for essential oils which can cause a reaction.

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What to look for in an SPF for sensitive skin

Even at its most sensitive, my skin is still a fan of chemical UV filters such as avobenzone. But if they don't work for you, try a mineral sunscreen. "Zinc oxide and titanium oxide-based SPF's provide mineral based broad-spectrum protection, as they sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical filters, making them less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens," suggests Dr Yoo.

My skin tolerates synthetic fragrances just fine, but look out for 'fragrance-free' formulas if yours tend to react poorly to them. "Calming ingredients such as niacinamide (or vitamin B3) and ceramides can support the skin's natural barrier, too," says Dr. Yoo. I'm also partial to formulas that contain skin soothers such as cica and green tea extracts alongside cushioning ingredients such as glycerin. My go-to is Supergoop! Every. Single. Face which I used every single drop of as it sinks in quickly, feels lightweight, and the tea-infused formula kept my sensitive skin protected and happy. It plays well underneath make-up, too.

Ahead, the best SPFs for sensitive skin types

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Every. Single. Face SPF50, $53, SUPERGOOP!

This was the SPF I relied on all throughout my tretinoin journey. It uses chemical UV filters, which my sensitive skin reacted very well to. The featherlight formula wears comfortably, does not pill under make-up and appears completely invisible on my olive complexion. It offers ample moisture without clogging pores and contains snow mushroom alongside tea leaf extracts to keep inflammation at bay.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, $56, ULTRA VIOLETTE.

For complexions that are feeling extra parched, try Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen which promises to leave the skin feeling velvety soft. Despite the plush texture, it still plays well under make-up, and contains moisturising squalane for added hydration.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $59, PAULA'S CHOICE.

Paula's Choice's CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen contains allantoin and Centella asiatica to calm and support the skin's barrier as well as SPF 30 to protect against UV rays. It also has a lightweight texture that doesn't leave a dreaded white cast.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Fluid Silk Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $52, EVEREDEN.

Evereden's Fluid Silk Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect choice if you're heading off on a tropical family vacation. It is a water-resistant formula that contains 100% mineral non-nano UV filters that are safe for skin particle size—meaning it won't absorb into your bloodstream—and safflower oleotech with time-release technology that infuses vitamin E for long-lasting hydration and comfort. Bonus points for the clip-on ring that comes with it for on-the-go protection.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++, $115 for 60ml, KIEHL'S.

If you're looking for a matte finish that won't irritate your skin and clog pores, the Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen from Kiehl's protects the skin from both sun damage and pollution. Additionally, it visibly reduces wrinkles, sun spots, and texture.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Vegan Airfit Sunscreen SPF 50+, $45 for 50ml, MELIXIR.

Melixir's Vegan Airfit Sunscreen is sheer, lightweight, non-irritating, and doesn't leave any residue or white cast. It also soothing and nourishing the skin with antioxidant rich plants like as kale and pine leaf.

ELLE Edit: The Best Sunscreens Out There for Sensitive Skin

Vinosun Very High Protection Lightweight Cream SPF 50+, $39, CAUDALIE.

Whether as the last step of your skincare routine or as a base for your make-up routine, Caudalie's Vinosun Very High Protection Cream is lightweight in texture and blends into the skin like a dream while protecting it from UV rays that cause accelerated photo-ageing. Additionally, it's rich in a vitamin E, grapeseed polyphenols, and epicea for a dose of antioxidants and protection from free radicals.

This article was first seen on ELLE UK.

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