From healthcentral.com
New guidelines call for higher SPF, but people with skin conditions need soothing formulas. Discover 12 products that do it all in HealthCentral’s fourth annual Sensitive Skin Awards
There is no arguing the importance of sunscreen for everyone, no matter your age or skin tone. But when you’re dealing with chronic skin conditions, it is extra important to find the right formula and level of protection for your needs. For our fourth annual review of the best skin products for sensitive skin, we partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation on research-based guidelines for our expert panel of dermatologists to use in evaluating sunscreen options.
Which select SPF products made this year’s cut? Find out here in HealthCentral’s 2025 Sensitive Skin Awards!
The Latest Sunscreen Guidelines for Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen is a must-have for everyone and finding one that works for your skin and your lifestyle is the best way to ensure you actually use (and reapply!) it every single day. If you have sensitive skin or a chronic skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, or rosacea, your skin’s needs are more specific than the average sunscreen-wearer. Anna L. Chien, M.D., is a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee, which is responsible for determining the scientific standards behind the Foundation’s sun protection guidelines. We asked her to break down the key qualities that make sunscreens friendlier for sensitive skin.
The Ingredients
“People with sensitive skin conditions or skin sensitivity are often more comfortable with sunscreens that contain what are called mineral active ingredients,” says Dr. Chien. “These are products that use physical barriers—either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—which protect the skin from dangerous UV exposure.” You might have heard about different types of sunscreens formulas: Physical (also called mineral) sunscreens reflect damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays away from the skin as opposed to chemical formulas, which absorb UV rays before they can harm your skin.
Both kinds of sunscreen are effective, but chemical formulas may be more irritating for those with sensitive skin due to common active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octisalate. “Interestingly, in many tests, it isn’t the sunscreen active [ingredient] that causes irritation,” Dr. Chien notes. “Fragrances and preservatives are often the culprits in what causes reactivity in skin.” It is always best to do a small patch test on your skin before slathering yourself in a new formula to see if your skin has a negative reaction.
The Texture
The way sunscreen feels on your skin can make you more likely to use the product regularly, but the texture also needs to be one that people with chronic skin conditions can apply without exacerbating a breakout or flare. “Generally, people with sensitive skin or disruption in the skin barrier tend to do better with thicker formulations such as creams,” Dr. Chien says. Gels and spray formulas can tend to contain alcohol, which can irritate your skin. And if you’re prone to breakouts, thinner oil-free options might be your best bet.
The Level of Protection
The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee recently released updated guidelines for the minimum SPF (sun protection factor). For daily use, a minimum SPF 30 is required for a product to earn the organization’s Seal of Recommendation, and for sunscreens formulated for active lifestyle use, products must have a minimum of SPF 50.
These guidelines are especially important for people with chronic skin conditions to adhere to. “Having more sensitive skin and a compromised barrier may make an individual more prone to the negative effects of sunlight—such as redness and discoloration,” Dr. Chien says. Plus, certain skin conditions like rosacea make skin more photosensitive, meaning skin is extra-vulnerable to the negative impacts of the sun.
Maintaining sunscreen coverage is also important for people who take medications to manage their chronic skin conditions. “There are many medications that can cause photosensitivity, including certain oral antibiotics used for rosacea and hidradenitis suppurativa,” Dr. Chien shares.
Think of sun protection as an integral part of your care plan for your skin, the outermost layer that safeguards all the work you’ve put into your treatment regimen—while also protecting you from skin cancer. And remember: Using sunscreen daily is an easy win for your skin health not just in summer but all year round.
HealthCentral’s Top Sunscreens With SPF 30+ for Chronic Skin
With the above guidelines in mind, our expert panel of dermatologists deliberated on the best sunscreen products on the market for sensitive skin and chronic skin conditions. Choose any of their picks below and slather with confidence that these products will shield your skin and treat it with the TLC it needs. (HealthCentral note: These products were chosen based on science-backed research and expert opinion. We do not receive any commission from the products we recommend.)
Best SPF 30+ for Face
Avène Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+, $36
A comfortable, lightweight face sunscreen is a must for everyday wear. Not only is this formula fragrance-free and made with mineral sunscreen ingredients, it contains niacinamide, bisabolol, and allantoin to soothe sensitive skin, says Dr. Gohara, who swears by this product. Bisabolol has been found to calm itchy skin, improve eczema, and promote skin healing, according to one study. And bonus: It layers perfectly under makeup without pilling or greasiness.
Best SPF 30+ for Dark Skin Tones
Eucerin Tinted Sensitive Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35, $16
Tired of sunscreens that leave you looking like a ghost? Finding a mineral-based sunscreen that doesn’t leave a grey or white cast has been difficult—until recently. This tinted option works for all skin tones, adjusting to the colour of your skin as you massage it in. “It’s free of fragrance, dyes, and other common irritating ingredients,” says Dr. Nazarian, making it a hero for sensitive skin.
Best SPF 30+ Moisturizer With Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $40
This dermatologist-favourite multitasker hydrates and protects in one simple step. “This is my go-to moisturizing sunscreen,” says Dr. Mraz. It is packed with hyaluronic acid, a humectant that is proven to hydrate, rejuvenate, and heal skin. According to research, hyaluronic acid can bind 1,000 times its volume in water and hydrate both the surface of skin you touch (the stratum corneum) plus the two layers directly below (the epidermis and dermis, respectively). This is especially helpful for skin conditions that require the skin to stay hydrated like eczema and psoriasis.
Best SPF 30+ Foundation With Sunscreen
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
Three of our four dermatologist panellists recommended this tinted sunscreen and as soon as you try it, you’ll see (and feel) why. “This skin tint is like a serum, sunscreen, and foundation had a baby—it evens tone, boosts moisture with niacinamide and squalane, and protects with non-nano zinc oxide, all while giving skin a dewy, breathable finish,” says Dr. Gohara. Dr. Nazarian notes it’s great for eczema- and rosacea-prone skin, while Dr. Alvarez adds that it comes in 30 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones.
Best SPF 30+ Lip Balm
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Lip Balm, $4
Your lips are one of the most sensitive areas of skin on your body—and often the most forgotten when it comes to SPF. And when they’re not treated properly, lips can be prone to flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis. This mineral lip balm protects with zinc oxide and nourishes with shea butter, without any irritating fragrance or flavour, says Dr. Alvarez. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic skin condition or chapped lips, the ingredients will help keep your lips soft and protected from sunburn. Keep it in your bag, your car, or your pocket—your lips will thank you.
Best SPF 30+ for Scalp Protection
Supergoop Poof Mineral Part Powder SPF 35, $34
Back by popular demand! This mineral powder won “Best Sunscreen for Scalp” in last year’s Sunscreen Awards, and it topped our experts’ lists again for 2025. Dr. Alvarez says this 100% mineral powder pulls triple duty: It soaks up oil at your part, shields your scalp from UV rays, and even helps soothe flare-prone conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Not only is zinc an effective mineral sunscreen, it also helps to treat these skin conditions, which can often flare up on the scalp and cause irritation.
Best SPF 30+ Powder Sunscreen
ISDIN Isdinceutics Mineral Brush, $60
Midday SPF reapplication without messing up your makeup? Yes, please. This ultra-fine mineral powder makes it easy to swipe on sun protection every two hours—no mirror or sticky hands required. “It’s awesome for on-the-go applications,” says Dr. Nazarian. She also recommends it for anyone with heat-triggered conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa or rosacea. The sheer, lightweight finish won’t clog pores or weigh down your skin. Plus, it adds a subtle matte glow.
Best SPF 30+ for Body
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen, $32
When it comes to full-body sunscreen, gentle and glide-able is the name of the game. This fragrance-free mineral lotion gets Dr. Nazarian’s stamp of approval for its antioxidant-rich formula that offers bonus protection against free radicals. “It applies super easily without excessive rubbing or tugging, which can flare rosacea or psoriasis,” she explains. It’s also breathable and non-occlusive, which makes it a smart pick for anyone managing hidradenitis suppurativa or dealing with dry, sensitive patches from chronic skin conditions.
Best SPF 30+ Spray Sunscreen
EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, $46
Looking for a spray that’s actually good for sensitive skin? “This is the gold standard in mineral sprays,” says Dr. Gohara. It’s sheer, antioxidant-rich, and goes on evenly without leaving a greasy residue. Dr. Alvarez recommends it for quick and easy reapplication—especially on hard-to-reach spots like your back or shoulders. That’s a major win for folks with hidradenitis suppurativa, since friction and occlusion in those areas can trigger flare-ups.
Best SPF 50+ for Sports/Sweat
Banana Boat Sport Mineral Lotion SPF 50+, $15
This brand has been around for a while, and it’s a go-to for outdoor exercisers who need extra SPF that can stand up to sweat. This one’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays put while you move. “It’s great for people with rosacea, eczema, and hidradenitis suppurativa because of its lightweight feel,” says Dr. Nazarian. And the formula doesn’t feel greasy and sticky on your skin.
Best SPF 30+ Stick Sunscreen
Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Serum Stick SPF 50, $23
Stashing a stick sunscreen in your purse is helpful for on-the-go protection. “This shields skin from UVA and UVB rays and also contains iron oxide which also helps protect against the visible light spectrum, particularly useful for people with melasma and many other sun-induced conditions,” says Dr. Mraz. Other sensitive skin-friendly ingredients like seaweed extract and bisabolol help moisturize and heal skin damage.
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