10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin 2022 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. La Roche Posay - Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream for £18.00
2. Eucerin - Sun Sensitive Protect Ultra Light Sun Cream for £19.50
3. Garnier Ambre Solaire - Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream SPF50+ for £8.00
4. Jason - Natural Care SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen for £12.60
5. Heliocare 360° - Gel Oil-Free, SPF 50 for £17.55

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of sunscreen for sensitive skin available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Choose Cream, Spray, or Gel Depending on Your Desired Application and Coverage
2. Go for a Broad Spectrum Formula With at Least SPF 30 to Prevent Sunburns
3. Decide Between Water-Resistant Chemical Sunscreens or Mineral Sunscreens for Dry Skin
4. Look for a Cruelty-free, Vegan Formula for Excellent Sun Protection

The main benefit of a cream or lotion is that it has to be massaged in with your hands and is fully absorbed by the skin (whereas sprays may only sit on the surface of our skin) – this means that it provides maximum coverage. The thick formula can also be more moisturising for sensitive, dehydrated skin than a light spray.

However, working a cream formula into your skin can take a little while, and tends to leave a greasy residue on your hands. We therefore recommend applying a cream or lotion before you leave the house, where you can wash the excess off your hands, and then using more lotion or a spray to top up your protection throughout the day. 

Sprays are quick and easy to apply, so they're a great option if you have little ones who can't sit still for very long! For adults, sprays are particularly handy for getting to hard to reach areas such as the back, or for a quick top up on the go. They also feel lighter and less sticky than creams, making them a more breathable option for sensitive skin.

Unfortunately, some sprays contain alcohol which may irritate sensitive skin. You should also take care when using a spray around children as they might accidentally inhale droplets, causing harm to their airways. To prevent this from happening, always spray the formula into your hand first before applying it to the skin.

Looking for sunscreens for babies and kids? We got you covered too!

Gel sunscreens dry completely clear, providing a matte finish. This means that they're ideal for use on your face, as you can apply makeup over them! They're also often oil-free, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. Since this kind of sunscreen tends to contain a more chemical ingredients than creams or sprays, those with extremely sensitive skin may prefer to opt for something a little gentler.

A sunscreen's SPF, or sun protection factor, should be clearly stated on the product's packaging. The higher the number, the more UVB rays (those which cause redness and sunburn) or UVA rays (those which can cause premature ageing) the product will block. 

Not all products are designed to block both types of rays though - some only work against UVB! So if you have sensitive skin, we recommend buying a broad spectrum sunscreen which blocks both. This way, you can be sure that your skin won't get burnt or dehydrated. 

Generally, skincare experts recommend using an SPF of at least 30 every day.  You might want to buy a product with an even higher SPF to ensure that your sensitive skin has the utmost protection from harmful rays. To make things easier, we've included plenty of high SPF options in our top 10!

Chemical sunscreens work by creating a chemical reaction that absorbs and converts UV rays into heat, and then releasing it from the skin. In order to do this, the ingredients must be absorbed into the skin, which is also what makes chemical sunscreens more water-resistant.

So, if you need a sunscreen that will stay on when you go for a swim or if you're planning to sweat a lot, go for a chemical one. However, although it provides the most effective protection, chemical sunscreens may cause irritation or discomfort for children or those with extra sensitive skin.

In comparison, a mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a protective barrier between your skin and the sun. This kind of sunscreen is much gentler on sensitive skin, especially for those with conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Mineral sunscreens aren't absorbed into the skin and thus needs to be reapplied often. Although they tend to last longer in the sun, they may be washed off by sweat and water which is why you will need regular top-ups. This type of sunscreen is more moisturising, which tends to feel heavier on the skin, with some leaving a white cast that may leave an uneven pale complexion for darker skin tones.

An extra factor to consider before popping a sunscreen into your shopping basket is whether it's been tested on animals or contains animal-derived ingredients such as glycerine or beeswax. Moreover, these types of products usually contain fewer potentially skin-irritating ingredients, as by design they tend to be more natural.

Want more options for the best facial sunscreens? Check out our recommendations!

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and researched by Nicola McClements