9 Best Sunscreens for Eczema 2025

The 9 Best Sunscreens for Eczema, Tested by Us and Approved by Dermatologists

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For eczema sufferers, any new product can present a potential problem — after all, there’s always the chance it could irritate the skin, or, worse, cause a brand new eczema flare-up. I’ve had eczema my whole life, so I know how tough it can be. I also know that sometimes, I forgo a product I really need rather than risk upsetting the status quo.

People with eczema really need sun protection, so skipping the product isn’t an option. ”Sunscreen is especially important for people with eczema because their skin barrier is naturally more fragile and prone to inflammation,” says dermatologist Hannah Kopelman, DO, clinical lead at DermOnDemand and practicing physician in New York, New York. “UV rays can further damage that barrier, worsen dryness, and trigger flare-ups, so daily protection plays a big role in keeping the skin calm and preventing long-term sun damage.”

It’s also important to wear sunscreen all year, regardless of the forecast.

“Everyone needs sunscreen year-round for sensitive areas such as the face, neck, ears, and chest. For eczema patients, I always recommend UV protection as well to the eczematous patches,” said Maya Thosani, MD, owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

With that in mind, I set out to find sunscreen options that my fellow eczema sufferers can use with ease, come sun or come clouds, to stay safe outside. Through expert input and rigorous testing, I’ve gathered a list of the eczema-friendly sunscreens that really work for people with eczema. Read on for our recs.

sunscreen

Best Stick

Mustela SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Pros

  • Easy to apply
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Travel-friendly
  • Fragrance-free
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • Faint sunscreen smell

Key Specs

  • Type: Stick
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes

If you ask me, a sunscreen stick is an invention nearly as groundbreaking as the telephone. After all, one of the worst parts of wearing sunscreen is applying it—especially if you’re applying it to another less-than-willing party. In stick form, there’s no leaking or dripping or endless rubbing, and for that, we can be glad.

This particular stick stands above the rest. It’s a mineral sunscreen, which is generally thicker and more difficult to apply,

but which is more tolerable and less irritating for eczema, according to Ruth McTighe, MD, of Waccamaw Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Its active ingredient is zinc oxide, which studies show to be non-irritating with a high level of broad-spectrum protection.

Simone Scully, Editorial Director at Everyday Health, tested this sunscreen along with her son. She found that it absorbed easily, blended in smoothly, and didn’t leave that yucky post-sunscreen sticky feeling on her hands. She also loved that it was easy to pop into her bag without fear of leaks, and found that it protected both her and her son without causing any itchiness or irritation.

Most Blendable

cocokind Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen Lotion

$22.49 at Amazon
$24.99Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Blends well
  • Lightweight and airy
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • Slightly grainy feel

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
This mineral-based sunscreen cites non-nano zinc oxide as a primary ingredient. What’s that, you ask? Here’s the TLDR: often, manufacturers use nano-size versions of zinc oxide in order to do things like decrease white cast—and some studies show that nanoparticles can be absorbed through the skin.

The non-nano version offers peace of mind that comes with knowing that no harsh chemicals will be absorbed into your skin. 

I tested this product, and I found it certifiably no-fuss. It is lightweight and airy, and rubs in easily. There was a slight grainy quality to the texture that I couldn’t put my finger on, but that didn’t affect my overall experience of using it. It gave my skin no grief, was easy to toss into my beach bag, and carried the same sunny vibe as its yellow packaging.

Best Tinted

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

$28.80 at Amazon
$32Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Creamy
  • Lightweight
  • Fun packaging
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • Very mild foundation smell

Key Specs

  • Type: Tinted
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes

For the SPF-challenged, a tinted facial sunscreen can be sort of a superpower. Since you generally apply it while getting ready and putting on makeup in the morning, you don’t have to think about an added step, but still end up with sun protection. That said, these products can also be difficult for people with eczema to tolerate, which makes this one all the more impressive.

Besides non-nano zinc oxide, this product lists prickly pear extract as a primary ingredient, which has been shown to be an excellent option for people with sensitive skin. It’s also fragrance-free and works for those with acne as well as people with eczema.

Raki Swanson, an Everyday Health writer who tested this sunscreen, found it to be effective and non-irritating. She described it as creamy and lightweight — thinner than a sunscreen, but slightly thicker than a typical foundation. She tends to break out when she puts new products on her face, but had no issues with this one, and found that it kept her protected from the sun even though she didn’t reapply after putting it on in the morning. She also noted that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t look obviously like makeup.

Best for Face

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion

$13.27 at Amazon
$14.99Now 11% Off

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Non-greasy
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • May leave a white cast

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
This CeraVe sunscreen came highly recommended by the dermatologists we spoke to, and for good reason. It’s a mineral sunscreen made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are NEA-recommended ingredients.

It’s also made with three essential ceramides, which form a permeability barrier in the skin.

Nicole LaMarco, a writer who tested this sunscreen for Everyday Health, found it to be lightweight, with a thin texture that was easy to apply. She also said it absorbed quickly—so quickly that after a few minutes, she no longer noticed it on her face. It didn’t cause her any irritation, and she liked the way it felt on her skin.

Best for Body

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

$12.99 at Amazon

Pros

  • Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • High SPF
  • Contains Vitamin E
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • May leave a white cast

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Don’t look now, but it’s another mineral sunscreen made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (we just can’t get enough). This one also comes with a hefty helping of vitamin E, which has been shown to improve eczema symptoms.

 

Our research shows that this sunscreen may leave a white cast, which is why we recommend it for the body rather than for the face. That said, it has a lightweight feel, is easy to spread over large surface areas, and should not irritate eczema-prone skin. 

Best for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

$13.27 at Amazon
$14.99Now 11% Off

Pros

  • Moisturizing and soothing
  • Formulated with ceramides
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • Requires extra rubbing in to remove white cast

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes

If you have eczema or sensitive skin, odds are that you already own at least one product from Vanicream. The brand specializes in sensitive skin care, and their products are all fragrance-free and free of dyes, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, and gluten. 

Their mineral sunscreen met our high expectations for a soothing, moisturizing, and extremely gentle product. While it may leave a white cast, with a little bit of elbow grease (read: rubbing in for a bit longer than you’d like), it should blend. It’s made with non-nano zinc oxide and with ceramides, and our research shows that it feels calming on irritated skin. 

Best Splurge

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+

$50.40 at Amazon
$56Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Includes proprietary Senescence Blocking Peptide
  • Available in tinted or non-tinted
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • High price for a small package

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
SPF is naturally an anti-aging product,

but this product promises more than just SPF. In addition to offering sun protection, the brand says that it reduces the effects of existing cellular aging with the OS-01 peptide, which studies have shown to be effective at strengthening the skin barrier, protecting against dehydration, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.


I tested this product and opted to try a tinted version. I have very fair skin, so I chose the Light/Medium tint and found that it matched my face and blended well. I wore it over my daily moisturizer, which didn’t cause any pilling. Although it felt like makeup when I applied it—that is, lightweight and blendable, as opposed to like a typical sunscreen—it really didn’t look like makeup; it just provided a slight glow. It was nice to wear on beach days and feel a bit more put together than I would if I’d just rubbed on sunscreen in a hurry. 

I didn’t test this product long enough to notice any anti-aging effects, but I found it quite pleasant to use and effective as a sunscreen, and it didn’t cause any skin irritation. 

Best For Kids

Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40

$19.99 at Amazon

Pros

  • Goes on smoothly
  • Absorbs quickly
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • Leaves a white cast
  • Leaves hands sticky after applying

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
Fact: putting sunscreen on kids can be a pain. They are wiggly by nature, and, since sunscreen application often stands between them and doing something fun, like running on the playground or heading to the pool, it can be especially tough. But it’s also extremely important not to skip. Twenty to 50 percent of UV exposure up to the age of 60 is accumulated during childhood, and children get a lot more sun exposure (three times as much, in fact) than adults.

TLDR: As annoying as it is, kids need sunscreen. 
This mineral option uses non-nano zinc oxide as well as organic colloidal oatmeal, which is anti-inflammatory and soothing.

The brand acknowledges that this may leave a white cast, but frames it as a positive, citing it as “a visual reminder that sunscreen is forming a protective barrier,” and as a way to remember when it’s time to reapply. 

Scully tested this product with her son and found that, despite being thick, it went on smoothly, didn’t take long to apply, and her son didn’t mind it. She noted that its lack of water resistance past 40 minutes makes it better for days at the playground or the zoo than at the pool, but said that it didn’t bother her son’s eczema-prone skin and kept them both safe from sunburns. 

sunscreen

Best For Babies

Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+

Pros

  • Easy to apply
  • Attractive packaging
  • Most affordable option on our list

Cons

  • Lotion is slightly runny
  • Leaves some greasy residue

Key Specs

  • Type: Lotion
  • Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance: Yes
First, a disclaimer: Babies under six months should not wear sunscreen. Because their skin is so sensitive, they’re at a greater risk of side effects like rashes, and it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight and cover them up with long sleeves and adorable hats.

But after half a year has gone by, SPF is on the table, and this is a great option for babies who are prone to eczema. It’s a mineral sunscreen made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and it’s gentle and lightweight.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, who tested this product for Everyday Health, said that it effectively did its job of keeping her baby’s skin safe without causing irritation. She reported that it was easy to apply, and though she said it left some greasy residue, she found it to be less than she’d experienced with other baby brands.

How We Tested Sunscreens for Eczema

I am a lifelong eczema sufferer, a woman with aging skin, and a writer with over a decade of experience writing about health, wellness, and lifestyle topics. To come up with this list of the best sunscreens for eczema, I spoke with three dermatologists:

  • Ruth McTighe, MD, of Waccamaw Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

  • Maya Thosani, MD, owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona

  • Hannah Kopelman, DO, of DermOnDemand in New York, New York.

All three doctors shared their expert opinions on the types of sunscreen people with eczema should use, what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, and why sunscreen is important for people with eczema. Then, I and four other testers who also have eczema, performed some hands-on testing. We evaluated factors such as how well the sunscreens rubbed in, how well they protected us, and whether they caused any irritation or flare-ups.

What to Consider When Buying a Sunscreen for Eczema

“When I’m advising my patients with eczema, I usually recommend looking for sunscreens that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic. These tend to be less irritating on sensitive skin,” says Dr. Kopelman. She also recommends mineral sunscreens as opposed to chemical sunscreens, as did our other experts. “In general, mineral sunscreens tend to be better tolerated for individuals with eczema,” says Dr. Thosani.

Another way to determine if a product may work for you is to look for a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. For a product to meet the NEA’s standards, it undergoes testing for sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity from the NEA’s Scientific Oversight Committee. The committee also reviews the product’s ingredients and formulation data.

What’s the Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens have different kinds of ingredients, and they also work to protect your skin from the sun in different ways. Mineral sunscreen almost always includes zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which we’ve referenced in product write-ups above. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

As to how they work, mineral sunscreen sits on the surface of the skin and reflects and scatters UV rays away from it. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is released from your skin. Another difference is timing: “Chemical sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes in advance to be effective,” said Thosani. “Mineral sunscreens work immediately after application.” 

When it comes to eczema, mineral sunscreen is a much safer bet. “Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, often work best because they sit on the surface of the skin and are less likely to cause stinging or burning. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, can sometimes trigger irritation because they need to be absorbed into the skin to be effective,” says Kopelman. The National Eczema Association agrees and does not offer chemical sunscreens its coveted Seal of Acceptance.

Does Sunscreen Protect Against Cancer?

Yes, sunscreen protects against the three most common skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

 

FAQ

Can I use sunscreen if I have eczema?
Yes, you can! Look for mineral sunscreens that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or niacinamide to give your skin the best chance of reacting positively to the sunscreen.
The “three-minute rule” for eczema refers to a tactic for effectively moisturizing skin. It is suggested that after taking a shower or bath, eczema sufferers should dry off and then apply moisturizer within three minutes in order to lock in the moisture. 
If you have eczema, it’s wise to avoid sunscreens that contain alcohol and to opt for a mineral sunscreen as opposed to a chemical one. 

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Jana Pollack

Author

Jana Pollack is a freelance writer, editor, and creative strategist with significant experience writing about health, wellness, and lifestyle topics, including mental health, fitness, parenting, and food. She values conversational writing that puts the reader at ease while conveying real value, and always aims to leave the reader feeling calm and prepared to take action.

Previously, she worked for theSkimm and BuzzFeed in their branded content studios, and she has bylines at Romper, Insider, and Jenny Mag. Early in her career, she spent two years as an editorial assistant at UpToDate.

She lives in Boston with her husband and young son, and spends all of her free time reading.

Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.

Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.

Ray Finch

Fact-Checker

Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, Parents, VeryWell Mind, Medium, Everyday Health, and VeryWell Health.

Their longtime interest in mental health, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ issues was sparked first by their own firsthand experiences, and was further refined during their academic career, having earned dual bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Women's and Gender Studies.

Finch is committed to producing inclusive, scientifically sound content that takes into account such nuanced factors as socioeconomic status, clinician bias, and cultural competence, all of which influence how people engage — or don’t — with medical professionals and the healthcare system.

Katie Tuttle

Editor

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.

Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.

When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.

Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.

Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.

Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

Nicole M. LaMarco

Tester
Nicole is an Indigenous American freelance writer who is passionate about medicine, science, and everything health-related. She analyzes the latest studies — weeding through medical jargon — to write interesting and helpful articles. Nicole's goal is to empower readers to make informed decisions about their well-being. Her articles have appeared in Shape, Yahoo, Health, and more.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT

Tester

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.

Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.

She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.

In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
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  3. The Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens. Cleveland Clinic. May 24, 2024.
  4. Zinc oxide technology and superior UVA protection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. June 2017.
  5. Nanoparticles in Sunscreens. EWG. May 23, 2023.
  6. Yes, Your Sunscreen Might Be Causing Your Eczema to Flare. National Eczema Association. Sep 19, 2023.
  7. Fujii M. The Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications of Ceramide Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis. Cells. September 10, 2021.
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  10. Zonari A et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. June 2024.
  11. Nouri Nikta, et al. Sun protection behaviors among children aged 6−18 years old, the role of socioeconomic factors: A cross-sectional study. Health Science Reports. November 21, 2023.
  12. Reynertson KA et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. January 2015.
  13. Should You Put Sunscreen On Infants? Not Usually. May 9, 2024. FDA.
  14. The Science of Sunscreen. Harvard Health Publishing. February 15, 2021.
  15. Micha JP et al. A review of sunscreen in the prevention of skin cancer. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. March 24, 2025.