We Tested Dozens of Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin—These 11 Delivered the Best Protection Without Skin Irritation

Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Spray is our pick for all skin tones, thanks to its clear-drying formula, gentle ingredients, and easy application. Unlike some mineral options that can leave a chalky white cast, this one rubs in clear, making it appropriate for all shades of skin.

“I LOVE Blue Lizard sunscreens,” says Dupati. “They are excellent mineral sunscreens that give a high level of protection against UV rays. Blue Lizard is my go-to choice for beach and tropical vacations.” LT, who tested this formula, liked its even spray and how quickly it covers large areas without feeling greasy or heavy. Though it dispenses white, the formula blends clear without any residue.

During testing, while we did notice a slight stickiness on my hands after rubbing it in, it wasn’t significant, and overall, this product is a winner for an easy-to-use spray that works for all skin tones.

Banana Boat Sensitive 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ is an affordable and effective option for full body protection. This 100% mineral-based sunscreen, featuring zinc oxide, is hypoallergenic and free from parabens, fragrances, and oxybenzone—ingredients to avoid for those with sensitive skin, according to Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare in La Jolla, California. It also holds a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™ award, which is given to products that meet strict standards established by a panel of leading dermatologists, allergists, and eczema experts.

Everyday Health writer Jessica Migala describes the sunscreen as having a thick, creamy texture that takes a bit longer to apply. “I was worried because it does go on rather white on skin, and because of that, I thought it would leave my skin looking chalky,” she says. “However, after a minute, it absorbs nicely into the skin, leaving no white cast or residue behind.” She added that the thicker formula also provided better protection compared to sunscreens that disappear too quickly into the skin. “This one leaves visible evidence, and the thicker cream made me feel as if I got better coverage.”

Given its cost and ease of availability at local drugstores, this sunscreen is a convenient and reliable choice if you have sensitive skin but want affordable sun protection.

Cetaphil’s Sheer 100% Mineral Liquid Sunscreen earns its spot as the best value for face thanks to its gentle yet effective formulation, which our testers found ideal for sensitive skin. This sunscreen is waterproof, lightweight, and has a watery texture, so it applies more like a face lotion than a traditional sunscreen.

“This is a great value for a gentle, lightweight face sunscreen that’s well-known for being good with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Shirazi. Raki Swanson, a writer at Everyday Health, used it for ten days and found it protected skin without causing irritation. “This product did not clog my pores, I got the protection that I needed. It was light enough and non-irritating, where I could use it every day and not worry,” she says. “[It] was very easy to apply and it absorbed quickly. It is a little white when it is rubbed in, but that goes away rather quickly.” Though one person Swanson was around while wearing the sunscreen noticed a faint scent, Swanson says most of the people she asked described it as virtually odorless.

While the tube is on the small side, Swanson says a little goes a long way, and because it’s formulated specifically for the face, it tends to last longer than expected. “When applying, it should be noted that it can run a little bit,” she explains, but this is a minor drawback. This sunscreen is a great mineral-based option from a dermatologist-trusted brand—all without a hefty price tag.

“This blended well without giving me an orange cast that overly warm tints can give my skin (I have cool undertones),” says Everyday Health editor Katie Tuttle, who tested the sunscreen for two weeks. “This provided excellent coverage for my light skin discoloration, masking redness and light melasma.”

Tuttle liked the pump dispenser, which keeps the product fresh and makes it easy to use. “It is moisturizing enough for the average person, but I found myself using lotion underneath it after the first couple of days, as this wasn't as moisturizing as my dry skin required,” says Tuttle. It’s advertised as unscented, but those sensitive to scent may notice a very subtle sunscreen smell that dissipates quickly. “The scent is faint, not unpleasant,” she says. Overall, the blendable coverage and effective protection make this a great daily choice for sensitive faces.

Sensitive baby and kids' skin require extra care, and while sprays may be tempting, they often contain ingredients like alcohol or harsh chemicals that can irritate delicate skin. ThinkBaby SPF 50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen is our top pick for babies and children, offering gentle and reliable sun protection.

This mineral-based sunscreen utilizes zinc oxide to offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring your little ones stay protected during pool days or outdoor play. “[ThinkBaby is] formulated specifically for babies, so it’s gentle, effective, and free from harsh chemicals,” says Shirazi. Plus, it’s Leaping Bunny certified, meaning it’s cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Everyday Health editor Nicole Bonaccorso used ThinkBaby on her children and loved how easily this sunscreen applied, noting a bit of a greasy feel for a few minutes that quickly absorbed. “We tested this in water as well, and it stood up as water-resistant,” she says. “We were fine even without reapplying after splashing at a water park.”

It has a mild citrus scent that Bonaccorso found pleasant, but it may not be ideal for parents of scent-sensitive children. “I do think it should be mentioned prominently on the front of the product, since this is a baby product and babies can be very sensitive,” says Bonaccorso. Overall, ThinkBaby offers effective, long-lasting protection without irritation, making it a favorite for the whole family.

Dr.Jart Every Sun Day Mineral Korean Sunscreen SPF 50+ is our favorite Korean mineral sunscreen for its lightweight, matte finish and skin-friendly formula. The product is made in South Korea, a global hub of the skincare industry. “No one does skin care better than the South Koreans,” says Dupati. “My dream is to spend a few months in South Korea to learn the cutting-edge technology in skincare.”

Designed for sensitive skin, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Its non-greasy, shine-free finish makes it an excellent choice for daily wear, especially under makeup.

“It has a very mild citrus-y scent that goes away once the product absorbs,” says Bonaccorso, who tested it several times over two weeks. “At first, it does seem like it will leave a white cast, but that absorbs quickly. I have pretty light skin, but I don't think it would leave a white cast on darker skin either.” The matte finish provided a smooth base for makeup without feeling heavy or greasy.

Though the formula isn’t particularly hydrating, pairing it with a moisturizer makes it work for all skin types. For people who love Korean skincare, Dr.Jart Every Sun Day is a fantastic choice. “It's a sunscreen that performs well, doesn't irritate the skin or eyes, and is ideal for sensitive skin or under makeup,” says Bonaccorso.

Paula's Choice CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is an excellent choice for soothing and protecting sensitive skin. This mineral-based sunscreen combines the benefits of a moisturizer and SPF, offering broad-spectrum protection with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. “Known for soothing sensitive skin and strengthening the skin barrier, this is a great choice for redness-prone skin,” says Shirazi.

Lacey Muinos, a writer at Everyday Health, loved how easily this sunscreen applied and absorbed. “The consistency of this product is amazing. It's slightly thicker than a regular moisturizer, but not difficult to rub in like some mineral sunscreens,” she says. “The non-greasy texture is one of my favorite things about this product because it's not a hassle to apply like some other sunscreens, so if you normally dread applying SPF, try this one.”

She noted that it didn’t leave a white cast on her fair skin, though those with darker skin tones may want to test it first, as mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white cast. It also has a subtle botanical scent, which isn’t your typical sunscreen fragrance. “I'd prefer no scent at all, but I didn't mind the scent, nor did it deter me from using this product,” Muinos says. “It left my skin looking dewy and feeling bouncy.”

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 is the perfect blend of hydration and sun protection. This lightweight, oil-free formula provides all-day hydration without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. Shirazi likes that this product combines hydration with SPF and includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which she says are excellent for dry or sensitive skin needing moisture.

Everyday Health writer Tori Martinet used the product for five days and said it felt great on her skin without flaring her sensitivities. “It was not too heavy, not too light, no powdery finish, it blended in the best with my skin, and I would absolutely continue using it,” she says. While the texture appeared as a watery consistency, it absorbed in seconds without leaving any residue. The matte finish and the lightweight feel made it a favorite for daily use.

“I also liked the applicator!” says Martinet. “It didn't glob everywhere and was easy to get out what I needed without losing product.” While it does have a faint sunscreen scent, it isn’t overpowering. Overall, Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 is a good choice for those who want a simple but effective combination product at a reasonable price.

Bonaccorso described this product as “luxurious” and loved the medium-thickness texture, which absorbed quickly without feeling greasy. “The product has a very mild, botanical scent from the white tea, but it immediately goes away upon absorption,” she says. “I like the feel of this product on my skin. It is not heavy and absorbs well. Not at all greasy.”

While the product’s price may not fit every budget, its benefits make it a worthwhile investment if you’re in search of a high-quality moisturizer that combines hydration, sun protection, and anti-aging properties.

If you’re chasing radiant glow, iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 43 is your new best friend. This lightweight, hypoallergenic, tinted mineral sunscreen not only protects your skin but also delivers a luminous finish that feels like a natural highlighter. It also contains peptides and vitamin C to brighten and hydrate the skin.

Lili Ladaga, editor at Everyday Health, who has sensitive skin, loved the light texture that melted into her skin without leaving a white cast. “It absorbed quickly and didn't leave a tacky finish. I layered it on over my facial moisturizer, and it didn't pill, which has always been an issue for me with mineral sunscreens in the past,” she said.

The tint is available in three shades (Fair-Medium, Medium, and Medium-Deep), blends easily, offering just enough coverage to even out skin tone—similar to a tinted foundation—while still looking natural. “The 'glow' comes from mica, so if you're not a fan of sparkly, then this might not be the sunscreen for you,” Ladaga says. “But it's not overly sparkly; it's just a nice glow. And if you re-apply, it doesn't get MORE sparkly.”

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a makeup product, this one provides ample sun protection as well as a light shimmer. “I wore this sunscreen outside without a hat for about an hour, and I can tell it worked well; I have freckles on my face, and even after just 20 minutes in the sun, they'll darken significantly,” says Ladaga. “With this sunscreen, I didn't notice any freckle darkening.” While she says that this may not be your go-to for a sweaty hike or beach day, it’s perfect for everyday wear when you want to look polished and protected.

Everyday Health writer Ashley Rowe used this product for two weeks and describes the texture as similar to a thick cream. “It feels oily at first, but after application, it absorbs into the skin,” she says. “While blending it into the skin, it initially looks white (from the zinc, I assume) but absorbs into the skin nicely with no noticeable zinc appearance.”

Rowe was impressed by its effectiveness after spending a lot of time outside. “I love how versatile this product is,” she says. “It works well as a facial sunscreen, but can double as makeup/foundation if all you need is light coverage.” It’s also unscented and comes with a convenient pump so you can avoid mess-free application.

While it only comes in one shade, which may not work universally for all skin tones, this product is ideal for anyone seeking a multitasking sunscreen that combines skincare, sun protection, and a hint of makeup.