Top 7 sunscreens for sensitive skin

20 Jan 2016 4:00 PM | Posted by

Beth E

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At bh, we tend to harp on about sunscreen a LOT during summer, but if you have sensitive skin, it isn’t always as easy as slip, slop, slap.

bh member Seezora summed up the struggle perfectly in our forum, saying, “Sunscreen is a no-no because you end up looking sunburnt before you've even stepped outside.”

RELATED: Wash-on sunscreen is a thing

Reading this really worried me – the thought of anyone forgoing sunscreen altogether was just too much to take – and I wanted to address the issue, ASAP.

Without further ado, here are seven sunscreens that are formulated for sensitive skin. As with all skin care products, we recommend testing them on a small area (eg. on the back of your hand) before using all over – but do not, I repeat, do NOT hit the beach until you’ve found one that works for you!

1. WOTNOT 30+ SPF Natural Sunscreen

Natural beauties will love this summer staple. Full of natural and certified organic ingredients (and no artificial preservatives or titanium dioxide), this sunscreen contains zinc oxide to reflect both UVA and UVB rays and is even suitable for infants.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/1-wotnot-30-spf-natural

2. SunSense Sensitive SPF 50+

Formulated for very sensitive skin including babies’, this gentle lotion provides sun protection for both the face and body. It’s also free from chemical absorbers, lanolin, colour and fragrance, to help reduce the chance of irritation.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/2-sunsense-sensitive-spf-50

3. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF30

This chemical-free sunscreen contains Dermalogica's UltraCalming™ Complex, which helps reduce sensitivity, redness, irritation and inflammation. It also contains moisturising natural humectants and is lightly tinted, for a flawless-looking complexion.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/3-dermalogica-ultra-sensitive

4. Natio Moisturising Sunscreen Spray 50+

This silky sunscreen is dermatologically tested as a suitable defence for sensitive skin – not to mention perfect for those who prefer a spray formula. Enriched with nourishing aloe vera and vitamin E, it provides an invisible film of UVA and UVB protection.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/4-natio-moisturising-sunscreen

5. Invisible Zinc 4 HR Water Resistant Sunscreen

This high-performance formula has the same level of sun protection as the original Invisible Zinc. Both products are suitable for use on sensitive skin, but this one has the added benefit of being water-resistant.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/5-invisible-zinc-4-hr-water

6. Cetaphil Suntivity Ultra-Light FLUID Face SPF 30

Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, this lightweight sunscreen is formulated to feel comfortable on the face. And most importantly, it’ll stay there: It’s also water-resistant for up to four hours.

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/6-cetaphil-suntivity-ultra

7. Banana Boat Sensitive SPF 50+

Last but not least, this non-greasy, fragrance-free sunscreen is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, is water-resistant for up to four hours and can be used on the face and body. What more could you ask for?

/skin-care/sun-damage-pigmentation/top-7-sunscreens-for-sensitive-skin/7-banana-boat-sensitive-spf-50

Do you have sensitive skin? Have you tried any of these sunscreens?

72 Member Comments

Susmat 15 Jan 2021 2:40 PM

I'd give any of these a go, except for Banana Boat which my skin reacts to

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MerryGoRound 9 Oct 2019 9:42 PM

I tried the WotNot sunscreen last week. Big fail. Came out in a rash on arms and neck, same rash I get from chemical sunscreens. Had to shower to get it off and that aggravated things more because it doesn’t like to be removed (at least not with sensitive soaps/body wash products), so it required lots of scrubbing to remove.

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MerryGoRound 9 Oct 2019 9:48 PM

Oh, and the SunSense one listed here gave me the same reaction over summer.

Sunscreen is the pits for sensitive skin, and the irony is that most sensitive skin burns more easily. I feel like I just need a great big umbrella to shade me (year round), but that doesn’t work for water sports where the rays are reflected off the water surface too.

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Lucy16 5 Jun 2019 4:45 PM

Stick well clear from Neutrogena Hydroboost chemical sunscreen.

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Shop A Everyday 20 Feb 2019 1:30 AM

The Dermalogica sport one is fabulous

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onlyoni 18 Feb 2019 9:47 PM

I hate the feel of sunscreen, especially on my face, so I use a tinted moisturiser such as Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50. I don't have sensitive skin so I use any sunscreen on my body as long as it is SPF50+ and it doesn't feel sticky, oily or greasy.

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Lucy16 5 Jun 2019 4:46 PM

I love the IZ tinted moisturiser. Fabulous for melasma too!

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abbeyleee12 31 Jan 2019 8:57 AM

love the banana boat always stock up when on sale

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Sweety7 8 Jan 2018 12:53 PM

Banana boat works well for me but make p:rem sunscreens are next on my list as I have heard raving reviews about it.

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Shop A Everyday 5 Jan 2018 12:05 AM

Wotnot make great cleansing clothes, so would happily try and use the sunscreen

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Simone 4 Jan 2018 4:39 PM

wonderful thank you for the list, I already use banana boat, but will need to try some of the others

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Vivian007 3 Jan 2018 5:19 PM

I find the Korean and Japanese sunscreens much friendlier to use on sensitive skin. They typically don't feel as goopy, thick and hard to rub in as western branded sunscreens either so they feel kind of like moisturiser on the skin.

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2663anne 2 Jan 2018 2:53 PM

The suntivity has been great on my sensitive skin, and a few of the others listed are good

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TheUglyDuckling 29 Dec 2017 5:12 PM

I'm so surprised La Roche Posay isn't listed on here! Wowzers!

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AndreaJW 29 Dec 2017 2:19 PM

Sun Sense is a great brand for those with sensitive skin.

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Ethelinde 29 Dec 2017 12:05 PM

I never go out of the house without sunscreen so good to see more articles listing the options available on the market.

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Goddess..... 29 Dec 2017 4:24 AM

I would like to try Sunsense 50+ & Banana Boat 50+ sunscreen as well & see how I go with those otherwise I'm quite happy with the one I am using at the moment.

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Linda_Vesinger 28 Dec 2017 6:36 PM

I like Banana Boat, their formulas work really well and they apply easily

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ray_jay 28 Dec 2017 6:19 PM

Glad to see this article updated thanks great work. I've been using the first one but I sometimes get stinging on my skin with it. Why who knows. Ah.
I'm really pleased to see so many companies going down the physical sunscreen route .

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jillian206 28 Dec 2017 5:39 PM

I just bought myself a Nivea sunscreen. I hate that some sun screen feels so sticky on the skin.

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Beauty Obsession 28 Dec 2017 10:09 AM

The WotNot facial sunscreen is great! I'm leaning more towards the physical sunscreens these days. I have tried Cetaphil range and they were good.

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Yohanna 28 Dec 2017 8:44 AM

I have tried first one. Too oily and sticky and white cast huge. And not preventing from sun very effectively. Gentle yes! No allergy on this one, no way =D

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Beautybabe140194 27 Dec 2017 11:31 PM

Banana boat works well and does not irritate my sensitive skin.

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kidmiffy 27 Dec 2017 8:22 PM

Ive tried most of these due to sensitive skin, the balance between irritation, effective sun protection and just inclination to wear (scent/heaviness/that dreaded ghosty look), i find Cetaphil's the best for me.

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Princess Perfume 27 Dec 2017 8:05 PM

I have the Natio sunscreen and findvit pretty gentle. I'm afraid invisible zinc brought me out in a rash

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Miss19 27 Dec 2017 7:11 PM

There should make a list of sunscreen for oily/acne prone skin

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Trish_D 27 Dec 2017 5:09 PM

I had a really sudden and awful reaction to Invisible zinc with my super sensitive skin. As I hate summer and avoid direct sun as much as possible I'm able to use my moisturiser with a good SPF without any problems.

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Gilded 27 Dec 2017 5:03 PM

I have used the Sunsense in the past and its decent.

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Tee631 27 Dec 2017 2:00 PM

wonderful recommendations!

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Tiarna203 27 Dec 2017 12:55 PM

I am actually allergic to sunscreen all together, I cannot use any of them I’ve tried every brand out there even sensitive ones and can still never find anything that doesn’t give me welts and bright red rashes all over my body, I couldn’t have clicked on this any faster and I’m glad I did because I’ve never used the Wotnot sunscreen before so I shall be giving it a try!

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Jacinta Mills 25 Sep 2018 9:54 AM

Hey Tiarna, just wondering if you ever ended up trying the WotNot sunscreen. Im allergic to most sunscreens too and trying to find an alternative. Cheers

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bebeautiful34 27 Dec 2017 12:52 PM

I find all these sunscreens so thick and icky feeling on the skin. I can only wear japanese or korean sunscreens, but they're all mineral based so I guess not suitable for some

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Goddess..... 5 Oct 2017 3:22 AM

They are all great product's I've the Banana Boat SPF 30+ one which I like that is not mention on here the only one is 50+
but still I've a good one, At least I'm still protecting myself that's a lot better then having nothing on at all to begin with. It's all about being sun smart.

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clearcrystalwater 4 Oct 2017 1:29 PM

I don't have sensitive skin but my eldest daughter does. She copes great with the Graham's Alternatives one.

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Lois389 27 Apr 2017 12:52 PM

I like the sound of the Wotnot one. I have a family member who is allergic to the benzoates found in sunscreens so will keep an eye out for it in store.

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Stephanie2494 11 Jan 2017 7:58 PM

I need to invest in a sunscreen for sensitive skin as normal sunscreen really irritates my skin. The other day I wore sunscreen and that night I broke out, all around my chin I was covered it itchy, red blotches.

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ray_jay 6 Nov 2016 2:22 AM

theres no burning with physical sunscreens... the invisible zinc smells so much like sunscreen

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ray_jay 6 Nov 2016 2:20 AM

will not go without sunscreen and will not just use a spf moisturizer you need separate sunscreen. i use spf 50 and since switching to physical my skin is happier and it reflects instead of absorbs so less pigmentation. id love to try the dermatology one but its hard to justify spending that about

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Lisa542 15 Apr 2016 7:33 PM

Cetaphil's sunscreen is great for sensitive skin, doesn't leave my face oily or shiny, doesn't sting and does the job, I love this and would definitely recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin.

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MerryGoRound 5 Feb 2016 10:13 PM

My face gets all blotchy and stings with many supposedly sensitive sunscreens, and also sweats profusely as soon as I put sunscreen on, meaning it's pretty useless anyway. There are a few on here I've not tried yet, so will give them a go. Thanks for the tips.

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Sydneyswans910 25 Jan 2016 12:59 PM

I love my Invisible Zinc sunscreen face moisturiser - I rarely get burnt with it on, and the zinc helps with preventing breakouts I believe. I will always use a physical sunscreen as I used to get burnt using chemical ones!

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AndreaJW 23 Jan 2016 8:06 PM

Cetaphil make great products for sensitive skin. I've never seen any of WotNot's products in stores, i'll have to hunt them down.

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Chicklet 23 Jan 2016 7:41 PM

I really like the Neutrogena range and also Invisible Zinc. I've used both for many years.

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Shop A Everyday 23 Jan 2016 4:19 PM

Some great sunscreens here

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Aurora3589 23 Jan 2016 2:42 PM

Can't wait to try the Natio spray sunscreen. The tinted moisturiser with SPF 50+ is my new all time fave for my face so I'm pretty confident that the body sunscreen will be great too. Love Natio!