People with sensitive skin may find it difficult to comprehend the “protective” traits of sunscreen. In many cases, overly harsh SPF formulas have been the root cause of persistent irritation and breakouts.
Yet as we inch closer to summer and the blaring sun becomes unavoidable, it is essential to consider our options outside of a) sunburn or b) SPF-induced breakouts.
Well, guess what? We have the solution: sunscreens for sensitive skin! We’ve even compiled them all into one helpful article for you. So without further ado, here’s how you can slip, slop, slap without a reaction.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
Almost no sunscreen roundup would be complete without this pharmacy favourite.
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ offers a non-comedogenic, lightweight, matte formulation for a barely-there finish that behaves well under makeup and won’t irritate the skin.
“Very happy to have found this product. I used to stay away from sunscreen because I hated the greasiness but this La Roche-Posay product is nothing like that.” – heretotry
$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse
2. SunSense Sensitive SPF 50+
The SunSense Sensitive SPF 50+ provides face and body sun protection, making it suitable for all skin types, including babies and infants. Moreover, it is also free of chemical absorbers, lanolin and fragrance to help limit the likelihood of irritation.
“The sensitive invisible creams my new fave day cream! It’s great for my dry skin and doesn’t leave it feeling dehydrated. Great under makeup and doesn’t feel slick or sticky at all and it has very high sun protection (spf50)!” – Sue177
$5.50 at Chemist Warehouse
3. Natio Moisturising Sunscreen Spray 50+
The silky Natio Moisturising Sunscreen Spray 50+ has been dermatologically tested as an excellent defence for sensitive skin – not to mention perfect for those who prefer spray formulas.
Its natural aloe vera and vitamin E formulation provides an invisible film of UVA and UVB protection.
$15.49 at Chemist Warehouse
4. Invisible Zinc 4 HR Water Resistant Sunscreen
The Invisible Zinc® 4HR Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA-UVB sunscreen offers the same high-performance protection as the original Invisible Zinc. However, this sensitive skin-friendly variation is water-resistant, making it perfect for hiking or beach days.
“This is an excellent water resistant sunscreen that stands up to the harsh Aussie sun. It’s thick, but applies easily. I spend a lot of time in the water during summer and I’ve found it to be great protection.” – Tiffanyb
$19.49 at Chemist Warehouse
5. Cetaphil Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+
Cetaphil’s Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+ offers a fragrance-free, lightweight sunscreen that has been formulated to feel comfortable on sensitive and oily skin. And most importantly, it’s water-resistant, which means once it’s on, it’s there to stay.
$15.99 at Chemist Warehouse
6. Banana Boat Sensitive SPF 50+
Last but not least, Banana Boat’s Sensitive SPF 50+ has been 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?
“This product is seriously amazing I have super sensitive skin and I’m a huge sunscreen user. And this product doesn’t burn my face like other products I’d really recomened this to anyone in the same boat as me.” – Triniasmakeup
$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Do you have sensitive skin? Have you tried any of these sunscreens?
I'd give any of these a go, except for Banana Boat which my skin reacts to
I find Wot Not quite greasy too. I love Natio.
I've used Sunsense before but have gone to more natural ones now and am using the Life Basics one by Nourished Life at the moment
I’ve grown up using La Roche-Posay it’s the best product for sunscreen during the summer. And i have sensitive skin, so i highly recommend that product
Love using La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ it is silky smooth and has good coverage and suitable to use underneath Primer I also like to use Sunsense it is very affordable for good all over body protection.
Excellent that this fairly old article has been updated effectively. Thanks BH.
I have sensitive skin but find that the neutrogena dry touch works well for me.
Sunscreen always makes my eyes burn =(
Looks like some good gentle ones listed there!
Love these sun blocks
A few I haven't tried yer. I really like La Roche Piosay for face and Natio 50+ for face ( haven't tried the spray) and also Ego Sunsence. Just got Cancer Council Sensitive Skin and that is good too. Don't like Invisible Zinc and haven't tried Cetaphil. I avoid Banana Boat as have had skin reactions in the past.
Sun Sense is excellent.
I don't have sensitive skin but I can't go without my Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+. It's the best in my opinion.
I don't use western sunscreens anymore, but the LRP fluid will always be one of the best sunscreens I've tried. It's so easy to apply and feels pleasant too.
Nivea Kids Roll on is fragrance free and one of my favourites, wish it also came in a bottle.
I use the Cancer Society one as I have very sensitive skin and I have noted that some sunscreens are not as good as they say so I stick with a recommended source.
I don't have sensitive skin. Ultraviolette Clean Screen is my favourite at the moment.
Sun sense is my favourite. It suitable for my kids as well.
Love WotNot!!!
Yay warmer months are here!
Atm using la roche posay spf50 and during winter used synergie skin uber zinc (great and overpriced cream, unsure how much spf is in there, so good in winter. Not repurchasing as it is too pricey and unclear spf value).
I don't have sensitive skin. At present I'm using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face and Body SPF50 or LRP Anthelios XL SPF50+ on my face, and Priceline SPF50 on my body.
Nivea SPF 30 is not for sensitive skin. My under eye area gets red and irritated. I need some of the Invisible Zinc.
Unfortunately, I have yet to find a sunscreen that doesn't bring out a nasty red, itchy rash !
I’ll admit that I’m not great when it comes to sunscreen. Oops! But I don’t mind the La Roche Posay. I hate the feeling of greasy sunscreen. This one is actually not too bad.
Hi MerryGoRound, have you tried Clinique's City Block/ Body Cream sunblock? I have sensitive skin that is prone to allergies/eczema, and have never had a reaction to the Clinique sunblocks. Such good products, and so effective.
Hi Gwenythm, have you tried Clinique's City Block? I have problems with eczema and allergies and have never had a bad reaction to this product. Such a good product and really effective.
Sunscreen is a must here.
Don't forget to check the expiry date on your sunscreen ladies 🙂
I haven't tried any of these, I use Clinique sun blocks – Body Cream for the body, and City Block for the face. I have sensitive skin that is very prone to eczema and allergies, and I have never had a reaction to the Clinique products. So good and so effective.
I don't use any sunscreen as I tend to avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day between 10am and 2pm. If I am out and about, I ensure my skin is covered wherever possible and I use an umbrella. I spent a lot of time in the sun in my 20's and 30's and always used sunscreen then but nowadays I am more concerned about the chemicals in these sunscreens and wonder if they are doing more harm than good.
LRP is great, but I prefer the Invisible Zinc tinted version – no white cast! My skin isn't sensitive, but my mother had sensitive skin. She found IZ so soothing on her rosacea that she'd sometimes dab it on AT NIGHT to ease the sting in her cheeks!
The La Roche-Posay sunscreen gets such glowing reviews. I really need to try it once I get through my stash.
The Banana Boat sunscreen is good!
I have tried the Anthelios. Nice & thick. Can be a bit greasy if you are wanting to put a foundation over the top because I have found that some brands don't blend with this.
I would have thought that NIVEA would have been on this list. Choice voted this the best.
Hard to beat the classic Anthelios.
I'm yet to find a s/s that doesn't feel icky on my skin
I’ve been told the Anthelios from La Roche Posay is really good. But I use the Ego on my son who has sensitive skin without problems. I think it has only got two or three ingredients which means there’s less stuff to react to.
I used to use the Ego Sunsense Sensitive Invisible but they no longer sell it! Instead they have a Visible version & if it's anything like the old Visible version, that's a hard no from me (it was awful in terms of leaving a white cast).
I was using a matte sunscreen from The Cancer Council but my skin became irritated from it, so have gone back to using The Cancer Council's Sensitive sunscreen that contains 5% zinc oxide (have used it previously). Seems to work well with my poor fussy skin, but I'll see how heavy it feels on the skin come summer.
I saw a new one today – Avocado Zinc SPF 50 tinted sunscreen
would love to try the SunSence one as I have heard this is a good brand
Definitely want to try La roch Posay.
I've used and liked Sun Sense before but nowadays I prefer ones without nasty chemicals, like Nourished Life
There are some good sunscreens now without the nasty chemicals. Nourished Life sell a few different ones
Way too many choices when it comes to Sunscreenns. For Sensitive skin. I stay indoors and don't go outside. I lived outside when I was younger. Now I'm paying for it. If I do have to go outside I'm Covered from head to toes.
Hamilton do a great one for sensitive skin and I really like it. One of a small number that doesn't cause a reaction or rosacea flare up for me. I also like that it doesn't have a smell either like other sunscreens do.
I’m currently using the La Roche-Posay sunscreen and I love it. I have sensitive eyes that weep when I get sunscreen too close to them. This sunscreen has been a lifesaver for me!
Atm using La Roche-Posay one. It is good. Would love to find though pure Zn based one that looks good on skin. So far no luck.
Thank you. Perfect article for me.
I absolutely love Invisible Zinc’s range of sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and melasma and love the extra protection that IZ’s Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser affords me. I can go about my day confident that the extra iron oxide is working to prevent the recurrence and/worsening of my melasma and hyperpigmentation!