These Are the 12 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, According to Experts
Not only will these SPFs protect sensitive skin from the sun, but they'll calm redness and ease irritation as they do so.


With so many things to consider when choosing a sunscreen—factor, price point and texture to name just three—deciding on a decent SPF can be tricky at the best of times. But when you have sensitive skin as well, the quest to find a sun cream can feel overwhelming, to say the least.
"There are many different sunscreen formulas on the market which use different types of UV filters," explains Pippa Harman, cosmetic scientist and formulator and co-founder of Renude. "With synthetic (commonly referred to as chemical) sunscreens, you need to ensure a range of filters to block the full range of the UV spectrum. Some of these synthetic filters can cause irritation in more sensitive skin types—usually itchy or watery eyes or itchy skin."
So does this mean that people with sensitive skin should avoid chemical sunscreens entirely? Hiva Fassihi, La Roche-Posay's consultant dermatologist, believes that it's important to work out why you might have sensitive skin, as everyone's definition of sensitivity differs.
Why Might Skin Be Sensitive to Sunscreen?
If you're dealing with facial eczema, rosacea or hay fever, then Fassihi recommends consulting a doctor or dermatologist "for advice on the management of the underlying cause of skin sensitivity so that they can tolerate sunscreens better."
However, Fassihi also pointed out one possible cause of skin sensitivity that can be managed at home—harsh skincare ingredients. "Many individuals overuse active ingredients such as retinoids or acids (AHA/BHAs) in their daily routine, which can damage their skin barrier," Fassihi explains. By dialling back on some of the stronger ingredients in your skincare routine during the summer months, you might find that chemical sunscreens are no issue after all.
Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen
So if you really do have sensitive skin year-round, then what are your options when it comes to sun protection? "It is generally recommended that people with sensitive skin should opt for a physical/mineral sunscreen formula where possible," advises Harman. "There are just two types of mineral filter on the market, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are both white powders and offer broad-spectrum protection."
There is a downside, though, and it's a big one. "The problem with these filters is that they can create a white cast on medium and deep skin tones, so they are not suitable for everyone," says Harman. Instead, Harman suggests looking for a sunscreen labelled hypoallergenic. "Although there is no standardised definition for this term, it means that the product has been tested on people with sensitive skin and caused a reaction in a very small number, typically under a set threshold like 5%," she adds. "It doesn't mean it is guaranteed not to cause a reaction, but it means it is less likely to than products that haven't passed this type of testing."
If you are going to stick with a chemical sunscreen rather than a physical one, then there are some key ingredients to avoid. "Any ingredient can cause allergic reactions, but the most common are chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-2 and benzophenone-3," advises celebrity facialist Ada Ooi MAcS, TCM, NADA, the founder of 001 Skincare. "If you suffer from sensitive skin, you may also want to avoid fragrance and dyes in your sunscreens, as these are common causes of skin allergies. The best way to avoid irritating your skin is to patch-test the product behind your ear or on your wrist and wait around 48 hours so that you can see if any irritation occurs before you apply it all over your skin."
Want to know more? Keep scrolling for the 12 best sunscreens for sensitive skin, as recommended by our skin experts.
The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
- Best Overall Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream (£20)
- Best for Irritable Skin: Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50 (£31)
- Best for All-Round Protection: Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA ++++ (£69)
- Best Glowy Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops (£39)
- Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Avène Very High Protection Cream SPF50+ Face Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin (£21)
- Best Lightweight Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50 (£22)
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Best Overall
When it comes to brilliant sunscreens, La Roche-Posay is a brand that is loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike. This is a chemical sunscreen, but it has been created specifically with sensitive skin types in mind. "Anthelios contains a new intelligent polymer that entraps the [chemical] filters inside droplets surrounded by water, creating a network which forms a uniform layer on the skin and reduces migration and eye stinging," explains Fassihi.
Pros
- Lightweight and gentle
- High protection
- Portable packaging
Cons
- It's super runny so be careful when you pour it out
2. Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50
Best for Irritable Skin
When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin, Harman points out that there are plenty of factors to take into account, "such as skin type, specific concerns like breakouts and pigmentation and budget," but this mineral SPF from Heliocare is one of the firm favourites at Renude for its beautifully dewy finish.
Pros
- Formulated with skin prone to intolerance and sensitivity
- Fresh and dewy finish
Cons
- Not as widely available as others on the list
3. Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA ++++
Another of Ooi's picks comes in the form of this mineral sunscreen from Murad—which happens to be one of my personal favourites too. "It's great for dry or dehydrated sensitive skin," says Ooi. "It comes in an adaptable tint and [includes] vitamin C to help brighten the skin."
Pros
- Protects from UV rays, blue light and pollution
- Luminous finish
Cons
- It's expensive
4. Byoma SPF 30 Gel Moisturiser
All of our experts agreed that a compromised skin barrier is one of the key causes of sensitivity, and Byoma is a brand whose main purpose is to improve the health of our skin barrier to restore health and moisture. This new moisturising SPF has a gorgeously glowy finish, offers broad-spectrum protection and is packed with kind-to-skin ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that won't aggravate sensitive skin.
Pros
- Protects skin barrier
- Nourishing yet lightweight
Cons
- Would like it in SPF 50
5. Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
Like all Kate Somerville products, this sunscreen comes sensitive skin-approved. The formula is boosted with ectoin to prevent roughness and scaliness, and sheer mineral pigments to smooth uneven texture, diffuse redness and boost glow.
Pros
- Firms and brightens
- No white cast
- Sinks in instantly
Cons
- Might be too sheeny for some
6. SVR Sun Secure Milk SPF50+
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
SVR is one of Harman's recommended chemical sun cream brands, as it tests its formulations on people with sensitive skin as standard. This one has a velvety-soft texture with a totally transparent finish, and it's so gentle that it's safe for use on babies and children too. Harman describes it as a "great all-rounder."
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Feels moisturising
- Lovely natural finish on the skin
Cons
- Infused with a slight fragrance
7. Hello Sunday The One for Your Eyes SPF50
Best Sunscreen for Eyes
"For protection around the eyes, Hello Sunday's The One for Your Eyes has mineral filters that aim to bounce off UV [rays] to prevent ageing around the delicate area," explains Ooi. "Also, wear sunglasses!"
Pros
- Formulated specifically with delicate eye area in mind
- Firms and smooths
Cons
- It's only a small bottle
8. Childs Farm SPF 50+ Sun Cream
Best Sunscreen for Every Age
If you're really not sure where to start when it comes to choosing the best sun cream for sensitive skin, then Fassihi recommends trying an SPF for kids. "Children's formulations are [usually] well tolerated," she explains. This one offers high protection and a non-sticky texture and sinks in well without leaving behind a white cast.
Pros
- Extra water-resistant
- Can be used on everyone aged 6 months and over
- Ultra gentle
Cons
- A larger bottle would be great
9. Bioderma Cicabio Repairing Cream SPF50+
Best Sunscreen for Damaged Skin
Harman recommends this high-protection sunscreen for people who are prone to redness or have a compromised skin barrier. It's specially created for skin that's in the midst of irritation or overheating and has a calming formulation packed with hyaluronic acid to rehydrate skin and zinc for antibacterial soothing.
Pros
- Calms inflammation
- Eases redness
Cons
- Not everyone will love the rich texture
10. Avène Very High Protection Cream SPF50+ Face Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin
While Avène does offer mineral formulations, it is a dermatologist-developed brand that creates all of its products to care for sensitive skin, and this sun cream is no exception. Not only does it provide high protection against UVA and UVB rays, but it also protects skin from the skin-ageing effects of blue light—all while keeping irritation at bay.
Pros
- High protection
- Velvety finish
Cons
- Does need some rubbing in
11. Paula's Choice CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Paula’s Choice’s CALM range is one of our go-tos for sensitive skin-friendly products that are suitable for even eczema and rosacea-prone skin. This SPF is formulated to simultaneously protect, soothe, and strengthen skin.
Pros
- Contains allantoin, centella asiatica and prebiotics to calm
- Satin finish
Cons
- Not the most hydrating
12. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this K-beauty skincare staple is formulated with niacinamide, glycerin, and centella asiatica to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and calm inflammation. The water-gel formula is cooling and refreshing, perfect for summer.
Pros
- Lightweight gel texture
- Skincare ingredients to soothe and nourish
Cons
- It's very dewy which not everyone will love
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
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