Best sunscreen for sensitive skin dermatologist recommended

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why trust us?

The 26 Best Sunscreens, Handpicked By Dermatologists

Just in time for summer.

Christine Giordano

With summer approaching and the weather heating, there's a good chance that you're gearing up to spend every possible moment outside. Whether that means enjoying picnics in the park, soaking up rays on the sand, taking your sweat session into the great outdoors, or even working al fresco, there’s one thing all of those scenarios have in common: A serious need for sunscreen.

And that holds true on cloudy days, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Daily sunscreen use is important for two main reasons: Skin cancer prevention and anti-aging,” says Gary Goldenberg, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City. “It's been proven beyond any doubt that UV exposure causes skin cancer and sunscreen protects against UV exposure. But it's also clear that sun exposure is one of the main reasons for skin aging—wrinkles, lines, pigmentation, dull skin, and loss of subcutaneous fat pad leading to jowling."

Meet our experts: Gary Goldenberg, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City, Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, Sheila Farhang, MD, board certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, Fatima Fahs, MD, a dermatologist in Michigan, Ranella Hirsch, MD, a dermatologist in Cambridge, MA, Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, Joyce Park, MD, a dermatologist practicing in Northern California, Jing Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, MN, Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas

So let's go shopping for your SPF of the season. Ahead, WH polled dermatologists to get their favorite sunscreens on the market. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there's something on our list for you.

• 1

  

  Best Overall

  Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Shiseido

  Read More

• 2

  

  Best Drugstore Sunscreen

  Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 CeraVe

  Read More

• 3

  

  Best For Beach Days

  Clear Zinc SPF 50 Sun Bum

  Read More

• 4

  

  Best Mineral Sunscreen

  UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 EltaMD

  Read More

• 5

  

  Best For Sensitive Skin

  Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 SkinCeuticals

  Read More

1

Best Overall

Shiseido

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

2

Best Drugstore Sunscreen

CeraVe

Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

3

Best For Beach Days

Sun Bum

Clear Zinc SPF 50

4

Best Mineral Sunscreen

EltaMD

UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

5

Best For Sensitive Skin

SkinCeuticals

Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

6

Best Non-Greasy Formula

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

7

Best For Water Resistance

Neutrogena

Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

8

Best For Evening Complexion

MDSolarSciences

Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB

9

Best For Reversing Sun Damage

ISDIN

Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50

10

Best For Blue Light Defense

SENTE

Invisible Shield Full Physical SPF 52 Tinted

11

Best Invisible Formula

Supergoop

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

12

Best Tinted Sunscreen

Alastin

HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

13

Best Sunscreen Stick

SkinBetter Science

Sunbetter® SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick

14

Best Vegan Formula

EleVen by Venus Williams

Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

15

Best For Hydration

Supergoop

Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40

16

Best For Acne-Prone Skin

TiZo3

Age Defying Fusion Tinted SPF 40

17

Best For All Complexions

PCA Skin

Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45

18

Best Defense Against Aging

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

19

Best For Long-Wear

Epionce

Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50

20

Best Splurge

ISDIN

Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

21

Best For Barrier Repair

PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

22

Best Powder Sunscreen

Colorescience

Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50

23

Best SPF Moisturizer

Cetaphil

Daily Oil Free Facial Moisturizer with SPF 35

24

Best For Makeup Application

COOLA

Cucumber Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 30

25

Best Fragrance-Free Formula

TULA

Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

26

Best Budget Sunscreen

Aveeno

Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 60

Is sunscreen alone enough to do the trick?

Probably not. "Sunscreen works best when paired with physical protection measures such as hats, shirts, and seeking shade, all of which work together to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays," says Goldenberg.

How do I choose the best sunscreen?

When it comes to selecting that go-to sunscreen to kick off the season, you probably know the basics, like the fact that you should opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. But after that, things might get murky with all of the endless options.

There are a few key factors that can help you narrow down choosing the best sunscreens."First, you should also look for a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum," saysCampbell. "Broad spectrum means it protects against UVA and UVB. UVA are the sun rays that cause aging of your skin and UVB rays are the sun rays that cause burning of the skin."

What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and for the skin to absorb, and are fine to use in moderation, says Farhang. But physical (also known as "mineral") sunscreens are typically more highly recommended by derms. "Physical blocking sunscreens, sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium, protect against a broader spectrum of rays," adds Campbell. Another bonus of using a physical sunscreen is that its ingredients are safer to use during pregnancy.

How do I pick the best sunscreen for my skin type?

You’ll want to keep an eye out for certain key phrases on the label. “If you have sensitive skin, look for ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ formulas,” advises Nussbaum. “If you’re acne-prone, look for a sunscreen that’s ‘non-comedogenic’ and oil-free. For more sensitive skin types, I recommend using a physical, mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause skin irritation.”

Celia Shatzman Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more.

Mara Santilli Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more.

Chelsea Burns Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com.

What sunscreen do dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin?

Which sunscreen is best according to dermatologist?

What is the number 1 sunscreen?