The 10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, Tested and Reviewed by Cosmo Editors
Say goodbye to burning and stinging!
Welcome to Cosmo's first-ever SPF week, a space dedicated to two very important things: 1. reminding you that sunscreen is the most essential step in any skincare routine and 2. sharing the best sunscreen recs to shop right now, according to our very picky beauty editors.
As a beauty editor with sensitive skin, testing new skincare is a pretty big gamble. Of course I want to slather on every buzzy new product that hits the shelves at Sephora or Ulta—but thanks to fragrance allergies, dry skin, and hormonal acne, my skin doesn’t always agree. Still, the number one thing I never skimp on? Face sunscreen. It’s the most important step in any skincare routine, full stop—and when you’ve got sensitive skin, finding the right SPF formula is a must.
After testing and reviewing dozens of formulas (seriously, our desks look like a sunscreen factory right now), team Cosmo narrowed down the best sunscreens for sensitive skin that won't cause irritation, redness, or any other unwanted reactions. We also chatted with board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, and referenced tips from Mona Gohara, MD, so you can find the best gentle sunscreen for your specific skin type.
Our top picks for the best sunscreens for sensitive skin in 2025:
Now, keep reading for the full breakdown of the best SPF for sensitive skin, including everything from non-comedogenic sunscreens to tinted sunscreens. We volunteered our faces for potential redness, breakouts, and general skin chaos to find the best sunscreens—all so you don’t have to.
Pros
- Layers well with other skincare products and makeup
- Formula is super soothing and hydrating
Cons
- With SPF 28, it requires re-applying often
All of Face Reality's products are designed with sensitive skin and acne in mind, and for that, their Mineral Matte SPF earned a top spot on this list. This mineral sunscreen formula is filled with soothing ingredients like allantoin and aloe and is both non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. And even though it has a matte finish, it still works wonders on my dry skin—no easy feat!
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 28
- Key ingredients: Aloe, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: Anyone who knows me, knows I legit swear by Face Reality products to combat my acne. The brand's heavy-duty sunscreen is no exception to the fab line of skin-loving formulas."—Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
This protective sunscreen keeps me worry-free (from acne and sunburns) when I'm out and about in the sun.
Pros
- Pregnancy-safe
- Doesn't create a white cast
- Has a soft matte texture that works with oily and dry skin alike
Cons
- Tinted version only comes in one shade
Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin, but the white cast that tons of them leave behind is definitely not ideal. Luckily, Lightsaver's sunscreen is a whipped, airy formula that quickly absorbs without a hint of greasiness. And the white cast vanishes with a few swipes, leaving behind the kind of subtle sheen that makes you forget you’re even wearing sunscreen.
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 33
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: "This mineral sunscreen from dermatologist David Kim has a fluffy cloud-like texture that feels totally unlike other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried. It plays nice with my sensitive, acne-prone skin and even comes in a sheer tinted version for days when I need to cancel out any redness on my face." —Lauren Balsamo, beauty director
Just look how nicely Lightsaver's formula into my skin..
Pros
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Doubles as a silky primer
Cons
- Since the formula is so fluid-like, a lot squeezes out at once
Since sun exposure can cause dark spots and fine lines, a sunscreen with built-in anti-aging benefits is always a plus. Enter: Shiseido's lightweight face sunscreen that's packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and much more to stave off signs of premature aging and protect your precious skin from UV damage.
- Sunscreen type: Chemical and mineral
- Protection level: SPF 42
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, antioxidants
One Cosmo editor says: "I didn't think Shiseido could improve on its iconic fluid sunscreen formulation—but *boom* they did! This iteration is giving protection from the sun as well as environmental pollution. And the addition of vitamin C keeps my complexion bright and clear." —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson swears by its skin-smoothing properties.
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail award-winner
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Leaves your skin with a glowy, healthy-looking finish
Cons
- It is often sold out thanks to its viral status
If you haven't hopped on board yet and purchased this tinted SPF for yourself, this is your sign. Filled with ingredients like glycerin and squalane (for moisture), antioxidants (to protect against free radical damage), and vitamin C (for brightening), this zinc oxide-based SPF will give you the glowiest, smooth skin ever.
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 40
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glycerin, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: "When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!”—Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
This tint blends in like a dream—just look at its glow on beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson.
Pros
- Formula is great for acne-prone skin
- Dries down into a glowy base
Cons
- The bottle is a bit small
Right here is the crème de la crème of drugstore sunscreens for sensitive skin. Not only is it a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula, but it comes in at a v affordable price point. This top-rated (and derm-loved) sunscreen lotion from Eucerin is loaded up with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and feels super lightweight. It also acts as a great primer and glowy base sans the pilling other sunscreens can cause.
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
One Cosmo editor says: "I have dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin aka a recipe for disaster when trying to find a go-to sunscreen. But this glowy formula from Eucerin doesn't break me out and perfectly hydrates my face for all-day wear." —JH
Look at this glowy finish.
Pros
- Provides great coverage with a lightweight feel
- Also has soothing ingredients like aloe and centella asiatica
Cons
- Those with dry skin might want to layer it with a hydrating moisturizer
We love makeup that does more, and this foundation with SPF is the epitome of a multitasker. Not only does the SPF 30 formula come in 17 buildable shades (which is kinda unheard of for sunscreen) to cover everything from hyperpigmentation to angry breakouts, but it also has the National Eczema Association's seal of approval, so you know it's a safe bet for sensitive skin.
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Key ingredients: Antioxidants, glycerin, jojoba esters
One Cosmo editor says: “I generally refuse to believe that anything with this much coverage could actually be a sufficient sunscreen. But lo and behold, Tower 28's somehow defies my logic. It's essentially a medium-coverage dewy skin tint that just so happens to feature SPF 30 protection. I love how glossy it makes my skin look. Low-key, summer in a bottle."—Beth Gillette, beauty editor
I mean, talk about a mineral sunscreen with a shade range!
Pros
- Safe on acne-prone skin
- Invisible finish that pairs well with makeup
Cons
- Takes some time to fully absorb into the skin
This beloved French skincare brand is famous for its sunscreens—including this lightweight chemical option for sensitive skin. Because of its barely-there finish, the SPF is ideal for wearing under makeup or on its own for a lit-from-within glow. It's loaded with hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin to quench dry skin and is also non-comedogenic.
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
One Cosmo editor says: "This sunscreen is packed with so many hydrating ingredients, so much so that it makes moisturizer optional when I wear it. And I can't express enough how much I love the glowy finish."—JH
This travel-friendly SPF is the only one I packed with me on a recent Europe trip.
Pros
- Doesn't leave behind a white cast
- Would work great as a milky primer
Cons
- Not the best option for acne-prone skin
Having sensitive skin means you likely need something that will calm your face when it's angry or inflamed. Luckily, this formula features colloidal oatmeal and aloe to soothe the skin. It has a soft, milky texture that blends out into nearly nothing while still providing ample sun protection.
- Sunscreen type: Chemical
- Protection level: SPF 45
- Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin
One Cosmo editor says: "Sure, I have oily skin, but my face is a precious lil fairy and often gets irritated and inflamed. Soooo, I loved when I saw this has colloidal oatmeal to help soothe skin. But it's also extra lightweight and doesn't even feel like I'm wearing anything once I rub it in."—BG
Associate editor Annabel Iwegbue tried this one out too and was floored at how well it blended into her deep skin
Pros
- "Blurs" pores and fine lines
- Basically doubles as a lightweight, skin-smoothing primer.
Cons
- Not the best option for those with skin on the drier side
This super-silky, mineral-based sunscreen for sensitive skin has a silicone base that instantly “blurs” fine lines and mattifies your skin, leaving you with a soft, smooth finish. It’s infused with soothing ingredients like bisabolol and willow bark to reduce redness, along with antioxidants to help defend skin from free radical damage and premature aging down the road. It basically disappears into a smoothing, blurring makeup primer on the skin, so it's great under foundation every day or when you're sitting by the pool sweatin' away.
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Key ingredients: Willow bark extract, bisabolol, antioxidants
One Cosmo editor says: "This lightweight pick is an amazing multitasker! Not only are you getting full-spectrum sun protection, but it's also a skin-perfecting serum with antioxidants."—JW
Pros
- Contains three different forms of hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- Takes a little while to rub in
This formula is the perfect daily hydrator with SPF for anyone who wants baby-soft skin...with a major dose of sun protection. It's also ideal for anyone with rosacea or any type of inflammation. It has a green tint that blends out to neutralize redness (just like a color corrector), plus SPF 45 to protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays. A dream for reaction-prone peeps.
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Protection level: SPF 45
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane,
One Cosmo editor says:"It doesn’t matter if I’ve spent too much time out in the sun or just completed a super tough workout—my skin’s normal state of being is…red, or at least pink. To neutralize that redness, I slather on this green-tinted mineral SPF. Along with evening out my skin tone (which some foundations can’t even do), this keeps my complexion hydrated and calm with eight different types of hyaluronic acid and soothing cica."—BG
Which type of sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
"The best sunscreen for sensitive skin is a good unscented, mineral sunscreen since the lack of chemical filters will help prevent irritation of your skin," says board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, adding that some chemical sunscreen may contain ingredients that can be adverse for sensitive skin.
Just FYI, no clinical studies prove that there are any issues with the use of chemical sunscreen, so it's important to note that chemical sunscreen is not 'less safe' than mineral sunscreen, but in some cases, sensitive skin may do better with a mineral formula. Because of the serious advancements in science, there are a lot of chemical formulas that are made for sensitive skin in mind. Truly, the only way you'll be able to tell which one works best for you is with a wear test. For added safety, start by testing it on your inner wrist, and see how your skin reacts.
In this story, we included mostly mineral formulas, as well as a few chemical ones that have been wear-tested on my sensitive skin and other sensitive skin reviewers.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen comes down to this: Mineral sunscreens are formulated with mineral-based sun blockers (e.g., zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) that sit on top of your skin to physically block the sun’s rays for gentle protection. And chemical sunscreens—i.e., the most common, traditional type—use chemical-based sun blockers (e.g., oxybenzone and octinoxate) that sink into your skin to absorb UV rays.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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