If you have sensitive skin, you know that finding products that don’t cause a reaction can feel daunting. But when it comes to sunscreen, protecting your skin shouldn’t and doesn’t have to mean putting up with irritation, breakouts, or redness.
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How to Choose a Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: The Supergoop! Guide
The right sunscreen for sensitive skin can shield you from sun damage and help your skin feel calm and comfortable. Whether your skin is reactive because of dryness, acne, rosacea, or eczema, choosing the right sunscreen can make a huge difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through three simple tips to help you pick a sunscreen your sensitive skin will actually love — plus a few of our Supergoop! favorites that check every box.
3 Tips for Choosing a Sunscreen When You Have Sensitive Skin
When your skin is on the sensitive side, every product choice counts, and sunscreen is no exception. Here are three ways to find one that plays nice with your skin
1. Consider a Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens (sometimes called physical sunscreens) are ones that use active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These white powders sit on top of your skin (like makeup!) to form a physical barrier that shields your skin from UV rays. Because of this, they can be less likely to cause irritation for people with sensitive skin.
Of course, not every non-mineral sunscreen is off the table. With thoughtful formulation and the right ingredients, chemical or hybrid sunscreens can still be a great option. The key is to look for formulas made specifically with sensitive skin in mind.
2. Opt for a Fragrance-Free Sunscreen
Fragrance can be lovely, but for sensitive skin, it could be irritating. When scanning the label, check for “fragrance-free” or “unscented” to help minimize your risk of irritation.
3. Look for Non-Comedogenic Formulas
A sunscreen that clogs your pores can cause breakouts, something you’ll definitely want to avoid if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. That’s why we recommend choosing a sunscreen labeled “non-comedogenic.”
When our products are labelled “non-comedogenic”, it means they’re free of pore-clogging oils and have passed lab-performed patch tests to confirm they do not cause comedones (whiteheads or blackheads). Because of this, these products are less likely to cause breakouts from clogged pores, hair follicles, or sweat glands.
3 Supergoop! Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
All Supergoop! sunscreens are dermatologist-tested and are formulated to meet the highest global standards. Here are three standouts that those with sensitive skin rave about:
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Our iconic Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of our top picks for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It’s non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, non-irritating, non-greasy, weightless, and scentless. It also features a complex of chamomile-derived bisabolol and licorice root to help visibly soothe skin and help improve skin’s clarity. In fact, in an independent study, 98% of people agreed that Unseen Sunscreen doesn’t feel irritating on skin.*
As our customer Madeline puts it: “I cannot tell you how many face sunscreens I have tried in the past that did not work for me — allergies, acne, so oily… I thought I would never find something I could use. Enter: Unseen Sunscreen. This stuff is amazing.”
Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50
Looking for light coverage along with your sun protection? Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 is a hybrid sunscreen (it’s formulated with mineral and chemical actives) that’s lightweight, cushiony, and non-comedogenic.
Available in 14 flexible shades, Protec(tint) delivers a natural, second-skin finish that leaves you looking radiant. In an independent study, 100% of users said it felt comfortable and couldn’t believe it had SPF 50 protection!**
“So many tinted SPFs boast not being greasy, but they all were… until I tried this one!” says our customer Anna. “The coverage is light, it blends easily, and hasn’t made my sensitive skin react at all.
Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
If you prefer a mineral option, Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is a fan favorite, especially for sensitive skin. This whipped, airy formula is non-comedogenic and doubles as a makeup-gripping primer. Plus, it’s tinted and blendable to help minimize white cast while mattifying shine and visibly blurring pores.
Mattescreen fan Sarah says it best: “I have been searching for mineral sunscreen for my face this year and I am now obsessed with this product. It feels just like a makeup primer — silky, velvety, not greasy, shiny, or sticky. I have combination and sensitive skin, and I’m very happy with this product.”
Yes, Sensitive Skin Can Love SPF Too
Finding the right sunscreen for sensitive skin doesn’t have to feel impossible, and you shouldn’t have to trade comfort for protection. By choosing gentle formulas, avoiding fragrance, and making sure your SPF won’t clog your pores, you’re setting your skin up for success.
And with Supergoop!, you can do it all with formulas that are expertly crafted for real life, whether you want invisible protection, a touch of tint, or something mattifying.
*Based on an independent consumer study with 106 participants after one product application
**Based on an independent consumer study with 40 participants after immediate application)
