A Must-Have Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Looking for the best sunscreen for sensitive skin? Look no further! We’re sharing one of our favorites, from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands, ahead!

If there’s one skin care product that everyone must own, it’s sunscreen. It’s drilled and drilled into our brains that we must wear it all day, every day—or else. Yet, despite its ubiquity in the public consciousness, many still skip an application of sunscreen prior to heading outdoors. We’ve heard all of the excuses in the book, from “Sunscreen makes me break out” to “I look ghastly and ashen after lathering it on my skin.” Sorry to break it to you guys, but that’s not going to cut it. Here’s why: 

First of all, applying sunscreen is a non-negotiable in a skin care routine to protect skin against sun damage— which can manifest as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging—and lower the risk of developing skin cancer as a result of exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Skin cancer is the most common cancer of all, so if there’s a measure you can take to lower your risk, why wouldn’t you take it? What is up for debate, however, is the type of sunscreen you’re using. Find your skin more prone to breakouts or left with a sticky, white residue after using SPF? It’s time to switch out your old go-to for a new formula that won’t leave your skin looking worse-for-wear. Luckily, there are plenty of new, innovative formulas out there to give you the results you want. Reach for a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum—meaning it effectively protects against significant portions of both the UVA and UVB ranges of the light spectrum—is suited for your specific skin type, has an SPF of 15 or higher, and dries sheer. If you have sensitive skin, especially, scan the product label for words like non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free to help avoid potential irritation. Good news sensitive-skinned folks, we’ve found an SPF that checks off all the right boxes, so you won’t avoid an application like the plague. 

KIEHL’S DERMATOLOGIST SOLUTIONS SUPER FLUID UV MINERAL DEFENSE BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50+

For sensitive skin types, it's beneficial to look for sunscreens that are mineral-based. These formulas, alternative to chemical sunscreens, are typically better picks for sensitive skin types. One of our favorite mineral sunscreen formulas is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. This 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen is part of Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions line, a collection of powerful, targeted treatments that address skin conditions such as premature aging, irritation, and sensitivity. 

Not only is Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense SPF 50+ sheer, it’s slightly tinted to enhance the natural skin tone. It also delivers broad-spectrum protection to help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by the sun’s harmful rays. What’s more? It’s infused with antioxidant-powered vitamin E and can help fight the negative effects of damaging free radicals.

As we mentioned earlier, Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is paraben and fragrance-free, but that’s not all. It’s also non-comedogenic—so it won’t clog your pores—which puts breakout fears to rest. Frankly, you won’t be able to find an excuse not to wear it!

Editor’s note: Like all sunscreens, be sure to apply Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ every morning and reapply it at least once every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Also, since there’s currently no sunscreen on the market that can fully protect skin against harmful UV rays, be sure to take additional sun protection measures when heading outdoors such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours. 

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $38