FYI: These Are the Only 9 Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Sensitive Skin

"Look for sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are the mineral ingredients," explains Ted Lain, MD, chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas. This one from all-star drugstore brand CeraVe is one of his top suggestions if you want a formula that will play nicely with sensitive skin without breaking the bank.

Customer review: "It's a 10/10. My ride or die. Layers well under makeup and is a must year-round for those of us with dry skin or if you just want to look like a glowy goddess."

"Try your best to avoid chemical blockers such as avobenzone or oxybenzone, as well as any of the other chemicals commonly used," Lain warns. "Also, avoid added fragrance and propylene glycol—a common preservative that may cause irritation." He cites Aveeno's mineral SPF as one of the better options on the market.

Customer review: "It is very smooth and light. I enjoy that it doesn't feel like you have sunscreen on, yet it definitely protects my face! Very happy with this product."

French drugstore brand La Roche-Posay is known for its top-rated sunscreen formulations. "In addition to using a mineral sunscreen to help protect sensitive skin, try focusing on ingredients and products that can maintain or repair the barrier function of the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides," suggests Lain. "Try using a gentle skin cleanser (often called lipid-free cleanser) to avoid stripping the skin of its own important fats and ceramides."

[Ed. note: We love SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser ($36)!]

Customer review: "If you have sensitive skin, this is perfect. I burn easy on my face, and this protects my face very well. It doesn't sting either, which is a huge plus! I always wear SPF 50 or above on my face to prevent sun damage and wrinkles. The price is reasonable as well."

"This sunscreen from EltaMD contains only physical blockers and is very well tolerated," explains Guanche. "It's a tinted sunscreen with a non-greasy, water-resistant formula that blocks skin damage."

Customer review: "This is the best daily sunscreen I have ever used. It's lightweight, there is no smell, and the tint gives my skin a beautiful glow. Perfect for my sensitive skin year round."

"This sunscreen for sensitive features broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water-resistant, non-greasy, hypoallergenic, reef-friendly, and free of parabens, gluten, PABAs, and oil," advises Guanche. "Sun Bum also makes a great sunscreen stick (sold here!) for the face with primarily physical blockers."

Customer review: "I'm prone to break out and over-producing oils when I have any type of moisturizer on my face. But I seriously love this SPF! It's not too heavy, and after a few minutes, the 'feel' of sunscreen wears away. I wear this under my foundation, and it doesn't affect wear at all."

"PCA Skin's Sheer Tint formula is a great choice because it's a mineral formula with the addition of antioxidant protection," Chilukuri explains. "This particular sunscreen works great for all skin tones and doesn't leave behind a white or ashy cast."

Customer review: "I have tried my fair share of tinted sunscreen, and this is by far my all-time favorite tinted sunscreen. Does not leave a dark or light cast on my face. Not too oily and looks amazing on my skin. I use this, some mascara, and brow gel, then walk out the door. It also really applies beautifully. It's a forever essential item."

"Another favorite is Senté's Invisible Shield Full Physical formula, which contains only physical sunblock agents," Chilukuri adds. "Both this sunscreen and the one from PCA Skin are unique in that they can be applied directly after most in-office procedures, such as chemical peels and most lasers."

Customer review: "I have tried so many sunscreens only to break out or realize that the protection did not apply to blue light like this one. This sunscreen is amazing and does not irritate my sensitive, dry, acne-prone skin. I had been looking all over for a PA+++ that did not contain too many ingredients that would irritate my allergies, and this one is it!! I recommend this one so much."

"For patients with melasma, I often recommend SkinMedica's Total Defense + Repair SPF 34, which also provides protection against infrared light in addition to ultraviolet light," Chilukuri tells us. It also contains antioxidants and skin-repair agents in addition to blocking certain aspects of the melanin-producing pathway.

Customer review: "Have searched high and low for the perfect face sunscreen, [and] this is it. [I've] been using [it] for about two years now. Highly moisturizing but not greasy. Makeup easily blends on top of it - I wear [it] every day. My skin is super sensitive and acne-prone, but this does not make me break out."

"Interestingly, a sensitive skin–geared formula may sometimes be a blend with chemical and physical sunscreen ingredients," Guanche says. "Chemical ingredients like octocrylene or octinoxate are found in sensitive-skin sunscreens like this one from Avène. This formulation is great for those with a red complexion, is hypoallergenic, and won't clog pores. Plus, it contains thermal spring water to aid in skin-barrier repair."

Customer review: "There aren't many sunscreen creams that I can tolerate without breaking out in an itchy rash, but this face cream meets the challenge. It goes on easily and is absorbed well while still making my skin soft and not oily. The sun protection is excellent, and since I have had skin cancers, this is an important plus for this face cream."

"Even if the conditions are humid and hot, moisturizer is still a must for all skin types—especially for those with sensitive skin," Cilukuri explains. "The goal of board-certified dermatologists is to repair the skin barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss, and I almost always recommend PCA Skin's B3 Brightening Serum, which contains the highest level of niacinamide to repair the skin barrier and to decrease inflammation."

Surprise! Even though aloe vera has long been touted as the ultimate after-sun skincare savior, Chilukuri doesn't recommend it for those with sensitive skin. "If you do experience a sunburn, consider visiting your board-certified dermatologist to see if you should start a topical steroid cream or an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In general, I recommend avoiding aloe vera for sunburns, as this is often an irritating agent for those with sensitive skin."

All three dermatologists we talked to mentioned that wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and the like is a must for people with sensitive skin. Don't just protect your face! Guanche recommends the brand Coolibar, in particular, which makes UV-blocking clothing.

"An SPF-infused lip balm is a must!" Guanche adds. She recommends keeping a protective balm on hand at all times.