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Rosacea is a skin condition that is common in people with light skin. So, if you have rosacea, you’ll be thrilled to know that we have combed out the best sunscreen for rosacea. Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare items, offering protection from harmful UV rays and works great for rosacea-prone skin as well. It usually has a direct effect on the face, but the symptoms can be controlled or treated by using proper medication or products. In this post, we have curated some expert-recommended sunscreens for rosacea that show visible results to make your selection process easy.
Top Picks
17 Best Sunscreens For Rosacea
Some manufacturers of the below-mentioned sunscreens claim that their products are safe for rosacea. As everyone has unique skin and the triggers of rosacea are different, you should always read the ingredients.
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: EltaMD Skincare
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 32,100 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
It is a facial sunscreen that contains SPF 46 and is suitable for acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea-prone skin type. It calms and protects the skin against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. The expert-recommended and non-comedogenic sunscreen contains 9% transparent zinc oxide and is free of oil, fragrance, and alcohol. Watch this product testing video and learn about a reviewer’s take on the product.
Pros
- Has an untinted formula.
- Non-comedogenic and sensitivity-free.
- Dermatologist-recommended brand.
Cons
- May not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin.
- May leave a whitish residue on the skin for some.
2. Best UVA And UVB Protection: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
This is a face and body stick that glides smoothly and leaves no mess on the skin. It contains SPF 70, has a non-shiny finish, and feels weightless. It offers a grease-free finish, and the sunscreen technology offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Here’s a product testing video detailing a reviewer’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Paba-free and non-comedogenic.
- Doesn’t clog pores and is clean and light on the skin.
Cons
- May cause rashes or irritation to some.
3. Best Anti-Aging: Sun Bum Sunscreen
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 975 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
This sunscreen has a moisturizing formula that protects your skin and hydrates your skin too. It neutralizes free radicals and reduces signs of skin aging. It contains SPF 50 and is enriched with vitamin E. It comes in variants of SPF 15, 30, and 70 too. Check out this video review to learn more about the broad spectrum sunscreen.
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Free from parabens, gluten, PABA, and oil
- Water-resistant
- Offers broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions to some.
"This sunscreen has accompanied me on various outdoor adventures. It does not leave a white cast or oily sheen, and the scent is mild and pleasant. Its moisturizing and water-resistant properties make it all the more handy."
EltaMD Skincare Best Non-Comedogenic | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Best UVA And UVB Protection | Sun Bum Sunscreen Best Anti-Aging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Weight | 1.58 Ounces | 0.18 Pounds | 3.1 Ounces |
| Dimensions | 1.63 x 1.63 x 1.5 inches | 1 x 2.1 x 4.28 inches | 4 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 32,100 | 13,588 | 975 |
| Price | $39.0 | $11.85 | $13.98 |
4. Best Dermatologist-Recommended: DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Sunscreen
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 3,772 good reviews on Amazon.
The professional-grade product is made with a combination of ingredients that serves as a facial sunscreen and moisturizer. It protects the skin from the UVA, UVB, and infrared radiation and hydrates the skin too. It is lightweight, blends well on the skin, and doesn’t leave any whitish residue.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended formula.
- Oil-, paraben-, gluten-, and hormone-free.
- Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Could cause dry skin to some.
5. Best For Restoring Elastin: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 7,117 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
This hypoallergenic sunscreen plus moisturizer not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays but also hydrates your skin. It offers a smooth texture and helps you maintain healthy skin. The clinically proven and antioxidant-rich formula with vitamins C and E nourishes your skin and also boosts elasticity.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.
- Non-greasy and strengthens the natural moisture of the skin.
- Blackberry complex helps to reduce the effects of elastin depleted skin.
Cons
- May cause allergy to sensitive skin.
- May have a strong smell.
"I'm impressed by this sunscreen's protection level, and it has also kept allergic breakouts at bay. It is lightweight, gets easily absorbed, and provides a dewy finish, which I love. I would recommend it!"
6. Best Mineral-Based:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
The mineral-based and lightweight facial sunscreen comes in water-gel formula and is known for its proven efficacy. It contains antioxidants (vitamin E, caffeine, and green tea) and hyaluronic acid that nourishes and hydrates your skin. This effective sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin and protects against the harmful rays of the sun.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Doesn’t clog pores.
- Free from parabens and fragrance.
Cons
- May leave a whitish shade.
- May appear greasy on the skin.
"This formula's hyaluronic content hydrates my skin, while its gentle formulation prevents reactions. The color-changing technology of the bottle is impressive, serving as a reminder for me when it's time to reapply the product. It does leave a white cast upon application, but it thankfully fades away in some time."
Do remember7. Best Water-Gel Formula: Vanicream Sunscreen Sport
It is light in weight and spreads evenly on the skin. This non-greasy and dermatologically tested formula with SPF 35 provides broad-spectrum protection. It is free from fragrance and suitable for the ones who spend their time in outdoor activities.
Pros
- Water-resistant and non-comedogenic.
- Skin-friendly and suitable for all skin tones, including darker skin tones
- Free from fragrance, parabens, lanolin, dyes, and other preservatives.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- May dry the skin for some.
"Being free of dyes, parabens, and fragrances, the sunscreen guarantees protection without skin issues. I do need to reapply it more often than expected, but it is a minor trade-off for the protection it renders to my delicate skin."
8. Best For Outdoor Activities: Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer With Sunscreen
It is a non-greasy and light moisturizer that protects and hydrates your skin. It has SPF 50 that offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun rays. The clinically-tested sunscreen cleanses your skin and causes no irritation. The brand offers a value pack of two and three bottles.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily skin type
- Fragrance-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic.
- Gentle and safe on sensitive skin.
Cons
- Could be sticky and heavy on the skin.
"I love this sunscreen because it doubles as a moisturizer. It also absorbs into my skin quickly. Though it leaves a bit of white residue, I noticed that being mindful about the quantity helps evade the issue."
9. Best For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
This celebrity-endorsed sunscreen lotion has SPF 50 and with its untinted and ultra-light formula it suits all types of skin tones. It contains a combination of antioxidants and mineral sun filter that protects the skin from UVA and UVB. The dermatologist-recommended sunscreen blends well on the skin and offers a matte finish as it dries.
Pros
- Paraben and fragrance-free.
- Made with Cell-Ox shield technology.
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May have a grainy texture.
- May not be suitable on sensitive skin.
"It does an excellent job of tackling sunburns and keeping the redness from aggravating. The consistency is on the runny side, but I have learned how to work it well into my skin. Less is more when using this, making it an economical choice for me."
10. Best Water-Resistant: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion
The doctor-recommended Clear Face sunscreen lotion from Neutrogena is an oxybenzone-free formula with SPF 50. It is stabilized with helio-plex technology to provide a superior UVA/UVB protective layer on your skin. Its water-resistant, oil-free texture helps your skin breathe, and since it is non-comedogenic, it reduces the risk of breakouts. Moreover, this dermatologist-recommended lotion can also treat other skin conditions like sunburn.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Provides a matte finish with natural glow
- Suitable for outdoor activities
Cons
- May pill
- Some may experience facial sweating
"I found this sunscreen to be efficient in shielding my skin from UV rays. I do need to top it up with my moisturizer, as I found it to be a bit drying. However, since it provides a natural finish, it does not interfere with my makeup."
11. Best For All Skin Tones: MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme
Here is a lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen for rosacea that gives you a matte finish once you apply. It is scientifically-formulated to blend in with your skin in no time. It has SPF 50 and offers maximum protection to your skin from UVA-UVB, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer and photoaging.
Pros
- Non-irritating and non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores).
- Water-resistant, fragrance-free, and gentle.
- Developed and approved by dermatologists.
- Oil-free and suitable for acne, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin.
Cons
- May not be suitable for skin that is too sensitive.
- The tube doesn’t contain enough cream.
"Despite its zinc content, it does not render a white cast on the skin, and I love its texture as it leaves my dry skin feeling velvety smooth. In fact, it also serves as a primer. I approve of it for its effective formulation sans the side-effects."
Did you know?12. Best Water-Based Sunscreen:Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sunscreen
If you are looking for oil-free sunscreens for rosacea, then opt for this water-based sunscreen. It is made with mild ingredients and Centella extracts to protect your skin from harmful sun rays and toxic elements in the environment. This soothing sunscreen for rosacea is not sticky, and it doesn’t leave any white marks on your skin. It comes with SPF 50+ and is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Calms and moisturizes skin.
- Oil-free and free from parabens and artificial fragrance.
Cons
- Could cause irritation and allergic reactions.
"The cream helps calm my skin irritations to a great extent. It tingles slightly upon application, but thankfully, it lasts only for a few moments. And although the tube is smaller than I expected, I appreciate the product's ability to protect and hydrate my skin."
13. Best Skin-Enhancing:Replenix Ultimatte perfection
It is a mattifying, skin-enhancing, and tinted sunscreen with SPF 50. It contains antioxidants that provide advanced protection from free radicals and UV exposure. This sunscreen is scientifically formulated to suit all skin tones, and it may also reduce the formation of aging signs and even out the skin tone.
Pros
- Can be used as a makeup primer too
- Offers the benefits of controlling oil and hydrating skin
- Lightweight and breathable on the skin
Cons
- May make skin look oily.
- May not be suitable for too sensitive skin.
"So far, this sunscreen has suited my skin well. It provides light coverage and does not feel greasy. The tinted shade does not match my skin to the T but doesn't show underneath my makeup. Moreover, its matte finish smoothens my skin's texture, so my base makeup looks better."
14. Best Clinically-Proven Sunscreen:iS Clinical Extreme Protect
The sunscreen contains SPF 30 to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and offers antioxidant protection too. Its clinically-proven extremozyme technology helps prevent DNA damage to the skin, making it the ideal sunscreen for redness-prone skin. It also works as a moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
Pros
- Rich and hydrating.
- Repairs and protects the skin.
- Reduces inflammation, erythema, and DNA damage.
Cons
- Has a strong smell.
- Has a thick consistency.
"True to its claim, it is a silky smooth sunscreen that hydrates and enhances my skin’s texture, making it an ideal choice for my patchy skin. Plus, I have not experienced any greasy residue or an overwhelming scent."
15. Best For Reactive Skin:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Sunscreen Lotion
The Neutrogena face sunscreen lotion is formulated with 100% zinc oxide and uses minerals as its active ingredient, making it the ideal sunscreen for reactive skin. Enriched with antioxidants, this hypoallergenic SPF 50 lotion is designed to protect your skin from sunburn and harmful free radicals. It features dry-touch technology, providing an oil-free and non-greasy feel and making the expert-recommended product ideal for use under makeup for extended periods.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Water- and sweat-proof
- Does not sting in the eyes
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Blending it well could be time-consuming
- May be thicker than expected
"I got this product for its mineral-rich ingredients, and I'm quite happy with it. The consistency is on the thicker end, but I have learned to apply it properly without leaving a white cast. Its protection is pretty consistent, even when I indulge in outdoor activities. So, it has served me well."
Point to consider16. Best For Uva-Uvb Rays Protection:Rosacea Care ZincO Cream
This sunscreen product is specifically formulated for those with rosacea-prone skin and sensitive skin types. It contains ZincO that protects against the harmful UVA-UVB rays. It can be used by people with sensitive skin too. It also works as a moisturizer.
Pros
- Contains SPF 20.
- Provides broad-spectrum protection from the sun rays.
- Paraben-free and doesn’t leave any whitish marks on the skin.
Cons
- May feel oily for some.
"It keeps my skin from getting flushed, even when I go out during the afternoon. Its tinted formula also provides a concealing effect, which I love. It is not completely waterproof, but its soothing properties have made it my preferred sunscreen."
17. Best For Daily Use:Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen
The Blue Lizard Mineral face sunscreen provides a protective barrier on your skin with its UVA/UVB SPF 30 and zinc oxide, effectively preventing harmful sun rays from damaging your skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this lotion deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin, thanks to added antioxidants like green tea and caffeine. Additionally, this sunscreen is expert-recommended as it is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Waterproof
- Paraben- and fragrance-free
- Devoid of harsh chemicals
Cons
- May contain alcohol
- May stain clothes
"No irritation. No breakouts. Using this sunscreen has been a pleasurable experience. It not only safeguards my skin from the sun, but also moisturizes it. It is not ideally sweat-resistant and has a fine grainy texture, but I'd recommend it for its performance."
How Do You Know If You Have Rosacea?
You might know you have sensitive skin, but you may not know you have rosacea-prone skin. Here are some signs of rosacea (1).
- Redness across the face, including cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead (the symptom may come and go and intensify in heat).
- Stinging or burning sensation when regular skincare products are used.
- Some other symptoms could be thick skin, sore eyelids, swelling, dry skin, and yellow-orange patches.
How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For Rosacea?
If you have rosacea-prone skin, then keep the following points in mind while choosing a sunscreen.
- SPF: Sun rays are one of the common triggers for rosacea. Go for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or more and with broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
- Ingredients: Pick a rosacea-friendly sunscreen that is free from oil, alcohol, and other preservatives.Mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide could be less irritating to the skin.
- Patch test: Make sure you are applying a small portion of the sunscreen on your wrist or hand and wait for 48 to 72 hours to see if you find any reaction or not. If you don’t experience any discomfort, then you may use it.
, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “A fragrance-free sunscreen is best as it does not contain alcohol, which has the potential to dry out the skin. Also, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF, and always do a patch test before trying a new product to make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What key ingredients in beauty products irritate patients with rosacea?
Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrance, camphor, menthol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, urea, and SLS. You may switch to fragrance-free products to keep the skin irritation-free (2).
2. How should I protect my skin with rosacea from the sun?
You may take the following steps (3)
- Choose sensitive skin sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher
- Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors
- Rely on an umbrella or hat when stepping out in the sun
- Avoid stepping out between 10am and 4pm
- Keep your skin hydrated and follow your doctor’s prescriptions
3. Is chemical sunscreen better than physical sunscreen for rosacea?
People with rosacea should opt for physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens) as they create a physical barrier on the skin and reflect UV rays (4). Chemical sunscreens irritate the skin and can make the condition worse.
4. Does zinc sunscreen help rosacea?
Yes, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide don’t irritate skin (2). These ingredients act as a physical shield on the skin and can protect the skin from sun damage and rosacea flare-ups.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and personal care products. Her thorough analysis and research skills help her bring high-quality products to meet the user’s requirements. Here, Poulami has listed some of the best sunscreens for rosacea with skin-safe ingredients that you can add to your skincare regime. She takes you through some important points to consider before choosing a suitable product for your skin. Each product also includes the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best sunscreen for rosacea is essential to prevent rosacea flare-ups due to sun exposure and protect your skin from UV rays. Our top three recommendations are the EltaMD Skincare for its alcohol-free formula that is suitable for acne and hyperpigmentation; the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen for its mess-free application and weightless finish; and the Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan and minimizes the aging signs. Scroll through product descriptions to better understand the products and their usefulness. Check the sunscreen’s ingredients and SPF spectrum to shortlist products for your skin type and concerns. Based on their pros and cons, compare the products from the list above to buy a suitable sunscreen that protects, nourishes, and hydrates your skin.
Infographic: Application Of Sunscreen For Rosacea
It is essential for those with rosacea to use sunscreen as exposure to the sun could flare up the irritation. You need to check for a few things before choosing a sunscreen. We have prepared this infographic mentioning the ingredients that must be present in your sunscreen and the procedure to apply it. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Rosacea
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/ - 6 Rosacea Skin Care Tips Dermatologists Give Their Patients
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/triggers/tips - Tips For Protecting Skin From The Sun
https://www.rosacea.org/rosacea-review/2013/spring/tips-for-protecting-skin-from-the-sun - Picking The Right Sunscreen For Rosacea And The Environment
https://www.rosacea.org/blog/2019/august/picking-right-sunscreen-for-rosacea-and-environment-912462 - Sunscreen For Rosacea
https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care/sunscreen-for-rosacea - Rosacea
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/rosacea/
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