Best Sunscreen for Allergies

Having allergies can be difficult to manage. And when the allergies extend to your skin, it can feel really tiring and daunting trying to make sure that your skin is well taken care of.

Skin allergies in particular mean that you need to extra careful when it comes to sun protection. So you’ll want to stick to the Skin Cancer Foundation’s basic guidelines and wear UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seek shade when possible.

On top of this, broad spectrum sunscreen needs to be the one part of your daily skincare routine. It’s especially important that you never skip a day when you have skin allergies.

Although the first sunscreen you try might not be the perfect fit, it’s vital that you take your time to test different products in order to find the one that’s right for your specific needs.

To help you through this, let me show you what to look for in the best hypoallergenic sunscreen!

Buyer’s Guide

 

To be sure that your sunscreen provides adequate sun protection without triggering your allergies, look out for the following must-have features:

Broad spectrum protection

The most important thing to keep in mind when searching for a sunscreen for any purpose is that you want it to provide broad spectrum protection.

This means that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is vital because each type of ray works differently:

• UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin causing tanning and burning
• UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging

Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer, so you want to be sure to properly protect yourself. Your sensitive, allergy-prone skin is already more vulnerable to sun damage to begin with so you need to be especially careful!

Luckily, finding sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection will not be difficult.

They are available everywhere, and they are easily identifiable. You just need to check out the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.

The label will often have words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ which makes it clear that sufficient protection is provided.

You can also search the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against the full range of UVA/B rays and are always a safe and effective choice for skin with allergies!

Best SPF for allergies

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is one of those things that people know about but don’t understand. You know that you should base part of your sunscreen decision on the SPF rating, but you’re not quite sure why.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let me give you a simple explanation to help you understand what SPF really means.

SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied your sunscreen.

So if you are wearing a product with an SPF rating of 30, the only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. This does allow you to stay in the sun longer, but don’t get carried away!

Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 does not mean that you can spend 30 times longer in the sun than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. If you have sensitive and allergy-prone skin, this is definitely not something you want to risk testing!

There are many factors which influence the effectiveness of SPF including time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and reflections from surfaces such as water and sand.

Look at this table below to better understand how much protection you get from different SPF ratings:

SPF Rating	UVB Protection
None	0%
2	50%
15	93%
30	97%
50	98%
100	99%

Not quite what you were expecting, right?

There is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So how do you know which SPF rating you should choose with skin allergies?

SimplySunSafe recommends that you always choose SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50. This is in line with expert guidelines.

Plus, with your skin vulnerable because of allergies, it is essential that you remember to reapply at least every two hours no matter what SPF rating you choose!

Physical is better than chemical

You may be interested to know that sunscreens can be divided into two main groups – chemical and physical.

The differences between these groups can be found in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin:

• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
• Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin

Unsurprisingly, there are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones, especially when you have skin allergies!

Physical sunscreens:

• Stop more light
• Protect against more of the UV spectrum
• Work immediately upon application
• Last longer
• Are less likely to cause irritation
• Have a longer shelf life

Are you convinced yet? If not, listen to this:

Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. This is not something you want to mess with – especially with allergies!

The worst of these ingredients is called oxybenzone, and is still legal despite concerns from the FDA. I suggest that you check any potential sunscreen for this ingredient and avoid it no matter what!

Physical sunscreens will provide the safest protection for your sensitive and allergic skin!

Sensitive skin formulas

When you have allergies, your skin is much more sensitive than the average person.

Any product that you plan to use on your skin has the potential to ignite irritation, leaving you itching or with rashes. This leaves you cautious, and often uncertain about the consequences of using different products.

But, you’re in luck! When it comes to sunscreens many companies have made it their mission to provide products that are designed especially for sensitive skin.

These products are formulated with ingredients which are proven to be less irritating to others, and therefore, the sunscreens are very unlikely to cause you irritation.

Many sensitive formula sunscreens also contain specific ingredients that are known skin-soothers, in order to enhance your skin’s comfort while you use the product.

When searching for sunscreens that will sufficiently protect your skin from sun damage without irritating its tenderness or your allergies, I suggest that you try sunscreens which specify use on sensitive skin.

Suitable ingredients

Allergies can be triggered by specific ingredients. This means that the best sunscreen for your allergies may be different to someone else’s.

Although I’ve provided some recommendations below that include sensitive and hypoallergenic sunscreens that should be suitable for just about everyone, the devil is always in the details.

Always make sure you give your chosen sunscreen’s ingredient list a thorough read to ensure there’s nothing in there that will affect your allergies.

Test before use

Even when you think you’ve ordered the right sunscreen, always be sure to test it on your skin before you lather up.

Just apply the product to a small patch of skin normally hidden by your clothing to see if you react.

You might even try a couple of different spots to be sure (as some areas like your face are more sensitive in general).

When you’re sure your sunscreen is not going to trigger sensitives – lather up and get out and enjoy the sun!

Best Sunscreen for Allergies Comparison

 

5 Best Sunscreens for Allergies

 

After extensive research into what is safe and effective for skin with allergies which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for allergies.

Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They are all suitable for daily use by people with allergies.

1. Badger All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SimplySunSafe’s recommendation for the best sunscreen for allergic skin is Badger All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. This formula provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (18.75%).

Badger’s formulas are known for being extremely simple, and with a total of only five ingredients, this All Natural Sunscreen is no different. The simplicity of the ingredients means that there is very little chance of irritation to your skin.

Using this sunscreen daily on your face and body is effective and safe for your allergies.

Badger’s All Natural Sunscreen provides at least 40 minutes of water resistance if you need it.

The formula is rather thick and requires effort to rub in. If you apply the sunscreen ahead of time and rub it in very well, the white cast left initially, fades.

Badger All Natural Sunscreen is extremely effective and reliable, and with its simple formula, your allergies will not be triggered.

2. Badger Baby Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Using zinc oxide, the sunscreen gives potent broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays using mineral Zinc Oxide. It is further infused with a certified organic base of Sunflower Oil, Beeswax & Vitamin E to provide the skin with hydration and nourishment. Originally intended for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers, adults can use this sunscreen on their sensitive skin. Its strong zinc base makes it a potent shield against the sun. it is a hypoallergenic formula fit for photosensitive skin. It contains no chemical protection agents like oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is biodegradable, nature safe, hypoallergenic and reef friendly.

It is easy to use. You apply about 15 minutes before sun exposure. This gives you 40 minutes of water resistance. You are to reapply after two hours of regular usage. You can spend time swimming or exercising outdoors knowing that you are protected. It has a soft perfume that does not choke the nose.

What makes it second on the list is that it leaves a white cast on the skin although it can be easily concealed and washed off the skin. It also tends to stain clothing!

3. Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30 is another great option for allergies and sensitive skin according to dermatologists.

You’re provided with broad spectrum protection with the sunscreen’s active ingredients zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (3.4%).

Vanicream Sunscreen is a very gentle formula which is suitable for daily use on all types of skin. The formula is free of parabens, PABA, oil, gluten and fragrance, and it is non-comedogenic.

There is no likelihood of irritation with Vanicream which makes it a safe choice for allergic skin.

The formula is thick and takes some time to rub in properly and dry. If you rub it in well enough and allow it enough time to dry, you will not be left with a white cast, which is a plus.

Vanicream Sunscreen also provides 80 minutes of water resistance for the hot weather. This additional feature means that the formula feels a bit heavy and doesn’t work well under makeup.

Vanicream Sunscreen is a reliable and gentle choice for people with allergies!

4. BurnOut SPF 30 for Face & Body

Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BurnOut SPF 30 for Face & Body is one the best hypoallergenic sunscreens for sensitive skin on the market!

This formula provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (18.6%).

BurnOut for Face & Body is designed for daily use on sensitive skin. The formula is paraben, oil, and fragrance free and will not cause any irritation even to those with allergies.

It is a lightweight sunscreen that works well under makeup and dries to a matte finish on your skin. Just be sure to rub it in well to avoid a white cast.

BurnOut for Face & Body is a dependable option for allergic skin that you should test out!

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+

Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin SPF 30+ is another dependable, dermatologist-recommended option for sun protection for people with allergies.

Providing broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5%), Blue Lizard Sensitive is an effective yet gentle option.

Blue Lizard Sensitive’s formula is specifically designed for daily use on the face and body of those with sensitive skin. Allergic skin will be safe from irritation with this sunscreen.

Blue Lizard Sensitive is a thick formula that you should apply about 15 minutes before going into the sun to allow it to dry and absorb properly.

You’ll need to be sure that you remember to reapply your Blue Lizard Sensitive at least every two hours, or after swimming because it is not water resistant.

As one of the cheaper options on this list, Blue Lizard Sensitive offer great value for money considering the the solid sun protection it provides.

Conclusion

This guide was written for those searching for the best sunscreen for allergies. I hope that by reading this guide you gained more knowledge about which sunscreens are safe for allergies, and a found a product that fits your specific needs.

SimplySunSafe recommends Badger All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 but all 5 products will provide you with sufficient and gentle protection for your skin with allergies.

Having read this guide, it’s a good time to start testing different products. With sensitive skin and allergies, it’s imperative that you test out different products to see how your skin will react. That way you can make the safest and most effective choice for your skin’s sun protection.

I love learning new things and hearing about new products from others! If you use or know of another sunscreen that works well with allergies, share it in the comments! I’ll be sure to take a look and maybe it’ll even end up on this list!

If you’d like sunscreen recommendations for other skin conditions, SimplySunSafe has a range of guides including sunscreen for sun allergy, sunscreen for melasma, and sunscreen for eczema. Just go to the top of this page and search for a condition to find the recommendations you’re looking for.

Photo credit: Andrew Goloida / CC BY 2.0

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