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Sensitive Skin? No Problem! Here Are the Best Sunscreens for You in India

Protecting my glow with SPF, because every day is a sun day! 

Are sunscreens often causing irritation on your sensitive skin? I’ve got the solution! 

In this guide, I’ve picked the top 7 face sunscreens for sensitive skin in India. You’ll get everything you need to know before you buy one. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or tinted sunscreens, I’ve got you covered. 

So keep scrolling to find out your perfect sunscreen match!

Disclosure: Please note this post might contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. Know that I only recommend products that I’ve used personally or believe will add value to my readers.

How to Choose Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin?

Here’s how to choose sunscreen for your sensitive skin:

1. Mineral Based

Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on your skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays and are less likely to irritate compared to chemical sunscreens.

2. SPF 30 or Higher

Go for sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection against UV rays.

3. Broad Spectrum Protection

Ensure the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.

4. Non-comedogenic

Choose sunscreens labeled as non-comedogenic to prevent clogging pores.

It is important especially if you’ve  oily or acne-prone skin. 

5. Free From Parabens, Color, and Fragrance

To minimize the risk of irritation, choose sunscreens that are free from parabens, artificial color, and fragrance.

6. Soothing Ingredients

Consider sunscreens with soothing ingredients like cucumber extract or aloe vera, which can help calm irritated skin.

1. La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel

I’ve seen dermatologists recommend this mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin. 

SPF

50+ PA +++

Pros

• Contains pure zinc oxide.
• Micronized zinc oxide for no white cast.
• Lightweight and matte finish.
• Up to 8 hours of water resistance.
• Gives silky and smooth finish.
• Contains a form of vitamin E for antioxidant benefits.
• Free from chemical sun filters.
• Blends well.
• Non-sticky.
• Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
• Gives a light dewy look after settling on the skin.

Cons

• Despite being labeled as gel-based, it’s actually a bit thicker and looks more like a cream.
• May feel heavier on oily skin, with some users noting a greasy feeling after application.
• Not the best option for humid summer weather.

Who Should Go For It?

• Ideal for those with normal or dry skin types, especially if sensitive.
• Suitable for anyone looking to try a mineral sunscreen for its gentle properties.

Price

699 INR for 50g

2. The Derma Co Ultra Light Zinc Mineral Sunscreen

Here’s the mineral sunscreen without white cast from Derma Co, one of India’s top sunscreen brands. It’s lightweight and suitable for all skin types, especially if your skin is sensitive.

SPF

50 PA +++

Pros

• Contains 25% zinc oxide.
• Oil-free.
• No white cast.
• Water and sweat resistant.
• Non-greasy formula.
• Feels soft and smooth due to dimethicone.
• Semi-matte finish.
• Fragrance-free.
• Free from skin irritants like paraben, mineral oil, dye, and sulfate.
• Lightweight with a lotion-like texture.
• Blends well.

Cons

• May have a slight white cast upon application. It takes some time to settle on the skin like other mineral sunscreens.
• The product does not have a comedogenicity label. Isostearic acid is one of the first few ingredients, which may potentially clog pores.

Who Should Go For It?

• This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin conditions.
• However, if you have acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid it.

Price

699 INR for 50g

3. Dr. Sheth’s Mineral Sunscreen

This mineral sunscreen, from one of the best-rated sunscreen brands in India is specifically designed for sensitive skin. It has no white cast and is priced the same as the previous one.

SPF

50+ PA +++

Pros

• 25% zinc oxide.
• 2% glycerin helps retain moisture, making skin supple and soft.
• Water and sweat resistant.
• No white cast.
• Lightweight.
• Free from fragrance, parabens, and sulfates.
• Light lotion-like texture.
• Blends well.
• Leaves a soft velvety finish due to dimethicone.
• Matte finish.

Cons

• You might notice a bit of white cast at first. It might take some 5-15 minutes to settle on your skin.
• The product doesn’t have a comedogenicity label. Isostearic acid is within the first few ingredients, which might clog pores.

Who Should Go for It?

• Perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. 
• However, if you are acne-prone, you should avoid it due to the lack of a comedogenicity label.

Price

699 INR for 50g

4. Sun Scoop Mineral Sunscreen

Now, this one is a tinted sunscreen from Sun Scoop brand, formulated with mineral or physical sunscreen filters. Tinted sunscreens are best for achieving flawless-looking skin everyday without makeup.

SPF

50 PA ++++

Pros

• 100% mineral sunscreen.
• Soft matte finish.
• Free from skin irritants like alcohol and synthetic fragrance.
• Sweat and water-resistant.
• Contains blue light protection.
• Blends well.
• Raspberry fruit extract and vitamin E act as antioxidants.
• Rice and rice germ extract soothe irritation and brighten skin.
• Carrot seed oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, potentially relieving irritated skin.
• Lightweight with a light lotion-like texture.

Cons

• Coconut oil may be comedogenic.
• Not oil-free.
• Some users experienced the transfer of tint.
• Ensure your skin tone matches the tint of the sunscreen.

Who Should Go for It?

• This tinted mineral sunscreen is suitable for those looking for a tinted option with mineral filters. 
• Avoid it if you have oily, acne-prone skin due to the presence of coconut oil. It can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Price

745 INR for 45g

5. The Derma Co. 1% Hyaluronic Tinted Sunscreen Gel

Here is another mineral-based tinted sunscreen from the Derma Co brand for you to try out.

SPF

60 PA ++++

Pros

• Contains 26% Zinc Oxide and 10% Titanium Dioxide.
• Includes 1% hyaluronic Acid for hydration and plumpness.
• Provides a soft matte finish due to dimethicone.
• Gets quickly absorbed.
• Fragrance-free.
• Ideal for the summer season.
• Blends easily.
• Free from common irritants like alcohol and parabens.
• Lightweight cream texture.
• Thermus Thermophillus ferment helps protect your skin’s support structure.

Cons

• No comedogenicity label is there. Isostearic acid in it could clog pores.

Who Should Go for It?

• This tinted mineral sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and tones, even deeper ones. 
• If you’re looking for a tinted option with mineral protection, this could be a good fit for you.
• Avoid it if you are acne prone.

Price

499 INR for 30g

6. Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen

Here is another tinted mineral sunscreen with mineral-based filters from Re’equil. 

SPF

50 PA +++

Pros

• 100% mineral sunscreen.
• Formulated with 25% non-nano zinc oxide, considered reef-safe.
• Free of fragrance, parabens, and SLS.
• Water-resistant.
• Mousse-like texture.
• Provides a soft and smooth finish.
• Physalis Angulata Extract reduces inflammation signs on your skin.
• Didn’t find comedogenic ingredients in the ingredients list.

Cons

• May not be ideal for dry skin, as it gives a dry-touch matte finish.
• Might take some time to blend due to non-nano zinc oxide.

Who Should Go for It?

• If you’re looking for a tinted mineral sunscreen, especially suitable for oily skin, this could be a good option. 
• It works for all skin types. But if you have dry skin you may find it a bit drying. 
• Suits acne prone skin. 
• It’s best suited for medium to deeper skin tones.

Price

695 INR for 50g

7. The Pink Foundry Tinted Matte Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen

Here is a high-end tinted sunscreen from the brand Pink Foundry with mineral sunscreen filters, perfect for sensitive skin.

SPF

30 PA +++

Pros

• 100% mineral sunscreen.
• Contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as SPF filters.
• Lightweight and non-comedogenic.
• Hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
• Free from parabens, PABA, and fragrance.
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
• Cucumber extract soothes the skin.
• Glycerin and Shea butter hydrate and soften the skin.
• Provides a soft and smooth finish due to dimethicone.
• Non-greasy matte finish, yet moisturizing.
• Evening primrose oil moisturizes and reduces inflammation.

Cons

• Contains flaxseed oil, which is comedogenic.
• Not oil-free.
• Not suitable for acne-prone and oily skin.
• Higher price point.

Who Should Go for It?

• Ideal for all skin types except oily and acne-prone. 
• If you’re looking for a moisturizing tinted sunscreen with a soft matte finish, this is for you. 
• Best suited for light to medium skin tones.

Price

1350 INR for 50g

How to Apply?

• As all of these are mineral sunscreens, remember to apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Squeeze out a generous amount and apply it liberally on your face, neck, and other exposed areas. 
• Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours for continuous protection.

Final Thoughts

Skipping sunscreen is a bad idea, even if your skin is sensitive. It can harm your skin health in many ways. 

Always opt for mineral sunscreens, as they are less irritating. While they may appear a bit ashy or white initially, modern sunscreen formulations have improved to minimize the typical white cast. 

Regardless of how a sunscreen looks or sounds, always do a patch test before applying it to your entire face. This is crucial for all skin types, especially if your skin is sensitive.

FAQ

Image Source- Nykaa