10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
That’s why we’re here to help people with this overlooked skin type to understand how they can choose the best sunscreen for themselves. We’ve also included our list of recommendations for the top 10 best sunscreens for sensitive skin that you can buy online in India, so all you need to do is choose! We have partnered with an expert from the medical field, and our research is verified by a professional, dermatologist, Dr. Hitesh Bhalavi. So, Keep reading our medically-reviewed article.
Quick List - Top Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Dr. Hitesh Bhalavi is a dermatologist, he pursued MD in Dermatology from PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Currently, Dr. Hitesh is working as a consultant in NR hospital Bilaspur, India.
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin in India – Buying Guide
Different Textures for Different Types of Sensitive Skin
Choose Between Gel Formulas and Creams
A cream formula can be applied easily on the skin with massage and is absorbed by the skin accordingly. Compared to spray-type sunscreen, these are more effective and provides maximum coverage of the applied area. One of the downsides is, it takes a certain amount of time for a full application, and many times a residue is left in hands after applying.
Gel sunscreens after application provide a matte finish. They're oil-free and much more suitable for acne-prone skin. Gel sunscreen has a lighter and fluid-based structure than creams. Gel-based solutions have more irritants compared to cream lotions. However, cream or lotion sunscreens provide better protection than gel ones.
Gel formulations are colourless/lighter, and they are also absorbed fast. They are preferred in oily or acne-prone skin. But these gel-based formulations cause facial or eye-stinging, and they are easily removed by swimming or perspiration. The cream-based formulation is less greasy; they are easy to apply and better absorbed.
Spray Sunscreens Are Light and Easy to Apply
Spray sunscreen is easy to apply compared to lotion-based sunscreen. If you're looking for an easy and quick option, then spending time massaging the lotion completely, spray ones are an ideal choice. They are light and less sticky than cream ones.
One of the downsides to them is some spray solutions contain alcohol, which can irritate sensitive skin. As a precautionary measure, always spray the solution on hand first and then apply it to the skin. It's possible kids may accidentally inhale droplets, keeping safety a priority, spray it on hand first and then apply.
Sprays are convenient to apply, but they are alcohol-based preparation and might cause irritation to people with sensitive skin. They are also not yet FDA approved and are less effective, so they are not one of the best options out there.
SPF and PA Should be Based on the Amount of Sun Exposure
PA is a rating system provided by Japan for measuring how much UV protection the product provides. PA++ means moderate UVA protection. PA+++ means high UVA protection and PA++++ equates to extremely high UVA protection.
If you’re only out in the sun early in the morning or after peak hours, then a sunscreen with SPF 30 with PA++ would be good enough for you, but if you’re often out during the peak hours like the afternoon, we would suggest getting sunscreen at least SPF 50 with PA+++ to ensure your skin’s protected.
The Sun Protection Factor(SPF) tells about how long you can stay outside during the daytime and be protected from the sunburn causing UVB rays. Japan developed a rating system for UVA rays. It represents how much UVA protection the products offer. Sunscreen with 30 SPF and PA ++ provide good protection, but if you are outdoors most of the time during the afternoon, use SPF 50 sunscreen for ideal protection.
Take Note of the Ingredients When Selecting
Keep an Eye Out for Allergens and Check for Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are known as UV blocking elements but also known for causing coral bleaching; Coral bleaching means when the corals lose their natural colors and turn white. Check the labels for the specific mention about reef-friendly or reef-safe on the sunscreen. Additionally, it would be best to stay away from heavily scented products as these tend to irritate sensitive skin types quite easily.
Few ingredients in sunscreen can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate induce bleaching response in corals sunscreen without them known as reef-friendly sunscreen.
PABA, cinamates can cause irritant and allergic dermatitis, whereas benzophenones cause photoallergic reactions. There are more chances of irritant reaction with fragrance-based sunscreen. So, avoid these ingredients for better skin health.
Select Between Physical Sunscreen and Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are types that do not use these ingredients. When applied, they absorb into the skin, convert the UV rays into heat and release them from the body. But make sure you try those once before buying, as they can occasionally cause irritations as the skin absorbs it before working.
Physical sunscreen contains TiO2 and ZnO as the chief ingredient. It is opaque and causes whitening effects to make them cosmetically unsuitable. Physical sunscreen blocks both UVA and
UVB rays as soon as it is applied to the skin. They are unlikely to irritate the skin, great for sensitive skin types.
Chemical sunscreen converts UV radiation to heat. They are thinner, easy to apply, and more resistant to sweat or water. Chemical sunscreen only starts to effective after 20 minutes, and they are more likely to irritate the skin.
10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in India
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cipla Rivela Tint Sunscreen Lotion | | An Effective Sunscreen for the Sensitive Skin | |
2 | Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Spf 30+ | | A Gentle Gel Sunscreen With Great Protection | |
3 | Elta MD Uv Physical Broad Spectrum | | Ideal for Oily and Sensitive Skin Type | |
4 | Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport | | Lightweight Sunscreen for Oily-Sensitive Skin | |
5 | Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluid | | Paraben Free Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin | |
6 | Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream | | Ideal Sunscreen for Both Oily-Sensitive and Dry-Sensitive Skin | |
7 | Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sunblock Lotion | | A Good Option for Oily-Sensitive Skin With SPF 30 | |
8 | Vanicream Sunscreen Sport | | Moisturising Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin | |
9 | Eau Thermale Avene Day Protector UV EX | | Moisturising Sunscreen for Oily-Sensitive and Dry-Sensitive Skin | |
10 | Banana Boat SunComfort Ultra Mist Broad Spectrum Sun Care SunScreen Spray | | One of the Best Sunscreen Spray for Sensitive Skin |
An Effective Sunscreen for the Sensitive Skin
Rivela Tint sunscreen is a great sunscreen solution for sensitive skin. The cream-based sunscreen has a thick watery structure, and with SPF 50 it offers good protection for people who stay a lot outdoors during the sunny time. It has a non-sticky feel to it.
The product is not recommended for oily skin much, especially during summertime. As many users convey, the product improves skin texture and skin tone with regular usage over time. Overall it is a considerable sunscreen and one of our top recommendations.
A Gentle Gel Sunscreen With Great Protection
Blue lizard's sunscreen is a great option if you're looking for a gel-based sunscreen. It is safe for kids to apply, as well. It has minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients for protection against harmful UV rays.
One of the unique features of this sunscreen is the bottle turns blue he exposed to UV rays. Many users have reviewed the product as great for their family, including their small kids. There's no fragrance from sunscreen, and it is fairly easy to apply.
Ideal for Oily and Sensitive Skin Type
This sunscreen by Elta is one of the recommended products for Oily skin and sensitive skin type. The SPF 41 sunscreen offers great protection from UV rays with an oil-free application and a matte finish on the skin.
As reviewed by many users, the sunscreen is light textured and provides an even tone after applying. This chemical-free mineral sunscreen has antioxidants for enriching the skin. It is Water-resistant and ideal for wearing for beach time or in hot temperatures, and it stands well against perspiration and high humidity.
Lightweight Sunscreen for Oily-Sensitive Skin
This sunscreen does have a light citrus smell. It also has a high SPF level, so it would be great for those who spend long hours in the sun. Although it seems expensive initially, you get a lot of product, and a little goes a long way with this, so it’ll last you for quite a while.
Paraben Free Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin
However, despite its lightweight texture, if you’ve got oily-sensitive skin, you will probably not like this product as much as it could make your skin appear quite greasy. Additionally, while the runny consistency makes it easy to blend, it also makes it hard to pump out the right amount, and you may end up using too much.
Ideal Sunscreen for Both Oily-Sensitive and Dry-Sensitive Skin
It is a mildly scented product and smooth while applying on the skin. The SPF 50 offers great protection for people staying outdoors for longer periods of time. Overall, it is a well-balanced product for different sensitive skin types
A Good Option for Oily-Sensitive Skin With SPF 30
Despite the watery texture, it still leaves you looking a bit chalky, and it is not a waterproof formula, so if you live somewhere with high levels of humidity, you’d have to reapply this sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours.
Moisturising Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin
It does have a low SPF though, which won’t be enough if you’re out in the sun for long hours. It requires effort to use properly because of the solution's thickness; it takes a while to spread it completely, and if you don’t spread it properly, it leaves behind a white cast.
Moisturising Sunscreen for Oily-Sensitive and Dry-Sensitive Skin
Although, the SPF levels are quite low, so if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside during the peak hours, then this would not be able to give your skin enough protection. It also contains methoxycinnamate which can irritate those with extremely sensitive skin, so it is crucial that you do a patch with this sunscreen.
Banana BoatSunComfort Ultra Mist Broad Spectrum Sun Care SunScreen Spray
One of the Best Sunscreen Spray for Sensitive Skin
This sunscreen spray is one of the great spray sunscreen available. It is ideal for sensitive skin, and the easy to apply and spray is light on the skin and nongreasy, unlike lotion or creams.
The SPF 50 provides great protection against harmful UV rays. The product is safe for kids to use as well. The sunscreen has a great scent to it and is quite light on the skin. This reef-friendly spray is a considerable choice for quick and safe application for UV protection.
More Self Care Related Guides for You
There's more to show you and inform you about apart from sunscreen. Check out our buying guide about best hair conditioner for men and women individually. If looking for something more unique, check our buying guide for a face wash for dry skin.
Summary
Top 5 Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
No. 1: Cipla｜Rivela Tint Sunscreen Lotion
No. 2: Blue Lizard ｜Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Spf 30+
No. 3: Elta ｜MD Uv Physical Broad Spectrum
No. 4: Dermalogica｜ Protection 50 Sport
No. 5: Bioderma｜ Photoderm MAX Aquafluid
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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