Both dermatologists recommend avoiding alcohol, which can be irritating and drying, as well as fragrance, a frequent allergen.
How does gel sunscreen work?
Gel sunscreens typically work via chemical sunscreen filters. “This means that octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, or avobenzone are used to prevent UVA and UVB exposure,” says Dr. Palm. “Mineral filters cannot be incorporated into a gel formulation because of slight opacity.”
However, chemical filters may be irritating for sensitive skin types, so if you’ve had reactions in the past, Dr. Chang recommends doing a patch-test first. There’s also some controversy around the possibility of systemic absorption of these sunscreen filters (and their potential to cause hormonal disturbances), so for those erring on the side of utmost caution, consider choosing a mineral sunscreen formula instead.
Is gel sunscreen as effective as cream/spray?
In short, yes. “Gel sunscreens can be as effective as cream sunscreens, provided they offer broad-spectrum protection, have sufficient SPF rating, and an appropriate amount is applied,” says Dr. Chang. The effectiveness of a sunscreen relies on its ability to protect skin from UV rays, not its formulation. And, of course, reapplication is a must, she says.
What are the benefits of a gel sunscreen?
A sunscreen in itself is critical for protecting skin from both skin cancer and signs of photoaging, which include fine lines, dark spots, and lax skin. However, “the advantage of gel sunscreens is their superior cosmesis, or slip, on the skin,” says Dr. Palm. Their clear formulation also prevents any telltale white cast, particularly among people with medium to deep skin tones.
Moreover, “they are also formulated to be non-comedogenic, which means they’re less likely to clog pores, making them an optimal choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin,” she says. But, ultimately, the best sunscreen is one that you enjoy enough to use every day without fail—so if a sunscreen gel makes that the case, then that matters more than any other benefit for skin.
Meet the experts
- Melanie Palm, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at The Art of Skin MD in San Diego, CA.
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York, NY.