Type: chemical | Key ingredients: 8% octocrylene, 7% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 3% avobenzone, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with dry skin, mature skin
Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love it: Dr. Foad says one of the best sunscreens for dry, sensitive skin is the Best of Beauty Award-winning CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face and Body. Packed with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this hybrid sunscreen does more than protect your skin—it helps strengthen it. “These hydrating ingredients help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier by locking in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin. Plus, it has a fragrance-free and non-irritating formula perfect for sensitive skin types,” she says. It’s also earned street cred with seals of approval from the National Eczema Association and the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Editor tip: The velvety-soft, non-greasy finish makes this sunscreen the perfect canvas for makeup, gliding on smoothly without any pilling.
Type: mineral/chemical | Key ingredients: 7% zinc oxide, 6% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?
If you’ve got dry skin, the best sunscreens are the ones that hydrate while offering solid UV protection. “When searching for sunscreens for dry skin, it’s crucial to find products with ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides,” says Dr. McGuinness. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin, but chemical sunscreens packed with hydration work just as well. Extra points if it includes antioxidants to combat free radicals. And, of course, stick to lightweight, non-greasy formulas for a comfortable, glowing finish.
Is it good to apply sunscreen on dry skin?
Everyone, no matter their skin type, benefits from daily sunscreen. Not only does it protect you from damaging UV rays, but with the right formula, it can also keep your skin hydrated. “In addition to making sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, people with dry skin should opt for a cream or lotion-based formula instead of gels or sprays, which can sometimes be more drying,” says Dr. Foad.
Many sunscreens for dry skin include ingredients like hyaluronic acid “to help lock in moisture and prevent water loss so your skin stays hydrated and resilient,” she says. “In general, people with dry skin may want to avoid sunscreens containing alcohol, which is found more commonly in spray or aerosolized sunscreens, as it can worsen dry skin,” says Dr. McGuinness
Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?
Sometimes, it depends on the type of sunscreen you’re using. “For physical and mineral sunscreens that sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV, I typically recommend applying a moisturizer first, waiting at least five to 10 minutes, then applying sunscreen,” says Dr. McGuinness. “For chemical sunscreens that must be absorbed into the skin to provide UV protection, I typically recommend applying the sunscreen first, waiting 15 to 20 minutes to allow for absorption of the UV protecting ingredients, then applying moisturizer.”