Sun exposure may cause skin that is already dry to become even more dehydrated. Hence, in addition to impeccable sun protection, the best sunscreen for dry skin should also comprise rich moisturizing properties to boost overall skin health and balance. Now, I have a combination and acne-prone skin type, which doesn’t make my skin the best guinea pig to try out these dry skin products! Hence, my product analysis has been heavily derived from the experiences of my friends with dry skin, as well as genuine customer testimonials from around the globe, in addition to my ingredient research. 

Fortunately, most products that I got my hands on are unscented and many of them are perfectly suitable for sensitive skin types as well. Brownie points — all of these products are free of nasties such as parabens, oxybenzone, dyes, and phthalates, so you can trust that they are going to be safe and healthy for your skin. I’m also really excited to share my insights on some Korean sunscreens that I discovered during my research — I got the opportunity to try them out along with other products from household brand names such as Aveeno, CeraVe, and Neutrogena! Keep scrolling to see my product recommendations!

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  Editor’s Choice

  SKIN1004 Hyalu-CICA Water-fit Sun Serum

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Not just a sunscreen, this moisture-drenched product from SKIN1004 is a soothing and pampering way to address your dry skin woes. Unlike typical sunscreens, this serum-based formula quenches parched skin like ambrosia, and every drop of it is bursting with nourishment. 

By leveraging the properties of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica, the product calms irritation, boosts the skin’s water content, and alleviates dehydration — your skin will feel more comforted and at ease during sun exposure (research by the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules and the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences). Besides, I cannot get enough of this product because it is so luxuriously indulgent!

Active Ingredients:  Hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and 7 nourishing sprout extracts

UV Filters: Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene, and bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50 PA++++

Quantity: 1.69 fl. oz.

2

Best for Barrier Protection

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen

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For dry skin needs, I’ve always trusted and recommended CeraVe products, and this rich, moisturizing sunscreen joins the club. The product hydrates the skin at multiple levels — it contains hyaluronic acid that draws water deep into the skin and three essential ceramides that replenish the skin’s protective barrier (research published on NCBI).

Coming to its most important feature, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum sun protection to keep nasty sun rays from damaging your skin, while also soothing and strengthening it, so it doesn’t get parched with sun exposure.

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide 

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 30

Quantity: 3 fluid ounces

3

Best Physical Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen

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While it has been originally tested on sensitive skin, I’ve used this popular sunscreen several times on my combination, acne-prone skin and it worked a little too well for me! The Cell-Ox Shield technology of this product absorbs nasty UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin as bothered with sun exposure as possible. 

 

In addition, the product is rich in antioxidant properties that provide an extra layer of protection from environmental aggressors. Plus, the formula is rich in emollients that moisturize dry skin generously, without leaving a sticky residue.

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamin E, and candle tree leaf extracts

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz.

4

Best Broad-spectrum Sunscreen

SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence

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The hydrating prowess of this weightless fluid sunscreen is truly impressive, considering it is composed of nourishing humectants, which are ideal for dry skin. When I tried it out first, my skin soaked up this rejuvenating product – the product didn’t leave behind any tacky residue.

Of its many benefits, one feature I really love about this product is that it comprises chemical filters that are reef-safe and skin-safe, in comparison to nasties such as oxybenzone. Besides, it is rich in green tea and niacinamide, which soothe the skin like a dream (studies by Nutrients - MDPI and the International Wound Journal).

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica

UV Filters: Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, polysilicone-15, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, ethylhexyl triazone, and diethylhexyl butamido triazone

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50 PA++++

Quantity: 1.69 fl. oz.

5

Best Hypoallergenic Choice

COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen

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Those who dread white casts or any sort of icky residue on their skin should definitely try out this vitamin E-rich sunscreen from COSRX — a godsend brand for dry skin woes. The creamy formula is a treat to apply and seeps well into the skin, leaving it feeling nourished and comforted. And, by replenishing the skin barrier, it promises to lessen the signs of aging. 

The finish of this product is optimal to use as a makeup base, as it is quite lightweight and invisible. However, you do get a silky feel on your skin after applying it, which improves the texture of dry skin types.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, cacao, and cottonseed oil

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50+

Quantity: 1.69 fl. oz.

6

Best Hybrid Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Facial Face Sunscreen

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An ideal choice for sensitive and dry skin, this facial sunscreen has a creamy texture and indulgent consistency, which feels rather luxurious when applied. For your daytime skincare routine, you can substitute your face cream and simply apply this gem, considering it has the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid and doubles up as a hydrant.

Besides, EltaMD is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand that understands sun protection better than most others — this is a huge reason why one can count on it. Further, its hybrid UV filter formulation prevents sticky residues or white casts.

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, and octinoxate

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 35

Quantity: 3 oz.

7

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

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Among the best drugstore sunscreens for dry skin, this little gem from Neutrogena offers mild skin nourishment while safeguarding it against harsh UV rays. While being a cosmetically elegant chemical sunscreen, this formulation is reef-safe and free of nasties such as oxybenzone, which also reduces the chances of skin irritation. 

This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is also adequately hydrating and prevents the skin from getting dehydrated with prolonged sun exposure. I applied this product once when I went out playing beach ball with my friends, and its water-resistant formula did not get washed out with sweat, which is a huge plus! 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and vitamin E

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 70

Quantity: 3 fluid ounces

8

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen

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Another skin-soothing spectacle that also offers unparalleled sun protection is this moisturizing sunscreen from Aveeno. The formula of this nourishing sunscreen incorporates the brand’s favorite prebiotic oat extracts in addition to skin-absorbing organic UV filters that prevent sunburns and photodamage, while soothing inflammations common in dry and sensitive skin (research published on NCBI).

In addition to harmful actives such as oxybenzone, this safe and skin-friendly formula is also devoid of dyes, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, which further makes it an incredible investment. 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 60

Quantity: 2 fl. oz.

9

Best Organic Sunscreen

Paula's Choice RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50

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With the toughness of a high-defense sunscreen and the softness of a moisturizer, this skin-restoring product from Paula’s Choice offers great worth for your buck, especially if you have dry skin. The product is weightless, water-drenched, and melts onto the skin like a dream.

However, don’t let the texture of this product give you a wrong idea about its hydrating prowess, because the infusion of goodness such as shea butter, allantoin, aloe extracts, oat extracts, etc. boosts nourishment and moisture in your skin, like topical skin mirage!

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, niacinamide, licorice root extracts, and vitamin E

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50

Quantity: 2 fl. oz.

10

Best for a Dewy Finish

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

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This godsend sunscreen from Naturium envelops your skin in dewy goodness, which improves its appearance and allows you to face the sun fearlessly! It wouldn’t be wrong to consider this product as a powerhouse of antioxidants as it comprises vitamins B, C, and E to replenish the skin and fight environmental aggressors, for an added layer of protection.

While suiting most skin types, the majority of customers appreciate how this sweet little product soothes minor irritations and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and comforted. If you are tired of excessively mattifying sunscreens, then this glow-boosting formula is just what you need!

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, niacinamide, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50 PA+++

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz.

11

Best Organic Sunscreen

Alba Botanica While Wet Sunscreen

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Made with nourishing, skin-friendly botanicals such as aloe vera, sunflower oil, and safflower oil, this rejuvenating sunscreen checks several boxes for dry skin care. In addition to the ingredients, the sun filters infused in the formula are also organic and chemical-based, which reduces the likeability of it leaving a white cast. 

Most customers appreciate this product as it delivers what it promises, and compared to a lot of other products I’ve discussed in this article, this one goes easy on the pocket — as if democratizing sun protection for everyone!

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, octocrylene, and skin conditioners

Scent: Unclear information

SPF: 30

Quantity: 3 fl. oz.

12

Best Korean Sunscreen

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen

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A powerhouse of nourishing botanical extracts and moisturizing agents, this sunscreen feels incredible on dry and parched skin. While offering unparalleled defense to your skin, this product makes your skin more resilient by strengthening its protective barrier, thanks to the properties of ceramides and vitamin E.

Moreover, its formula is silky and moisture-drenched and absorbs dreamily into the skin leaving a velvety feel on it. This makes this product suitable to double up as a makeup primer. 

Active Ingredients: Rice bran oil, niacinamide, vitamin E, and ceramides

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl triazone, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, polysilicone-15, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine

Scent: Unscented

SPF: 50 PA++++

Quantity: 1.69 fl. oz.

13

IUNIK Centella Calming Moisture Daily Sunscreen

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Composed of  49% cica extracts, this soothing sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin surpasses all others for its groundbreaking anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to that, the product is immensely hydrating and kept my skin quenched and comforted for a very long time. 

Besides, the texture and consistency of this product is water-drenched, almost like a serum, which makes it seep into the skin quite easily. Moreover, despite being an oil-free formula, the product leaves the skin looking dewy and feeling rejuvenated.

Active Ingredients: Centella asiatica, niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin

UV Filters: Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, polysilicone-15

Scent: Subtle, barely-there scent

SPF: 50 PA++++

Quantity: 60 ml

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best sunscreens for dry skin, scroll away to see the buying guide to understand the right parameters to consider when buying a product.

Type of UV Filters:

There are two types of UV filters used in sunscreens — mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. The former comprises minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are the safest physical sunscreens that protect the skin by reflecting UV rays. On the other hand, the latter comprises organic chemicals such as avobenzone, ethylhexyl triazone, tris-biphenyl triazine, octocrylene, etc. that work by absorbing the UV rays instead of reflecting it, so that the harmful impact of the sun doesn’t penetrate through the skin. 

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, there are pros and cons to both. While mineral formulas may leave a white cast on the skin (if not formulated properly) and may come off with sweat, some chemical formulas may not be reef-safe and might cause allergic reactions in some. For dry and sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are typically recommended. However, with my experience and knowledge, I recommend considering the formulation as a whole, and some chemical sunscreens can be really good for dry skin as well. 

Moisturizing Ingredients:

Even if you are applying a moisturizer before going in with sunscreen, I recommend looking for sunscreen products that are rich in humectants and emollients — dry skin can always benefit from a little more hydration. Besides, this helps the product settle and absorb better into the skin and feel better as a result. Some hydrating and soothing ingredients you may look for are shea butter, sunflower oil, mango seed butter, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica (or cica), aloe vera, glycerin, cellulose, and niacinamide. For dry skin, avoid powder sunscreens to prevent further dehydration.

Level of Sun Protection:

This is an important factor to consider. An ideal SPF level for adequate sun protection is 30, 50, or anything in between. While anything less than SPF 30 would be insufficient sun protection, anything more than SPF 50 wouldn’t increase the protection factor very significantly. In addition to checking the number, it is important to ensure that the product offers broad-spectrum sun protection. The number of + placed in front of a PA rating indicates the level of UVA protection, which is something you may prioritize.

In addition to the above-mentioned points, one can scrutinize features such as texture, consistency, and finish when looking for a sunscreen for dry skin.

Step 1: Sunscreen is the third step of a basic daytime skincare routine. Hence, before you use sunscreen, it is important to prep your skin by thoroughly cleansing and generously moisturizing it. If there are any serums that you like to use in your daytime skincare, then ensure you apply them before the moisturizer.

Step 2: When it comes to applying sunscreen on their face and neck, one must always follow the two-finger rule — coat your index finger and middle finger with vertical strokes of the sunscreen, and then dot the same amount of the product evenly on your face and neck.

Step 3: Massage the product gently yet firmly onto the skin, in upward, circular motions to allow the product to absorb into the skin. Allow the product to settle for 2-5 minutes, before layering up with a primer and makeup, if desired. Otherwise, after waiting for 15 minutes to let the sunscreen activate, you may step out. 

Step 4: Re-apply the sunscreen every two to four hours as required, depending on how long you’re out in the sun. If you’re wearing makeup, it probably won’t be a great idea to apply sunscreen and ruin it. Hence, keep makeup products with SPF or a tinted sunscreen handy for re-application.