7 Best Sunscreens for Eczema Approved by Dermatologists
Switch to the best sunscreens for eczema to keep sensitive skin safe and protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Reduce eczema flare-ups, calming and soothing your skin with regular application of these sunscreens.
Eczema is a sensitive skin issue that causes inflammation, redness, and dryness. Patches of skin become itchy, cracked, and rough. Eczema-prone skin is more susceptible to the damage caused by the sun's harmful rays. It is extremely necessary to protect such sensitive skin from the harsh sun rays. Wearing a sunscreen specifically formulated for eczema and other sensitive skin issues, with a minimum SPF of 30 is effective in keeping the skin safe and healthy.
These mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are made with 100% naturally derived minerals and infused with skin-hydrating agents to retain and replenish the skin's moisture. They are enhanced with physical blockers that reflect UV light, unlike chemical UV filters that absorb the UV rays, break them down, and release them as heat. As per our expertise, we have put together a list of some of the best sunscreens for eczema skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
TruKid Eczema SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Banana Boat Kids 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
In This Article
7 Best Sunscreens for Eczema
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1Best Overall
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
Calm and soothe your sensitive skin with the EltaMD UV clear face sunscreen. The oil-free formula has a powerful blend of zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that helps protect your face against breakouts and other skin concerns like rosacea, eczema, and hyperpigmentation. It is an essential daily face sunscreen for highly sensitive skin with broad spectrum SPF 46 that aids in blocking damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It reduces redness and improves dry skin, promoting healthier-looking skin. This sunscreen comes in a travel-friendly compact pack that can be worn alone or under makeup.
- Oil-free
- Lightweight formula
- Non-irritating
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Leaves a white cast
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
With the protection of broad spectrum SPF 30, the CeraVe hydrating face sunscreen is effective in blocking the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight formula is crafted with minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. The 100% minerals form a protective barrier against harmful sun rays, hyaluronic acid helps retain the skin's moisture, ceramides restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, and niacinamide helps calm and soothe sensitive skin. It is an effective face sunscreen for eczema recommended by the National Eczema Association as well as the Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Provides all-day hydration
- Moisturising
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formula
- White residue
CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, this non-comedogenic sunscreen lotion has also been accepted by the National Eczema Association as an ideal choice for acne, rosacea, and eczema-prone skin. It has an ultra-lightweight formula powered by broad spectrum SPF 30 that protects the face and body against sun exposure, and vitamin E that soothes and comforts the skin. Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from surface free radicals and other environmental stressors. This sunscreen for eczema locks in moisture to hydrate and keep the skin's microbiomes safe and healthy.
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight formula
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Provides lasting hydration
- Very thick consistency
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen
Protect your sensitive skin with this sunscreen for eczema from La Roche-Posay which utilizes the protective properties of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide along with antioxidants to keep sensitive skin safe. The weightless formula does not cause any breakouts or leave behind any greasiness. It gets absorbed into the skin quickly and can be worn under makeup as well as over it. This mineral sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 50 is soothing and hydrating for the skin.
- Non-greasy
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- texture Matte finish
- Fast-absorbing
- May leave a white cast
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Made with 100% naturally sourced sunscreen active ingredients, this baby sunscreen for eczema from Neutrogena is made for the baby's delicate skin. It offers your baby's skin a broad spectrum SPF 50 protection against harmful UV rays and prevents sunburn. The gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin, formulated with Purescreen Technology that absorbs, reflects, and scatters the dangerous sun rays. Like most sunscreens on the list, this one too has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, rendering it safe for use on a baby's sensitive skin.
- Hypoallergenic
- Tear-free
- Water-resistant
- 100% natural zinc oxide
- Good coverage
- Not effective for adult skin
TruKid Eczema SPF 30+ Sunscreen
TruKid's Eczema sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 30+ protection is essential for sensitive and irritated skin. The mineral sunscreen is safe to use for babies and adults. Its natural formula is gentle on baby's delicate skin as well as adult's sensitive skin. Infused with nourishing natural ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and green tea extract, the baby sunscreen for eczema calms and soothes skin irritation and sunburn, eases redness, aids in healing, hydrates and moisturizes the skin, and retains the skin's moisture.
- Plant-based ingredients
- Easy to use
- Travel-friendly
- Non-toxic
- No oily or thick consistency
- Expensive
Banana Boat Kids 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
With a broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, Banana Boat Kids sunscreen is made from 100% natural mineral zinc oxide that reflects light off the surface of the skin into the environment. It is one of the most effective sunscreen active ingredients. This sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection as well as it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for summer fun. With over 800 global ratings on Amazon, one user has said, "This is, by far, the best sunscreen I have ever used for my grand babies’ little faces. Used it 3 days in a row in temps over 90, swimming all day, and no burns. Also, it doesn’t burn and irritate their eyes the way others do. Great product!"
- Tear-free
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight formula
- Oil-free
- Prevents sunburn
- Extra-greasy
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Eczema?
Sun protection is necessary for all skin types, all ages, and in all seasons. Whether it’s the tinted sunscreen or a regular one that you’d like for your skin, when choosing the best sunscreen for eczema, the most important thing to keep in mind is the ingredients in the sunscreen. The ingredients play a crucial part in the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Along with ingredients, there are a few other points to take into consideration, as well, which are as follows:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Eczema-prone skin is ultra-sensitive and requires extra protection to avoid irritation. Choose a sunscreen free from harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Steer clear of chemical sunscreens as they contain chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. Although they are FDA-approved, they still have many side effects. - Select Mineral Active Ingredients
Opt for mineral-based sunscreens as they contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which offer sun protection without any hidden chemicals. Zinc oxide is used to treat various skin conditions like eczema and acne. This natural mineral active ingredient soothes, softens, and moisturizes the skin (1). - Natural Inactive Ingredients
While active ingredients like zinc and titanium ward off the sun's harmful rays, sunscreen also consists of inactive ingredients that contribute to its scent, consistency, and texture. When selecting a mineral sunscreen for eczema-prone skin, look for soothing and hydrating additional inactive ingredients that keep the skin moisturized. Elements like aloe vera, vitamin E, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, green tea extract, and shea butter restore and retain your skin's moisture, keeping the skin barrier protected. - Broad Spectrum
Make sure to buy a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB sun rays. Both these types of sun rays can cause skin cancer. UVA rays cause premature aging while UVB rays cause sunburn. Always select a sunscreen that is a broad spectrum to give your skin protection against both these damaging rays. - The Right SPF
Apart from the broad spectrum, it is essential to select the right sun protection factor or SPF in the sunscreen. According to studies, a mineral sunscreen with a broad spectrum of SPF 30 or more sun protection is ideal for eczema-prone skin. (2). - Water and Sweat Resistant
Look for a water-resistant and sweat-resistant mineral sunscreen that keeps sensitive skin comfortable without causing any flare-ups. -
Customer Reviews
When choosing products for sensitive skin, it is extremely important to do thorough research before buying as sensitive skin gets easily inflamed or irritated. Browse through the customer reviews while buying sunscreen for eczema-prone skin to learn about the safety of the ingredients, SPF protection, and performance quality.
Conclusion
Our findings show that the best sunscreens for eczema are approved by board-certified dermatologists and have a minimum broad spectrum SPF 30 protection from both UVA and UVB rays. They are alcohol-free and fragrance-free and do not cause any irritation or allergic reaction. They are purely mineral sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals like paraben, phthalate, or oxybenzone. The sunscreens for eczema are gentle on the skin and when applied in thin layers, they get fully absorbed into the skin. Give your delicate, sensitive skin the love and care it deserves with these lightweight sunscreens that provide reliable sun protection as well as long-lasting hydration. But remember, it is important to wear protective clothing along with applying the right types of sunscreens to completely protect your skin.
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Why Trust Pinkvilla
The author, Anoushka, is our in-house skincare expert. She understands the troubles of eczema and has hence found the best sunscreens for eczema-prone skin. Eczema makes the skin sensitive and itchy. Daily use of these sunscreens will calm and soothe the skin while protecting it from the damaging effects of the sun. Before recommendation, she has gone through each of the product's ingredient list, skin type, and customer reviews to bring you the best of the best.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More