Rosacea is a skin condition that is common in people with light skin. So, if you have rosacea, you’ll be thrilled to know that we have combed out the best sunscreen for rosacea. Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare items, offering protection from harmful UV rays and works great for rosacea-prone skin as well. It usually has a direct effect on the face, but the symptoms can be controlled or treated by using proper medication or products. In this post, we have curated some sunscreens that are effective for rosacea to make your selection process easy.
17 Best Sunscreens For Rosacea
Some manufacturers of the below-mentioned sunscreens claim that their products are safe for rosacea. As everyone has unique skin and the triggers of rosacea are different, you should always read the ingredients.
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: EltaMD Skincare
It is a facial sunscreen that contains SPF 46 and is suitable for acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea-prone skin type. It calms and protects the skin against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. The sunscreen contains 9% transparent zinc oxide and is free from oil, fragrance, and alcohol. This video takes you through EltaMD Skincare’s unique features, making it easier for you to make a buying decision. Pros
Has an untinted formula. Non-comedogenic and sensitivity-free. Dermatologist-recommended brand.
Cons
May not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin. May leave a whitish residue on the skin for some.
2. Best UVA And UVB Protection: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
This is a face and body stick that glides smoothly and leaves no mess on the skin. It contains SPF 70, has a non-shiny finish, and feels weightless. It offers a grease-free finish, and the sunscreen technology offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Here’s a review video summarizing the features of this product. Pros
Dermatologist-recommended. Paba-free and non-comedogenic. Doesn’t clog pores and is clean and light on the skin.
Cons
May cause rashes or irritation to some.
3. Best Anti-Aging: Sun Bum Sunscreen
This sunscreen has a moisturizing formula that protects your skin and hydrates your skin too. It neutralizes free radicals and reduces signs of skin aging. It contains SPF 50 and is enriched with vitamin E. It comes in variants of SPF 15, 30, and 70 too. Here’s a video of a detailed review of the product to help you decide. Pros
Vegan and cruelty-free. Non-comedogenic and free from paraben, gluten, PABA, and oil. Water-resistant and broad-spectrum protection.
Cons
May cause allergic reactions to some.
4. Best Dermatologist-Recommended: DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Sunscreen
The product is made with a combination of ingredients that serves as a facial sunscreen and moisturizer. It protects the skin from the UVA, UVB, and infrared radiation and hydrates the skin too. It is lightweight, blends well on the skin, and doesn’t leave any whitish residue. Pros
Dermatologist-recommended formula. Oil-, paraben-, gluten-, and hormone-free. Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons
Could cause dry skin to some.
5. Best For Restoring Elastin: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless
This sunscreen plus moisturizer not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays but also hydrates your skin. It offers a smooth texture and helps you maintain healthy skin. The antioxidant-rich formula with vitamins C and E nourishes your skin and also boosts elasticity. Pros
Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Non-greasy and strengthens the natural moisture of the skin. Blackberry complex helps to reduce the effects of elastin depleted skin.
Cons
May cause allergy to sensitive skin. May have a strong smell.
6. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
It is a facial sunscreen that is mineral-based, lightweight, and comes in water-gel formula. It contains antioxidants (vitamin E, caffeine, and green tea) and hyaluronic acid that nourishes and hydrates your skin. The sunscreen is good for sensitive skin and protects against the harmful rays of the sun. Pros
Dermatologist-recommended. Doesn’t clog pores. Free from parabens and fragrance.
Cons
May leave a whitish shade. May appear greasy on the skin.
7. Best Water-Gel Formula: Vanicream Sunscreen Sport
It is light in weight and spreads evenly on the skin. This non-greasy formula with SPF 35 provides broad-spectrum protection from the sun. It is free from fragrance and suitable for the ones who spend their time in outdoor activities. Pros
Water-resistant and non-comedogenic. Skin-friendly and suitable for all skin tones. Free from fragrance, parabens, lanolin, dyes, and other preservatives.
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive skin. May dry the skin for some.
8. Best For Outdoor Activities: Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer With Sunscreen
It is a non-greasy and light moisturizer that protects and hydrates your skin. It has SPF 50 that offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun rays. The sunscreen cleanses your skin too and causes no irritation. The brand offers a value pack of two and three bottles. Pros
Suitable for all skin types. Fragrance-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. Gentle and safe on sensitive skin.
Cons
Could be sticky and heavy on the skin.
9. Best For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
This sunscreen lotion contains SPF 50 and is untinted and ultra-light, suiting all types of skin tones. It contains a combination of antioxidants and mineral sun filter that protects the skin from UVA and UVB. The sunscreen blends well on the skin and offers a matte finish as it dries. Pros
Paraben and fragrance-free. Made with Cell-Ox shield technology. Water-resistant and dermatologist-recommended.
Cons
May have a grainy texture. May not be suitable on sensitive skin.
10. Best Water-Resistant: Olay Sun Facial Sunscreen
It is a facial sunscreen that comes with antioxidants and SPF 35 to protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays. It comes in two variants, namely makeup primer and shine control. It is not greasy and blends with the skin. Pros
Oil-free formula that contains vitamin B3 and E, along with antioxidants. Offers a matte-finish on the skin. Suits all skin tones.
Cons
Could give an oily feel for some. The texture of the cream may not be so good. May not be ideal for oily skin.
11. Best For All Skin Tones: MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme
It is a lightweight sunscreen that gives you a matte finish once you apply. It blends in with your skin in no time. It has SPF 50 and offers maximum protection to your skin from UVA-UVB, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer and photoaging. Pros
Non-irritating and non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores). Water-resistant, fragrance-free, and gentle. Developed and approved by dermatologists. Oil-free and suitable for acne, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin.
Cons
May not be suitable for skin that is too sensitive. The tube doesn’t contain enough cream.
12. Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sunscreen
It is a water-based sunscreen that is made with mild ingredients and Centella extracts to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays and toxic elements in the environment. The cream is not sticky, and it doesn’t leave any white marks on your skin. It comes with SPF 50+ and is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Pros
Vegan and cruelty-free Calms and moisturizes skin. Oil-free and free from parabens and artificial fragrance.
Cons
Could cause irritation and allergic reactions.
13. Replenix Ultimatte perfection
It is a mattifying, skin-enhancing, and tinted sunscreen with SPF 50. It contains antioxidants that provide advanced protection from free radicals and UV rays. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin tones, and it may even reduce the formation of aging signs and even the skin tone. Pros
Can be used as a makeup primer too. Helps in controlling oil and hydrating skin. Lightweight and breathable on the skin.
Cons
May make skin look oily. May not be suitable for too sensitive skin.
14. iS Clinical Extreme Protect
The sunscreen contains SPF 30 and antioxidants to protect your skin from UVA and UVB. It also has clinically-proven extremozyme technology that prevents DNA damage to the skin. It also works as a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Pros
Rich and hydrating. Repairs and protects the skin. Reduces inflammation, erythema, and DNA damage.
Cons
Has a strong smell. Has a thick consistency.
15. SkinMedica Essential Defense
It is a lightweight, sheer mineral sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It comes with SPF 35 and helps in preventing sunburn. The sunscreen is free from oil and fragrance too. Pros
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It is free from parabens.
Cons
Could be greasy.
16. Rosacea Care ZincO Cream
This product is specifically formulated for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. It contains ZincO that protects against the harmful UVA-UVB rays. It can be used by people with sensitive skin too. It also works as a moisturizer. Pros
Contains SPF 20. Provides broad-spectrum protection from the sun rays. Paraben-free and doesn’t leave any whitish marks on the skin.
Cons
May feel oily for some.
17. Soleil Toujours Sunscreen Mist
It is an organic formulation that is infused with botanicals and hydrating antioxidants to protect your skin from UV and DNA damage and to decrease the appearance of signs of aging. It also smoothens your skin and prevents any loss of firmness. It is available in SPF 30 and 50 broad-spectrum variants. Pros
Comes in spray form. Contains green tea leaf extract and an EcoSun complex. Made from natural ingredients. Suitable for all skin tones.
Cons
Could be too shiny. May cause irritation to some with sensitive skin.
How Do You Know If You Have Rosacea?
You might know you have sensitive skin, but you may not know you have rosacea-prone skin. Here are some signs of rosacea (1).
Redness across the face, including cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead (the symptom may come and go and intensify in heat). Stinging or burning sensation when regular skincare products are used. Some other symptoms could be thick skin, sore eyelids, swelling, dry skin, and yellow-orange patches.
How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For Rosacea?
If you have rosacea-prone skin, then keep the following points in mind while choosing a sunscreen. Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “A fragrance-free sunscreen is best as it does not contain alcohol, which has the potential to dry out the skin. Also, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF, and always do a patch test before trying a new product to make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and personal care products. Her thorough analysis and research skills help her bring high-quality products to meet the user’s requirements. Here, Poulami has listed some of the best sunscreens for rosacea with skin-safe ingredients that you can add to your skincare regime. She takes you through some important points to consider before choosing a suitable product for your skin. Each product also includes the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
