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You want to do right by your skin and protect it from the sun, but how can you when your sunscreen just won't get along with your skin? News flash: You're probably not using the best formula for your skin type. As anyone with dry skin will tell you, the wrong formula can exacerbate dry patches, lead to flakiness, and make fine lines more visible — not to mention, certain sunscreens can actually make your skin feel more dehydrated than it already is.
"If you have dry skin, you generally want to stay away from drying ingredients like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol, which are all commonly used in skin care," says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in San Diego, California. "Instead, opt for formulations that have hydrating, noncomedogenic properties like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides."
Sunscreens come in many different forms: sticks, lotions, creams, sprays, gels, and more. Gels tend to be better for oily skin since they don't leave behind a sticky residue, and Dr. Palm recommends lotions over sprays because "they offer better coverage and sun protection overall." Sticks are also a great option if you plan on traveling or applying while you're on the go.
As for what type of sunscreen to use if you're #TeamDrySkin, mineral-based is a safe bet. "Chemical sunscreen agents are more likely to cause irritation to the skin or even the development of contact dermatitis over time whereas physical sunscreen agents like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are anti-inflammatory and should not irritate the skin," says Dr. Palm. (We'll note which sunscreens below contain chemical filters, so you can make the most informed decision.)
Ahead, find 13 dry skin-approved sunscreens that'll hydrate and protect skin against UV rays.
If you feel more confident using doctor-formulated skin-care brands, you'll appreciate the Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40. (Fun fact: Loretta Ciraldo, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the eponymous brand, was among the first cohorts to study the effects of UVA radiation on human skin at Harvard's photobiology lab in the 1970s.) We're all for this smoothing, zinc-oxide formula that acts as an effective sunscreen and lightweight moisturizer in one, powered by potent ingredients like ectoin to guard skin against pollution and blue light, as well as shea butter for its anti-inflammatory and skin-softening benefits.
The EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is recommended time and time again by dermatologists for its moisturizing formula and lightweight feel. "This sunscreen is a staple in my skin-care routine and is perfect for dry skin as it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants," says Dr. Palm. "In skin care, hyaluronic acid is an incredibly effective ingredient that helps your skin retain more water, which minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dry texture." We're fans of this formula's smooth application and discreet scent.
If you want a tinted sunscreen you can wear without or under makeup, Alastin's HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 is a winner. "I'm a fan of this because it’s a zinc-based sunscreen formulated with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other moisturizing agents," says Dr. Palm. The mineral formula is great for sensitive skin, noncomedogenic (so it won't clog your pores), and imparts a subtle glow for a brighter, more-awake complexion.
Looking for a gentle, no-fuss sunscreen suitable for everyday wear? Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, recommends the CeraVe's oil-free and non-greasy AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen SPF 30, calling out its use of ceramides, which he says is great for dry skin. Dr. Mark notes that "ceramides are chains of fatty acids that together make a lipid, which is common in the uppermost layers of the skin and work to protect the barrier, hold skin cells together, and seal in moisture."
Sorry, but with Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, there's really no excuse to skip sunscreen. Its nifty stick format lends itself to easily being thrown in your bag for hands-free swiping while you're on the go. It also makes reapplication seamless (because yes, reapplying is just as important as that initial application). Aside from its functionality, the formula is also noteworthy: it's sweat- and water-resistant, dries down to a clear, dewy finish, and keeps dry skin hydrated with cloudberry and dragon fruit extracts. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains homosalate.)
We're swiping right on this two-in-one primer-moisturizer hybrid from Thrive Causemetics. Its makeup-gripping capabilities promise up to 16 hours of wear while its broad-spectrum protection manages to not end up with dreaded flashback or a white cast. Don't be thrown off by the face sunscreen's satin-matte finish — it’s anything but drying thanks to ingredients like banana flower and blue-green algae extracts. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate.)
With Luzern's La Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, common signs of aging like premature wrinkles, skin laxity, and dark spots don't stand a chance. That's because the formula, despite using mineral-based protectors zinc oxide and titanium oxide, boasts a creamy, lightweight texture that glides on cast-free, making you actually look forward to putting it on. It's also perfect for year-round wear, as it's fortified with argan oil to lightly moisturize during the spring and summer months and green tea leaf extract to soothe dry, cracked skin during the fall and winter.
New York-based board-certified dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD, recommends Neova Everyday Facial Fluid SPF 44 because it contains "eight and a half percent zinc oxide, antioxidants, and DNA-repairing enzymes" to protect the skin and repair any sun damage that's occurred. On top of that, this nourishing, fragrance-free formula absorbs into the skin without flaking or clinging to dry patches.
The main moisturizing ingredient in Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is everyone's favorite toast topping: avocado. Known for its antioxidant-rich properties, it minimizes skin inflammation and keeps dryness at bay. It's teamed up with skin-soothing jojoba oil and vitamin C-packed carrot juice, and the formula is especially perfect for people of color thanks to its non-ashy finish and zero white cast. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.)
Urban Skin RX SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30 is proof that not all mineral sunscreens will make you appear ghostly. The formula dries down to a sheer finish, making it suitable for all skin tones, and it uses safflower seed oil to offer light moisturization. What's more, it blends into the skin like a dream, residue-free.
The beauty about a product like Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45 is that it's completely adaptable: It plays well with any makeup you choose to put on top (translation: no pilling), but it also looks good solo if a glowy finish is what you're after. As far as ingredients go, you'll find niacinamide in this formula, which Dr. Palm says "is a powerful antioxidant that offers a range of skin-care benefits, like boosting collagen production and reducing discoloration." It's also particularly helpful in improving skin barrier function, which helps to lock in moisture and improve overall hydration, she adds. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.)
Vacation's SPF 30 Baby Oil celebrates the look, feel, shine, and scent of classic baby oils of the past, but with an elevated formula that's actually safe to wear in the sun. Ingredients such as jojoba oil and bisabolol keep parched skin moisturized while calendula, chamomile, and vitamin E calm and replenish. Of course, as with all things Vacation, the scent is iconic, featuring top notes of orange blossom extract with hints of French jasmine and candied almonds throughout. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.)
Supergoop's claim to fame is its sunscreens, so it's no wonder the Glow Stick SPF 50 Sunscreen made our list. If you hate the feeling of sunscreen on your hands, you'll appreciate that this convenient stick applicator glides onto the skin like a breeze for mess-free application anytime, anyplace. It's also packed with tamanu oil to deeply moisturize and pracaxi oil to fend off discoloration. (Note: This is a chemical sunscreen that contains avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.)
More on summer beauty:
- The 19 Best Self-Tanners For a Natural-Looking, Healthy Glow All Year Round
- 21 Sweatproof Makeup Products That Won't Melt Off on Hot Summer Days
- The 15 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Really Work
Now, watch Rachel Bilson's glowing beauty routine:
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