Facebook Pixel

14 Effective and Safe Allergy Free Sunscreens You Should Be Using

By HERWriter
 
Rate This
skin Via Pexels

What makes a sunscreen effective? Is it the SPF? Is it the type - spray-on or traditional? According to Dr. James Yiannias, a Board Certified Dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ, it all starts with the right ingredients.

He recommends sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for the most effectiveness in protecting your skin from the sun. Another ingredient to consider is ecamsule, which has many variations in names and spellings.

SkinSAFEProducts.com is a tool created in conjunction with Mayo Clinic to show what ingredients are contained within products so skin allergy sufferers and health conscious consumers can avoid ingredients that may be harmful to their skin. SkinSAFE gives each skincare product in its system a rating depending upon the number of common allergen causing ingredients that are residing inside of the product. In order for a product to get a 100 percent or Top Free Score, it must not contain any of the following ingredients:

  • Bacitracin
  • Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
  • Benzalkonium Chloride
  • Cobalt Chloride
  • Formaldehyde
  • Fragrance
  • Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile
  • Neomycin
  • Nickel
  • Methylisothiazolinone
  • Potassium Dichromate

The following sunscreens are all Top Allergen Free and contain none of these ingredients, making them safe for those with the most common skin allergies.

Here are the top 14 hypoallergenic sunscreens rated Top Allergen Free by SkinSAFE in no particular order:

1. Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

vanicreamThis sunscreen is top allergen free - meaning it's safe for those who have the most common skin allergies. It was made specifically for those with sensitive skin and does a great job at moisturizing. Many users say it offers water resistance too, making it a good choice if you're spending time by the pool or beach this summer. 

SPF 60

SkinSAFE Rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

2. CoTZ Sensitive Sunscreen 

cotz
This water-resistant sunscreen is perfect for allergy sufferers or those just looking for a good sunscreen. It's dermatologist recommended for ultra sensitive skin. CoTZ Sensitive Sunscreen applies smoothly to skin, leaving transparent protection for most complexions.

SPF 40

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains zinc oxide.

View More Info

3. Solar Protection Formula TIZO2 Age Defying Fusion

solar protection

Containing only 12 ingredients and with the inclusion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this is a go-to sunscreen for those looking to protect their skin. This sunscreen rubs into skin easily without leaving much white residue, and is non-greasy.

SPF 40

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

4. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense

skinceuticalsThis sunscreen is lightweight and sheer, with a matte formula that is 100 percent Top Allergen Free. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense offers broad-spectrum protection. It's lightweight and ultra-sheer, so you don't have to worry about greasy or sticky skin.

SPF 50

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum

ELTAMD

This sunscreen is oil-free and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. The gentle formula rubs into both wet and dry skin quickly. Fans of EltaMD sunscreen love the fact that it is so lightweight. It's a great option for those with sensitive skin, including those with rosacea. 

SPF 47

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

6. VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover

VMV


This gentle formula is a great choice as a daily sunscreen for those with sensitive skin. It's a medium-weight cream that not only protects from the sun, but also serves as a great moisturizer.

SPF 45

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Cream UVA Protection with Mexoryl SX

La Roche-Posay

This sunscreen is one of the most effective because of its inclusion of Mexoryl or ecamsule, and zinc oxide. 'Mexoryl SX' is a sun filter that helps protect against even short UVA rays. It works great as a daily moisturizer for a healthy glow too.

SPF 40

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and ecamsule.

View More Info

8. Ology Sunscreen Lotion

ology

As a fragrance-free sunscreen, many say Ology is one of the better smelling ones. This sunscreen is very affordable compared to other similar types. 

SPF 50

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

9. Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen

babyganics

Made especially for babies, this sunscreen offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is tear free and applies to skin easily, keeping your baby safe in the sun. 

SPF 30

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

10. Badger All Natural Sunscreen, Unscented

badger

Badger sunscreen has a simple formula with just five ingredients. Being unscented, it doesn't have the same strong smell that many sunscreens have. Ingredients in badger sunscreen help moisturize and soothe skin, while helping you stay safe in the sun.

SPF 30

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains zinc oxide.

View More Info

11. UV Natural Baby

UV Natural Baby

This sunscreen is also geared toward babies specifically. It is water resistant for up to nearly two hours. UV Natural Baby ingredient list is comprised of many oils and extracts which help soothe and protect your baby's soft and sensitive skin. 

SPF 30

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains zinc oxide.

View More Info

12. Cleure Natural Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin




Cleure Natural sunscreen is very lightweight and can be worn under makeup, leaving nearly no white residue.The sunscreen can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. 

SPF 30

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

13. SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum

Skinmedica

SkinMedica mentions it is gentle for sensitive skin as well as post-procedure skin. Its light texture wears well beneath makeup and is non-greasy.

SPF 30

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

14. Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum

neutrogena

This baby sunscreen is water resistant and sweat resistant. The soft, lightweight option is a good choice for sensitive baby's skin. It's also tear free so it won't irritate or harm baby's eyes. It's important for parents to know there is a difference between SPF 45 and SPF 60 of this brand. SPF 60 of Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion is not Top Free and does contain MI.

SPF 45

SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free

Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

View More Info

Reviewed May 16, 2016 by Michele Blacksberg RN

Read more in Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin

Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin

10 Skin Care Ingredients Banned in Other Places, But Not in the US

10 Skin Care Ingredients Banned in Other Places, But Not in the US

How Teens Can Make More Informed Decisions About Their Skin Care Products

How Teens Can Make More Informed Decisions About Their Skin Care Products

Do Anti-aging Products Really Work? The Science Behind Them

Do Anti-aging Products Really Work? The Science Behind Them

Why Are Some Women More Prone to Acne?

Why Are Some Women More Prone to Acne?

All in Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.