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
SPF 60
SkinSAFE Rating: Top Allergen Free
Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
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.
3. Solar Protection Formula TIZO2 Age Defying Fusion
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.
4. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense
SPF 50
SkinSAFE rating: Top Allergen Free
Contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum
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.
6. VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover
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.
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Cream UVA Protection with Mexoryl SX
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.
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.
9. Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen
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.
10. Badger All Natural Sunscreen, Unscented
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.
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.
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.
13. SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
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.
14. Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
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.
Reviewed May 16, 2016 by Michele Blacksberg RN
Read more in Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Skin