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5 Sunscreen Sprays That Won't Irritate Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin you become an expert at reading product labels — because it seems like everything under the sun can irritate your skin. And, speaking of the sun, learning to find the best sunscreen sprays for sensitive skin that won't cause breakouts, rashes, or inflammation is yet another thing you may feel like you need a Ph.D. to determine.
The great thing about non-aerosol spray formulas is that they're so much less messy and less likely to ruin your clothing and couch than thick creams. The good news is that there are great sprays with modern mineral sunscreen formulas out there that are ideal for your sensitive skin.
Each of these highly reviewed spray sunscreens boasts qualities that make them stand out — from added antioxidants and sebum-absorbing bentonite clay to nourishing organic oils and flower extracts that help protect sensitive skin. But, generally speaking, a sunscreen spray for sensitive skin should be free of potential irritants like oxybenzone, parabens, sulfates, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances. Physical formulas that rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection are always preferable to chemical sunscreen formulas for those with sensitive skin.
If you're curious about spray formulas, but always assumed they wouldn't be right for your sensitive skin, here are five great, non-irritating products to consider.
1A Pediatrician-Tested, Non-Sticky SPF 50 With Antioxidants
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50, $13, Amazon
This spray sunscreen with SPF 50 got the pediatrician stamp of approval and stands out for its high UVA and UVB protection and its hypoallergenic formula. It's also free of oxybenzone and infused with vitamins and antioxidants like red algae, Vitamin E, and eucalyptus extract. Reviewers say this sunscreen absorbs in a flash and leaves skin looking matte and feeling super soft.
2A Gluten-Free Spray Sunscreen With Healing Flower Extracts
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Mineral Spray Sunscreen SPF 35, $10, Amazon
With 100 percent vegetarian ingredients, this reef-safe, biodegradable, and gluten-free spray sunscreen provides SPF 35 protection and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. It's free of artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, as well as oxybenzone, nano-particles, and even Vitamin A — which, unbeknownst to some, can cause reactions in sensitive skin types. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect skin from the sun's rays and added calendula flower extracts and chamomile provide an additional layer of hydration.
3A Zinc Sunscreen With Sebum-Absorbing Bentonite For Oily Sensitive Skin
MyChelle Sun Shield Clear Spray SPF 30, $15, Amazon
If you have sensitive, oily skin you may be feeling a little let down by all of the sensitive skin sunscreen formulas that boast ingredients that you just know are bound to clog your pores. This spray sunscreen with SPF 30 is a zinc-based product that actually contains sebum-absorbing bentonite for a more matte finish. It's water-resistant up to 80 minutes and infused with anti-inflammatory safflower seed oil that can help heal acne and keep skin hydrated without making it feel oily.
4SPF 30 With Non-Nano Minerals & Nourishing Safflower Oil
Kiss My Face Organics Mineral Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30, $18, Amazon
Formulated with 73 percent organic ingredients that include hydrating safflower oil and a non-nano mineral blend, this spray sunscreen with SPF 30 is ideal for the most sensitive skin types. It's free of ozybenzone, parabens, and even gluten and is both vegan and cruelty-free. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide full broad-spectrum protection and antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause further skin damage.
5A Water-Resistant Sports Formula With No Fragrance
Goddess Garden Organics Sport SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen, $12, Amazon
A fragrance-free spray sunscreen with soothing organic aloe vera and sunflower oil, this SPF 30 sports formula was made to withstand sweat and water (for up to 80 minutes) without irritating or drying out sensitive skin. It's made with non-nano minerals, is non-GMO and vegan, and is free of oxybenzone, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Even the bio-degradable packaging makes you feel good about using this product.
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