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The Best Sunscreens For Pale Skin
Time to crank up that SPF.
There are three reasons why I’d consider myself an authority on sunscreens for pale skin. One, I’m naturally a pale person; two, I test and write about beauty products for a living; and three, having lived in Asia — where the sunscreen selection is absolutely unparalleled — I’ve tried just about every innovative sunscreen under the sun. Though I could list dozens of sunscreens that hold a special place in my heart, dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., tells Bustle that the best sunscreens for pale skin have a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to prevent burning and long-term skin damage. “Pale skin has less natural protection against UV damage and will need more protection than darker skin types,” Dr. Greenfield says, noting that all skin types still need daily sunscreen. “SPF 30 is the minimum, but I recommend not relying on only one product containing SPF for pale skin,” she says, adding that the best protection methods include vigilantly reapplying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and opting for UPF clothing when you’re spending an extended period of time outdoors. Beyond that, choosing the right sunscreen for yourself will mostly come down to skin type and formula preference. Whether you have super sensitive, redness-prone skin or hate the feeling of traditional sunscreens, I guarantee you’ll find at least one intriguing option ahead.
The Expert
Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology and has been published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Journal of Women’s Dermatology.
Shop The Best Sunscreens For Pale Skin
In a hurry? Here are the best sunscreens for pale skin:
- Editor’s Pick: Heimish Artless Glow Base SPF 50+
- Best Mineral Sunscreen For Pale Skin That’s Sensitive: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield
- Best Facial Sunscreen For Redness-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen
- Best Tinted Body Sunscreen For Pale Skin: Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen With Instant Bronzer
- Best Face & Body Sunscreen For Pale Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion
- Best Sunscreen For On-The-Go Touch-Ups: Supergoop! Glow Stick
- A Tik-Tok Viral Sunscreen Worth Considering: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50
1Editor's Pick: TK
What We Like:
- High SPF level
- Feels like a lightweight serum
- Isn’t thick or greasy
- Leaves skin looking illuminated
What We Don’t Like
- Contains fragrance
Lately, I’ve been loving this Heimish Artless Glow Base. It’s like a sunscreen, primer, and illuminator all in one — it leaves my (very) pale skin looking glowy and fresh, while the SPF 50+ offers maximum protection from the sun. The consistency is more like a serum than a lotion or a cream, so it blends into skin beautifully without leaving behind a greasy or oily residue. Plus, it purportedly offers long-term skin brightening benefits, thanks to ingredients like niacinamide, rosa canina fruit extract, and peppermint leaf extract.
Relevant Review: “I am a ginger and I have such pale skin so I have tried so many different types of face sunscreen this one is BY FAR the best. It's not oily AT ALL. Super lightweight and it leaves a bit of a shine! I didn't know sunscreen could be this good.”
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.4 oz.
2Best Mineral Sunscreen For Pale Skin That’s Sensitive
What We Like:
- High SPF level
- Oil-free
- Reef-safe
- Fragrance-free
- Provides blue light and pollution protection
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
For fair-skinned folks who prefer mineral sunscreens, this Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield in ‘Original’ is a must-try. The formula only uses the mineral sunscreen ingredient zinc oxide, which is better tolerated by sensitive skin types, and it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free (both sensitive skin musts, according to Dr. Greenfield). Plus, it includes soothing ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, and bisabolol.
A great choice for pale skin types in particular, Colorescience imparts just the slightest hint of radiance with its peach-hued formula — it’s not quite tinted, but almost. Amp up the glowy factor even more by trying the ‘Glow’ shade, or fake a natural-looking tan with ‘Bronze.’ Also, it has a high SPF of 50, so you don’t have to worry about burning. In addition to protecting skin from UVA/UVB rays, it also provides blue light and pollution protection. Other highlights include its reef-safe, non-nano formula and ability to resist sweat and water for up to 40 minutes.
Relevant Review: “Being very pale, I burn easily, especially my face. I bought this product and it actually worked. My face didn’t get burnt once and it was very simple and easy to apply. I really enjoyed this product.”
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.8 oz.
3Best Facial Sunscreen For Redness-Prone Skin
What We Like:
- Noncomedogenic
- Reef-safe
- Fragrance-free
- Uses a green tint to counteract redness
What We Don’t Like:
- Not water- and sweat-resistant
If you have pale skin that’s prone to redness due to conditions like acne or rosacea, Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s a zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen, so it’s safe for sensitive skin, but what really makes it unique is its subtle green tint that immediately works to neutralize unwanted redness. The gel-cream formula is completely weightless, so if your skin is oily or gets easily congested, you’ll love how lightweight this feels. It's also fragrance-free, silicone-free, and noncomedogenic; plus, it’s packaged in an airtight bottle to keep it fresh.
Relevant Review: “This stuff is a serious godsend. No idea what I would do without it. […] My incredibly fair skin burns immediately. No joke — I’ve gotten sunburnt on Christmas Eve just while chatting outside with a neighbor for 30 minutes. Every other sunscreen feels so greasy and heavy in comparison, while this one is light and lovely. My adult acne prone pores don’t get clogged up by it, and the green tint helps cancel out the excess pink/red tones in my skin.”
Sunscreen Type: Mineral | SPF Level: 30 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.69 oz.
4Best Tinted Body Sunscreen For Pale Skin
What We Like:
- Inexpensive
- Cruelty-free
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Pairs SPF with a temporary tint of color
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains fragrance
Pale skin types tend to be especially vulnerable to burning and skin damage, so it’s best to avoid tanning — but you can still achieve an all-over (albeit temporary) glow with this bronzer-infused sunscreen from Australian Gold. It protects skin with an SPF of 30 and imparts a subtle hint of color using a caramel-derived bronzer, which will wash off once you shower. Antioxidants like tea tree and Kakadu plum keep your skin further protected, and nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil, and olive oil give this gel sunscreen a smooth glide while simultaneously pampering your skin.
Relevant Review: “I am naturally pale and burn easily, but putting this on in the hot sun not only keeps me from burning but definitely gives me a nice golden tan. You do have to be a little careful while it’s wet to not get it on your white cover-up or bathing suit, but after it dries, it’s not a problem. Did I mention how good it smells? It’s one of the best sunblocks out there.”
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | SPF Level: 30 | Fragrance-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 8 oz.
5Best Face & Body Sunscreen For Pale Skin
What We Like:
- High SPF level
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free and noncomedogenic
- Water- and sweat-resistant
What We Don’t Like:
- Not cruelty-free
If you don’t want any glow in your sunscreen, pick up a tube of La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion. Fragrance-free, sensitive skin-friendly, and enriched with free radical-fighting antioxidants, it can be used on both your face and body (though I reserve it for my body only). La Roche-Posay makes several excellent sunscreens, but what I love about this one is its refreshing, water-light feel: Upon application, it delivers a slight cooling sensation — an especially nice feature when it’s hot outside. It’s a great alternative to traditional, thick, creamy sunscreen lotions, due to its lightweight feel.
Relevant Review: “I am glow in the dark pale and this is my favorite sunscreen! So lightweight that I forget I’m wearing it but I never burn. Worth the price!”
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | SPF Level: 60 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No | Size: 5 oz.
6Best Sunscreen For On-The-Go Touch-Ups
What We Like:
- High SPF level
- Fragrance-free
- Water- and sweat-resistant
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
One of Dr. Greenfield’s top sunscreen tips is to keep a travel-size version in your bag so you can reapply it wherever the day takes you. The Supergoop! Glow Stick makes it easy to travel with your sunscreen, as it uses a dry oil stick applicator that you can twist up and glide right over your skin. The formula is completely clear and leaves a dewy (but not greasy) finish, whether you apply this to your face, chest, shoulders, or legs. And it includes a blend of moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and vitamin E to lock in hydration and further protect skin from environmental stressors.
Relevant Review: “Doesn’t leave a residue on my face and my skin literally glows. Stick makes application easy. I am very fair skinned and have not gotten sun burned while using this product.”
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 0.7oz.
7Honorable Mention: A TikTok-Viral Sunscreen Worth Considering
What We Like:
- High SPF level
- Gives skin a subtle glow
- Doubles as a primer
- Housed in a mess-free pump-top bottle
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing
There are tons of amazing sunscreens for pale skin on the market, but this one has recently gone viral on TikTok (and not just among pale-skinned folks — people with darker complexions have been loving it, too, as it doesn’t leave behind any sort of white cast). A moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer in one, it boasts a high SPF level and leaves skin looking glowy, but not shiny, shimmery, or greasy. It contains niacinamide to soothe and brighten skin over time, while the convenient pump-top bottle ensures a mess-free application method. What more could you want for just about $22?
Relevant Review: “I literally never write reviews but this product is absolutely amazing. there’s an esthetician i follow on tiktok (Kristyn Hoffman) who recommended this spf and I will never go back. I have super sensitive/combo/dry skin and this leaves my skin feeling so soft and doesn’t break me out. It seeps in so fast and doesn’t leave a white cast. My face feels so fresh and hydrated with out feeling oily. 10/10 recommend!!!”
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7oz.
FAQs
How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?
You should be wearing sunscreen every day, no matter what your skin color or type. But while you might be able to get away with just a face sunscreen on days when you’re covered up in long pants and a coat, if you’re spending time outside, you’ll need sunscreen for any exposed areas of your body, too. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating) is also crucial to preventing sun damage and sunburn when you’re spending any prolonged time outdoors.
What’s The Best Way To Apply Sunscreen?
Ideally, you should be applying your sunscreen 15 minutes prior to leaving the house, using about an ounce to cover your body and a half teaspoon for your face and neck. Also, don’t forget those oft-neglected areas (like your ears, your eyelids, and the tops of your feet), and if you’ve gone swimming, reapply your sunscreen as soon as you step out of the water.
Follow those steps, and your skin should stay properly protected from the sun. (That said, us pale people may want to take additional measures to keep our skin safe by wearing sun hats, staying in the shade whenever possible, and as Dr. Greenfield suggests, wearing UPF clothing.)
What’s The Difference Between Mineral & Chemical Sunscreen?
You’re likely already familiar with mineral and chemical sunscreens, but for a quick refresh, this refers to the active ingredients listed on your sunscreen that are responsible for protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. Mineral sunscreens are also sometimes referred to as physical sun blockers and will be listed as either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or a combination of both). These mineral filters sit on top of the skin to shield you from UV rays and are known for being more sensitive skin-friendly and more environmentally friendly (chemical sunscreen ingredients are known to damage coral reefs).
Any active ingredient in a sunscreen that isn’t zinc oxide or titanium dioxide falls under the chemical category, but more specifically, includes a combination of oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate. These ingredients work by sinking into the skin and absorbing UV rays (which is why you’ll want to allow 20 to 30 minutes for chemical sunscreens to sit on the skin before heading outside). While chemical sunscreens can be more irritating to those with sensitive skin and contribute to coral bleaching, they’re sometimes preferred for their ability to absorb into the skin without leaving behind any white cast (though there are certainly mineral formulations that achieve this, too).
Expert:
Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
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