7 Best Sunscreens For Keratosis Pilaris To Buy In 2024, Expert-Approved

For shielding your skin from UV radiation and soothing dry, irritated skin.

Reviewed by Diane Howard, Certified Cosmetic Nurse
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition also known as ‘chicken skin’. The best sunscreens for keratosis pilaris should offer multiple skin benefits. Whether using mineral or chemical sunscreens, it is a must that it is a skin-friendly formula. Your sunscreen should not only have broad-spectrum SPF but also be moisturizing, nourishing, waterproof, and have anti-inflammatory ingredients for enhanced redness reduction and balanced protection.

In keratosis pilaris, the skin develops small red or white bumps that are not really harmful or painful. But, people with keratosis pilaris tend to have extremely dry skin that gets itchy and agitated quite easily. So, make sure your sunscreen has soothing ingredients.

In this article, we have listed the best sunscreens for keratosis pilaris that will take care of your skin’s needs without further irritating it or causing bumps. So, go ahead and check them out now!

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Hypoallergenic:Sun Bum Original SPF 50
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:EltaMD Skincare UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight:MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin:Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Replenix Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Best Hydrating:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen
Price on Amazon

7 Best Sunscreens For Keratosis Pilaris

1. Best Hypoallergenic: Sun Bum Original SPF 50

4.7
Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion Image: Sun Bum

The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 is an ideal everyday sunscreen lotion with dual moisturizing and sun protection. It is enriched with vitamin E that provides antioxidant benefits, and liquidates free radicals, thereby preventing premature aging. This dermatologist-tested, vitamin-infused sunscreen is enriched with the proprietary Sun Bum Original scent to enhance the sensory appeal and is loved by reviewers online.

Item Weight: 0.6 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 2 inches | Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene 10.00%,

Pros

  • Easy to apply
  • Moisturizing
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Reef-friendly
  • Water-resistant
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Octinoxate-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • PABA-free

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 22,214 rave reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Long-Lasting: Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion

4.6
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion Image: Banana Boat

If you are looking for a high-performance sunscreen made specifically for athletes and sports enthusiasts who sweat in the sun while playing outdoors, go for the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion. It is clinically proven to provide long-lasting, broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun protection with superior sweat and water resistance, all this without running into your eyes! This sunscreen features a lightweight and breathable formula that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Item Weight: 0.82 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 3.05 x 8 inches

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.5%, and Octocrylene 6.5%

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Long-lasting
  • No white cast
  • Quick absorbing
  • Easy to spread
  • Reef-friendly
  • Water-resistant
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Octinoxate-free

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"I love that this sunscreen resists water and sweat. It shields my skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It does not make my skin greasy. The formula leaves my skin looking clear and radiant."

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 11,269 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

3. Best For All Skin Types: EltaMD Skincare UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

4.6
EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Image: Eltamd

For athletes, swimmers, golfers, or skiers subjected to prolonged sun exposure every day, a specially designed sunscreen like the EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 is an ideal choice. This mineral-based sunscreen is enriched with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum coverage and the organic compound of octinoxate that increases UV protection. It also contains tocopheryl acetate or vitamin E that minimizes free radical damage to prevent visible signs of aging and has garnered positive reviews online. This transparent sunscreen is ideal for all skin types and ensures zero white casts.

Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 2 x 7 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, and Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply around 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to your face or follow the 3-finger rule. The rule states that the right amount of sunscreen that needs to be applied to get the perfect coverage is equal to three fingers.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 10,079 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50
Best Hypoallergenic
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion
Best Long-Lasting
EltaMD Skincare UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Best For All Skin Types
Weight 0.6 Pounds 0.82 Pounds-
Dimensions 4 x 6 x 2 inches 1.85 x 3.05 x 8 inches 1.4 x 2 x 7 inches
Weight 9.6 Ounces- 3 Ounces
Rating
Reviews22,21411,26910,079
Price$18.49$9.97$28

4. Best Lightweight: MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème SPF 50

4.3
MDSolarSciences SPF 50 Mineral Creme-1.75 Oz (Package May Vary) Image: Mdsolarsciences

If you are looking for a 100% mineral sunscreen with a rich and luxurious cream formula, go for the MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème. This lightweight sunscreen spreads easily and provides a gentle application for acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and sensitive skin while drying to a true matte finish. It is ideal for all skin tones as it leaves no white cast and doubles as a makeup primer by blurring out imperfections.

This clinically proven formula is enriched with nature-derived Eco-cert zinc oxide to prevent photo-aging and skin cancer. Additionally, the antioxidant-rich extracts of green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate work to combat damage from sun rays and free radicals.

Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.1 x 6.2 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc oxide, Vitamin C, Green tea extract, Cranberry fruit extract, Pomegranate extract

Pros

  • No white cast
  • Gentle formula
  • Lightweight
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Water-resistant
  • Vegan
  • Reef-safe
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Octinoxate-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 451 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

The reef-safe sensitive mineral sunscreen by Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen provides complete face and body protection. This SPF 30 formula is enriched with a combination of zinc oxide and titanium oxide to deliver broad-spectrum sun protection from up to 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. It is also ideal for people struggling with sensitive skin issues, rosacea, or eczema while being safe for your children as well.

Item Weight: 10.9 Ounces | Color: ‎Multi | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎6 x 5 x 4 inches

Key Ingredients: Titanium oxide 8% and Zinc oxide 10%

Pros

  • Eases eczema
  • Non-irritating
  • Water-resistant
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Reef-safe
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Octinoxate-free

Cons

  • None

6. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: Replenix Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen

4.1
Replenix Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen Image: Replenix

Perfect for even the most sensitive skin type, the Replenix Sheer Physical Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Plus is sure to be your go-to. This formula is a proprietary dermatologist-developed cream that comes with a superior broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to give UVA and UVB protection. The sheer mineral formula features medical-grade micronized zinc oxide which is ultra-light on the skin and gets absorbed instantly.

It also contains green tea polyphenol technology along with an advanced tri-antioxidant blend of clinical-grade resveratrol and vitamin A and vitamin E which aids in soothing and calming redness and sensitive skin. The antioxidant properties of this cream also provide anti-aging benefits and protect your skin from free radical damage by protecting its natural moisture barrier.

Item Weight: 2 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sheer finish
  • Smooth and quick-absorbing
  • Provides UVA/UVB protection
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Anti-aging properties
  • Combats free radical damage

Cons

  • Contains photosensitizers

Our Tester's Experience

"This sunscreen applies smoothly to my skin and soothes it. It minimizes the appearance of sun damage on my skin. I like how lightweight it feels on my skin. The formula does not leave a white cast."


protip_icon Remember
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen and leave it on your skin. Step out after 20 to 25 minutes before exposure to UV so that the protective layer gets formed and helps with battling UV rays, damage, tan, and sunburn.

7. Best Hydrating: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen

4.4
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen Lotion Image: Aveeno

The dual-action formula of Aveeno Protect + Hydrate sunscreen is an effective solution for people with dehydrated skin. It provides intense 24-hour hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 60 sun protection while also eliminating signs of aging. It is enriched with an antioxidant-rich prebiotic triple oat complex that helps maintain the skin’s pH levels, strengthen its natural moisture barrier, and soothe sensitive skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive | | Product Dimensions: 1.31 x 2.45 x 5.88 inches | Weight: 3.68 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene

Pros

  • Sweat-resistant
  • Non-drying
  • Waterproof
  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Oxybenzone free
  • Dye-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Sun protection plays a pivotal role in our skin care routines. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, lathering up against the sun’s harmful rays is a must! If you have dry, itchy patches from keratosis pilaris, don’t forget to apply a sunscreen lotion after exfoliating dead skin cells, moisturizing, and applying a keratolytic.

Find out how to select the best formula for yourself in the next section.

How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Keratosis Pilaris

  • Go mineral: Not that chemical sunscreens are bad for sensitive skin, there is a chance that filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octisalate may aggravate skin conditions for certain people. So, it is best to focus on mineral or physical sunscreens or a combination of chemical and physical sunscreens as they are less likely to irritate your skin. Look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide on the ingredient label when looking for a mineral sunscreen.
  • Choose hydrating formulas: Skin conditions like keratosis pilaris need a 2-in-1 sunscreens that contains skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients like omega fatty acids, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramides. They offer the benefits of both sunscreens and daily moisturizers in one formula for dehydrated skin.
  • Avoid fragrances: Added artificial fragrances may provide a pleasing scent to the sunscreen, but it may lead to aggravated keratosis pilaris for certain people, including increase in irritation, redness, and sensitivity. So, it is best to stick to fragrance-free formulas regardless of whether you choose chemical or physical sunscreens.

Diane Howard, certified cosmetic nurse and the founder of Esthetic Finesse, suggests, “For those with sensitive skin, finding the right sunscreen is even more crucial. When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin, go for ones labeled as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested. These formulations are specially made to minimize the chance of irritation and allergic reactions. Also, pick sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection, keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays.”

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Sunscreen For Managing Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris causes rough patches and bumps on the skin, and the UV rays can deteriorate the condition. Thus, using a dedicated sunscreen can both protect the skin against sun damage and help relieve the symptoms. But, how do you choose a formula among so many options? Check out the infographic below to find what key ingredients you must look for when buying sunscreen for Keratosis Pilaris.

Key Ingredients To Look For In A Sunscreen For Managing Keratosis Pilaris (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin condition requires special care before going out in the sun. Only broad-spectrum SPF does not help, such skin requires proper hydration. To properly care for skin with this condition, your sunscreen should be made with skin-loving ingredients that keep the skin hydrated without causing irritation or further breakouts and the appearance of bumps. Go for the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 for anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. If you experience prolonged sun exposure, the EltaMD Skincare UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 would be an apt choice, while the Replenix Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen is perfect for people with sensitive skin. The products mentioned in our list ease eczema, have lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas, and do not leave a white cast on the skin. They are also water-resistant, reef-safe, and chemical-free. Remember, you should avoid formulas that have an overwhelming fragrance and are not skin-friendly. Opt for sunscreens that have multiple positive reviews and conduct a patch test to check for allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sunscreen good for keratosis?

Yes, sunscreen is good for keratosis. Not only it prevents further sun damage but it also reduces keratosis.

How long does it take for keratosis pilaris to go away?

It takes 4-6 weeks for keratosis pilaris to go away completely if you are treated properly.

Does keratosis pilaris get worse with age?

No. Keratosis pilaris improves naturally by the age of 30.

What is the main cause of keratosis pilaris?

The main cause of keratosis pilaris is the excess keratin in your skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborty is a certified skincare coach that uses her expert knowledge of product formulations and ingredients to bring you, the readers, the leading products in skincare. She sifted through hundreds of reviews online and put together this list of the best sunscreens for keratosis pilaris. These sunscreens are made of ingredients that reduce inflammation, moisturize and soothe your skin.


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