15 Best Sunscreens For Rosacea, According To An Esthetician – 2024
People with rosacea should invest in these sunscreens to protect their skin better.
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... read full bio
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... read full bio
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... read full bio
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... read full bio
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Rosacea is a general skin condition that causes red bumps, redness, and blush on your skin. You need to pay special attention when heading out in the Sun if you have sensitive, rosacea prone skin. This is when the best sunscreen for rosacea comes to your rescue.
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Dealing with rosacea is painful. It causes inflammation on your face, specifically around your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. So, invest in sunscreens infused with zinc oxide and titanium oxide to avoid flare-ups. These formulae will soothe your skin and keep you comfortable. This article informs you how one can manage rosacea when you are out in the Sun. Also, have a look at the list of the 15 best sunscreens for rosacea to pick your favorite rosacea-friendly sunscreen. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 5%-10% of the population. It causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face and may also result in small, red, pus-filled bumps. This condition is most prevalent among people aged between 30–50 years, with fair skin and northern European ethnic origin. However, rosacea can also emerge at any age and in people of Asian and African ethnic backgrounds (1).
These signs and symptoms may flare-up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, other skin problems, or natural ruddiness. There’s no cure for rosacea, but the use of sunscreens or some dermatological treatments can minimize the signs and symptoms.
The blood vessels in our face and our body are held together with tissues containing elastin and collagen. The harmful UV rays destroy these tissues and rupture the thin vessels and expose them to the skin’s surface. Hence, it would be best to use an effective sunscreen to prevent rosacea flare-ups.
Let’s now check out the top 15 sunscreens for rosacea.
15 Best Sunscreens For Rosacea To Reduce Flare-ups – 2024
Best Lightweight Formula:ZincO Cream
The ZincO Cream is suitable for sensitive skin. It has SPF 20 and offers maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The cream is beneficial for those prone to flushing episodes. It is enriched with 14.5% microfine dimethicone-coated zinc oxide that soothes the skin and helps reduce visible flushing. The rosacea-friendly sunscreen has a subtle, natural tint that provides sheer coverage for effective redness reduction.
Pros
- Sheer coverage
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Contains parabens, PEG, and phenoxyethanol
Quick TipBest Dermatologist-Tested Cream:Synchroline Rosacure Intensive Cream
The Rosaceae Intensive Cream by Synchroline has a broad spectrum SPF 30. It reduces redness by normalizing visible, dilated blood vessels while strengthening the skin. The sunscreen contains silymarin that minimizes erythema and rejuvenates and re-hydrates your skin. It also helps to raise the “Trigger Tolerance” threshold of the skin to minimize flare-ups.
Pros
- Reduces redness
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
Best Non-Greasy Option:Daylong Extreme Sun Lotion
The Daylong Extreme Sun Lotion with SPF 50+ offers long-lasting protection from the harsh UVA and UVB rays and suits sensitive skin. The unique liposomal formulation routes sun filters and works on the epidermis to prevent cellular damage and photoaging on sensitive, rosacea prone skin. It is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E that hydrate and nourish your skin after sun exposure.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Minimizes hyperpigmentation
- Preservative-free
- UVA/UVB protection
- Waterproof
Cons
- May clog the pores
- May cause allergic reactions
"This sunscreen is easy to apply and doesn't sting the eyes. I like how it moisturizes and softens my skin. The best part is that it settles well and does not irritate my skin."
Did You Know?| ZincO Cream Best Lightweight Formula | Synchroline Rosacure Intensive Cream Best Dermatologist-Tested Cream | Daylong Extreme Sun Lotion Best Non-Greasy Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2 Ounces | - | 0.1 Kilograms |
| Skin Type | - | Acne Prone | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 5.4 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches; 7.2 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | - | 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 3.53 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 91 | 6 | 64 |
| Price | $40.0 | $22.18 | $23.64 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Best Water-Resistant Formula:Thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen
The Thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen is a melon-scented product, free of harmful biological chemicals and safe for sensitive skin type issues. It has a mineral-based formula with 20% zinc oxide and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The stick sunscreen is easy to apply and travel-friendly. It is absorbed quickly into your skin without any greasy feeling or obtrusive smell.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Water-resistant
- Quick absorbing formula
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Avobenzone-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Does not spread easily
Best UV Protectant:Murad Environmental Shield
The Murad Environmental Shield is a mineral-based sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 50. It is developed with the Environmental Protection Technology that shields the skin from UV damage and prevents premature aging. The polymer matrix in the formula inhibits the penetration of toxins. This dermatologist-tested sunscreen also has a subtle color-correcting tint to even out the redness in sensitive, rosacea prone skin.
Pros
- No stinging sensation
- Non-oily formula
- Subtle tint
- Clinically-proven
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains urea, phenoxyethanol, and PEG
"I like this sunscreen because it has a lightweight formula and blends smoothly. It is easy to incorporate it into a daily routine because it pairs well with my other skin care products. It absorbs well and does not leave any white residue or heavy feel. It is gentle and improves my skin texture."
Best For Sensitive Skin:Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF46 Facial Sunscreen
This sunscreen is suitable for those suffering from skin discoloration, rosacea, acne-prone-skin, etc. and is recommended by dermatologists. It is an oil-free formula and feels light on the skin. It protects the skin against UVB and UVA rays. Skin specialists advise reapplying this skin calming sunscreen every 2 hours to avoid flare-ups and other skin issues that arise from sun exposure. This sunscreen leaves your skin soft and supple.
Pros
- Calms and protects sensitive skin
- Does not contain perfume or parabens
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Offers UVB and UVA protection
Cons
- Does not possess moisturizing properties
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 6,387 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen
This dermatologist-recommended product, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive and oily skin types. It comes with SPF 60 with broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen absorbs oil in the facial pores, even in humid conditions. It is recommended to apply this sunscreen 15 minutes before venturing out and to reapply it after 80 minutes of swimming, sweating, or after your face has been towel-dried. Those with rosacea need to follow this rule to avoid the occurrence of rashes.
Pros
- Formulated using Cell-Ox Shield Technology
- Dermatologically-tested
- Oxybenzone and octinoxate-free formula
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 6 months of age unless recommended by a doctor
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,137 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Best Cruelty-Free:DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Anti-Aging Sunscreen
DRMTLGY is suitable for all skin types and provides advanced sun protection for every skin tone. This dermatologically-tested formula helps in improving the overall appearance of your skin, leaving it feeling pampered and rejuvenated. It acts as an anti-aging formula, hydrates skin, and also protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared rays. It is light on the skin, doesn’t leave behind any residue, and does not cause breakouts. This sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and should be reapplied every 2-3 hours.
Pros
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Produced in an FDA regulated facility
- Cruelty-free
- Contains zinc oxide and offers broad-spectrum sun protection
- Oil-free and fragrance-free
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Not hypoallergenic
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 1,456 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Best Hypoallergenic:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This product is formulated using 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide, making it recommended for skin affected by rosacea. It is gentle on the skin and delivers twice the sun protection as compared to other products and produces an invisible coat on the face. Hence, it can be applied under makeup. It is highly recommended by dermatologists as it hydrates skin, prevents signs of aging, and does not cause any break-outs.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Clinically-tested
- Paraben and phthalate-free
- Free from dyes and harsh chemicals
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- Slightly expensive as compared to other sunscreens
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 8,454 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Best Unscented Formula:Waxhead Vitamin Enriched Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the harshness of UVA and UVB rays with the Waxhead Vitamin Enriched Sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen formula is free from all toxins and chemicals and is perfect for sensitive, rosacea prone skin.
It is enriched with natural vitamin D, vitamin E along with 25% non-nano zinc oxide, and 5 other certified-organic ingredients. Recommended by dermatologists, this formula is thick, but little goes a long way. The mineral sunscreen lotion is hypoallergenic, does not sting eyes, good for acne-prone skin, unscented, and even suitable for kids.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Non-acnegenic
- Offers UV protection
- Hypoallergenic
- Tear-free formula
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- Benzene-free
- Chemical-free
- Environmentally-friendly
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Takes time to absorb
- Has a faint white cast
"This sunscreen is great for nasty sunburns. It hydrates my skin and soothes the affected areas. It applies easily and does not cause any rashes. I specially apply it before outdoor workouts to protect my skin against the sun."
Best Photostable:Tizo3 Tinted Mineral Primer/Sunscreen SPF40
Tizo3 Mineral Primer/Sunscreen with SPF40 is ideal for daily use and is formulated adhering to pharmaceutical standards. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it suitable for those with rosacea. This tinted sunscreen is light on the skin and has a silky, matte finish. It helps fight the signs of aging and acts as a barrier against sunburn. For visible results, apply this sunscreen product 15 minutes before sun exposure on well-moisturized skin.
Pros
- Does not contain chemical-sunscreen filters
- Free from dyes
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Free from parabens
- Photostable
Cons
- Not suitable for kids under 6 months of age
Best Sterile Formula:Eau Thermale Avene Skin Recovery Cream
This product is suitable for hypersensitive skin and makes it an excellent choice for those having rosacea. The main ingredient in this product range – Avene Thermal Spring Water, helps to soothe skin and minimize skin-sensitivity, making it one of the most popular products for people with a sensitive skin type. When applied to your skin, it helps soothe redness and skin irritation. It is recommended to apply this lotion on the face and neck, every morning and evening, after cleansing your skin thoroughly.
Pros
- Sterile formula
- Non-comedogenic and non-hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Free from preservatives
- Fragrance-free
- Does not contain dyes.
Cons
- Can make your skin slightly greasy
Best Allergy Tested:CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This product with SPF 50, is a 100 % mineral-based sunscreen. It falls in the category of physical sunscreens, which makes it perfect for those suffering from rosacea. It contains zinc and titanium dioxide, which efficiently block UVA and UVB rays of the sun and protect the skin from a rosacea flare-up. It is formulated using ceramides that keep your skin hydrated all day long, and also make the skin soft and supple. It is validated by leading dermatologists. Check out the sunscreen on Amazon for various reviewer’s experiences.
Pros
- Does not contain oxybenzone
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Leaves a white residue on skin
"This sunscreen soothes and protects my skin. I used it once during summer and it did not let my skin burn or darken throughout the hot days. Now, I use it regularly but sparingly, as a little goes a long way. Overall, it does not leave behind any oiliness or greasiness. It moisturizes my skin without clogging the pores."
Best Oil-Free Option:Blue Lizard Australian Mineral-Based Sunscreen
Trusted by dermatologists, this sunscreen lotion with SPF 30+ has proved its worth for the past 20 years. It is safe for daily use as it is made using natural moisturizers and antioxidants. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is specially formulated to help deal with the irritated skin after sun exposure or harsh weather conditions. The presence of zinc oxide in this sunscreen makes it suitable for those dealing with rosacea. Also, being mineral-based, it provides safer and better sun protection.
Pros
- Free from parabens
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Provides a broad spectrum protection from UV radiation
Cons
- The product is slightly expensive
"The Blue Lizard Face sunscreen gives me sun protection without the greasiness. It has a thick consistency but it gets absorbed well. The best part is that it doubles as a makeup primer and gives me a pore-blurring effect. Overall, it is a great choice for my sun care routine."
Best Fragrance-Free Formula:SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF35
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield with SPF 35 is perfect for those having rosacea and other sensitive skin conditions. It is a mineral-based sunscreen that is light and provides the desired sun protection. This sunscreen should be applied in the morning and 15 minutes before any outdoor activities. The effective sunscreen product is supported by clinical data, making it an overall excellent choice.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Makes your skin greasy
"I like this sunscreen's lightweight formula. It doesn't leave a heavy feel on the skin. It is easy to apply and doesn't interfere with my makeup or other skin care products. It is gentle on my skin and gives me sheer coverage."
These are the top sunscreens that you can get for rosacea-prone skin. It is important to know how to identify the signs and symptoms and things to keep in mind before picking a sunscreen for your skin. Scroll down.
How Do You Know If You Have Rosacea?
The symptoms of rosacea include:
- Facial Redness: Rosacea causes a persistent redness around the nose and the cheeks due to the ruptured blood vessels.
- Swollen Red Bumps: People with rosacea-prone skin type also develop pus-filled pimples on their face that look very similar to acne.
- Eye Problems: Rosacea may cause dry, irritated, swollen eyes and red, swollen eyelids. This is also known as ocular rosacea. These symptoms often precede other skin symptoms of rosacea.
- Enlarged Nose: Rhinophyma or enlarged nose is a common symptom of rosacea. In this condition, the nose skin thickens, and it appears enlarged.
Rosacea cannot be treated. However, you can manage rosacea skin symptoms. Here is how.
What Can You Do To Reduce Rosacea?
- Use a gentle redness-reducing cleanser.
- Avoid soaps that have artificial fragrances and alcohol-based products.
- Pat your face dry gently or let it dry naturally.
- Use a sunblock with a minimum SPF 30. Wear a hat or use an umbrella on sunny days to prevent sun exposure.
- Use an anti-redness moisturizer.
- Avoid alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine and spicy foods, as they may cause rosacea skin flare-ups.
Protecting the skin from UV rays is crucial to prevent rosacea flare-ups. Before picking a sunscreen, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
Ingredients To Look For In Sunscreens For Rosacea
The ideal sunscreen agents should be safe, chemically inert, non-irritating, non-toxic, photostable, and able to provide complete protection to the skin against UV damage.
Check for physical or non-chemical sunscreens. Look for ingredients like:
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
Avoid chemical sunscreens containing:
- Avobenzone
- Oxybenzone
- Other chemical filters like octocrylene, octisalate, octinoxate
- Parabens and phthalates
- Phenoxyethanol (may sensitize the skin)
- Alcohol
Also, avoid any ingredient that you might be allergic to. Here are some more pointers to help you choose the right sunscreen.
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Rosacea
- Choose A Sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50
Prolonged UV ray exposure may cause skin issues. A sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 offers up to 97% protection to your skin.
- Check The Key Ingredients
Apart from SPF (Sun Protection Factor), Check the ingredient list to ensure it does not contain any chemical sunscreen. Avoid any product that contains artificial fragrances and preservatives that may be present even in a high performance chemical sunscreen.
- Consider Your Skin Type
Rosacea-prone skin can be sensitive to a lot of ingredients. Look for a sunscreen that is mainly developed for rosacea-prone skin or sensitive skin type. You may look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea. Choose a sunscreen with a matte finish if you have oily skin and one with a dewy finish for dry skin. Consider buying a hypoallergenic formula with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol dries up the skin and may cause allergic reactions. Buy alcohol-free sunscreen to avoid skin irritation in rosacea-prone skin.
Once the sunscreen ticks all or most of these boxes, rest assured you are good to go!
- Perform A Patch Test
Before buying sunscreen for rosacea-prone skin type, perform a patch test to ensure it is safe for your skin. Apply a small amount of sunscreen on your wrist or inner elbow (where the skin flexes). Wait for 48 to 72 hours to see if there is any reaction or not. If your skin does not react, you may use the product.
Infographic: How To Use Sunscreens For Rosacea & What To Look For
Sun protection is essential for any skin type, but people with rosacea require special care for their skin. Not all ingredients suit rosacea-prone skin, and regular products may do more damage than good. Therefore, rosacea needs special sunscreens that effectively block UV rays without aggravating the skin condition.
Check out the following infographic to identify the rosacea-friendly ingredients and how to apply sunscreen the right way. Scroll down for more information. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be painful. Like all other skincare and makeup products, brands now offer sunscreens that keep in mind the fragility of this skin condition. Hillary Clark, a medical esthetician says, “Heat can contribute to flare-ups as well. Sun and heat is a double trigger that usually comes hand in hand. Remember to cool off every now and then and reapply your SPF.”Sunny outdoors can prove damaging to all skin types, and it is more so for people with rosacea. Try the ZincO Cream if you have sensitive skin, the Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF46 Facial Sunscreen if you have acne-prone-skin, and opt for the Synchroline Rosacure Intensive Cream for inflamed and dry skin. Always lather up with a good quality hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and lightweight sunscreen formula. Opt for chemical-free products and always check the ingredients list. And, ensure to do a patch test before topical application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sunscreen help rosacea?
Yes, sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive and hypersensitive skin does help rosacea. It creates a protective layer on your face and blocks the UVB, UVA, and infrared rays of the sun, to reduce or contain flare-ups and prevent sunburned skin and irritation.
Is Neutrogena sunscreen good for rosacea?
Yes, branded products like Neutrogena are good for rosacea since they don’t contain harsh chemicals and strong fragrances that can irritate the skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach with her knowledge extending to the ins and outs of rosacea. The buying guide and tips she provides on how to reduce rosacea will help you narrow down your search for the right sunscreen. The author has conducted thorough research and selected the best sunscreens for rosacea for this article. These sunscreens create an invisible protective barrier on the face, keeping the sun’s rays at bay and preventing flare-ups.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Evaluation of a novel very high sun-protection-factor moisturizer in adults with rosacea-prone sensitive skin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5476437/
