Sunscreen for Dry Skin | 10 Hydrating Favorites!
The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining bright!
What does that mean? My favorite season is right around the corner, and to celebrate we're going to take a look at the top 10 sunscreens for dry skin.
If you're someone with dry skin, it's important to find a sunscreen that not only hydrates but also protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
In this blog post, I'll be outlining some of the best sunscreens for dry skin so you can feel protected and confident as you enjoy the summer season.
What Is Sunscreen For Dry Skin?
If you have dry skin, then it is likely that you already know how challenging it can be to find the right skincare products.
Fortunately, sunscreen for dry skin is designed to meet your unique needs. The formula of sunscreen for dry skin tends to be thicker and richer than other types of sunscreen, which means that it provides additional moisture and hydration to your skin.
Additionally, this specialized sunscreen is often packed with nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera that can help to soothe skin and protects skin.
By choosing a sunscreen for dry skin, you can protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun without causing further dryness or irritation.
How Do You Use It?
Before applying sunscreen on dry skin, it's important to first take care of any dryness or flakiness.
Start by using a gentle exfoliator or moisturizer to help hydrate and smooth the skin. Once the skin is prepped, choose a sunscreen specifically designed for dry skin.
Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid to provide extra moisture.
Apply sunscreen generously to your face and body, making sure to cover all exposed areas.
Reapply every two hours or as directed on the product packaging, especially after swimming or sweating.
Remember to also protect your skin with hats and clothing for added coverage.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
It's no secret that sunscreen is a key part of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. However, when it comes to using sunscreen on dry skin, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For one, most sunscreens contain astringents, which can actually exacerbate dry skin by preventing the skin from secreting essential oils and sweat. Additionally, some sunscreens can be quite heavy and oily, further clogging pores and contributing to dryness.
If you have dry skin, it's best to opt for a moisturizing sunscreen specifically designed for your skin type and to take extra care to hydrate and nourish your skin to mitigate any drying effects.
How To Make The Most Out Of This Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best sunscreen for your dry skin!
1. ACURE Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream
Why We Are Passionate About It
ACURE's Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream is a vegan-friendly and nature-inspired way to protect your skin from the sun's rays. This day cream is formulated for dry to sensitive skin and provides long-lasting moisture and sun protection to protect you from the harsh effects of UV radiation. The ingredients are carefully collected to provide maximum hydration, comfort, and soothing relief while protecting your delicate skin.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
This product is made vegan, certified cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, and formaldehyde free.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Why We Are Passionate About It
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen is the perfect weightless sun protection for dry skin. This hypoallergenic formula is infused with hyaluronic acid—an essential hydrator found naturally in the skin and recognized by dermatologists. When combined with glycerin to lock in extra moisture and powerful antioxidants, like vitamin E, you'll be empowered to fight against daily environmental aggressors while getting your glow back.
And best of all, this unique formula has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection from SPF 50 Helioplex sunscreen that's virtually invisible on all skin tones for worry-free protection every day.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E.
This product is made non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, free of dyes, parabens, mineral oil, and oxybenzone, and comes from a dermatologist-recommended brand.
3. Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion with Hyaluronic
Why We Are Passionate About It
Eucerin is known for designing great products for dry skin, and the same can be said for their sunscreen. Their Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is specifically formulated to keep your skin hydrated and protected. With 5 AOX Shield Formula, you can trust that your skin is being shielded from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and environmental stressors. Plus, this sunscreen body lotion formula is lightweight and non-greasy with a dry touch finish that leaves no visible residue.
It's dermatologist developed, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin - so it won't clog pores or cause irritation. It's great for dry skin, and will work well with combination skin, too! If you have extra dry skin, try Eucirin's Daily Hydration SPF 30 Body Cream.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include vitamin E, vitamin A, and Hyaluronic Acid.
This product is made free of fragrance, oil, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen is the ideal sunscreen solution for you! With its Cell-ox shield technology, this broad spectrum SPF 60 sunscreen provides maximum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidant defense, without leaving a greasy white residue on the skin. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing cream texture melts into the skin for a soothing and velvety finish with La Roche-Posay's signature mineralized Thermal Spring Water for additional hydration.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include cell-ox shield technology and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
This product is made non-comedogenic, octinoxate-free, and alcohol-free.
5. EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer
Why We Are Passionate About It
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen and Moisturizer is the perfect addition to your daily beauty regimen. This tinted moisturizer sunscreen provides mineral-based sun protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes, perfect for those beach days spent with friends or a hot day at the office. It's suitable for use under your makeup or alone if you'd prefer! Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin moisturized and helps to reduce dark spots and blemishes on the face.
If you're looking for a cheaper option that functions similarly, you can try CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30. Or, if you want to ditch the tinted option, try the EltaMD UV Replenish Broad Spectrum SPF 44 for all the benefits without the tint.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include hyaluronic acid.
This product is made paraben-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, sensitivity-free, vegan, and non-comedogenic.
6. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is a lightweight, water-based sunscreen that gives you invisible protection with Broad Spectrum SPF 36 – all in a non-greasy finish. In just one application, you’ll enjoy the three-in-one benefits of green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil. Your skin will be hydrated, soothed, and nurtured for long-lasting comfort. You can trust that this sunscreen not only delivers lightweight moisture but also that it won’t leave those dreaded white casts. With this refreshing sunscreen, you can be sure that you’ll experience the perfect balance between being protected from UV rays!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Jeju green tea, Cica, and Sunflower seed oil.
7. Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Why We Are Passionate About It
Paula's Choice RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 is a luxurious lotion that provides natural, mineral-based defense against the sun and extra-dry skin, resulting in a silky soft finish. It is packed with essential ingredients to provide potent antioxidant protection and anti-aging hydration. This Broad Spectrum SPF 50 will give you total trust in the fact that your skin will be shielded from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Not only will you be assured of gentle but effective coverage from Paula's Choice, but also be soothed with natural Shea Butter designed to keep your skin looking youthful, radiant, and beautiful at all times.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include shea butter and niacinamide.
This product is made fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
8. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen is made with high-quality ingredients such as nourishing prebiotic oat, making it perfect for protecting your face from the sun. This refreshing and weightless formula is non-greasy, allowing you to moisturize your skin without a sticky feeling.
Plus, its broad spectrum SPF 60 provides all-day protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays so you can enjoy the outdoors without worry. And thanks to its non-comedogenic nature, this sunscreen won't clog up your pores or irritate sensitive skin.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include prebiotic oat.
This product is made paraben-free, phthalate-free, oil-free, Oxybenzone-free, and dye-free.
9. Supergoop! Glowscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Supergoop! Glowscreen is your ultimate multitasking sunscreen! This lightweight Glowscreen SPF 40 helps filter blue light and doubles as a makeup-gripping primer for dewy, glowing skin that isn’t greasy or oily. Plus, this face sunscreen has hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide which makes it an excellent choice for anyone with dry skin. These awesome ingredients deliver long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection for noticeable pearlescence. Our Glowscreen offers a cruelty-free solution that gives your skin the nourishment it needs while creating an illuminating base layer for all of your looks.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide.
This product is made vegan, and cruelty-free.
10. Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
This Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is a chemical sunscreen with durable UVA/UVB protection of SPF 50+ so you can trust that your skin is safe from the sun’s potentially harmful rays, which can cause skin cancer. In addition, this lightweight, gentle formula is non-sticky and serum-like, allowing for a breathable and dewy finish without leaving any white cast. Even better, it’s certified as multi-functional with 3 properties: brightening, wrinkle reduction, and UV protection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
This product is ‘Reef Safe’ which means it’s formulated without any ingredients that may harm our precious marine ecosystem. Better still, it has passed skin irritant tests making sure it can safely soothe even the most sensitive skin types.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include hyalu-cica formula and 7 types of sprout extracts.
This product is made reef-safe, and sensitive skin safe.
Sunscreen For Dry Skin FAQs
Do you suffer from dry skin but have been unable to find a sunscreen that adequately protects you without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable?
You've probably spent time and money trying different products, only to be met with disappointment. It's frustrating to have to choose between something that works or something that feels good.
If that's true for you, then read on to answer all the important questions about picking a sunscreen product that won't irritate your dry skin.
Is mineral sunscreen good for dry skin?
Mineral sunscreens, which traditionally contain physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are often considered a good option for those with sensitive skin or dry skin. Unfortunately, mineral sunscreens are likely to cause dry skin due to their thick texture. The minerals in these products form a barrier on the surface of your skin that can trap moisture and make your skin feel even drier than usual.
Furthermore, mineral sunscreen tends to be more difficult to rub into the skin, making it difficult for those with dryness issues to spread evenly over any part of the body. This leaves certain areas exposed and puts you at higher risk of burning or worse damage from UV rays if you don't get coverage everywhere possible.
Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen for dry skin?
No, you should not skip moisturizer if you have dry skin and just use sunscreen instead. While many sunscreens are formulated with a moisturizing base and can work as both a sunscreen and daily moisturizer, it is generally not recommended for people with dry skin to rely solely on sunscreen for hydration. If you use a good quality moisturizer that contains calming ingredients like aloe vera gel, chamomile extract, shea butter, cucumber oil, or other natural oils, it can help your skin stay hydrated while protecting it from the effects of ultraviolet light exposure.
Which is better for dry skin chemical or physical sunscreen?
When it comes to dry skin, one of the most important things to consider when choosing sunscreen is its ability to keep your skin hydrated. While both physical and chemical sunscreens can provide protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreen) are often the best choice for people with dry skin because of their moisturizing properties.
When dealing with dry skin issues during summer months opt for gentle mineral SPF forms such as lotions designed specifically for sensitive/dry skin types–they provide an extra layer of hydration without blocking sweat glands while protecting delicate facial tissues from damaging solar radiation at the same time!
What goes first moisturizer or sunscreen?
The answer to this question depends on the type of sunscreen you are using. If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, it is best to apply it before the moisturizer. On the other hand, if you’re using a mineral sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, then applying moisturizer prior will help create an additional layer of protection against UV rays that penetrates deeper than just depending on the mineral alone.
After moistening your skin with the lotion or serum of choice, then apply a generous amount of mineral-based sunscreen for full coverage.
Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin - What We Recommend
Our ultimate message is to always use a sunscreen that won't dry out your skin and instead hydrates it. We hope you benefit from this list as a guideline for finding the ideal sunscreen for your skin type and skin tone. It's essential to take into consideration the features, such as SPF level, ingredients, water resistance, and value for money. All of these elements should be taken into account before investing in any sunscreen product.
Don't forget to always speak with a dermatologist if you are unsure about the best option for you. Above all, don't forget to wear sunscreen every day- otherwise, you'll end up with skin damage in the long run! Be sun safe and let us help you obtain healthier skin habits this season by taking advantage of our blog posts and reviews.
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best sunscreen for dry, acne prone skin on the market with many different ingredients from [popular ingredient] to [different popular ingredient]. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
Like these stories? You will (probably) love our monthly newsletter.
