Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

While I’m a true believer in slathering on sunscreen throughout the year, summer always feels like the appropriate time to write about it. So here are my top picks of Sunscreen for sensitive skin 2022 edition.

My experience with SPF is a long list of products that burned my eyes, felt too greasy, or haunted me with a corpse-like white cast. Finding sunscreen for sensitive skin eluded me. Then last year, it all started to shift when I discovered Shiseido’s sunblock line. Thanks to my TikTok feed, I discovered a few Korean sunscreens to add to my growing arsenal of SPF. Finally, I have reached a point in my sunscreen journey where I feel almost satisfied completely.

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Post updated June 2025

My Sunscreen History

My youth was spent occasionally considering putting on sunblock. In the late 90s Coppertone Kids Colorblock did convince me that protecting myself against the sun could be fun! That’s marketing for you. Colour changing sunblock is still a genius idea. Most summer days I would be outside without a hat just living life. Would I do that now? Absolutely not. I need a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket covering my arms. It’s even preferable to be out of direct sunlight during peak hours. I love natural light, I loathe standing in direct sun.

Even the epic ballad that played at everyone’s graduation didn’t reform me as soon as it should have. Who recalls Baz Luhrmann’s Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen)? It makes me cry without fail every time I hear it but that’s neither here nor there. Fortunately, those tears aren’t being caused from me sweating spf into my eyes for once. Also, I recently discovered that Baz Luhrmann didn’t even write that song! It was written as a newspaper piece by Mary Schmich for the Chicago Tribune. Might I suggest checking out this episode of Switched on Pop if you want to learn more about it. I digress.

A quick note:
North American and Korean sunscreen use the same number system for SPF rating. There is a difference in the UVA protection level rating though. Korea uses the PA system whereas NA will just call something “broad spectrum” in lieu of an actual number. The PA++++ indicates the UVA level.

SPF 30+ Sunscreens

When I know I’m going to be inside the house out of direct sunlight, I will usually wear an SPF 30. I do this all year round. Even wintertime can be extremely sunny – especially where I live. An SPF of 30 is the bare minimum for me when it comes to coverage. Reapplication throughout the day is essential regardless of the UV coverage.

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF 30

I have never used a mineral sunscreen that was SO creamy and hydrating. While I do still wear a moisturizer under it, someone without chronically dry skin wouldn’t need one. This formula does not leave a white cast; calling it sheer is accurate. All that is left behind is a nice subtle glow – grease free!

It was discontinued but relaunched in April of 2024 but is not available in Canada.

BIOSSANCE – Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF 30

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– No white cast left behind
– Absorbs quickly
– Vegan

PRICING
2022 pricing: $40 CAD for 50mL = $0.80/mL

Gifted by the brand.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

A hydrating cream with niacinamide, ceramides, AND hyaluronic acid. *Chef’s kiss*. As a deeply dry skinned lady, this is a sunscreen that I never have to layer an extra moisturizer under. It’s a one stop shop and I love the way it makes my skin feel – properly moisturized.

CERAVE – CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

QUICK FACTS
– Almost unscented
– So light it disappears almost immediately
– Minor white cast that disappears shortly after application
– Do not need to apply additional moisturizer under

PRICING
The price has gone up and the size has decreased on this product sadly.
2022 pricing: $16.79 CAD for 89 mL = $0.19/mL
2025 pricing: $18.99 CAD for 59 mL = $0.32/mL

Gifted by the brand

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

This is the lightweight version of the previous CeraVe cream. It’s slightly more money (price per mL) but a much thinner version. If you’re oil-prone, this is a better option. It sinks in fast + leaves a non-glowy finish behind.

CERAVE – CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

QUICK FACTS
– Nearly unscented – so light it disappears almost immediately
– No white cast
– Non-glowy finish (though not matte either)

PRICING
CeraVe’s pricing on this item has remained reasonable over the past 3 years.
2022 pricing: $16.79 CAD for 50 mL = $0.34/mL
2025 pricing: $19.97 CAD for 52 mL = $0.38/mL

Gifted by the brand

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42

This clearly doesn’t fall in the 30 or 50 SPF categories. It’s my little inbetweener. It’s a very viscous milky fluid that spreads easily and a little goes a long way. It has a bit of a white cast that goes down. I definitely moisturize under this one as well.

SHISEIDO – Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 40 minutes
– Must shake before every use
– Lightly scented
– A little goes a long way

PRICING
One of the few items that has actually gone down in price!
2022 pricing: $60 CAD for 30 mL = $2.00/mL
2025 pricing: $49 CAD for 30 mL = $1.63/mL

Gifted by the brand

SPF 50+ Sunscreens

It should come as no surprise that the number one tip for maintaining the health of your skin is wearing sunscreen daily. It is always worth repeating though I do believe the awareness around this information is widespread. If you’re out in full sun (which I prefer not to be, but does happen) and SPF (of at least 50) is necessary.

The following sunscreens are all from Kbeauty brands. They’ve unlocked the magic formula for high performance sunblocks at reasonable prices. Their UV filters are highly advanced as compared to their North American counterparts.

side note: I bought the below sunscreens in a Stylevana summer sale which made it an even better deal.

Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Daily go-to is the perfect name for this because it truly is just that. This has become my gold standard for sunscreens. It spreads easily, soaks in lovely, and doesn’t burn my eyeballs. Nothing is worse than sweating and the salty sunscreen mixture destroying my sight for the rest of the day. If I had to pick a top 3 of sunscreen for sensitive skin 2022, this would make the cut. Without a doubt.

Sadly, this sunscreen has been discontinued as of 2025 and was replaced with the Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++. I haven’t tried it yet so I cannot speak to the formula.

PURITO – Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– Absorbs quickly
– Hydrating
– Lightly dewy finish, NOT greasy or overly glowy
– No white cast

PRICING
2022 pricing: $18.61 CAD for 60 mL = $0.31/mL

Purchased by me.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

This is extremely similar to the Purito (though slightly pricier). One of the few differences, if not the only, is that the finish feels matte in comparison. Matte but very much moisturized.

ISNTREE – Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– No white cast
– Hydrating
– Leaves a slightly tacky texture after application but goes away as it absorbs

PRICING
2022 pricing: $27.29 CAD for 50 mL = $0.55/mL
2025 pricing: $33.14 CAD for 50 mL = $0.66/mL

Purchased by me.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++

This SPF is similar to the Isntree (but cheaper). The only drawback from this particular sunscreen is packaging. The tube, if squeezed while closed, pushes product out the top. It hasn’t leaked out but it does waste product into the cap which isn’t my favourite. This is such a small gripe considering the quality of the SPF as well as the cost.

BEAUTY OF JOSEON – Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– A little bit tacky until absorbed
– Non-glowy finish

PRICING
2022 pricing: $16.29 CAD for 50 mL = $0.33/mL
2025 pricing: $24.44 CAD for 50 mL = $0.49/mL

Purchased by me.

Sun Sticks

Sun sticks have, no word of a lie, changed my life. In the past I wouldn’t reapply sunscreen as much as I should. If I was out, it was a pain to find a place to wash my hands to cleanly re-apply product to my face. Touching my face with dirty fingers? No thanks. And with wearing + removing face masks while shopping, it felt like I was constantly removing my sunscreen. Enter the sun stick.

No need for cleanly washed hands, I can swipe it on like a lip balm! Some even go overtop of makeup without smearing it. They may seem expensive when you look at the per gram price, but the number of applications you can get out of a stick is alarmingly good. I am STILL using one from over 6 months ago.

Scinic Enjoy All Around Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

I LOVE this sun stick. It has zero scent which I prefer. And unlike many others, it has a matte finish – many formulas I’ve found to be greasy. Not dewy summer girl but full on grease trap.

SCINIC – Enjoy All Around Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Unscented
– Matte finish
– Glides on smoothly (no pulling)

PRICING
The price has nearly doubled in 3 years simply by decreasing the grams of product (otherwise known as shrinkflation).
2022 pricing: $14.99 CAD for 25g = $0.60/g
2025 pricing: $16.28 CAD for 15g = $1.09/g

Purchased by me.

each stick has a completely different consistency
from top to bottom: scinic / p:rem / shiseido

Make p:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

I like the formula of the Make p:rem, however, I wish it didn’t have such a white sheen to it. When my boyfriend uses it, his stubble has a subtle white film that doesn’t always rub in. With that said, when I sweat a ton, it holds up and doesn’t turn greasy. Also an ideal stick for a day at the pool.

MAKE P:REM – UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

QUICK FACTS
– Leaves a white cast!!!
– Lightly scented but goes away after a few minutes
– Zinc
– Vegan
– Glides on smoothly (no pulling)

PRICING
Since originally posting this 3 years ago, the price of this sun stick has doubled!
2022 pricing: $20.59 CAD for 20g = $1.02/g
2025 pricing: $41.97 CAD for 20g = $2.10/g

Purchased by me.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

The sun stick that started it all for me. Two years ago I was sent a stick to try and I discovered the gift of seamless application on the go. This particular one will always be on deck – unless they decide to discontinue it. (I pray they don’t!) It applies over makeup without smudging anything. The clear gel is most likely why it’s able to glide easily without leaving a residue. It is VERY glowy though. Oily girls, this one may not be for you. It is also scented but not in overwhelmingly so.

SHISEIDO – Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 80 minutes
– Scented
– Applies seamlessly over makeup
– No white cast
– Glowy finish

PRICING
The price has remained the same-ish the past 3 years.
2022 pricing: $40 CAD for 20g = $2.00/g
2025 pricing: $42 CAD for 20g = $2.10/g

Gifted by the brand.

Body Sunscreen

All of the above mentioned sunscreens can be used on the body. When factoring in the surface area, sometimes it’s better to get larger sized formats. Easy application is also a major factor when choosing a product. If it’s easier to use, I’m more likely to apply it regularly.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50+

While I can’t say this is my favourite sunscreen of all time, it does its job and doesn’t offend me. But then again, I like the smell of coconuts. This spray is heavily coconut scented, I cannot stress this enough. I purchased it on sale at Costco (I think it was less than $15 for 2 bottles) so the price was right.

Say what you will about spray sunscreens but I personally find them extremely handy in my everyday life. When I’m alone, which is often, it’s much easier to get sunscreen on my back with a spray can. I’d rather not have to ask some random person to help me. And at $0.08/mL I will endure smelling like a pina colada, I may even RELISH it.

[Side note: If you love smell of coconuts, might I suggest checking out the discontinued Body Shop perfume oil decants my sister and I are selling. We have all the classic scents: satsuma, oceanus (and many more) as well as coconut. I even wrote a whole post devoted to white musk too!]

ALBA BOTANICA – Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 80 minutes
– HIGHLY coconut scented
– Very oily finish
– Easy to use
– Excellent coverage

PRICING
2025 pricing: $27.99 CAD for a 2 pack of 177 mL bottles at Costco online = $0.08/mL

Purchased by me.

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

Calling it a lotion is deceptive as it’s really more gel-like in my opinion. The colour is also unusual compared to most sunscreens which tend to be white. It reminds me of a cream soda float once all the ice cream has melted. A creamy pastel orange.

Also, this isn’t super consequential but Shiseido’s packaging is always perfect. There must be some ergonomic specialist on the team. Even the indentation on the top of the bottle feels purposeful. I can hold the bottle with one hand and slide my thumb up the indent to easily open the lid. This is not typical. Most bottles have either a screw top or a lid that requires two hands and a longer fingernail to pry open.

(Please feel free to let me know about any other amazing sunscreen bottle designs in the comments below. I’m now very curious if this is as uncommon as I think it is.)

SHISEIDO – Ultra Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

QUICK FACTS
– Water resistant 80 minutes
– Scented (smells citrusy-ish to me)
– Gel like consistency
– Must shake before use

PRICING
2022 pricing: $59 CAD for 150 mL = $0.39/mL
2025 pricing: $67 CAD for 150 mL = $0.45/mL

Final Sunscreen Cost Breakdown

from low to high in 2022

1. ALBA BOTANICA Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50+
$27.99 CAD at Costco for a 2 pack of 177mL = $0.08/mL

2. CERAVE Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
$16.79 CAD for 89mL = $0.19/mL

3. PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
$18.61 CAD for 60mL = $0.31/mL

4. BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
$16.29 CAD for 50mL = $0.33 /mL

5. CERAVE CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
$16.79 CAD for 50mL or $0.34/mL

6. SHISEIDO Ultra Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+
$59CAD for 150mL = $0.39/mL

7. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
$27.29 CAD for 50mL = $0.55/mL

8. BIOSSANCE – Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF 30
$40 CAD for 50mL = $0.80/mL

9. SHISEIDO Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42
$60 CAD for 30mL = $2.00/mL

The cost per mL can change depending on fluctuating prices as well as GST etc. You can always calculate unit price on your own by using this formula:
item price ÷ quantity of mL = unit price
eg $10 ÷ 50mL = $0.20

Sunsticks

1. SCINICEnjoy All Around Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
$14.99 CAD for 25g = $0.60/g

2. MAKE P:REM  UV Defense Me Calming Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
$20.59 CAD for 20g = $1.02/g

3. SHISEIDO Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
$40CAD for 20g = $2.00/g

I have discovered two other sun sticks that I much prefer. Check out my updated list here: Best Lightweight Sunscreens of 2025.

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin 2022

And that’s that! Just kidding, of course I have more to add to the sunscreen for sensitive skin 2022 post. Sunscreen is important, but might I also suggest the following:

– wear a massive wide brimmed hat
– sunglasses all the time
– remember to apply sunscreen to your hair part, ears, neck, chest, feet and hands!
– if you can, stay out of the sun during peak hours
– reapply every two hours (or more when swimming, sweating, and wearing a mask)

At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you remember to apply. Not everyone has the luxury of planning their days around staying out of the sun during the hottest hours. Do what you can to mitigate risk. Pretty much the mantra to all of life’s problems. xo

photographs - sandy joe karpetz