13 Derm- and Tester-Approved Sunscreens to Calm Rosacea Flare-Ups

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

$38 at Amazon View on Ulta $38 at Dermstore

Type: Physical/Mineral Tinted | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 11% | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Octinoxate, Oils, Parabens, Chemical Sunscreen Filters, Fragrance, Oxybenzone | Cruelty-Free: No

Leave it to the French to create a gentle, milky, high-protection sunscreen that doesn’t aggravate the skin or cause flare-ups. Free from irritating fragrance and parabens, it’s a great choice for all skin types given its natural finish and lightweight texture (which isn’t easy for a 50+ zinc-based product), although it we wish it came in more than just one shade. "This sunscreen is as light as water, and I love how it blurs imperfections without leaving my skin greasy," says associate commerce editor Emily Cieslak, a longtime user.

Best Budget

Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen

$22 at Amazon $18 at Target

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: Yes

On a budget? Blue Lizard is an excellent choice. Formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin, this sunscreen is not only free of fragrance, but it also contains soothing ingredients like green tea extract which has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect. Do note that it does take some effort to rub it into the skin.

Best Mineral

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

$70 at Amazon $70 at Dermstore $70 at Isdin.com

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 50+ | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 3.4 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: No

A mineral formula that has no white cast, absorbs easily, and doesn't leave the skin greasy can be hard to come by, but this sunscreen from Isdin fits the bill. This is one of the more popular mineral options out there—it's able to protect the skin without being difficult to apply or leaving a chalky residue. Formulated with photolyase, a DNA enzyme that works to repair prior sun damage, the sunscreen will help heal the skin as it protects from UV rays.

We tried the formula for ourselves, and we loved its lightweight, watery texture that absorbed seamlessly without leaving a sheen or white finish. It left the skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated, and it didn't pill under or over makeup when applied and reapplied. The finish was somewhat glowy, but it didn't leave us looking shiny or slick. We also loved that it didn't irritate sensitive skin or eyes. While it does have fragrance, it was pleasant and not too overpowering.

Best Liquid

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

$36 at Sephora $36 at Summerfridays.com $36 at Kohls.com

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick from Summer Fridays is the perfect liquid formula—it has a lightweight, milky texture that absorbs instantly with a barely there finish and doesn't feel heavy or thick on the skin. It's a mineral sunscreen that protects with zinc oxide, but also includes soothing ingredients such as squalane and chamomile, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E to shield the skin from free radical damage.

Upon first application, we found that it had a consistency similar to a serum or tinted moisturizer, meaning that it spread easily and absorbed smoothly without leaving a cast. Even though the texture is somewhat runny, it has an almost matte finish with a subtle glow. It also didn't leave a residue or any stickiness behind. Throughout the day, we loved that it never settled into fine lines or made us more greasy (even on oily skin). The formula does have a slight tint to it, and the hue may not be equally subtle on all skin shades. 

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

$20 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $20 at Dermstore

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, fragrance, parabens, silicones, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This weightless, breathable sunscreen from Hero Cosmetics was formulated specifically for acne-prone skin (not surprising given the brand’s super popular acne patches). It’s made with mineral blocker zinc oxide which is noncomedogenic and nonirritating. Since it has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily, it won't sit on top of the skin or leave a cast. 

It only took two pumps to cover the entire face, and its subtle green tint neutralized some redness but still absorbed into the skin completely. It didn't cause any irritation or dryness throughout the day, instead imparting a subtle glow that lasted all day. It’s not water-resistant, though, so be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin, Runner-Up

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$43 at Amazon $73 at Dermstore $43 at Dermstore

Type: Physical/chemical hybrid | SPF: 46 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5% | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, oils | Cruelty-Free: No

Derms and celebs alike are big fans of this SPF from Elta MD, probably because it’s designed specifically for pigmented, oily, and acne-prone skin types (aka most of us). It's a mineral and chemical SPF formulated with zinc oxide and octinoxate (a chemical UVB blocker). But it also has skin-clearing niacinamide, lactic acid to prevent congestion, and hyaluronic acid for a dose of moisture. Some reviewers found that this formula left a slight white residue on the skin though. 

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

$16 at Ulta $16 at Target $11 at Walmart

Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate | Size: 3 oz | Free of: Fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As the name suggests, Black Girl Sunscreen (which is black-owned) was formulated specifically for those with dark skin—so it dries completely clear and won't leave a chalky finish. Our first impression of the sunscreen was that it had a creamy, almost mousse-like texture that blended in effortlessly without leaving any streaks—providing a healthy, natural-looking glow. It doesn't leave a cakey finish, instead, it absorbs how your standard moisturizer would. It gets bonus points from us for being super hydrating as well as water-resistant for 80 minutes. The only downside is that it can leave too much of a sheen on oily skin. 

Best Multitasking

Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

$25 at Sephora $50 at Irisandromeo.com View on Credo Beauty

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Size: 1.2 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you only have time to put on one skincare product in the morning, you'll want to make it this one. This multitasking sunscreen is formulated with vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide to brighten, smooth wrinkles, and protect the skin from environmental free radicals—as well as reef-safe zinc oxide that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. 

When we tested it out, we were obsessed with the luminous glow that it gave us, which never looked greasy or sweaty. It had an ultralight consistency that instantly melted into the skin, and it was hydrating and didn't leave any white cast. Our only complaint is that we wished the glow lasted a little longer throughout the day, but we still think the formula is top-notch nonetheless.

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$14 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $14 at Target

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 9%, zinc oxide 7% | Size: 2.5 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, oils, fragrance, parabens, chemical UV filters | Cruelty-Free: No

Made using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this mineral facial sunscreen is bolstered by niacinamide and ceramides in the formula which can help to firm the skin barrier, prevent irritation, and hydrate. We did find it quite thick and it can leave a slight white cast, but it also leaves the skin soft and velvety once absorbed. And obviously, the price can’t be beat. 

Best for Sensitive Skin

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Daily Defense Face Sunscreen

$34 at Kohls.com View on Drunkelephant.com

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Size: 2 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, oils, fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical UV filters, dyes, SLS | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Since this list of sunscreens is for people with reactive skin, all the products on it are designed to support sensitive skin, but this one might just be the most restorative. The formula, rich in zinc oxide, antioxidants (including algae extract), and botanical oils (like raspberry seed oil), promises to protect and nourish fragile skin. 

The silky formula takes a little time to fully absorb but doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind. It’s also free from potential ingredient triggers such as fragrance, essential oils, and oxybenzone. It may take some time for your skin to feel matte after application.

Best for Combination Skin

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

$42 at Amazon $42 at Sephora $42 at Dermstore

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide 16% | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, oils, gluten, fragrance, and octinoxate | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A good sunscreen protects the skin from the effects of photoaging all while blending in seamlessly and not clogging skin. This lightweight sunscreen from Dr. Dennis Gross does just that—it’s made using a clear form of zinc oxide, so it blends well with zero white cast. It’s also rich in anti-inflammatory sea buckthorn, so your skin will feel soothed and soft while you're wearing it. We love that the formula is oil-free, so we don’t have to worry about breakouts. We only wish it came in a large tube size.

Best for Redness

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

$25 at Sephora View on Drjart.com $25 at Kohls.com

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 30 | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | Free of: Oxybenzone | Cruelty-Free: No

This stuff is magic when it comes to neutralizing the redness associated with rosacea. The secret lies in the greenish undertone and the inclusion of soothing anti-inflammatory Centella in the formula—both of which are meant to reduce redness and even out tone (although the green tint works best on fair to medium skin tones). It’s quite rich, so we think it’s best for drier complexions.

Best for Mature Skin

Murad Environmental Shield Age Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

$69 at Amazon $25 at Sephora $69 at Ulta

Type: Physical/mineral | SPF: 50 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Size: 1.7 oz | Free of: Mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For mature skin, we recommend pretty much all of Murad’s products, but especially this one. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF protection, the brand's City Skin Sunscreen safeguards your complexion from multiple causes of damage and photo-aging, including UVA, UVB, pollution, and even blue light (yes, blue light can be detrimental to your skin, causing pigmentation and premature aging). Not only that, but the subtle color-correcting tint helps conceal rosacea.