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

Calm and protect with skin-soothing ingredients.

Three bottles of sunscreen

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

TL;DR

Overall, our favorite sunscreen for rosacea is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50 for its light, hydrating, skin-soothing effects. We also love our budget pick, Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen because of its creamy consistency and anti-inflammatory, fragrance-free formula. 

We all know how important it is to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, but what’s less often spoken about is sunscreen formulas for those with rosacea. Rosacea is a common condition where the skin flushes more easily, resulting in redness, sensitivity, and an uneven texture.

Once triggers are identified, rosacea can be managed pretty well, but using sunscreen can be tricky because formulas often contain sensitizing ingredients (such as fragrance and chemical filters). As a facialist and aesthetician, Melanie Grant stresses that those with rosacea are highly susceptible to sun damage and UV radiation, which will break down collagen and elastin and contribute to inflammation, so it’s extremely important to find an SPF formula that protects without irritating. 

We conducted hours of research on the best sunscreens for rosacea, evaluating each formula on type (mineral or chemical), SPF level, and active ingredients. We also tested a few picks in our New York City testing lab and for two weeks consistently at home. After trying the products ourselves and consulting with board-certified dermatologists, we landed on these top-rated sunscreens to protect your sensitive skin from damaging rays.

What We Like
  • Gentle

  • Blurs imperfections

  • Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes

What to Consider
  • Only comes in one shade

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.

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Anti-inflammatory ingredients

  • Formulated for reactive skin

What to Consider
  • Hard to rub in

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.

What We Like
  • Mineral formula with no white cast

  • Lightweight, quick-absorbing texture

  • Works to protect the skin and repair previous sun damage

What to Consider
  • Contains fragrance

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.

What We Like
  • Weightless liquid formula

  • Matte, nongreasy finish

  • Soothing ingredients

What to Consider
  • Tint may not complement all skin tones

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. 

What We Like
  • Mineral formula that won't irritate acne-prone skin types

  • Reef-safe

  • Has a slight green tint to neutralize redness

What to Consider
  • Not water-resistant

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.

What We Like
  • Oil-free and includes skin-clearing niacinamide

  • Includes hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture

What to Consider
  • Might leave a white residue

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. 

What We Like
  • Completely sheer, no white cast

  • Water-resistant for 80 minutes

  • Affordable and available at the drugstore

What to Consider
  • May be too glowy for very oily skin types

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. 

What We Like
  • Brightens and targets signs of aging

  • Glowy finish

  • No white cast

What to Consider
  • Glow could be more long-lasting

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.

What We Like
  • Readily available at drugstores

  • Restores the protective skin barrier with ceramides

  • Attracts moisture with hyaluronic acid

What to Consider
  • Can leave a white film on skin

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. 

Celeste Polance / Design by Tiana Crispino

Celeste Polance / Design by Tiana Crispino

What We Like
  • Restorative

  • Offers solid amount of zinc oxide

  • Full of natural antioxidants including algae extract

What to Consider
  • Takes a while to not feel greasy

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.

What We Like
  • Oil-free formula won't leave T-zone greasy

  • High concentration of vitamins C and E

  • Sea buckthorn protects against free radicals

What to Consider
  • Small amount

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.

What We Like
  • Rapidly neutralizes the look of redness

  • Included tiger grass repairs and soothes

  • Rich formula

What to Consider
  • Better suited for lighter complexions

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.

What We Like
  • Prevents multiple causes of photo-aging

  • Color-correcting tint

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider
  • Can leave skin greasy

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.

What to Look for in Sunscreens for Rosacea

  • Chemical vs. Physical Filters: While there are always exceptions to the rule, Grant suggests that those who have rosacea opt for physical (also called mineral or inorganic sunscreens), as they are typically less irritating than those containing physical UV filters. Mineral sunscreens come in liquid, cream, and powder formulas and have two key UV-blocking ingredients. "Reach for a mineral-based formula with calming, restorative zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” says Grant. 
  • Skin Soothers: Calming ingredients are great to look out for when buying sunscreen if you have reactive skin. Grant suggests reaching for a formula that contains niacinamide, peptides, panthenol, ceramides, green tea extract, and fatty acids to help boost barrier function and soothe the complexion.
  • Fragrance-Free Formula: “It’s important to avoid ingredients that will cause further irritation to the skin, including fragrance," says Grant.
FAQ
  • What are the benefits of sunscreen for rosacea?

    According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, sun exposure was a top trigger for rosacea flare-ups in 81% of patients who participated and was connected to visible blood vessels and redness. Sensitive, non-chemical sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays can prevent skin damage and keep your rosacea at bay.

  • How often should you apply sunscreen for rosacea?

    The National Rosacea Society says sunscreen takes 15 to 30 minutes to set in and work effectively, so you’ll want to apply it before you’re exposed to the sun rather than when you find yourself outdoors. Regardless of the SPF listed, sunscreen typically only lasts for 2 hours according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Remember to reapply it regularly to prevent skin damage as well as rosacea flare-ups.

Why Trust Byrdie

Aside from having a few rosacea-prone team members, Emily Algar is dedicated to seeking out the best recommendations for all skin types and concerns, especially in a category such as sunscreen. She has over five years of experience covering the beauty industry and writing product reviews.

Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in December 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list. Esme joined Byrdie as a freelance commerce writer and editor in 2023, covering the best tried and tested products in the beauty space.

In writing this article, Algar called on an expert in the field to explain exactly what we should and shouldn't be looking out for:

  • Melanie Grant, an Australian skin expert and Chanel's official skin expert, specializing in holistic education for aesthetic skin improvement. She is also the author of ‘The Modern Guide to Skin Health’, an award-winning, no-fluff guide that includes all of the most recent industry updates and skincare recommendations.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough sunscreens for rosacea from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Edited by Ally Hirschlag
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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