Last Updated on February 8, 2025 by Sezia
Dry skin can be a challenge to deal with, especially in the harsh sun. Not only does dry skin feel tight, flaky, and itchy, but it also makes you more prone to sunburns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. That’s why it’s essential to use a sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also moisturizing and nourishing it.
But how do you choose the best sunscreen for dry skin? There are so many options out there, from lotions to sprays, gels, sticks, and more. And not all sunscreens are created equal. Some may be too greasy, too heavy, too drying, or too irritating for your sensitive skin.
To help you find the perfect sunscreen for your dry skin, we’ve rounded up some of the best products that are recommended by dermatologists and loved by reviewers. These sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that hydrate and soothe your skin while also providing broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy, tinted, or natural, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the best sunscreens for dry skin:
1. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen With SPF 50
This sunscreen is our top pick for dry skin because it combines sun protection with hydration in one product. It contains oat extract, which is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, as well as glycerin and dimethicone, which lock in moisture and prevent water loss. It also has zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which is a mineral sunscreen that’s gentle and effective. It has a lightweight and non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and fragrance-free.
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55
This sunscreen is a cult-favorite among many people because it has a dry-touch technology that makes it feel invisible on your skin. It has a matte finish that doesn’t leave any white residue or shine. It also has Helioplex technology, which is a blend of chemical sunscreens that provide superior protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s also affordable and widely available.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
This sunscreen is specially designed for the face and is ideal for dry skin that’s also prone to shine or breakouts. It has a dry touch formula that absorbs excess oil and reduces shine without drying out your skin. It also has Mexoplex technology, which is a patented combination of chemical sunscreens that offer very high protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It also has a slight tint that helps even out your skin tone.
4. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50
This sunscreen is a popular choice among Asian beauty enthusiasts because it has a milky texture that glides on smoothly and hydrates your skin without feeling heavy or sticky. It has a combination of mineral and chemical sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also has hyaluronic acid, collagen, amino acids, and ceramides, which are ingredients that moisturize and plump up your skin. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
5. Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40
This sunscreen is perfect for dry skin that needs a boost of radiance and glow. It has a pearlescent finish that reflects light and enhances your natural complexion. It also has hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, niacinamide, and sea lavender, which are ingredients that hydrate, brighten, smooth, and protect your skin from environmental damage. It has chemical sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s vegan, cruelty-free,
6. Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Water Resistant SPF50+
This sunscreen is a great option for dry skin that also needs anti-aging benefits. It has a moisturizing formula that contains vitamin E, aloe vera, and green tea, which help nourish and repair your skin while also fighting free radicals. It has chemical sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s water-resistant for up to four hours and fragrance-free. It also comes in three shades: light beige, medium beige, and tinted.
These are some of the best sunscreens for dry skin in 2023 that you can try out and see what works best for you. Remember to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or rainy days, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Your skin will thank you for it!