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Photo: Jordan Lutes/Getty ImagesWhen you have eczema, the last thing you want is to overload your skin with products. However, as much as you'd prefer a minimalist routine, eczema doesn’t shield your skin from sun damage. Therefore, applying sunscreen daily remains essential.
We could talk endlessly about the importance of SPF, but knowing sunscreen’s benefits doesn’t make it any easier to choose the right one, especially when eczema flare-ups are a concern. Certain ingredients can aggravate eczema and make symptoms worse. “People suffering from eczema should ensure that the sunscreen they’re using contains no fragrance (synthetic or natural essential oils) which may cause sensitization and trigger irritation,” advises Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, skin-care formulator and cosmetics chemical engineer. “I recommend selecting a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as the main ingredient, which has soothing and protective properties. Daily use of emollients and moisturizers is also an effective strategy to enhance skin barrier function for those with atopic dermatitis.”
To keep it simple, look for sunscreens containing ceramides and niacinamide along with a solid dose of SPF. Don’t worry though, we’ve made your search easier by rounding up the top eight sunscreens that are gentle on eczema.
Top Sunscreens for Eczema
1. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
At the top of our list of best face sunscreens
2. Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Tower28 was created by founder Amy Liu, who herself struggles with severe eczema, with skin sensitivities in mind. In fact, Tower28 is the first makeup brand to fully adhere to the National Eczema Association's ingredient guidelines, avoiding all known allergens and irritants. Its tinted sunscreen comes in 14 adaptable shades, offering light-to-medium coverage that’s buildable and non-irritating for all skin types, thanks to soothing prickly pear extract and aloe vera.
3. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the key ingredients in this CeraVe formula, designed to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
4. Bondi Sands SPF 50 Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion
This lightweight sunscreen is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, both of which hydrate the skin and help soothe inflammation. The fragrance-free formula also doubles as a fantastic primer, leaving behind a smooth texture perfect for makeup application.
5. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, Rice + Probiotics Facial Sunscreen, SPF 50+ PA++++
While some chemical sunscreens can be harsh for sensitive skin, there are a few that are gentle and less likely to irritate. Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen has become a TikTok favorite for good reason—it’s lightweight, absorbs like a second skin, and keeps your skin deeply hydrated.
6. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 / PA++++
If you're after a lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen with a luminous finish that layers perfectly under makeup, Murad’s is the one to try. It’s on the pricier side, but its performance more than justifies the investment.
7. e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30
This vegan, budget-friendly sunscreen is packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. With this affordable price, you can feel good about applying—and reapplying—all the sunscreen you need (which, by the way, is probably more than you think).
8. Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Infused with a distinctive blend of anti-aging peptides, this luxurious sunscreen lotion nourishes and deeply hydrates dry skin, leaving it feeling soothed and radiant.
