The Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin – 2023 Reviews and Top Picks
In our commitment to help you live your life to the fullest and without any hesitations, we have gathered and reviewed 5 of the best sunscreens available in the market today. These products were then ranked to come up with the best sunscreen for dry skin based on ingredients, level of SPF and its ability to nourish skin even while out in the sun.
The Very Emollient Body Lotion, Daily Shade by Alba Botanica contains botanical emollients to soothe and moisturize skin. It also has alpha hydroxyl acids that exfoliate dull skin cells.
Image’s Prevention + Daily Hydrating Moisturizer is infused with green tea to stop inflammation. It provides long-lasting and deep moisturization and can be used by those with sensitive skin.
The Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen by NIA 24 boasts of its mango butter content for balanced moisturization. It has ceramides, which promote more vibrant-looking skin.
The Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion by Eau Thermale Avène is a product high in SPF. It is also water-resistant and is dermatologist-tested and safe for any skin type.
Lightweight, Glo Therapeutics’ Oil Free SPF 40+ Sunscreen offers broad spectrum from the sun’s UV rays. It also contains nourishing hydrators to help stabilize the skin’s moisture content.
2017’s Reviews of the Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Rankings | Brands | Fragrance-free | SPF level | Editor’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | No | SPF 15 | ||
#2 | Yes | SPF 30 | ||
#3 | NIA 24 | No | SPF 30 | |
#4 | Yes | SPF 40 | ||
#5 | Yes | SPF 50 |
This sunscreen for dry skin contains alpha hydroxy acids. Great for dry skin, it helps in exfoliating dull surface cells to reveal younger and healthier-looking skin.
This product is made from 100% vegetarian ingredients. It also contains botanical emollients and Aloe Vera, which help moisturize and soothe inflamed and irritated skin.
It is hypoallergenic and is highly recommended for those with normal to dry skin. Lightweight, this product is easily absorbed by the skin and can also be used as a daily moisturizer.
A huge plus is that this product supports cellular renewal and visible improvement can be seen in just days. It also comes in a huge bottle, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
What we didn’t like is that it comes with such a low SPF. Though its level of protection is still acceptable, you may need to reapply this product more often compared to other sunscreens.
The good news is that it is packed with botanical emollients. It protects flaky skin and is non-greasy so you could go on with your day like you normally do.
What We Like:
- Great moisturizer
- Great for sensitive skin
- Comes in a pump bottle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not fragrance-free
- Low SPF
- Can be too thick
#2- Prevention + Daily Hydrating Moisturizer by Image
Its green tea content is what makes it great for dry skin. Enriched with other vitamins and antioxidants, this product soothes inflamed skin while keeping you protected from the sun.
It provides maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. With SPF 30, you can really spend a long time outdoors without getting burned—plus, it is also water-resistant.
A great moisturizer, it is especially recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin. It also spreads on easily and evenly, so there’s no need to worry about any residue on your skin.
This product is also free of any chemicals. It is also paraben-free, so for those hesitant of using products with preservatives, we really recommend this product.
What we really like about this is that it can be worn under your makeup. Aside from providing protection, it makes makeup easier to blend and makes it go on smoother and easier.
What makes this the best sunscreen for dry skin is that it acts like a 2-in-1 product. A little also goes a long way, so even with a high price tag, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
What We Like:
- Fragrance-free
- Water resistant
- Doubles as an anti-aging product
What We Didn’t Like:
- Is a bit greasy
- Can be too “liquidy”
- Can burn the eyes
The mango butter content of this product makes it a highly effective sunscreen for dry skin. This ingredient provides balanced moisturization and does not leave a sticky residue on the skin.
It contains ceramides, which work by promoting vibrant and healthy-looking skin. This sunscreen is also packed with antioxidants, to help defend the skin from oxidative stress.
What we love about this product is the broad spectrum of protection it offers. With SPF 30, it helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays that cause burning and premature aging.
Lightweight, this sunscreen is easily absorbed into the skin. Formulated with Pro-Niacin, this product can help heal any past damage and can help in restoring the skin’s protective barrier.
Recommended by dermatologists, a reviewer stated that this sunscreen acts like a facial treatment. It can be worn under makeup and also works as a great makeup base.
What makes this the best sunscreen for dry skin is that it prevents itchiness and flaking. It offers a high level of sun protection and does a great job in keeping you from burning in the sun.
What We Like:
- Not greasy
- Highly moisturizing
- A little goes a long way
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not fragrance-free
- Not water-resistant
- May not be for sensitive skin
#4- Oil Free SPF 40+ Sunscreen by Glo Therapeutics
The Hyaluronic acid content of this product is really beneficial for dry skin. HA can hold water 1000x its weight and can also fight free radical damage caused by external factors.
Another amazing feature is its Panthenol (D-) content. It stabilizes the moisture content of the skin, increases the skin’s ability to take oxygen in and regulates our skin’s production of sebum.
This product also contains Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, it stimulates the immune system and protects the skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
A huge plus is that this sunscreen can be used by all skin types. It doesn’t cause any breakouts, is very lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast when applied on the face.
One of the downsides is that it is not water-resistant. You will really start to burn the moment you sweat, so you must have a water-resistant sunscreen in hand when using this product.
The product is really interesting because the broad spectrum protection it provides. It also contains high levels of antioxidants, to ensure skin still gets nourished while out in the sun.
What We Like:
- Great for sensitive skin
- Is a great moisturizer
- Comes in a pump bottle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not water-resistant
- Expensive
- Some found the smell strange
This product is enriched with the soothing avène thermal spring water. This ingredient helps soften and soothe the skin.
Another great feature is that it is water-resistant. It keeps you water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and you can really last the whole day at the beach without getting sunburned.
This sunscreen boasts of its 100% mineral sunscreen filters. It provides broad spectrum protection of SPF 50 and offers maximum hydration for up to 8 hours.
Lightweight and sheer, this product contains a photostable form of Vitamin E. It provides a powerful anti-oxidant protection and is perfect for all skin tones and skin types.
The best part is that it can be layered under makeup. You won’t even remember you have it on, so you could still look your best while being protected from the sun at the same time.
What makes this the best sunscreen for dry skin is the level of protection it gives. It’s of high quality and since it’s chemical-free, you won’t worry about putting something bad to your skin.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Offers broad spectrum protection
- Water-resistant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Takes long to be absorbed by skin
- Can cause breakouts
- Can leave a white cast on skin
Reviews and Comparisons of the Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Rankings | Best Overall | 2nd choice | 3rd choice | 4th choice | 5th choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top-Rated Sunscreens for Dry Skin 2017 |
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Brand | |||||
Content | 32 ounces | 3.2 ounces | 2.5 ounces | 1.7 ounces | 1.3 ounces |
Absorbed quickly into the skin | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Get Started |
The Basics of Sunscreen
People are more at risk of getting skin cancer today as compared before. Fortunately, there are a lot of sunscreens available today that can help combat this disease.
The problem with that is it can be quite difficult to know which one is the best for you.
Sunscreens, in general, are divided into two categories: physical and chemical. Both safe and effective when used properly.
Physical sunscreens deflect and scatter rays even before reaching your skin while chemical ones absorb UV rays and convert them into heat energy. Although they appear to do the same job, you have to still be cautious about your options.
When choosing a sunscreen, these are the things to be considered:
- Its protection against UVB rays- An SPF 15 or higher is advised—if you usually get burned in 10 minutes, SPF 15 multiplies it by 15, meaning you’ll last up to 150 minutes before getting burned.
- The product’s UVA protection- Any of these ingredients can do the trick: zinc oxide, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, avobenzone, or ecamsule.
- Check if it’s water and sweat-resistant. But this doesn’t mean that they’re waterproof, so after having a swim, make sure to reapply your sunscreen.
- A brand you like- This seems like a no-brainer, but personal preference still plays a huge role.
- A sunscreen that suits your skin type- Moisturizing sunscreens are your best bet if you have dry skin since they often include ingredients like silicones, oils and lanolin. These are usually formulated as ointments, lotions, or creams, so be on the look-out for these terms.
- Also, if you also have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid sunscreens that contain preservatives, fragrances, or alcohol.
Tips to Stay Protected When Under the Sun
We believe that we’re good as long as we wear sunscreen, but this is not always the case. You actually need to do more that just apply creams on your skin.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible
- Wear protective eyeglasses
- Avoid sun exposure from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear dark and tightly-woven clothes, or clothes that have UVP (ultraviolet protection rating) on the label.
Conclusion
Staying out in the sun is almost an inevitable thing. Most of our day to day activities require us to be outdoors, so whether we like it or not, the sun should be like our new best friend.
For those who suffer from dry skin, this is horrible news. This will only make matters worse—fortunately, there are a lot of moisturizing sunscreens available to help with the situation.
We have chosen the Very Emollient Body Lotion, Daily Shade by Alba Botanica as the best sunscreen for dry skin. It has botanical emollients that soothe and moisturize and SPF 15 that protects against the sun.
This product is packed with alpha hydroxyl acids that exfoliate dull cells. It is made from 100% vegetarian ingredients, absorbed quickly by the skin and has no phthalates and parabens.
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