Which is the best sunscreen with SPF 50?

Sunscreen has come a long way – where once we just used an all-over body formula (and only when we were at the pool or beach) we now have sunscreens designed for different skin types, different parts of the body and every application you can imagine.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you may find a lot of sunscreens irritate your face, and feel like all this variety is for nothing since you can’t find a sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin.

WHY DO SOME SUNSCREENS IRRITATE SENSITIVE SKIN?

It’s hard to know for sure, but it comes back to tolerance levels of skin and makeup products in general. If you’re sensitive to sunscreen, it’s likely you struggle with other topical skin products, too. You may see this as redness, dryness, peeling or little bumps that looks like hives. Or there might be no visual evidence, but you’ll feel stinging, itching or burning when using certain products.

Remember: Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

Go-To Nifty Fifty 50ml, Go-To, $45

Go-To’s long-awaited sunscreen is finally here. Offering broad spectrum SPF50 protection thanks to four advanced UV filters: Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150 and Tinosorb A2B.

It also contains kakadu plum to protect skin against premature ageing, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin as well CoQ10 for antioxidants. The non greasy, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

“This is some sophisticated goop. It took years to perfect, but it was so worth it. It makes

wearing SPF50 every day both pleasant and effortless. Which was precisely the plan.”

Go-To founder Zoë Foster Blake says of Nifty Fifty.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30, THE ICONIC, $47

One of the most popular sunscreen brands in Australia, Ultra Violette does sunscreen only, and does it very, very well. They have two options for sensitive skin types – Lean Screen, which is SPF 50, and Clean Screen. I included Clean Screen here as it also has a mattifying effect, thanks to its gel-cream texture that’s partly mineral, partly organic sunscreen ingredients. It’s worth noting that you should use the highest SPF you can, so 50+ is ideal. However, many mineral sunscreens will only go to SPF 30.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion, Naked Sundays, $39.95

Naked Sundays was founded by TV journalist Samantha Brett who wanted a way to top up her SPF while working outdoors and under bright lights after seeing two colleagues get skin cancers removed.

Naked Sundays launched in January 2021 and later that year into MECCA, where it sold out three months worth of stock in just a day and continues to be popular with shoppers. Its Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is best suited for sensitive skin.

This award-winning sunscreen contains vegan collagen, watermelon extract and has a tinted colour that buffs out easily to a beautiful, whitecast-free natural finish.

Five star reviews say it “works great on my sensitive and breakout-prone skin” and is lightweight on the skin.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance SPF 50 Day Cream 90ml, Myer, $19.95

This bills itself as a daily moisture treatment with SPF 50+ as well as rosewater and nourishing skin extracts to keep your face nourished and hydrated.

Shoppers say it is “lightweight” while still being hydrating, with one writing: “It’s non greasy but hydrating and absorbs so well.”

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

McoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, McoBeauty, $35

This zinc-based sunscreen is formulated for oily and sensitive skin types. As well as being UVA and UVB broad spectrum this sunscreen also contains kakadu plum, which is high in vitamin C.

Dermatologist tested, cruelty-free and vegan, this sunscreen has a matte finish while still being hydrating.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50+ 75ml, THE ICONIC, $49

This lightweight sunscreen is perfect for oily, combo or sensitive skin types. The zinc-only formula is free from parabens, oxybenzone and doesn’t have the sticky white consistency of traditional sunscreen.

It’s also Australia-made and vegan.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, Chemist Warehouse, $28.99 (down from $33.95)

Light on skin, fragrance free, a non-shiny finish and very high SPF? What’s not to love here. This is a fantastic face sunscreen that will leave an invisible finish, making it a great option for darker skin types. It’s worth noting that the formula is very runny, but once applied feels like you’re wearing nothing.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Eco Tan Face Sunscreen SPF30 Suncare, Myer, $39.95

This vegan sunscreen is formulated especially for acne prone and sensitive skin types. The non-comedogenic formula won’t block pores and has skin-loving ingredients like watermelon seed, cucumber and sunflower.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF 50 Moisturiser 50g, Bondi Sands, $22.95

This is a two-in-one product, working as a hydrating moisturiser and SPF 50+. The non-greasy formula is ideal for wearing under makeup and it’s non-comedogenic making it good for sensitive skin. Key ingredients include hibiscus flower, vitamin E and zinc oxide.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Little Urchin Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30, Amazon Australia, $29.95

This Australian made physical sunscreen is fairly heavy on application, but that’s par for the course with most physical sunscreens. It is, however, very comfortable to wear on sensitive skin and also gives a medium tint to fairer skin types.

Always read the label and see directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Avene Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF 50+, Chemist Warehouse, $25.49 (down from $29.99)

A gentle sunscreen designed for sensitive skin types, this product uses Avene’s Thermal Spring Water to help maintain hydration, while the product applies clear and has a mattifying finish.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect SPF 50, Amazon Australia, $13.49

This is a great, affordable option and the 200ml bottle means you can use it all-over, if you like. Fragrance free and formulated with aloe vera and camomile to help soothe skin, it’s a good one for the beach bag.

Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.

SHOP HERE

HOW CAN I TELL IF A SUNSCREEN WON’T IRRITATE MY SKIN?

Again, without knowing what your skin is specifically irritated by, it’s a bit of trial-and-error. If you are concerned, seeing a GP or dermatologist is the best course of action. In general though, Some ways to avoid common sensitivity triggers are avoiding products with fragrance, products with preservative and going for mineral-based products. It’s also worth nothing that prolonged sun exposure and heat can irritate sensitive skin types, so to further protect yourself it’s always worth covering up, sticking to shady spots and keeping cool during summer.

WHAT ARE CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS?
Something you might hear a lot of when it comes to sensitive skin and sunscreen is the difference between chemical and physical. Many people will swear that the only sunscreen they can use on their sensitive skin is physical sunscreen, which usually uses zinc oxide to reflect away UV rays. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, penetrates your skin and absorbs UV rays, then turns them into heat. It’s this function that some sensitive skin sufferers find irritating to their skin, but it won’t be the case for everyone.

While we can’t promise you a sunscreen won’t irritate your sensitive skin, we can share some top-rated, well-loved sunscreens that people with sensitive skin have claimed worked well for them.

To get the best deal on every purchase, be sure to check out news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll find discounts on brands like Country Road, The Iconic, and many more.

Hannah PaineEcommerce Writer

Hannah Paine is a senior Ecommerce Writer for Best Of. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she joined the news.com.au team in 2018. She has written for some of Australia's biggest titles and covered everything from beauty, fashion to health - you name it, she's written it. Hannah is passionate about finding the right product at the right price and believes good skincare and clothes don't need to cost the earth.

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