The Best Hydrating Face Sunscreens for Dry Skin

We know daily sunscreen is non-negotiable, but those with dry skin can find many sunscreen formulas irritating and drying. This can lead individuals with dry or dehydrated skin to avoid sunscreen altogether—which is not a solution. But there are formulations specifically designed to soothe and hydrate, you just have to be on the lookout for certain ingredients and keywords. Keep reading to uncover the best face sunscreen for dry skin, plus other important details to consider.

Why Sunscreen Feels Drying

Slathering on sunscreen and immediately feeling dry, tight, or red? You’re not imagining things, it is certainly possible your sunscreen formula is to blame. Some sun filters naturally reduce or block the skin’s natural sebum production and absorb excess oil, which is fantastic for those with combination, acne, and oily skin. However this occurrence can possibly make dry and sensitive skin feel dehydrated or flaky, which is likely what you are experiencing. It’s also possible, but more rare, that you might have a negative reaction to certain SPF filters. If skin feels red, hot, itchy, and inflamed after application, you might have an allergy and, if so, please consult with your dermatologist.

With all this in mind, it might feel tempting to skip sunblock altogether, but that is certainly not the answer. Remember that sunscreen is the single most important product you can apply to your skin—not only for fighting premature aging (including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation) but also dangerous illnesses (like skin cancer). Instead, grab a face sunscreen for dry skin that pairs mineral or chemical coverage with a creamy base and hydrating ingredients (keeping reading for specific ingredients to look out for!).

What Makes a Sunscreen Good for Dry Skin

The best sunscreen for dry facial skin is one that you love to use everyday; that won’t cause further dryness, itching or irritation; applies easily within your overall skincare and beauty routine; and is easy to re-apply.

How to Choose a Sunscreen For Dry Skin

Struggling to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type? It can feel incredibly discouraging to continually test out sunscreen after sunscreen, only to feel the drying effects from each formula. However, not all sunscreens are created equal—in fact, there are specific sunscreens that are crafted with dry skin in mind. For those looking for a sunscreen for dry skin, seek out these specific qualities in your next sunscreen purchase. 

A Creamy Texture

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to sunscreen formulas: creams, gels, sprays, and tints. While gels and sprays are a great sunscreen option for oily skin, creams and liquids are a fantastic choice for dry skin as they naturally feel more nourishing and hydrating. Look for a creamy and luxurious-feeling sunscreen that promotes its moisturizing benefits and ingredients. They also will make the application process easier and more soothing, which is always an added plus when it comes to dry and sensitive skin. 

Hydrating Protection

An effective sunscreen can work like a moisturizer booster, helping to increase hydration levels while also protecting from UVA and UVB rays. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, peptides, and ceramides, all which help to replenish, nourish, and drench skin in hydration. Hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin will specifically add hydration back into the skin, while peptides and ceramides boost hydration, inhibit further moisture loss, and strengthen and repair the skin barrier. The best face sunscreen formulas for dry skin will proudly state these revitalizing ingredients either on their description list or packaging. Any of these ingredients are a fantastic addition to your daily skincare routine, especially for a hydrating sunscreen. 

Other Skin-Benefiting Ingredients

Make your sunscreen work overtime by using a formula that also includes additional skin-benefiting ingredients, like niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and prevent oil and debris from getting backed up in the pores, which can lead to clogged and enlarged pores. Niacinamide is also anti-inflammatory, meaning it’s great for those that are acne-prone (skin can absolutely be both dry and acne prone). Plus, it’s been shown to improve the overall health of your skin, thanks to aiding in more ceramide production, which in turn increases the well-being of the skin barrier. All this means it’s a great boost to your sunscreen, no matter your skin type. 

Broad Spectrum Coverage

If it doesn’t proudly state its broad spectrum status, quite simply don’t use it. According to the FDA, the term broad-spectrum sunscreen means a product that can protect from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. For a sunscreen to receive the broad-spectrum label means it is FDA-tested and -approved. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends only using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it protects skin more thoroughly, from both UVA (which ages skin) and UVB (the rays responsible for burning) rays. 

SPF 30+ Protection

SPF, which means sun protection factor, identifies how well sunscreen can protect from a sunburn, specifically by filtering out UVB rays. The AAD recommends a sunscreen have an SPF of 30 or higher. This ensures the sunscreen can shield you properly from the sun, providing UVB protection as promised. Anything lower cannot provide the full coverage needed and will need to be reapplied more often and thoroughly. Speaking of reapplication, if you find yourself out in the direct sun, aim to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

The Best Sunscreens For Dry Skin

You’re mindful about how you cleanse, tone, exfoliate, and moisturize—and your sunscreen needs just as much thoughtfulness. At Tatcha, we’ve perfected two sunscreen products that are ideal for dry skin. Both are creamy, have broad-spectrum protection, and are boosted with skincare ingredients so they not only offer coverage but also feel great on your skin. Here are two of the best face sunscreens for dry skin.

A Hydrating, Mineral Sunscreen

The Silk Sunscreen. Tatcha’s newest sunscreen innovation is this silky, lightweight, and nearly invisible formula. The 50+ coverage protects with 10 percent zinc oxide (a soothing active ingredient) for a mineral, reef-safe filter. While the protection may feel impossibly light, it’s packed with skin-benefitting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and silk extract—designed to hydrate, soothe, and reduce redness (making it one of the best sunscreens for dry, sensitive skin, too). The addition of silk is unique because silk extract closely parallels the amino acid structure of human skin, which provides a smoothing, protective veil of hydration, almost like a second skin without weighing it down.

The Silk Sunscreen is also the best mineral sunscreen for dry skin because it includes another rather rare and high-tech ingredient: the trademarked, high-transparency zinc oxide KLEAIR†. This reef-safe filter is proven to be over two times more effective at free-radical protection than regular zinc oxide. Plus, while mineral filters can be difficult to blend into all skin tones, the high transparency of this specific zinc oxide helps Tatcha’s formula blend into skin more easily. This special ingredient takes it to the next level, making it the best mineral sunscreen for dry skin.

Don’t just take our word for it though. In clinical studies, 56 percent of users saw an immediate improvement in skin moisturization**, while 100 percent of participants demonstrated an improvement in skin softness and suppleness*.

A Lux Hybrid Sunscreen

Silken Pore Perfecting SPF 35 Sunscreen. If you prefer a matte texture sunscreen, try our bestselling Silken Pore Perfecting sunscreen. With both mineral and chemical protection, this formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help reduce the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm visible irritation. The multitasking dry skin sunscreen includes lightweight silk extract, as well as pore-minimizing wild rose for a hydrated, yet balanced feel. The fast-absorbing cream formula blurs pores with SPF 35 protection and dries down flawlessly, making it an ideal option for those with dry to combination skin that are looking for a matte finish.

Which is Best for Dry-Sensitive Skin?

For those that have dry skin that is also sensitive, finding a sunscreen that both hydrates and doesn’t irritate the skin can be a tall order. The best sunscreen for dry sensitive skin includes formulas that don’t include added fragrances or dyes, both of which can be potentially irritating. Also, for dry sensitive skin, seek out sunscreens with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and formulas that proudly tout their hydrating benefits. The Silk Sunscreen, which has hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, and silk extract, will be especially soothing and non-irritating for dry sensitive skin.

*based on an expert grader study conducted on 40 panelists over 2 weeks

**based on a bio-instrumentation study conducted on 40 panelists over 2 weeks

†KLEAIR™ is under license from Solésence LLC