Why am I having an allergic reaction to sunscreen? What can I use if I'm allergic to sunscreen?
If you need help choosing a sunscreen for allergy-prone skin, you’ve come to the right place.
Loved by many with allergies and skin sensitivities, Green People’s fragrance-free sunscreens were made for skin like yours. They have been clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin and are an excellent choice for those prone to sunscreen allergies.
Summary
- Almost 1 in 4 Brits have experienced a reaction to sunscreen[i]
- Common allergens used in sunscreens include UV filters (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone), fragrance, ethanol alcohol, colourant, pore-clogging petrochemicals and preservatives
- For a skin-kind way to protect allergy-prone skin, opt for unscented sunscreen that’s dermatologically tested
- Try Green People Scent-Free Sun Cream SPF30
How common is sunscreen allergy?
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to sunscreen? You’re not alone. We asked 2,000 people this very question and were shocked to discover that almost 1 in 4 (24%) have experienced a sun cream reaction.
Worryingly, a staggering 25% said they avoid using sunscreen altogether due to worries that it will trigger irritation or a heat rash breakout.
Without sun protection, your skin is vulnerable to lasting damage, including premature ageing and skin cancer, making SPF a non-negotiable, even if you have sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
That’s where we come in. Experts in sensitive skin, we understand how challenging it can be to find an SPF that’s gentle on your skin.
That’s why all our sun creams are dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin - more about that in the next section.
Best sunscreens for allergy-prone skin
If you’re looking for hypoallergenic sun care, we can help. Our best sunscreens for allergy-prone skin are our fragrance-free sun creams.
You won’t find any pore-clogging mineral oils, irritating fragrances or skin-drying alcohols here. Instead, safe, non-toxic UV filters along with plenty of organic plant oils and emulsifiers offer feel-good, natural sun protection that soothes, nourishes and protects.
Our best body sunscreen for allergy-prone skin:
Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 200ml
Protect sensitive skin naturally with our best-selling SPF30 sun cream
358 kr
Our best facial sunscreen for allergy-prone skin:
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
319 kr
All our sun lotions are formulated with a soothing, certified organic Aloe Vera base. Here are a few more reasons why we think Green People is the best sunscreen brand for allergy-prone skin:
- Hypoallergenic & dermatologically tested
- Clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin
- Rich in soothing, nourishing organic actives
- No fragrance or essential oils
- No drying alcohols
- No pore-clogging mineral oils
- No synthetic colourants or parabens
- Safe and effective UV filters - no Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Methoxycinnamate or Octocrylene
Customer stories
But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at some of the 5-star reviews that our customers have left for our best-selling sun cream, Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30.
Try before you buy
We understand that it can be daunting to try a new sunscreen after experiencing allergic reactions in the past. To make things easier, we offer trial-size sachets of our best-selling sunscreens which you can use for patch testing.
To help you shop without stress, we also offer a 28-day guarantee. If our sunscreens don’t suit your needs, return them to us in good condition (at least 90% full) and we’ll arrange a refund.
45% of our survey panel said they check that their sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin before purchasing.
Best mineral sun cream for allergy-prone skin:
Have you tried a mineral sunscreen? Most of our sun creams use a blend of chemical and mineral sun filters but we also offer a selection of 100% mineral sunscreens.
Mineral UV filters, such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, block and reflect UV radiation, reducing the level of UV that reaches the skin’s surface.
If you are sensitive or allergic to some chemical filters, you may find that mineral sunscreens are a better choice for you. Our top seller is our Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30, which offers non-nano Zinc Oxide defence.
Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF30 50ml
Reflect and protect with this 100% mineral sun cream
347 kr
Best children’s sun cream for allergy-prone skin
Looking for a sunscreen for a child who’s allergic to sunscreen? We can help with this, too. Our top recommendation is our Organic Children's Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30, which is non-greasy, non-drying and ideal for allergy-prone children.
High factor, water-repellent, and packed with goodness you can trust, it's loved by kids and parents alike.
Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream - SPF30 150ml
Discover peace-of-mind protection with our best-selling kids’ SPF30 sun cream
319 kr
Allergens in sunscreen
To help make shopping with a sunscreen allergy even easier, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist of irritants to avoid when choosing a sunscreen for ultra-sensitive skin.
Drying alcohols
Ethanol and ethyl alcohol are both examples of alcohol-based preservatives that can dry the skin, potentially increasing the risk of irritation.
Fragrance
Even natural essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. For skin kind protection, choose scent-free sun care.
Petrochemicals, such as paraffin wax, silicones and mineral oil, can trap sweat in the skin, leading to heat rash (prickly heat).
Colourants and preservatives are also known to trigger irritation in sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
UV filters Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone have all been linked to skin reactions
Of course, you won't find any of these ingredients in our natural and organic sun creams.
What makes Green People sunscreens so gentle
Our natural, non pore-clogging, anti-inflammatory formulas use safe, non-toxic IV filters and skin-kind ingredients that nourish and support the skin barrier, allowing the skin to breathe.
- Aloe Vera: All Green People sunscreens use a soothing, certified organic Aloe Vera gel base. Oh-so soothing, this plant active keep skin soft and hydrated with its nourishing vitamins and minerals.
- Edelweiss: We boost the UV protection offered by our sunscreens with Edelweiss. Ideal for sensitive skin, this antioxidant-rich alpine plant extract contains anti-inflammatory lignans and leontopodic acid, which helps to protect against sensitivity
- Calming anti-inflammatory actives: Organic Rosemary, Green Tea and Chamomile extracts work in synergy with Myrrh and Sunflower Oil to soothe inflammation caused by sun exposure
- Moisture-binding actives: Organic Cocoa Seed Butter, Aloe Vera and Olive Fruit Oil maintain skin moisture, strength and softness
Browse hypoallergenic sunscreens now.
We hope that you have found this guide to sensitive sun care helpful. Browse our entire range of natural sunscreens now or find the best sun cream for you with our SPF quiz. If you need further assistance in selecting a skin-kind sunscreen for sensitive, allergy-prone skin, please get in touch with our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350. We’re always happy to help!
Please note that the information included in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have experienced an allergic reaction or are concerned about any changes to your skin, consult a medical professional, such as your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
