Sunscreen for sensitive skin: which SPF is right for you?

Sensitive skin and sunscreen — that's not always an easy combination. Many sunscreens contain fragrance, chemical filters, or preservatives that can irritate the skin, cause redness, or worsen rosacea. Yet, sun protection is essential, even for people with sensitive or reactive skin.

In this guide, we explain what to look for, the difference between mineral and chemical filters, and which SPF suits your skin — or your child's.

Mineral or chemical sunscreen?

There are two types of UV filters: mineral and chemical.

Chemical filters are absorbed by the skin and convert UV radiation into heat. They are light and easy to spread but can cause irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction in sensitive skin.

Mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) remain on the skin and reflect UV radiation. They are not absorbed, making them gentler for sensitive skin, skin with rosacea, and the skin of babies and children.

For sensitive skin, we recommend sunscreen with mineral filters.

Which SPF do I need?

SPF 30 filters 97% of UVB radiation and is sufficient for daily use in the Netherlands and Belgium, even on cloudy days.

SPF 50 filters 98% and is recommended for longer sun exposure, for children, for fair skin tones, for rosacea or couperose, and when on holiday in southern countries.

Advice: if in doubt, choose a higher SPF. The difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small, but for sensitive skin, it can make all the difference.

Sunscreen for rosacea and couperose

Heat and UV radiation are two of the main triggers for rosacea and couperose. Daily protection with a mineral sunscreen is therefore recommended. Chemical filters and fragrance in sunscreen can worsen rosacea — so choose a fragrance-free formula with mineral filters.

Extra tip: apply sunscreen after your day cream and before your makeup. While mineral foundation contains zinc oxide, it does not replace sunscreen — always use a separate sun protection product.

Sunscreen for children and babies

Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults'. Therefore, always choose a mineral, fragrance-free sunscreen for children and babies.

Babies under 6 months should ideally be kept completely out of the sun. After that, use a mineral SPF 50 specifically formulated for delicate baby skin.

Lotion or spray: which is more convenient?

Sunscreen lotion is a liquid lotion that you rub in. Easy to spread over the body, even on large areas. Provides good coverage and is ideal if you want to take your time to apply it thoroughly.

Sunscreen spray is convenient for quick application, reapplication in between, and for children who don't sit still. Note: with sprays, it's important to rub the spray in well to ensure even protection.

Both options are suitable for the whole family, from children to adults with sensitive skin.

Our recommendation: Alphanova Daily Sun

Alphanova is a French organic brand specializing in natural and safe cosmetics for sensitive skin. The Daily Sun line is certified organic, free of fragrance, parabens, and chemical UV filters, suitable for the whole family — including children and sensitive skin — water-resistant, and tested under dermatological supervision.

Available as Sunscreen Lotion and as Sunscreen Spray.

In summary: what to look for?

• Opt for mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
• Choose fragrance-free for sensitive skin, rosacea, or children
• Use SPF 30 for daily use, SPF 50 for longer exposure
• Apply generously — too little sunscreen provides much less protection
• Reapply after swimming, sweating, or every 2 hours
• Always use a separate sunscreen — even if you wear foundation with zinc oxide