<p>If the idea of slathering sunscreen on dry, flaky skin sounds less than appealing, you’re not alone. “Many sunscreens can dry out skin further, leaving it tight and uncomfortable, and inadequate hydration in a formula can lead to visible flakiness and uneven skin texture,” says <a href=”https://angelalambmd.com/” target=”_blank”>Angela J. Lamb, M.D.</a>, Associate Professor of Dermatology at <a href=”https://profiles.mountsinai.org/angela-j-lamb” target=”_blank”>Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</a> in New York City. That said, SPF is not a step you should skip. </p><p>”Wearing sunscreen daily is crucial because it protects against harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging and other skin damage,” Dr. Lamb explains. “For those with dry skin, daily sunscreen use helps prevent UV-induced moisture loss and damage to the skin barrier, which can exacerbate dryness.” Have no (SPF) fear: There’s a new generation of formulas that not only won’t dehydrate skin, but are actually enhanced with hydrating <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a34102257/skincare-ingredient-dictionary/” target=”_blank”>skincare ingredients</a> to help your face and body feel moisturized both during and after wear. </p><p>So how exactly do you choose a sunscreen for dry skin? <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab”>Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab</a> scientists are constantly testing body and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/reviews/g2487/best-sunscreen-for-face-reviews/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/reviews/g2487/best-sunscreen-for-face-reviews/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”face sunscreens”>face sunscreens</a> on all skin types, including dry skin. In the GH Beauty Lab’s latest body and face sunscreen tests, dozens of formulas were assessed for their sun protection ability, ease of use, and how they wore on skin, including whether they were non-drying and left skin feeling hydrated. <strong>Lab experts quantified 12,227 consumer survey data points combined to identify the winning brands</strong>.<br></p><p>Ahead, dive into <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g1288/best-sunscreens/” target=”_blank”>the best face and body sunscreens</a> for dry skin tested by the GH Beauty Lab and recommended by dermatologists, including tinted, mineral and affordable buys, plus <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/g26310913/best-sunscreen-for-sensitive-skin/” target=”_blank”>SPFs for sensitive skin</a>.</p>”/>
1
Best Overall Face Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Vichy LiftActiv Sunscreen Peptide-C Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
Not only was this Vichy formula a winner in past GH Beauty Lab face SPF testing, it was the most moisturizing of all those evaluated. Made with softening hyaluronic acid, the lotion earned the highest score for making skin feel hydrated. It rated best for many other attributes, with 100% of testers agreeing it was easy to apply, had an appealing texture and didn’t irritate or sting skin. The sunscreen was also top at not leaving a white cast or residue on skin, working well with makeup and providing effective sun protection.
“It was very moisturizing without being greasy,” a tester with dry skin reported. Another whose main skin concern is dryness agreed, saying “I like how my skin feels hydrated and moisturized.” While most users liked the floral fragrance (calling it “pleasant”), others said it was “too strong.”
RELATED: Best Face Sunscreens
| SPF | 30 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%) |
| Water resistance | None |
| Price per ounce | ~$26.62 |
| Skincare ingredients | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
2
Best Value Face Sunscreen for Dry Skin
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
This affordable buy from CeraVe enhanced with nourishing ceramides and hyaluronic acid was a GH Beauty Lab test winner that ranked the highest among testers with dry skin types. A full 100% of users agreed the fragrance-free lotion didn’t cause redness or irritation and was effortless to apply. It also received top marks for its “light” texture (although some found it tacky on humid days), not leaving a white cast on skin and protecting skin against sunburn.
Almost half of testers commented that the formula made their skin feel soft, moisturized or hydrated. “It feels like a refreshing moisturizer,” one remarked. A second said it “left my face soft and smooth, and gave excellent protection from the sun.”
| SPF | 30 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2.7%) |
| Water resistance | None |
| Price per ounce | ~$11.75 |
| Skincare ingredients | Glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
3
Best Overall Body Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Rodan + Fields Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Pros
- Scored highest for not drying out skin
- Simple to use and soaks in fast
- No chalky, tacky or oily residue
Cons
- Higher price for a body SPF
Rodan + Fields was both a winner of the Beauty Lab’s body sunscreen test and favored for its “smooth” lotion formula that didn’t dehydrate skin. It brought in the highest score for not making skin feel dry, and an impressive 100% of users agreed it was simple to spread on, absorbed well, and didn’t leave a white film or feel sticky or greasy on skin.
Despite its higher price for the size, this formula was the tester favorite. One said it “felt similar to applying a moisturizing lotion” and several raved that it was “very moisturizing” and “skin felt soft” after application.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone (2.8%), Homosalate (9.6%), Octisalate (4.8%), Octocrylene (9.6%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$7.00 |
| Skincare ingredient | Glycerin |
4
Best Value Body Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen SPF 50
Now 24% Off
Pros
- Top mineral SPF for not drying out skin
- Appealing fragrance
- Doesn’t transfer onto fabrics
Cons
- May take time to absorb and feel greasy on skin
Hit the marks of a high-level, bargain mineral sunscreen in a milky lotion formula with Hawaiian Tropic, a top performer in Beauty Lab testing. It achieved the best score for not drying out skin among the mineral lotion SPFs evaluated. Users gave the sunscreen the highest marks for having a pleasant “tropical” scent and not transferring onto fabrics, which can be an issue with mineral formulations.
While it scored average for absorbing well and feeling oily, testers still praised its “wonderful staying power, even through running” and “skin moisturizing” effects. “I found myself looking forward to putting on this product,” one enthused.
RELATED: Best Mineral Sunscreens
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$3.80 |
| Skincare ingredients | Glycerin, plant oils |
5
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
No chalky mineral sunscreen here: Dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross’s gentle lotion was the best hydrating formula for dry skin in the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent face sunscreen test. Not only did the SPF rank top for making the face feel hydrated, it also received the highest score for not stinging skin and being easy to apply.
The overall tester favorite mineral sunscreen, they lauded its “smooth and silky” texture that melted in. “I loved that it did not irritate my skin,” one user said. “I felt like my dry skin was protected and actually moisturized,” another revealed. Good to know: It leaves a dewy finish on skin and some found the cap didn’t stay attached to the tube well.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (18%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$24.70 |
| Skincare ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, aloe |
6
Best Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
- Simple to apply
- Appealing creamy texture
Cons
- Some didn’t like the scent
Do double duty and save time in your skincare routine with Olay’s moisturizer that contains SPF. The cream excelled in Beauty Lab testing at making skin feeling hydrated, plus was easy to apply and had a pleasant “super smooth” texture. “I loved the way this made my skin feel,” a tester raved. “You could not tell that I had sunscreen on and my skin felt very soft.”
Another agreed, saying “it provides excellent hydration — I stopped using my daily moisturizer before it and felt just as moisturized.” A few caveats: The “sunscreen” scent was polarizing for some and it could leave a shiny finish on skin.
RELATED: Best Moisturizers with SPF
| SPF | 30 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone (3%),
Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4.5%) |
| Water resistance | None |
| Price per ounce | ~$17.64 |
| Skincare ingredients | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides |
7
Best Lightweight Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Murad Environmental Shield Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45
If you have dry skin but feel like richer lotion and cream SPF formulas are too heavy, Murad is for you: The liquid serum texture is featherlight on skin yet provides serious softening. Though it is an investment, the sunscreen earned the highest score in Beauty Lab testing for leaving skin feeling moisturized. It also rated well for its effortless application and pleasant, fast-absorbing formulation that didn’t irritate, interfere with makeup or leave a greasy, sticky visible film on skin.
Many testers raved about the “sheer,” “thin,” “very light” fluid formulation. “My face felt fresh and hydrated,” one commented. Another liked that despite its high level of zinc oxide, the product “did not leave a white cast” on her dark skin.
RELATED: Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens
| SPF | 45 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (17%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | $69.00 |
| Skincare ingredients | Glycerin, plant oils, shea butter, niacinamide, vitamin C |
10
Best Stick Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Some sunscreen sticks can be hard, dry and difficult to apply, but not this Colorescience mineral formula made with skin hydrators, recommended by both Geeta Yadav, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto and GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. While it may be a splurge, it earns praise from experts: The portable solid SPF “glides on and blends easily into skin, isn’t sticky and doesn’t budge when you sweat,” Wizemann says.
RELATED: Best Sunscreen Sticks
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (13%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Skincare ingredients | Squalane, jojoba oil |
How we test sunscreens
The GH Beauty Lab tests face and body sunscreen categories on hundreds of consumer testers across the country with a range of skin tones and types, including dry skin. Each tester uses the sunscreen as part of their skincare routine, then assesses the product on parameters including ease of use, formula texture, scent, absorption, the look and feel of their skin after application, whether it caused breakouts or irritation, any transfer onto fabrics and perceived sun protection ability.
In the Beauty Lab’s most recent face and body sunscreen tests, scientists tallied a total of 12,227 consumer feedback questions from 689 testers to determine the top-performing formulas.
What to look for when shopping for the best sunscreens for dry skin
In addition to choosing a sunscreen that covers the basics (broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher), keep the following factors in mind that are specific to those with dry skin:
✔️ Type of formula. “Pick more moisturizing formulations of sunscreen to help mitigate dryness,” recommends Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., Director of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey and Assistant Attending Dermatologist at Overlook and Mountainside Medical Centers. Your best bets are “cream and lotion formulas, which are generally more moisturizing than gels or sprays,” Dr. Lamb adds.
✔️ Key terms on packaging. “Look for claims like ‘moisturizing’, ‘hydrating’ or ‘nourishing’ on product labels,” Wnek says. This indicates they were created with the needs of dry skin types in mind.
✔️ Moisturizing ingredients. Sunscreens “containing moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and natural oils help maintain skin hydration,” Dr. Lamb suggests, and avoid those made with alcohol, which can further dry out skin.
If you still find sunscreen doesn’t apply smoothly because your skin is dry, “apply a moisturizer first and then sunscreen on top of it,” Dr. Downie recommends.
RELATED: How to Apply Sunscreen
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Director April Franzino wrote this piece, interviewing multiple dermatologist experts and reporting on more than a decade of GH Beauty Lab face and body sunscreen test results and insights.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek develops and executes the testing of sunscreens, including the Lab’s most recent face sunscreen test. She also provided expert commentary and review for this story.
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
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