What are the benefits of sunscreen for rosacea?

According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, sun exposure was a top trigger for rosacea flare-ups in 81 percent of patients who participated and was connected to visible blood vessels and redness. Sensitive, non-chemical sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays can prevent skin damage and keep your rosacea at bay.

How often should you apply sunscreen for rosacea?

The National Rosacea Society says sunscreen takes 15 to 30 minutes to set in and work effectively, so you’ll want to apply it before you’re exposed to the sun rather than when you find yourself outdoors. Regardless of the SPF listed, sunscreen typically only lasts for 2 hours according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Remember to reapply it regularly to prevent skin damage as well as rosacea flare-ups.

The 11 Best Sunscreens for Rosacea of 2023

We all know how important it is to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, but what’s less often spoken about is sunscreen formulas for those with rosacea. Rosacea is a common condition where the skin flushes more easily, resulting in redness, sensitivity, and an uneven texture.

Once triggers are identified, rosacea can be managed pretty well, but sunscreen presents a tricky topic because formulas often contain sensitizing ingredients (such as fragrance and chemical filters). But as facialist and aesthetician Melanie Grant explains, those with rosacea are also highly susceptible to sun damage and UV radiation, which will break down collagen and elastin and contribute to inflammation, so it’s extremely important to find an SPF formula that protects without irritating.

Melaine's clients have benefited from regular LED light therapy, which has been shown to be effective and involves no recovery time. In addition to reducing inflammation, increasing hydration, and stimulating collagen and elastin for a firmer, more resilient complexion with less redness, LED also has the backing of a skin expert. She advises against using sunscreen when using LED light therapy, as it will block the LED light therapy from maximizing its full potential.

We conducted hours of research on the best sunscreens for rosacea, evaluating each formula on type (mineral or chemical) and SPF level, and active ingredients. We also had a look at what the formulas are free of—namely oils, fragrance, and parabens that can trigger a flare up. After consulting with board-certified dermatologists, we narrowed down our list to include their recommendations, and give you the best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

La Roche-Posay Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne:

EltaMD Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Sunscreen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Combination Skin:

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Fair to Medium Skin Tones:

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Normal Skin:

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best for a Dewy Finish:

Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

Murad Environmental Shield Age Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How We Researched
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Gentle
Effectively gives maximum UV protection
Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes

What We Don't Like

Takes some rubbing in

Leave it to the French to create a gentle, milky, high-protection sunscreen that doesn’t aggravate the skin or cause flare-ups. Fragrance and paraben-free, it’s a great choice for all complexions given its natural finish and lightweight texture (which isn’t easy for a 50+ zinc-based product).

Price at time of publish: $34

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Blocks UV rays very well
Restores the protective skin barrier with ceramides
Attracts moisture with hyaluronic acid

What We Don't Like

Can leave a white film on skin

Made using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this simple facial sunscreen is bolstered with niacinamide and ceramides in the formula that can help to firm up the skin barrier and prevent irritation. It’s quite thick but does sink in, leaving the skin soft and velvety once absorbed.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart

What We Like

Thick for protection in cold environments
Smooth in application
Dewy look

What We Don't Like

Might leave a white residue

Derms and celebs alike are big fans of this SPF from Ulta MD, probably because it’s designed specifically for pigmented, oily and acne-prone skin types. It's formulated with zinc oxide and octinoxate, plus niacinamide, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid meant to help refine the skin and prevent congestion.

Price at time of publish: $38

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Full of botanical extracts
Offers solid amount of zinc oxide
Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

Takes a while to not feel greasy

This blend, rich in zinc oxide, antioxidants, and oils, promises to protect and nourish fragile skin. Light and creamy, it absorbs well and is free from potential ingredient triggers like fragrance, essential oils, and oxybenzone.

Price at time of publish: $36

4.7

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Sea buckthorn protects against free radicals
High concentration of vitamins C and E
Absorbs in minutes

What We Don't Like

Pricey

This new launch from Dr. Dennis Gross is made using a clear form of zinc oxide, so it blends well with zero white cast. It’s also rich in nourishing sea buckthorn, so you’ll feel hydrated and soft while you're wearing it.

Price at time of publish: $42

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Drjart.com View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Looks natural on skin
Rapidly neutralizes the look of redness
Very rich
Included tiger grass repairs and soothes

What We Don't Like

More suited for lighter complexions

This stuff is magic when it comes to neutralizing the redness associated with rosacea. The secret lies in the green-ish undertone and the inclusion of soothing Centella in the formula–both of which are meant to reduce redness and even out tone. It’s quite rich, so it works great on drier complexions.

Price at time of publish: $52

4.5

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Cultbeauty.com

What We Like

Leaves a soft finish
Absorbs quick
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Can be drying for some

Parched skin types will relish in this creamy SPF offering from Biossance. Rich in the brand’s signature squalane, this formula promises to help calm and moisturize stressed-out skin while protecting it from UV rays.

Price at time of publish: $16

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30

Skin Store

View On Walmart View On Howl.me View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

Moisturizing
A little goes a long way
Good for winter protection

What We Don't Like

Slightly grainy feel
Doesn't blend well

We’ve never met a Skinceuticals product we didn’t like! The Physical UV Defense is a great all-rounder, thanks to the fact it has a natural-feeling finish. It’s completely physical and specifically formulated for sensitive, post-procedure skin, making it suitable for those with rosacea.

Price at time of publish: $36

Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Dermalogica.com

What We Like

Non-irritating
Doesn't dry out skin or create flakiness
Clean smell

What We Don't Like

May leave white cast on darker skin

If you don’t want to irritate the skin but still want a dewy finish, this Dermalogica pick is top-notch. Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the fragrance-free cream applies beautifully, leaving the skin soft, hydrated, and most importantly, protected.

Price at time of publish: $54

Environmental Shield Age Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

Courtesy of Murad.

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Prevents multiple causes of photo-aging
Color-correcting tint
Non-irritating formula

What We Don't Like

High price per ounce
Contains PEGs and paraffin

For mature skin, we recommend Murad. In addition to broad-spectrum SPF protection, the brand's City Skin Sunscreen contains special environmental protection technology that safeguards your complexion from multiple causes of damage and photo-aging. Not only that, but the subtle color-correcting tint helps conceal rosacea.

Price at time of publish: $69

4.2

Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Formulated for reactive skin
Anti-inflammatory ingredients
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs and paraffin

On a budget? Blue Lizard is an excellent choice. Formulated specifically for sensitive and reactive skin, this sunscreen is not only free of fragrance, but it also contains soothing ingredients like green tea extract to offer a calming, anti-inflammatory effect.

Price at time of publish: $17

Final Verdict

Sunscreen is a personal skincare choice and really comes down to your complexion goals and desired finish. But with that being said, there are three standouts in the above list that we’ve crowned team Byrdie favorites. First of all, there’s La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen For Face SPF 50 (view at Ulta) for its light, hydrating, skin-soothing formula that just so happens to be appropriately priced. Then there’s Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46—the best SPF for troublesome, sensitive skin. And finally, Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 because it’s a great all-rounder that sinks in fast, feels good, and won’t trigger redness.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Meet the Expert

Melanie Grant is an Australian skin expert and Chanel's official skin expert, specializing in holistic education for aesthetic skin improvement. She is also the author of ‘The Modern Guide to Skin Health’, an award-winning, no-fluff guide that includes all of the most recent industry updates and skin-care recommendations.

What to Look for When Buying Sunscreen for Rosacea-Prone Skin

Chemical vs. Physical Filters

While there are always exceptions to the rule, Grant suggests that those who have rosacea opt for physical (also called mineral or inorganic sunscreens), as they are typically less irritating than those containing physical UV filters. A couple of our favorite mineral formulas include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 and Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30.

"Reach for a mineral-based formula with calming, restorative zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” says Grant. “For those of us with sensitive skin or rosacea, always test a new product behind your ear or on the side of your neck before slathering it all over your face.”

Skin Soothers

On the flip side, calming ingredients are great to look out for when buying sunscreen. Grant suggests reaching for a formula that contains niacinamide, peptides, panthenol, ceramides, green tea extract, and fatty acids to help boost barrier function and soothe the complexion.

For instance, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 contains both niacinamide and ceramides, while Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen calls on green tea extract to calm the skin.

Fragrance-Free Formula

“It’s important to avoid ingredients that will cause further irritation to the skin, including fragrance," says Grant. Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is a great unscented option that's unlikely to irritate reactive skin types.

FAQ

What are the benefits of sunscreen for rosacea?

According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, sun exposure was a top trigger for rosacea flare-ups in 81 percent of patients who participated and was connected to visible blood vessels and redness. Sensitive, non-chemical sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays can prevent skin damage and keep your rosacea at bay.
How often should you apply sunscreen for rosacea?

The National Rosacea Society says sunscreen takes 15 to 30 minutes to set in and work effectively, so you’ll want to apply it before you’re exposed to the sun rather than when you find yourself outdoors. Regardless of the SPF listed, sunscreen typically only lasts for 2 hours according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Remember to reapply it regularly to prevent skin damage as well as rosacea flare-ups.

Why Trust Byrdie

Aside from having a few rosacea-prone team members, Emily Algar is dedicated to seeking out the best recommendations for all skin types and concerns, especially in a category such as sunscreen. And as always, Emily has called on an expert in the field (in this instance, facialist and aesthetician Melanie Grant) to explain exactly what we should and shouldn't be looking out for.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any sunscreens for rosacea from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

We Tested 51 Sunscreens and These Are the Best 12 Sunscreens of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.