Sunscreens That Won’t Pill, Flake, or Smother Dry Skin? They Exist

There’s nothing that makes applying SPF feel more like a chore than trying to smooth it into parched, rough skin, which is where the best sunscreen for dry skin comes in. Instead of leaving your complexion feeling tight, flaky, or uncomfortable, these hybrid sunscreen formulas offer a double dose of moisture and protection.

Dryness can be tricky to deal with—and tough to avoid, caused by the environment, aging, genetics, and even some medications. “When choosing a sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to find one that protects and hydrates the skin barrier,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, OH. These can include ingredients like “hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides,” which attract and lock in moisture while soothing irritation, says Ashley McGuinness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO.

Our Top Sunscreens for Dry Skin

The good news? Some sunscreens go beyond UV protection, offering moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants that give you a glowing, hydrated complexion. We’re spilling our top picks that glide on like a dream while keeping your skin moisturized all day.

Best Overall: Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Why we love it: When sunscreen becomes something you look forward to putting on, you know you’ve found “the one.” Best of Beauty Award-winning Kate Somerville Hydrakate Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 50+ Drops with Ectoin boast an impressive 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide (which consists of larger particles considered safer for marine life) and forms a strong physical barrier to shield you from harmful UV rays without that dreaded chalky white cast. The real hero ingredient is ectoin, which fights free radicals while soothing and hydrating your skin barrier. “It’s an extremolyte, which is extracted from extremophilic microorganisms. Extremolytes help protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions,” Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained to Allure. The sheer, universal tint blends into all skin tones without a white cast, giving a radiant, even-toned complexion.

Best Chemical: SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Why we love it: SkinCeuticals’ Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is a glow-up in a bottle. No, really, your complexion will look noticeably glowier and more even-toned, thanks to a brightening blend of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, phenylethyl resorcinol, and mica. Sun protection is one of the best lines of defense against discoloration, and this SPF goes above and beyond by treating existing discoloration. Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, previously recommended this pick for people prone to excess sebum since it’s very lightweight and doesn’t add any greasiness to the mix.

Best Mineral: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: Tatcha’s The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 has been an editor favorite for years, stealing the coveted spot as our favorite mineral sunscreen. Everyone on staff who slathers it on loves the sheer, dewy finish and how gentle it is on sensitive skin. “It has a lightweight liquid formula and a slight tint,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. “It uses zinc oxide to protect from UVA and UVB rays, hyaluronic acid to add moisture, niacinamide to soothe, and a silk extract to help even skin tone.” While it takes a bit of rubbing in to avoid a white cast, Dr. Hartman adds that once it absorbs, “You don’t see the sunscreen” at all. Beyond the smooth, invisible finish, it’s also packed with skin-calming ingredients like allantoin to reduce redness.

Best Invisible Finish: Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ PA++++

Why we love it: If you’re searching for a sunscreen that truly disappears on contact, Medik8’s Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ PA++++ won’t leave you in fear of a chalky cast. In addition to shielding your skin from UV rays, blue light, and environmental stressors, the formula contains light-activated photolyase and antioxidant ectoin to help strengthen your skin barrier and visibly firm your skin just days after use.

Best Lightweight: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

Why we love it: When you want your sunscreen to feel more like skin care—and less, well, sunscreen-y—Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ is mini but mighty. The lightweight, lotion-like texture glides on smoothly and dries down to a non-greasy, invisible finish. It’s spiked with skin-loving ingredients like raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, and five types of algae to keep your complexion hydrated and calm. Our tester swears by how seamlessly it layers under makeup—and while the bottle is on the smaller side, a little does go a long way.

Best Lightweight: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen

Why we love it: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen takes everything you love about Korean essences—like hyaluronic acid and ceramides—and fuses them into a weightless, non‑greasy SPF 50 formula that feels like skincare instead of traditional sunblock. It melts right in, drenching your skin in moisture that leaves it soft, plump, and protected—no greasiness, no weight. But honestly, would we expect anything less from this beloved K-beauty brand?

More sunscreens for dry skin we love

• If you’re looking for protection that feels like nada, you can’t go wrong with La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50. In fact, you might forget you’re even applying sunscreen; its silky, serum-like texture glides on smoothly without a sticky feel, and the tell-tale sunscreen scent? Completely MIA. Packed with hyaluronic acid (a popular and powerful humectant) and the brand’s signature thermal spring water from La Roche-Posay in France, it delivers serious hydration while offering broad-spectrum protection.
• For sunscreen that also gives your complexion a brightening boost, Black Girl Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is spiked with carrot juice, which is rich in vitamin C. The hydrating formula blends in without a trace of white cast: “The formula feels like a lotion more than a sunscreen, which is great for compliance if you don’t like a traditional ‘sunscreen feel,’” says Dr. Hartman.
• If you have mature skin that needs extra attention, try Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. It’s one of my favorite sunscreens and one that I personally reach for often,” says Dr. Hartman. “It’s a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide is the UV protectant) while still being lightweight and easy to apply. It doesn’t leave a white cast, either.” Even better, it goes beyond protection: DNA Repairsomes (a plankton-derived enzyme) help support the skin’s natural repair process, while vitamin E works as a humectant to draw in moisture—ideal for dry, aging skin.
• If it’s a no-makeup makeup day, and you still want a little tint, Colorescience Tint du Soleil Whipped Mineral Foundation SPF 30 will even you out. “With ceramides and milk lipids to restore moisture, plus collagen-building peptides and a multivitamin complex to improve skin health, it’s skincare in a foundation,” says Dr. Foad. The whipped texture blends seamlessly, and the four versatile shades give you sheer, breathable coverage that suits various skin tones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?

If you’ve got dry skin, the best sunscreens are the ones that hydrate while offering solid UV protection. “When searching for sunscreens for dry skin, it’s crucial to find products with ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides,” says Dr. McGuinness. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin, but chemical sunscreens packed with hydration work just as well. Extra points if it includes antioxidants to combat free radicals. And, of course, stick to lightweight, non-greasy formulas for a comfortable, glowing finish.

Is it good to apply sunscreen on dry skin?

Everyone, no matter their skin type, benefits from daily sunscreen. Not only does it protect you from damaging UV rays, but with the right formula, it can also keep your skin super hydrated. “In addition to making sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, people with dry skin should opt for a cream or lotion-based formula instead of gels or sprays, which can sometimes be more drying,” says Dr. Foad.

Many sunscreens for dry skin include ingredients like hyaluronic acid “to help lock in moisture and prevent water loss so your skin stays hydrated and resilient,” she says. “In general, people with dry skin may want to avoid sunscreens containing alcohol, which is found more commonly in spray or aerosolized sunscreens, as it can worsen dry skin,” says Dr. McGuinness

Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?

Sometimes, it depends on the type of sunscreen you’re using. “For physical/mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) that sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV, I typically recommend applying a moisturizer first, waiting at least 5-10 minutes, then applying sunscreen. For chemical sunscreens that must be absorbed into the skin to provide UV protection, I typically recommend applying the sunscreen first, waiting 15-20 minutes to allow for absorption of the UV-protecting ingredients, then applying moisturizer,” says Dr. McGuinness.