If you haven't added sunscreen to your skincare routine yet, you better start now before we hit the peak of summer. Especially if you have sensitive or dry skin, you'll need to put a little more thought into the kind of sunscreen that you'll wear. Certain sunscreens contain alcohol that aren't recommended for those with sensitive and dry skin. Protect your skin not only from the sun but from irritation with the best alcohol-free sunscreens. Shop them below.
Also read: These Are the Sunscreen Myths You Need to Stop Believing
Check out 10 best alcohol-free sunscreens for sensitive and dry skin:
Best for glass skin: Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (P2,300) from Supergoop!
The Supergoop Glowscreen acts both as a sunscreen and a makeup-gripping primer. Its lightweight formula makes it easy to wear underneath your makeup and even has a pearlescent sheen to help you achieve that dewy, glass skin effect. With active ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and cocoa peptides, it protects the outer layers of the skin while penetrating and nourishing deep within.
Available on Sephora.
Best body sunscreen: Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF 50 (P1,681) from Avène
A sunscreen that lives up to its name, Avene's is water-resistant and offers high protection. A fair warning, though: It's a mineral sunscreen, which means that rather than being absorbed into the skin, it sits on top and acts as a barrier and may leave a white cast. It honestly might not be the best sunscreen to wear under makeup, but it's perfect for people who are active and love the outdoors. Some may find it too thick to be worn on the face, but we say a little goes a long way. Plus, it's great for the rest of your body too, and will keep you protected during the hottest days.
Available on Zalora.
Best hydrating sunscreen: Anthelios Ultra Creme SPF30 (P1,710) from La Roche Posay
Although this sunscreen isn't entirely alcohol-free since it contains cetyl alcohol, it's still safe for sensitive and dry skin. Cetyl alcohol is a "fatty alcohol" and, unlike "simple alcohols" such as denatured alcohol, ethanol, propanol, and methanol, it isn't drying or irritating. It's actually an emollient that is used to moisturize and treat rough, scaly, and itchy skin. Not to mention, it works well under makeup, too!
Available on Zalora.
Best dry-touch sunscreen: Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (P611) from Neutrogena
Most dry-touch sunscreens dry incredibly matte and aren't suitable for dry skin. But the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is an exception. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized without being sticky nor dehydrating. It's lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores and lead to breakouts. You can use this on both your body and face without dealing with a white cast.
Available on Zalora.
Best splurge: Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50 (P1,990) from Anessa
The Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk was formulated specifically for sensitive skin. It's free from any fragrances, additives, colorants, parabens, alcohol, and oils, making it a mild formula that still effectively protects you from harsh UV rays. Aside from being a sunscreen, it also doubles as a makeup primer and skincare product, making it the ultimate package. It even has anti-inflammatory properties to avoid irritation and provide extra hydration, thanks to its Glycyrrhizate Acid and Hyaluronic Acid.
Available on Zalora.
Best budget sunscreen: Collagen Sunscreen SPF50 (P150) from 3W Clinic
Here's another hydrating sunscreen without the added sticky feeling. It has a creamy consistency but dries down and absorbs quickly into the skin without leading to breakouts. The only downside is that it isn't waterproof and can't be worn to the pool or the beach. But you can wear this under your makeup every day and it will leave your skin feeling soft and supple after washing it off.
Available on Lazada.
Best tinted sunscreen: Daydream Tinted Sunscreen SPF50 (P549) from BLK Cosmetics
If you're not a fan of layering too many products on your face, you might want to try a tinted sunscreen. This breathable tinted sunscreen by BLK Cosmetics can be worn under makeup or alone as a replacement for foundation. It evens out your skin tone and dries into a natural matte finish. The best part is that it doesn't leave a white cast like most tinted sunscreens do. It's also fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic so you don't have to worry about breaking out. Did we mention it's less than P1000, too?
Available on Zalora.
Best sunscreen stick: UV Derma Mineral Sun Stick SPF50 (P1,395) from Dr. Belmeur
ICYDK, you have to retouch your sunscreen every two hours. For easy reapplication, opt for a stick sunscreen. It's easy to carry around and perfect for when you're on the go. It's also a better option for putting on top of your makeup. Even if it might move your makeup around a little bit, it's much better than slathering on a liquid sunscreen.
Available on Zalora.
Best skincare sunscreen: All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 (P2,410) from Dr. Dennis Gross
The Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense is 50% skincare and 50% sunscreen. It contains Lingonberry that is rich in vitamins C and E, which help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while the sea buckthorn that is rich in antioxidants protects the skin from damage.
Available on Sephora.
Best sunscreen for irritated skin: UV Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF30 (P1,855) from EltaMD
If you have irritated skin, the EltaMD UV Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen should be your new go-to. It was originally formulated to calm and protect dry and post-procedure skin after laser, microdermabrasion, and peel treatments. But it can also be for everyday use to both treat and prevent irritation caused by any external triggers to sensitive skin. Wear it under your makeup for an extra layer of hydration and protection, without the sticky or heavy feeling.
Available on Zalora.
This story originally appeared on Preview.ph. Minor edits have been made by the SPOT.ph editors.