Have you ever wondered why the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin tends not to have a scent that tells you it contains a fragrance? Well, one of the reasons is that there are a lot of things that can trigger a reaction when you have skin with sensitivities. Whether you have psoriasis, eczema or simply delicate skin, it can be prone to redness, irritation and breakouts when exposed to certain ingredients.
One of those ingredients is the fragrance, which when present can cause the aforementioned skin aggravation. That’s essentially why they’re not used in sensitive skin formulas.
The Best Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Is Gentle
When it comes to the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, they have to be designed to be as gentle as possible. So, why would a manufacturer include a fragrance in any kind of sunscreen? It’s all about presentation, as it’s felt that a pleasant smell will make it more appealing to customers.
However, it’s all about aesthetics, as there is no other benefit in terms of sun protection. You’ll get just as much protection from harmful UV rays without these fragrances being included.
Knowing What Ingredients to Look For
So, when you’re buying sunscreen as someone with sensitive skin, it helps if you know what kind of ingredients to watch out for. Not all sunscreen products are going to be labeled as ‘contains fragrances’, so being familiar with the chemicals used will help you buy the right one. Here are a few you might come across.
- Synthetic Fragrances: These are lab-created scents that mimic natural aromas. Common synthetic ingredients include Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, and Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone. These ingredients are often listed under the umbrella term “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label.
- Essential Oils: Natural fragrances in sunscreens often come from essential oils, which are derived from plants. Common examples include Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Citrus Oils (like lemon or orange), and Eucalyptus Oil. While these can offer a pleasant scent and have some skin benefits, they can also be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Botanical Extracts: Other natural fragrance ingredients used by manufacturers include Chamomile Extract, Aloe Vera, Rose Extract, and Green Tea Extract. While these are generally milder than essential oils, they can still cause reactions in people with sensitive skin.
If you’re worried about potential irritation, look for sunscreens labeled as “fragrance-free” or “unscented.” Even then, you should still check the ingredients table for any of the items mentioned above, just to be sure that you’re buying the right thing.
Selecting the Best Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
If you suffer from sensitive skin, avoiding fragrances in the sunscreen you buy is crucial. Fragrance-free sunscreens are designed to give you adequate sun protection without irritating your skin, making them the best choice for anyone with skin issues or a generally sensitive complexion.
By opting for a fragrance-free formula, you can enjoy the benefits of sun protection without compromising your skin’s health. Most people who know what they’re doing also opt for a mineral brand that has zinc oxide as its active ingredient, as it not only protects but soothes the skin.
So, if you’re someone who has had issues with wearing sunscreen and you’ve yet to try an unscented product, we recommend that you do. It could be the one thing that’s stopping you from fully enjoying time out in the sunshine with your friends and family.
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