This post contains the best sunscreens to use for people with lupus skin and Sjogren’s syndrome.

We choose each sunscreen based on what UVA/UVB broad-spectrum filters they contain and the amount of SPF they provide. All of these sunscreens are made for sensitive skin.

Note: we couldn’t fit all the sunscreens in this list, so make sure to check the end of this post for more sunscreens!

Chemical Sunscreens:

This is a chemical sunscreen that has been used, tested, and recommended by many people with lupus skin. This is mainly because of its moisturizing and high SPF properties.

Pros:

• It provides moisturization along with high UVA/UVB sun protection.

• It is perfect for all skin types and skin tones including super-sensitive skin.

• It contains avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, and octocrylene 10%

• It is light, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin.

• It does not leave a white cast or sting the eyes.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%

Inactive Ingredients: water, cetyl palmitate, hydrated silica, acrylates/C12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, caprylyl methicone, styrene/acrylates copolymer, trimethylsiloxysilicate, xanthan gum, BHT, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, tocopheryl acetate, ethylhexylglycerin, cetyl dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, polyester-8, trideceth-6, dimethicone, Ethylhexyl stearate, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, dimethyl capramide, sodium polyacrylate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate.

The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen that has been used and recommended by many people with lupus skin and is the perfect sunscreen to protect your skin.

We highly recommend it!

Pros:

• It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones including super-sensitive skin.

• It is light, non-greasy, and has zero irritation.

• It has no white cast and does not sting the eyes.

• It contains avobenzone, 3%, octisalate 5%, homosalate 8%, and octocrylene 4% UV filters that provide UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection (perfect for the skin).

• It contains a complex derived from meadowfoam seeds and frankincense that are anti-inflammatory and moisturizing.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, 3%, Octisalate 5%, Homosalate 8%, Octocrylene 4%

Inactive Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Shea Butter, Jojoba Esters, Mannitol, Olibanum, Lecithin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyester-7, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Meadowfoam Estolide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Sulfate, Silica, Tocopherol.

If you have really sensitive skin and no sunscreen has worked for you, then you should try checking this out.

Pros:

• It uses Helioplex Technology, which offers superior broad-spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays.

• It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones including super-sensitive skin.

• It is fast-absorbing, lightweight, water-resistant, and non-greasy.

• This sunscreen lotion formula is non-comedogenic and PABA-free.

• There is no white cast nor eye-stinging.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Caprylyl Methicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Jojoba Esters, Trideceth-6.

If your skin is really sensitive to the sun and burns easily, then you can try using this sunscreen.

It is a lightweight cream formula that is pleasant to the touch and gentle on the skin. It provides you with effective protection that is comfortable to apply and wear.

It is very water resistant, provides up to 10-hour protection, and gives you twice the EU’s required UVA protection.

It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones including ultra-sensitive skin.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aqua, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenoxyethanol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Sorbitan Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Olivoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethyl Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Tris-Biphenyl Triazine (Nano), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Vp/​Acrylates/​Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer, Canola Oil, Acrylates/​C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Benzoic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Pentylene Glycol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Citric Acid.

This is another chemical sunscreen with a really high SPF just like the Neutrogena one we mentioned above.

Pros:

• It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

• It is water resistant (80 minutes).

• It is an octinoxate & oxybenzone-free sunscreen.

• It leaves the skin hydrated and smooth without a non-greasy feel.

• Does not leave a white cast or sting the eyes.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: HOMOSALATE 10%, AVOBENZONE 3%, OCTISALATE 5%, OCTOCRYLENE 7%

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, ALCOHOL DENAT, POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PEG-8 LAURATE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, TRISILOXANE, ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, DIETHYL HEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE, DISODIUM EDTA, P-ANISIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, XANTHAN GUM, CASSIA ALATA LEAF EXTRACT, PEG-100 STEARATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM DODECYL BENZENESULFONATE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, TOCOPHEROL, INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE.

Mineral Sunscreens:

If you’re looking for mineral sunscreen, then we recommend trying out Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. This has really good positive reviews and is used by many lupus patients.

Pros:

• It won’t irritate the skin due to the presence of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It provides UVA/UVB broad-spectrum SPF 50.

• It is paraben and fragrance-free.

• Suitable for sensitive skin.

• It does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.

• It is sweat and water-resistant.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 8%

Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Beeswax, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, VP Hexadecene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-7, Propanediol, Purified Water, Sorbitan Oleate, Stearic Acid, Vitamin E, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.

This is a mineral sunscreen that was recommended by a person with lupus skin and they have tried almost every product of COOLA.

This mineral sunscreen is made for sensitive skin and is fragrance and paraben free. It leaves a sheer finish & hydrates the skin. It is water resistant.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 7.00%, Titanium Dioxide 3.20%

Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Acetate, Brassica Camprestris Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C30-38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate/MA Copolymer, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Cetyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Bitter Orange Leaf/Twig Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Coconut Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oakmoss Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Algae Extract, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, Buriti Fruit Oil, Methyl Anthranilate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower/Stem Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polysorbate 60, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sorbitan Tristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearyl/Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Triethyl Citrate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer.

This is a thick moisturizing mineral sunscreen that you can use if you have really dry/dehydrated sensitive skin along with sun sensitivity. It is suitable for all skin types and tones including dark/deeper skin tones. It does not sting the eyes or leave a white cast.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%

Inactive Ingredients: Mica, Microcrystalline Wax, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Bismuth Oxychloride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Iron Oxides, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water.

This is a lightweight tinted cream that virtually vanishes on most skin tones

• It does not leave a white cast or sting the eyes.

• Suitable for all dark skin tones including deeper skin tones.

• It is a lightweight tinted cream that blends in really easily that makes it suitable for all skin types.

• It moisturizes to a soft finish.

• It is non-comedogenic and formulated without fragrances, parabens, preservatives, oils, gluten, and phthalates.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%.

Inactive Ingredients: Bismuth Oxychloride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Microcrystalline Wax, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Mica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Stearyl Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water.

This is an underrated mineral sunscreen that not many people think about. It is cheap and effective.

Pros:

• It dries with a non-greasy and lightweight finish.

• It is hypoallergenic and won’t irritate the skin.

• It contains zinc oxide at 21.6%

• You can wear it under your makeup.

• It contains colloidal oatmeal and feverfew flower that helps to reduce redness and skin irritation thus safe to use for sensitive skin.

• It is a gentle, water-resistant face sunscreen and won’t sting the eyes.

• It does not contain phthalates, parabens, fragrances, and dyes.

Cons:

• Thick and hard to apply.

• The white cast was another problem people had with this product.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide 21.6%.

Inactive ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Colloidal Oatmeal, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Feverfew Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

This is another mineral sunscreen made for sensitive skin and it is just like the Neutrogena one.

Pros:

• Suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

• It locks in hydration without leaving a greasy residue. The formula dries with a matte finish making it ideal for application under makeup or for wear by itself.

• It contains zinc oxide 12%

• It defends against roughness, tightness, dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 12% (Sunscreen)

Inactive Ingredients: Allantoin, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Isododecane, Lauryl Peg-10 Tris (Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Peg-10, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Water.

• If you need sunscreens with really high SPF and protection (all of these are chemical sunscreens):
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Cream SPF 40
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50 (has a UV filter called Mexoryl 400)
  • La Roche Posay’s Anthelios 60 Cooling Water Sunscreen
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios light fluid face sunscreen SPF 60
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream SPF 50
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct SPF 70 Daily Face Sunscreen (for really dry skin)
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Correct SPF 50 (for oily skin)
  • MAKE P:REM UV Defense Me Daily Sun Fluid SPF50+/PA++++ (mineral and chemical, can be used for body)

• If your skin is super reactive to the sun:
  • Shirudo Moisturizing AGR+E lotion
  • Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Lotion SPF 50
  • Soltan Sensitive Protect lotion SPF30
  • Ultrasun SPF 50+ Extreme Sun Lotion
  • ALTRUIST Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 (for very dry and sensitive skin)

• Mineral sunscreens:
  • Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 (has low SPF though)
  • EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
  • Tula Mineral sunscreen SPF 30
  • Dr. Jart’s Every Sun Day mineral SPF 50
  • Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
  • Bergen Dermatology Sheer Joy Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+