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Protéger une peau sensible du soleil.

Sensitive skin and the sun: how to protect it?

All skin types need protection from UV rays, but sensitive skin requires special care due to its high reactivity. How can you protect it during sun exposure? Let’s explore the options.

Summary
Published July 7, 2025, updated on July 7, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min read
UV Light
Sensitive Skin
Sun protection

71%

People worldwide have sensitive skin (a 2019 meta-analysis including 26 studies from 18 countries with 51,783 participants).

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Characteristics of sensitive skin in response to sun exposure.

The sensitive skin, also called reactive skin, is a skin type characterized by tingling, warming, and itching triggered by exposure to different factors. They can be chemical agents, such as hard water or certain skincare products, or physical triggers like heat, cold, wind, or UV rays. Unlike allergic skin, the pathophysiology of sensitive skin has no immunological basis. Its reactivity stems from nerve and vascular hyperreactivity. It overreacts to stimuli that are well tolerated.

Among the main causes of skin sensitivity, there is an alteration of the barrier function, leading to reduced skin protection against external aggressors, including UV rays. Dysbiosis, that is a change in the skin microbiota, can also be involved, or genetics. In any case, when sensitive skin is exposed to a trigger it cannot tolerate, it reacts by initiating a complex inflammatory process involving various inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, PGD2...) and leading, among other effects, to blood vessel dilation and redness.

Studies show that lighter skin, more vulnerable to sunlight than darker skin because it synthesizes less melanin, is more prone to skin sensitivity. This creates a twofold requirement for UV protection.

La réactivité d'une peau sensible.
The reactivity of sensitive skin.
Source: SUN H. et al. Sensitive skin syndrome: Research progress on mechanisms and applications. Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology (2024).

Our recommendations for protecting sensitive skin from UV radiation.

To protect sensitive skin from sun exposure, basic recommendations are the same as for other skin types: wear covering clothing and a hat, avoid direct exposure for several hours—especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays reach peak intensity—and apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen.

However, choosing a sunscreen can be complex for sensitive skin because certain UV filters can prove irritating. Essential in sunscreens, they work by reflecting some UV rays and absorbing the rest to convert them into harmless heat for the skin. We distinguish organic, or chemical, filters and mineral filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). The latter are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin. However, unless used as nanoparticles, they tend to leave a white cast, making them less suitable for darker skin tones.

It’s useful to choose a sunscreen that combines mineral and organic filters. Organic filters are often criticized but are not all to avoid: some are mild enough for sensitive skin. Bemotrizinol (INCI: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine), Iscotrizinol (INCI: Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone) or Ensulizole (INCI: Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid) are non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. But some chemical filters are not recommended for sensitive skin. These include oxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3), avobenzone (INCI: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) and PABA (INCI: Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA), known to be irritating and to promote skin allergies.

Other ingredients to avoid in your sunscreen if you have sensitive skin: fragrances and essential oils. Often added to impart a pleasant scent or cooling effect, these compounds are among the primary causes of irritation in sensitive skin. Even natural fragrances contain potentially allergenic molecules such as linalool, geraniol, or limonene, which can weaken the skin barrier and lead to redness and itching. Essential oils concentrate active compounds that, while sometimes soothing or antiseptic, can trigger inflammatory reactions under UV exposure. Some, such as lemon or mandarin oils, are photosensitizing—they increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Although they are rarely used in sunscreens, as a precaution we recommend choosing formulas without fragrance or essential oils.

Good to know : The claim "hypoallergenic" on a sunscreen indicates it was formulated to limit the risk of skin allergy, without eliminating risk, since this claim is not regulated by law. When combined with the labels "fragrance-free" or "suitable for sensitive skin", it contributes to reducing adverse reactions.

Find here Typology sun care products, formulated for all skin types, including the most sensitive.

Key takeaway.

  • Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in fair complexions.

  • The mineral UV filters are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin, but may leave a white cast.

  • Contrary to common belief, some chemical UV filters are suitable for sensitive skin.

  • It’s better to avoid fragrances and essential oils in sunscreens since they can irritate sensitive skin.

  • In addition to sunscreen, protect your skin from UV radiation with protective clothing and a hat and avoid direct sun exposure for extended periods, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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