As summer beckons us to enjoy the outdoors, Allergic Living is here to help with the best sunscreens for food allergies or sensitive skin.
When allergens are a top concern, there’s much more to finding the perfect sun protector for your family than comparing SPFs. That’s why we scoured the dizzying array of choices to create Allergic Living’s 2023 sunscreens guide. It’s specifically designed to meet the needs of those with food allergies or sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
In our reporting, we contacted manufacturers directly to fact-check their ingredients and allergen processes. Products that made the final list are free of many top allergens. For sensitive skin, these picks are also made without harsh chemicals. See as well: ‘About Our List’ at the end, with allergen information about coconut and shea butter.
From sunscreen sprays, lotions and sticks you’ll want to keep handy, pick the formula you prefer, and get out there. With the whole family shielded from the sun’s strongest rays, you’ll pack more fun into this summer than ever before.
Alba Botanica: Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
An air-powered mist that covers swaths of skin in seconds, Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray makes light work of sun safety. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide provide 80 minutes of water-resistant, broad-spectrum protection, with aloe, safflower and sunflower oils to boost hydration. A biodegradable formula that dries quickly, this fragrance-free sunscreen leaves skin feeling silky, not sticky, and makes reapplying a breeze.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut, sunflower
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Albabotanica.com and Amazon.com
All Good: Sport Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
All Good’s Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion employs a hypoallergenic formula that’s great for sensitive skin. Not only does it hydrate as it protects, this lightweight, plant-based cream is easy to rub on and non-greasy. With reef-friendly zinc oxide, you’ll get 80 minutes of water-resistant, broad spectrum, SPF 30 protection with every application.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut, shea, sunflower
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Allgoodbodycare.com and Target.com
Canada, shop at Healthyplanetcanada.com and Well.ca
Attitude: Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
A handy, portable formula, Attitude Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a must-have for every summertime escapade. This unscented, zinc oxide cream protects, while oat extract calms hypersensitive skin. Packaged in a biodegradable cardboard tube, it absorbs quickly and is super simple to use. You’ll want to pack one of these SPF 30 sticks into every beach bag, handbag or backpack.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut, shea, sunflower and oats
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts. Company does not make gluten-free claim, but says oat cross-contact unlikely due to oat ingredients used.
U.S., shop at Attitudeliving.com and Herbspro.com
Canada, shop at Ca.attitudeliving.com, Shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca and Well.ca
Aveeno: Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen (Sensitive), SPF 30
Prep your face every day with Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. This fragrance-free, SPF 30 lotion is silky and lightweight, and it dries sheer to let skin shine. Created with sensitive skin in mind, the formula’s oat extracts soothe while titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide a broad-spectrum shield from the sun. Water-resistant for 80 minutes, this formula will see you through an office day, beach day or whatever you have on the agenda.
Free of: Top 9 allergens
Does Contain: oats
Note: Due to presence of oats, not considered gluten-free.
U.S., shop at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Heb.com
Canada, shop at Shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca and Walmart.ca
Badger: Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream, SPF 40
With a catalog of products that care for you and the planet, Badger is dedicated to sun care, skincare, and sustainability. Case in point? With just four simple ingredients, the company’s Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream is a boon for allergenic skin. Made without chemicals or fragrance, this potent zinc oxide cream nourishes and protects thanks to sunflower oil and Vitamin E (sunflower-derived). Certified to protect land and sea, this SPF 40 option makes it simple to care for yourself, your family, and Mother Earth.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus certified gluten-free
Does Contain: sunflower seed oil
U.S., shop at Badgerbalm.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Ca.iherb.com
Bare Republic: Mineral Baby Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion, SPF 50
What’s best for baby? A sunscreen formulated specifically for nature’s tenderest skin. With moisturizing calendula, olive and avocado oils and plant-based squalene, Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion is tough to top. This lightweight formula offers 80 minutes of broad-spectrum, water-resistant defense that’s free of fragrance, dyes, and chemical active ingredients. Mild enough for tiny tots, this gentle sunscreen is just as great for older kids and adults with delicate skin.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
Does Contain: sunflower seed
U.S., shop at Gobareoutside.com, Amazon.com and Target.com
Blue Lizard: Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50+
Created with dermatologists, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ was thoughtfully designed to provide heavy-duty sun protection. Free of chemical active ingredients, this light lotion relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a barrier against the sun’s harmful rays. The company says: “Mineral sunscreens stay on the surface, deflecting UV rays like thousands of tiny shields.” Reef-safe, and great for all age groups. The sunscreen even comes in a color-changing Smart Bottle to remind you to reapply.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts.
U.S., shop at Bluelizardsunscreen.com and Walmart.com
California Baby: Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
Part of the Super Sensitive collection, California Baby Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Stick was created with allergy-prone skin in mind. Produced in a dedicated facility, the lotion is free of eight top allergens and made without added fragrance or irritants. Ideal for high-exposure areas of the body, this portable, concentrated SPF 30+ sunscreen can be used alone. Or double-up on protection by combining it with the brand’s Super Sensitive Sunscreen lotion for 80 minutes of worry-free fun in the sun.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts.
U.S., shop at Californiababy.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Californiababy.com and Nonutsaboutus.ca
Cleure: Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 30
Developed to help consumers avoid skin flare-ups, Cleure Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen is free of common irritants. Made without fragrance, dyes, or parabens, and packed with mineral zinc oxide, this easily-absorbed formula keeps skin clear and protected. Ideal for all skin types and tones, this SPF 30 sunscreen with glycerin locks moisture into skin as it blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Cleure.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Cleure.com
Earth Mama Organics Kids: Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
Featuring organic colloidal oatmeal, Earth Mama Organics Kids’ Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is the calming cream that sensitive skin craves. Free of harsh chemicals, this SPF 40 lotion is packed with ingredients that impart deep hydration or soothe skin. With broad spectrum protection, 40 minutes of water resistance and the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, this powerhouse sunscreen ticks the right boxes.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame)
Does Contain: coconut, shea and oats
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Earthmamaorganics.com and Amazon.com
Goddess Garden Kids: Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 50
Ultra-sheer and dry to the touch, this Goddess Garden Kids’ Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick makes repeat applications a breeze. Sweat and water resistant for 80 minutes, the reef-safe, non-nano zinc formula provides a serious layer of protection with each swipe. Easy to apply and gentle on sensitive skin, you’ll want to coat every ear, forehead and chubby cheek in this family-friendly formula.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut, shea, sunflower oils
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Goddessgarden.com and Gosupps.com
KINeSYS: Fragrance-Free Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
Billed as a “sunscreen for champions,” fragrance-free KINeSYS Spray Sunscreen satisfies demanding customers of every ilk. Ideal for sports enthusiasts, harried parents, persnickety tots and everyone in between, KINeSYS offers lightweight, broad-spectrum protection with every pump. Free of the Top 9 allergens, this SPF 50 sunscreen is also gluten-free and doesn’t contain alcohol or oil. Gentle and quick-drying, this effortless formula takes the drama out of sun safety, so you can focus on fun.
Free of: Top 9 allergens plus gluten
U.S., shop at Kinesysactive.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Kinesysactive.ca and Mec.ca
Suntegrity: Mineral Body Sunscreen, SPF 30
Face all warm weather events – from picnics, to pool parties, beach days, and more – with Suntegrity Body Mineral Sunscreen by your side. Its reef-safe, non-nano zinc formula provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection, while green tea, cucumber, and pomegranate seed oil soothe delicate skin. Unscented, non-greasy and easy to apply, this sunscreen also scored 100 on the SkinSAFE database. Sold in an eco-friendly sugarcane tube, this sustainable choice is great for the whole family, and for the planet.
Free of: Top 8 allergens plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut derivative
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts.
U.S., shop at Suntegrityskincare.com and Thedetoxmarket.com
Canada, shop at Suntegrityskincare.com and Naturaldermstore.ca
Vanicream: Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+
From the dependable sensitive skin care brand, Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is soft on skin and powerful against sunburn. Boasting zinc oxide as its only active ingredient, this lotion provides 80 minutes of water-resistant, UVA and UVB protection. Made without dyes, fragrance, or sensitizing chemicals, this popular formula is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts of every age.
Free of: Top 7 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: soy lecithin, coconut oil
Note: Apart from coconut, product does not contain tree nuts.
U.S., shop at Vanicream.com, Amazon.com and Lovelyskin.com
Canada, shop at Allergycanada.ca
Zinka: Clear Zinc Oxide Mineral Lotion, SPF 30
A pioneer in mineral sunscreens, California-based Zinka knows the business of powerful sun care that stays put. Formulated without chemicals, the company’s SPF 30 Clear Zinc Oxide Mineral Lotion provides 80 minutes of water-resistant, UVA and UVB protection. A lighter formulation, this high-performance, fragrance-free lotion dries clear and is safe for every one of your sun-seeking buddies.
Free of: Top 8 allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) plus gluten
Does Contain: coconut and sunflower oils, shea butter
Note: Apart from coconut and shea, product does not contain tree nuts. On gluten: products with colloidal oatmeal run on same lines, but only after thorough cleaning.
U.S., shop at Zinka.com.
About Our Allergy-Friendly Sunscreens List
These product reviews are based on information supplied by manufacturers who have been asked directly about food allergen control processes and the use of fragrance or irritants. If you or your child are currently experiencing eczema flares, speak to your allergist or dermatologist for ingredients advice before applying any sunscreen.
Note on Coconut and Shea Butter: Coconut is technically a fruit, not a nut. If you are nut-allergic, ask your doctor if coconut is safe for you. Read more about coconut here. A study has found shea butter unlikely to trigger nut reactions. Speak to your own doctor if you have nut allergies, and read more here.
