When you and the family are protected with a top allergy-friendly sunscreen, sunny skies are always cause for smiles. But with food allergies or sensitive skin, knowing which sunscreen to choose among the myriad brands and formulations can be hard work. So we’ve done it for you.
We’ve scoured the market, fact-checked ingredients, researched availability, and created this guide of sunscreens that best meet the needs of those with food allergies and sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Toss one of these in the beach bag the next time you head out and look forward to broad-spectrum protection that’s gentle enough for the whole family. As for which sunhat to wear? That one’s on you.
See as well: ‘About Our List’ at the end, which includes allergen information about coconut and shea butter.
Alba Botanica: Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
A fragrance-free sunscreen made with calendula and chamomile extracts, Alba Botanica’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33 was tailor-made for delicate skin. Formulated without harsh chemicals, this lightweight sunscreen provides powerful broad-spectrum protection to exposed skin. With an air-powered spray that makes it easy to apply at any angle, you won’t mind reapplying during your fun in the sun.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: coconut, shea butter and sunflower seed oil
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut and shea (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market.
All Good Sport: SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
For mess-free protection, it doesn’t get easier than All Good’s SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray. Free of most top allergens, this non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen delivers blue light and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection via an easy-to-use, continuous spray applicator. With soothing jojoba, shea butter, and green tea, it also hydrates and soothes as it protects.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: tocopherols derived from sunflower, coconut and shea butter
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut and shea (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Allgoodproducts.com, Amazon.com and Target.com
Canada, shop at Healthyplanetcanada.ca and Well.ca
Attitude: Sensitive Skin Moisturizer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Embrace sunny days with a little help from Attitude Sensitive Skin Moisturizer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. Easy to apply, smooth and clear on skin, this all-natural, fragrance-free sunscreen provides extra nourishment to skin thanks to calming oat extract. Made with non-nano zinc oxide and without chemicals, this reef-safe lotion also offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame)
Does contain: oats and coconut
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Attitudeliving.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Attitudeliving.com and Amazon.ca
Bare Republic: Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion
Recently approved for the National Eczema Association seal, this Top 9-free, unscented sun lotion is the gentlest way to care for delicate skin. For starters, the lotion is made with non-nano zinc oxide and plant-based squalane. Then it’s infused with calendula, olive and avocado oils to maintain the skin’s natural skin balance, while providing up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Bare Republic’s baby line also includes a sunscreen stick and innovative softstick, made with a soft sponge top for easy application.
Free of: Top 9 allergens and gluten
Does contain: sunflower seed wax
U.S., shop at Gobareoutside.com, Grove.co and Target.com
Blue Lizard: Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Inspired by Australia’s harsh rays – and gorgeous, beckoning beaches – Blue Lizard sunscreens were designed to help you enjoy the sun, without feeling its ill effects. The brand’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum protection without chemicals, fragrance or parabens. Sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can enjoy the beach, without having to constantly reapply.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: coconut (see note at end).
Note: Sunscreen does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut.
U.S., shop at Bluelizardsunscreen.com
Canada, shop at Ca.iherb.com
California Baby: Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion
California Baby’s Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen Stick makes it easy to layer protection onto high-exposure areas, like tiny ears, nose and toes. This multi-award-winning formula is made without top allergens, irritants or fragrance, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. With an entire Super Sensitive collection to explore, it’s no wonder that California Baby is a perpetual favorite.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: coconut
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Californiababy.com and Amazon.com
Canada, shop at Californiababy.com
Coola: Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion Sheer Matte SPF 30
Lightweight, shine-reducing, and free of the Top 9 allergens, you’ll want to wear Coola’s Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion Sheer Matte SPF 30, all year-round. Formulated for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free, antioxidant-rich lotion absorbs quickly, dries to a sheer finish and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Not only that, but its reef-safe formula and plant-based tube (made from sugarcane) make this one of the most Earth-friendly products we’ve seen.
Free of: Top 9 allergens and gluten
Does contain: sunflower seed oil
U.S., shop at Coola.com and Ulta.com
Earth Mama Organics: Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
Awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association, Earth Mama’s Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion protects rash-prone skin from the sun. Using a broad-filter formula, the lotion provides up to 40 minutes of water resistance. Made with organic oatmeal and shea butter, this sunscreen is as soothing as they come. It’s formulated without chemicals, artificial fragrances, nanoparticles or parabens. Try it once, and you may suddenly want to slather it on the whole family.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: coconut, shea butter and oats.
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut and shea (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Earthmamaorganics.com and Amazon.com
Goddess Garden Organics: Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Embrace the summer sun with broad-spectrum, mineral protection from Goddess Garden. The brand’s Organic Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is unscented, ultra-sheer, easy to apply and non-greasy. Formulated without harsh chemicals, this silky lotion won’t irritate skin or harm delicate reef environments.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: cocoa butter, coconut, shea butter
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut and shea (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Goddessgarden.com and Amazon.com.
KINeSYS: SPF 50 Fragrance Free Spray Sunscreen
Easy to use and easy to love, the KINeSYS SPF 50 Fragrance Free Spray Sunscreen is a favorite among athletes and people with allergies for a host of reasons. Free of the Top 9 allergens and gluten, this high-SPF formula is light, quick-drying, non-greasy and sprays on clear. Made without alcohol, preservatives, PABAs or fragrance, it’s also gentle, even on sensitive skin.
Free of: Top 9 allergens and gluten
U.S., shop at Kinesysactive.com
Canada, shop at Kinesysactive.ca
Raw Elements: Face + Body SPF 30
Ideal for the entire family, Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30 is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from Top 9-free ingredients chosen for their soothing properties. Made for active types, this non-nano zinc oxide, water-resistant formula provides up to 80 minutes of broad spectrum protection that won’t run or sting eyes. Now in a bio-resin tube made from sugarcane, it’s also an ideal choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Free of: Top 9 allergens and gluten
Does contain: sunflower oil, cocoa butter
U.S., shop at Rawelementsussua.com, Amazon.com and Rei.com
Canada, shop at Rawelementscanada.ca
Sunny Skin: Super Sun SPF 50
Inspired by a son’s eczema journey, Super Sun is an Aussie sunscreen made by a mother on a mission. Determined to create a product that protects against UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared radiation, Sunny Skin founder Danielle created a chemical- and fragrance-free, mineral lotion that’s rich in antioxidants and free of most top allergens. Infused with nourishing tomato extract, Super Sun not only protects against sun damage, but helps to improve skin tone and protect against signs of aging.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: coconut
Note: Does not contain tree nuts apart from coconut. (see note at end).
U.S., shop at Sunnyskin.com
Canada, shop at Sunnyskin.com
Sunumbra: Daily SPF 15
Specially formulated for daily use, this natural lotion contains an abundance of antioxidant-rich, organic-where-possible ingredients intended to nurture, strengthen and protect skin. Made without chemical filters, parabens, preservatives, fragrances or dyes, Sunumbra’s Daily SPF 15 sunscreen relies on zinc oxide to provide reef-safe, broad spectrum protection for whatever your days throw your way.
Free of: Top 9 allergens and gluten
Does contain: baobab seed oil
U.S, shop at Sunumbra.com
Vanicream: Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Reformulated for improved performance with zinc oxide as its one active ingredient, Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is a trusted powerhouse when it comes to serious sun protection. Made by a company that specializes in making products for people with sensitive skin, it’s also as gentle as can be. Free of common chemical irritants, botanical extracts and essential oils, this physical sunscreen is non-greasy, won’t clog pores, and will shield you from the sun’s harsh rays for up to 80 minutes.
Free of: 8 top allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame) and gluten
Does contain: soy lecithin
Note: Lecithin used is derived from soy, with very little soy protein left after processing. For a soy allergy, discuss with your doctor whether product is suitable.
U.S., shop at Vanicream.com, Amazon.com and Walgreens.com
Canada, shop at Allergycanada.com
About Our 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 allergy, and read more here.
