Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin

The best sunscreen for dry skin and dehydrated skin is not difficult to find if you know which ingredients to avoid. After years of trial and error, I have finally found the culprits which contributed to my skin being more dry and dehydrated. First of all, you need to learn the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

 

Difference Between Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type. When you have dry skin, your skin produces less oil. Hence, dry skin lacks oil. As a result, your skin may be rough, dry or flaky. Dry skin is due to genetic which means you are born this way. As people age, the skin will produce less oil. As a result, aging also plays a factor in making your skin drier.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition and not a skin type. Hence, you can have skin types like dry skin, oily skin or combination skin but still have dehydrated skin. In Japan, dehydrated skin condition is referred to as inner dryness. The cause of dehydrated skin include over-exfoliation, cold weather, incorrect product usage, and so on.

Dehydrated skin is a condition in which your skin lacks water. It is characterized by the tight feeling you feel after cleansing or in the cold weather or in an air-conditioned room. You may notice some vertical fine lines on your skin when you smile when your skin is feeling tight and dehydrated.

 

Ingredients to Avoid

To prevent dry skin and dehydrated skin from getting worse, you should wear a sunscreen that does not contain the following ingredients:

Alcohol

There are several types of alcohol. What you want to avoid is the drying type of alcohol like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. Drying alcohol is often only listed as ‘Alcohol’ in the ingredient list.

There is another type of alcohol known as fatty alcohols which is not drying to the skin. They are actually emollient and good for dry skin. Examples include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol.

Mineral or physical sunscreens

You have heard countless of times that physical or mineral sunscreens are better than chemical sunscreens because they are more suitable for sensitive skin and are unlikely to cause any skin reactions. However, physical or mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as astringent which further dry out and dehydrate your skin. This is why you could be using a very emollient physical sunscreen which gives an oily layer on the surface of the skin, but the inner skin still feels tight.

Therefore, you are better of using a chemical sunscreen if you have dry skin or dehydrated skin. Perhaps some of you are worried because you have a negative skin reaction from using Western chemical sunscreens before. The offending culprit is most likely Oxybenzone, and to a lesser extent, Avobenzone. You can try sunscreens which contain Tinosorb (eg: Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S) and/or Uvinul (eg: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150) instead. These chemical sunscreen filters have a very low risk of irritating the skin and are often included in European and Asian sunscreens formulated for children and sensitive skin.

If you absolutely want zinc oxide to be included in your sunscreen, you may consider a hybrid sunscreen which combines both physical filters and chemical filters. If you want a sunscreen which only uses mineral filters, I still have recommendations for that but I strongly encourage you to use chemical sunscreen if you can.

The order of the least drying sunscreen to the most drying sunscreen goes like this: Chemical sunscreens > Hybrid sunscreens > Physical sunscreens.

 

Best SPF For Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin

Experts recommend an SPF of at least 30 to be worn daily regardless of rain or shine, indoors or outdoors. Be mindful of excessive sun exposure even with sunscreen on because no sunscreen protects your skin 100%. Always remember to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours if you are out under the sun a lot.

 

Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin – Chemical Sunscreens

 

1. Biore Nobi Nobi UV Kids Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

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Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), Glyceryl behenate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan distearate, Sodium acrylate/ acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Paraffin, Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), Ceresin, Isohexadecane, Arginine, Lauryl Methacrylate/ Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 80, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Dextrin palmitate, Agar, Petrolatum, Succinic acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT

Pros:

• Formulated for babies, kids and sensitive skin so it is highly unlikely to cause any skin reactions
• Removable with a facial wash so double cleansing is not required
• No white cast at all as it is a chemical sunscreen
• Non-drying as there is no alcohol and physical filters
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• None that I can think of

 

2. Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45 PA+++

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Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Polyacrylate-13, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-100 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Polyisobutene, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Stearate, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, BHT, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Morus Alba Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Panthenol, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Artemisia princeps Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Alcohol, Potassium sorbate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer

Pros:

• Leaves a nice, dewy finish which is comfortable for dry skin and dehydrated skin
• No white cast because it is a chemical sunscreen
• Not drying due to the lack of physical filters and alcohol
• Removable with a facial wash so double cleansing is not needed

Cons:

• Not waterproof

 

3. A’pieu Daily Pure Block Natural Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++

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Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone),Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cirtus Aurantifolia, Cetearyl Olivate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Nylon-12, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus, Dimethicone, Polyacrylate-13, Panthenol, Polyisobutene, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Sorbitan Stearate, Oryza Sativa, Malpighia Emarginata, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Prunus Avium, Citurs Aurantium Dulcis, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, BHT, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Flavor/Fragrance

Pros:

• Feels like a moisturizer as it is very hydrating
• Does not leave a white cast as it is a chemical sunscreen
• Not drying at all as it does not contain alcohol and mineral filters
• Can be removed with a facial wash so you do not need to double cleanse your face
• Recommended by Get It Beauty (a highly popular Korean beauty programme)

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Contains Avobenzone that some individuals are sensitive to

 

4. Isehan Mommy! UV Mild Gel SPF 33 PA+++

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Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), macadamia nut oil, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoic acid Hexyl (Uvinul A Plus), Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Apple extract, raspberry extract, crosspolymer (acrylates / acrylic acid alkyl (C10-30)), potassium hydroxide, EDTA-2Na, BHT, Butylene Glycol

Pros:

• Formulated for babies, children, and sensitive skin so it is highly unlikely to irritate your skin
• Does not contain silicones
• Gel texture which is easy to apply and spreads easily on the skin
• Feels hydrating on the skin
• Does not contain alcohol and mineral filters so it is not drying and will not make your skin feel tight
• No white cast due to absence of mineral filters
• Removable with a facial wash so you do not need to double cleanse your skin

Cons:

• Not waterproof

 

Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin – Hybrid Sunscreens (Chemical + Mineral/Physical Filters)

 

1. Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Cream Long Lasting For Dry Skin SPF50+ PA+++

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Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclomethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Aluminum Stearate, Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Bis-Peg-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance, Octyldodecanol, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Alumina, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Orchid Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

Pros:

• Moisturizing formula which is suitable for dry skin
• Water-resistant
• Does not leave a white cast

Cons:

• Recommended to double cleanse to remove the sunscreen
• Contains a little bit of titanium dioxide which could still potentially make your skin feel tight if you have very dehydrated skin

 

2. Isehan Kiss Me Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence SPF50+ PA++++

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Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Isononyl Isononanoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), Sodium acrylate/ acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Isohexadecane, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Aluminum hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ VP Copolymer, Tocopherol, BHT, t-Butyl alcohol

 

Pros:

• Has 86% moisturizing ingredients
• Contains 3 kinds of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin
• Does not leave a white cast
• Removable with a facial wash so you do not need to double cleanse
• Moisturizing formula which is great for dry skin and dehydrated skin

Cons:

• Not water-resistant
• It contains a little bit of titanium dioxide which could still potentially make your skin feel more dehydrated

 

3. Canmake Mermaid UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

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Ingredients: Water, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), butylene glycol, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), zinc oxide, methylheptyl ester of lauric acid, titanium dioxide, dimethicone, bis ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), polymethylsilsesquioxane, cyclopentasiloxane, sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate / acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer diisostearyl malate, hydroxide Al, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, stearic acid, phenoxyethanol, polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxiethyl dimethicone, polyhydroxystearyl acid, jojoba ester, xanthan gum, arginine, hyaluronic acid, alpha-glucan, phytic acid, saxifraga sarmentosa extract, glucosylceramide, cherry leaf extract, job’s tears seed extract, morus alba root extract, onethera biennis seed extract, silver oxide, Queen of the Meadow flower extract, bilberry leaf extract, artichoke leaf extract

Pros:

• Does not leave a white cast
• Applies like a beauty serum so it is lightweight but hydrating
• Removable with a facial cleanser so double cleansing is not required

Cons:

• Despite its hydrating texture, this product contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which could potentially make your skin feel tight depending on how dry or dehydrated your skin is
• Not water-resistant

 

4. It’s Skin 2PM Sun Block SPF50 PA+++

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Ingredients : Water, Cyclomethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Dimethicone, Arbutin, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Isohexadecane,C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl diisostearate, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Grifola Frondosa Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract, Adenosine, Beeswax, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Distearyldimonium chloride, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium sulfate, BHT, Fragrance

Pros:

• Very emollient texture which would be comfortable for very dry skin
• You may not need to use a moisturizer underneath this sunblock as it is very moisturizing
• Does not leave a white cast on the skin
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• Double cleansing is recommended to remove this sunscreen
• Contains Zinc Oxide so despite its very emollient texture, your skin may still feel tight even though the surface is oily if your skin is very dehydrated

 

5. Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

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Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl succinate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrated silica, Glycerin, Lauroyl lysine, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed collagen, Arginine, bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate

Pros:

• Removable with a facial wash so double cleansing is not required
• Water-resistant
• Very moisturizing formula which is great for very dry skin
• Does not contain fragrance, color additives, and mineral oil

Cons:

• May be too oily for skin that is not very dry
• Contains Zinc Oxide so it could potentially make your skin feel tight on the inside even though the surface is emollient

 

Best Sunblock For Dry Skin And Dehydrated Skin – Mineral/Physical Sunscreens

 

1. HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (2.5%), Zinc Oxide (6%). Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Sodium Pca, Dimethicone, Thermus Thermophilus Ferment, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Boron Nitride, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Cyclomethicone, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Alumina, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chlorphenesin, Alpinia Galanga Extract, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Disodium Edta, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Biotin, Cellulose Acetate, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Magnesium Stearate, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Limonene, Linalool, Lilial, Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Methyl Ionone, Iron Oxide (Ci 77491), Iron Oxide (Ci 77492), Iron Oxide (Ci 77499), Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol

Pros:

• Has a universal tint which adjusts to your skin tone so it does not leave any white cast
• Blends beautifully without streaking so you can easily apply this without needing a mirror
• Moisturizing lotion texture which leaves your skin soft and glowing
• Does not settle into pores and wrinkles
• Great as a makeup base as it does not pill or smear under makeup
• Very cosmetically elegant mineral sunscreen
• Contains niacin to calm redness

Cons:

• As it is a mineral sunscreen, it still has the potential to make your skin feel dry or dehydrated
• Not water-resistant
• It is recommended to double cleanse to remove the sunscreen completely since this is a mineral sunscreen

 

2. Curél UV Protection Milk C SPF30 PA++

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Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (18.10%), Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Methicone, Cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-3 Dimethicone, Dextrin palmitate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Thujopsis dolabrata Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Bis-methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Tocopherol

Pros:

• Curel is a very popular brand for sensitive, dry skin in Japan
• Suitable for babies, kids, and sensitive skin
• Moisturizing formula which makes it less drying than other physical sunscreens
• Liquid texture which is easily spreadable

Cons:

• Slight white cast
• Claims to be removable with a face wash but I find that it requires double cleansing to remove it
• May still make the skin feel tight if you have very dehydrated skin due to the presence of Zinc Oxide

 

3. Curel UV Lotion SPF50+ PA+++

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Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Dimethicone, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Extract, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Neopentyl glycol dicaprate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, Bis-methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Aluminum hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Alumina, Silica, Hydrated silica, Dextrin palmitate, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Pros:

• Curel is a highly trusted and popular brand in Japan for sensitive, dry skin
• Suitable for kids, babies, and sensitive skin
• Moisturizing formula to minimize the astringent effect of mineral filters

Cons:

• Slight white cast
• Requires double cleansing to remove it even though it claims to be removable with a facial wash
• Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide so it may be drying or dehydrating if you have very dry or dehydrated skin