5 Sunscreens Without Alcohol for Sensitive Skin

The daily application of sunscreen has become an integral part of Asian women's skincare routines. In this article, I will be sharing my top 5 alcohol-free sunscreen recommendations, perfect for those with sensitive skin.

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1 Omi Sun Bears Japanese Alcohol-Free Sunscreen

Introducing Omi Sun Bears, a charming sunscreen from the land of cherry blossoms. With its adorable and eye-catching packaging, this little bear is not only convenient for travel, but it also offers ultimate protection for your skin with an ideal SPF 50+ PA++++ rating.

Omi Sun Bears is an affordable Japanese alcohol-free option, formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients. As a hybrid physical and chemical sunscreen, it leaves no white cast or greasy residue throughout the day.

Omi comes in two versions: the green one helps cool and calm the skin, while the red one provides much-needed moisture. Choose according to your skin’s needs!

However, do note that reapplication is necessary after 2-3 hours of outdoor activity, and the liquid formula tends to run out quickly.

Origin: Japan

Price: Approximately 90,000 VND/30g.

2 Seoul Rose Rosie First Essence Whitening Serum Sunscreen

Fall in love at first sight with the adorable packaging of the Seoul Rose Rosie First Essence Whitening Serum Sunscreen. This product offers comprehensive protection against UV rays with an SPF of 45 and PA+++. It also contains natural, skin-loving ingredients such as licorice, arbutin for whitening, and antibacterial green tea. This little tube is a multi-tasking wonder that will captivate any beauty enthusiast.

The white cream has a rich texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Upon application, it melts into a watery consistency, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and non-greasy.

Origin: South Korea.

Price: Approximately 230,000 VND/45g.

3 Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Missha, a well-known Korean beauty brand, presents the Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk—a hybrid physical and chemical sunscreen that is alcohol-free and boasts a lightweight, milky texture that feels amazing on the skin.

Formulated with natural, gentle ingredients, it helps to moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin from UV damage. This is an excellent choice for those with oily skin.

Origin: South Korea.

Price: Approximately 239,000 VND/40ml.

4 Sunplay Skin Aqua Clear White SPF50+, PA++++

The Sunplay Skin Aqua Clear White sunscreen has a milky texture and absorbs quickly into the skin. It provides a moisturizing effect, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Enriched with high concentrations of Vitamin C & B3 derivatives, it helps to fade dark spots and repair sun damage, while its improved formula ensures it is gentle, non-greasy, and safe for the skin.

Instead of alcohol, this oil-controlling sunscreen contains silicon, which gives the skin a dry and comfortable feel. Make sure to check if your skin tolerates silicon before using this product.

Origin: Vietnam.

Price: Approximately 114,000 VND/25g.

5 BIORÉ UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Alcohol-Free Sunscreen

BIORÉ’s range of sunscreens is a familiar favorite among women, offering great quality at a reasonable price. With an SPF 50+/ PA++++ rating, it provides robust protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Beyond sun protection, the BIORÉ UV Aqua sunscreen also serves as a moisturizing essence, promoting quick absorption, a cool sensation, and a non-sticky finish. It can even be used as a makeup base for the face.

This alcohol-free sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin and most skin types.

Origin: Japan.

Price: Approximately 260,000 VND/40ml.

With a variety of sunscreens on the market, each with its unique name and formula, it’s essential to check the ingredient list to ensure it suits your skin and doesn’t cause allergies.

We hope this article helps sensitive-skinned beauties find their perfect sunscreen match!

Frequently asked questions

There are several alcohol-free sunscreen options that are suitable for sensitive skin. Some recommended options include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid Lotion SPF 50+, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Liquid SPF 50, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50.

Alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin types. It can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and inflammation. Therefore, it is important to choose alcohol-free options to minimize these potential issues.

Physical or mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin to block and reflect UV rays away from the skin. They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin and can potentially cause reactions.

When choosing an alcohol-free sunscreen, look for formulas that are labeled as ‘mineral’ or ‘physical’ sunscreens. These typically contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Additionally, seek out sunscreens that are labeled as ‘gentle’, ‘hypoallergenic’, or ‘suitable for sensitive skin’ to minimize the risk of irritation.

It is important to apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, after any serums or moisturizers. Allow your other skincare products to absorb fully before applying sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating to ensure adequate protection throughout the day.