Skin prone to redness and stinging? Reach for a UV blocker that contains zinc oxide. It deflects the sun—without causing your complexion to flare up
Marta Wöhrle, a former reporter and editor for The Sunday Times and The Guardian, now runs truthinaging.com, a website devoted to giving women in-depth, unbiased reviews of beauty products and treatments. Wöhrle favors products that use natural or organic ingredients and are eco-friendly—and she prides herself on the fact that she and her team and are not afraid to diss products that don’t live up to their claims. Here, her favorite sunscreens—all suited for very sensitive skin.Epicuren Zinc Oxide SPF20 ($38; epicuren.com) This hard-working sunscreen does more than block UV rays. It’s also a moisturizer and anti-aging lotion, thanks to niacin, which helps even skin tone, and amino acids, which plump the skin and smooth fine lines. Bonus: The formulas also contains bearberry extract to inhibit melanin (the natural pigment in your skin that makes you tan) and vitamin D (a nutrient three out of four of us are deficient in).
Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF30 ($21; pratimaskincare.com) The Pratima motto is that whatever we apply to our skin should be good enough to eat—and the organic ingredients in this formula fulfill that goal (though we don’t endorse spreading it on toast or anything). This lotion is particularly light and works well under makeup.
DermaQuest ZinClear SPF30 ($52; skincarerx.com). This sunscreen is a tad pricey but it’s so packed with anti-aging ingredients it could render your treatments, serums and creams obsolete (saving you cash in the long run). Key ingredients: Imperata Cylindrica, also known as cogongrass, a potent antioxidant that fights wrinkle-causing free radicals, and arabidopsis extract, which is thought to help repair sun-damaged DNA. Add in a handful of vitamins, and this sunscreen is nourishing as well as protecting.
Elemental Herbs Sunscreen Sport SPF20 ($9; elementalherbs.com). Caroline Duell, the woman behind this no nonsense, all-natural brand, is a massage therapist and outdoor enthusiast so her products are ideal for sporty types. This fast-absorbing formula contains antioxidant green tea, plus skin-healing rosehip, Vitamin C, and hydrating olive oil.
Abella Colorshade SPF30 ($24;
