Frequently Asked Questions
Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?
Dr. McGuinness says: “When looking for sunscreens for dry skin, it’s important to find products with ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin’s defenses, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are good for sensitive skin, but chemical sunscreens full of hydrating ingredients are just as effective. Bonus points if your favorite sunscreen includes antioxidants (hi, vitamin E and vitamin C) to fight free radicals.And, of course, stick to lightweight, non-greasy formulas for a comfortable, shiny finish.
“In addition to making sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, people with dry skin should choose a cream or skin-based formula instead of gels or sprays, which can sometimes be too drying,” says Dr. Foad. Sprays often contain alcohol, which people with dry skin should definitely avoid, Dr. McGuinness shows.
Do you prioritize moisturizer or sunscreen?
For both mineral and chemical formulas, Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, and Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic research and clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, agree on one simple way to get the best results: Start with a lightweight moisturizer, let it absorb completely, and follow with sunscreen. That said, if your skin isn’t particularly dry and you prefer chemical SPFs, you can skip separate moisturizers and apply sunscreen directly—most formulas are hydrating enough on their own.
Meet the experts
- Ashley McGuinness, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
- Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati
- Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Seduction reviews the product, our editors look at it from all angles in an effort to help you better. We review ingredients, scrutinize product claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each product included in each review, we rely on experts in their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us evaluate ingredients and formulas.
To come up with our list of the best sunscreens for dry skin, we considered each product’s performance in five main categories: product ingredients and effectiveness, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product is determined to be a winner in each category by our editorial team, made up of in-house writers and editors and contributors—with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information about our reporting and evaluation processes, read our full review process and how-to page.
Our staff and inspectors
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You may be looking for a face cream to combat persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday skincare routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launch to hit the hair market. Whatever your wants or needs and concerns, Seduction you want to make sure you like whatever we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse group of writers and editors—in addition to the extensive list of external reviewers and industry experts we call on regularly—is critical to achieving that goal.
After all, we can indeed Are we saying that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 when the only testers we asked for were people under 30? Can we honestly consider a premium diffuser worth your hard-earned money if it’s never been tested on curls? We pride ourselves on the fact that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair colors, genders, and backgrounds, which means we are able to thoroughly evaluate any beauty product that enters the beauty closet.