Sun safety matters for everyone. But for those who experience sensory issues, applying high street sunscreen can feel overwhelming. This can be down to texture, synthetic fragrance or sticky sunscreen that leaves a residue that lasts long after application.
At Green People, we're dedicated to creating gentle, skin-kind products for everyone. Here’s why our carefully formulated sunscreen may be a great choice for anyone who wants to make application feel more manageable.
At a glance:
- Sensory issues can make sunscreen difficult to use due to strong fragrances, sticky textures and lingering residue on the skin
- Sensory-friendly sunscreens should be fragrance-free, lightweight, non-greasy and quick to absorb without irritation
- Best sensory-friendly sunscreen for adults: Green People Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ is designed for sensitive skin, absorbs quickly and helps reduce prickly heat and heat rash
- Best sensory-friendly sunscreen for kids: Green People Organic Children’s Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ is created to make sunscreen application easier and less stressful for children with sensory sensitivities
- Simple application techniques such as warming the sunscreen first, using firm pressure and applying in a calm environment can help reduce sensory overwhelm
Why sunscreen can be a challenge with sensory issues
Sensory issues come from the way the brain interprets information from the senses. For some people certain textures, smells, temperatures or sensations can feel intensely uncomfortable or distressing.
When it comes to sunscreen, the scent can feel overpowering, the texture and feel can be thick, greasy or sticky and leave a residue, which can be distracting or uncomfortable if you experience sensory issues.
Sun protection is really important to keep your skin protected from damage and premature ageing. Finding a sunscreen that is easy to tolerate can make all the difference to your skin care routine.
Sensory processing differences are often associated with children, but many adults experience them too. We have fragrance-free, skin-friendly sunscreens for all the family – all dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin.
Our favourite sensory-friendly adult sunscreens
When searching for a sensory-friendly sunscreen, choosing a truly fragrance-free cream with no added perfumes, essential oils or synthetic scents can make a big difference to how you feel about using it.
Seeking out sunscreen that isn’t greasy or sticky and has a lightweight texture without ingredients that irritate can also make using sunscreen a lot easier with sensory issues.
Best for the body:
Our Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ has earned over 2,000 five-star reviews from customers who love that it’s fragrance-free and formulated for people with sensitive skin. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly with no sticky or heavy residue on the skin.
It’s also clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin and helps to reduce prickly heat and heat rash. Antioxidant-rich Edelweiss provides powerful protection against free radical damage, while the broad-spectrum SPF30 shields against 97% of UVB rays.
Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ 150ml
Get invisible protection for face & body with this silky SPF50+ sunscreen£30.00
Best for the face:
If you have sensory issues with products on your face, then using a gentle facial sunscreen can make it much easier. Your facial skin is thinner and can be more reactive, and applying creams around the eyes, nose and mouth can be even more of a sensory trigger.
Our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30 is formulated to be light, fast-absorbing and won't clog pores. It’s also light, fragrance free and has high sun protection factor.
Rich in moisturising plant actives, it suits normal, dry, or sensitive skin and can be worn alone or under make-up. The collagen-protecting antioxidants from Edelweiss and Green Tea help support your skin too.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.£30.00
Sensory-friendly sunscreen for children
Sunscreen application is one of the most common summer challenges for families, especially if you have children or children with sensory processing differences. It can make the process feel extra stressful while you’re trying to keep their delicate skin protected from the sun.
Our Organic Children's Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ was developed with exactly this challenge in mind. It’s totally scent-free, non-sticky and absorbs quickly, making it easy to apply gently.
It’s also dermatologically tested and made with organic ingredients that have been designed to be gentle on sensitive skin while being high on SPF protection.
Organic Children Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ 150ml
Protect young skin with our allergy-certified SPF50+ sunscreen for kids£30.00
Tips for applying sunscreen with sensory issues
Even with the gentlest sensory-friendly sunscreen, how you apply it matters. Here are some tips to apply sunscreen to minimise sensory issues and stay protected out in the sun:
- Warm the sunscreen first to reduce any triggers by rubbing it between your palms to take the chill off
- Use firm, even pressure when applying to avoid light or unpredictable touch that can be irritating
- Create a routine so that it’s a predictable, calming process
- If you’re applying sunscreen to someone with sensory issues, give them a heads up about what you’re doing and where you’re going to be applying
- With kids, let them be in control if they’re old enough so they can take things at their own pace
- Reduce sensory input by applying in a calm, quiet space to reduce overwhelm
- Go gradually by starting with a small area and building over time
Browse our full range of sunscreens for sensitive skin.
Would you like help choosing the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin? Our friendly UK customer care team is happy to help with any questions about ingredients and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
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