Trying to find a sunscreen formulated without glycerin is no easy task! I’ve researched hundreds of sunscreen formulas while writing for this blog and it’s shocking how extremely few glycerin-free formulas are available. In some cases, those with fungal acne have found that high concentrations of glycerin can cause increases in breakouts and although rare, there are also those who are allergic to the ingredient itself.
Glycerin is an incredibly common skincare ingredient and almost every product on the market is formulated using it because for the vast majority of skincare users it is a non-irritating and non-comedogenic solvent and humectant that helps bind together skincare formulations.
So without further adieu, here are my top four glycerin-free sunscreen formulas! I’ve also scoured the internet for the best glycerin-free moisturizer options and where to find the best deal on them as well!
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Coppertone Kids Sunscreen SPF 50 Tear Free Lotion, 8 fl oz
First up, here’s an affordable drugstore option, Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Tear Free Lotion is $6.97 at Walmart and is also sold at most drugstores as well. This has a super watery texture that makes it a breeze to quickly apply to arms and legs and it dries down quickly. The only complaint I have about this sunscreen is that it is not actually tear-free. I got too close with my sunscreen application around my eyes and was teary-eyed and blinking like crazy all day until I was finally able to wash my face. Other than that, it’s a great formula if you want a cheap option that applies easily.
- SPF 50
- White cast warning for deep skin tones
Glycerin-Free Mineral Sunscreens:
Coppertone Pure & Simple For Face SPF 50 2oz $4.95
This sunscreen has a slightly watery cream consistency and blends out with minimal effort. I have a very fair skin tone and could not see any white cast but it did leave a slightly dewy finish. This will leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones.
This feels slightly moisturizing and matte to the touch after drying but leaves the skin with a subtle glow. It also contains tea leaf and giant kelp extract! You can definitely feel that it’s on your skin but it does not leave a greasy film.
- Water Resistant 80 minutes
- White cast warning for deep skin tones
Badger – SPF 40 Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen 2.9OZ
This refreshingly simply formulated sunscreen has just 5 ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Sunflower Oil, Beeswax & Vitamin E.
Badger is based out of New Hampshire and sells numerous mineral sunscreens and other various skincare products. They’ve knocked it out of the park with their sunscreen formulas but I recommend that you steer clear of their skincare (waaaaay too much fragrance in those products).
- Alcohol Free
- SPF 40/PA +++
- Water Resistant 80 minutes
Badger also carries another clear version of this product. It’s called the Badger – SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream.
Those are all also fragrance and essential oil-free, but I would also recommend that you give the ingredients list a skim to see if there are any other ingredients that have trigged fungal breakouts for you.
I have also written about my favorite SPF powders here on GirlChickBetty which are all glycerin-free, powder SPF is not nearly as good as a liquid, but is better than nothing! I recommend starting the day with a strong base of a liquid SPF and then you can “top off” throughout the day by adding a powder.
Should you avoid glycerin in your Sunscreen?
There is no definitive research proving that glycerin is a cause of fungal acne. This study actually shows that a low concentration of glycerin is effective in treating malassezia yeast. Here is another study that found that glycerin was an effective treatment for the yeast that causes fungal acne. On the other hand, a higher concentration of glycerin did the opposite and increased the presence of the fungus.
Most skincare formulations use an extremely low percentage of glycerin that would not cause a flare in fungal breakouts. So unless your dermatologist has specifically advised you to remove the ingredient from your skincare routine, it is likely not necessary for you to completely avoid it.
