Oh man, I’ve been through that same battle. My skin’s not only sensitive but also combination-type, so finding a sunscreen that doesn’t clog pores or set off redness is like a science experiment. One thing I’ve learned is that physical (mineral) sunscreens tend to work better than chemical ones — look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. They’re less likely to irritate and usually offer broad-spectrum protection.
I’ve been using a lightweight SPF 30 with zinc from a pharmacy brand, and it’s been surprisingly great — no fragrance, no alcohol, no stickiness. It’s also worth noting that sunburn can still happen even with sunscreen if you miss spots or forget to reapply (guilty 😅). This article breaks it down in a really user-friendly way, especially about the risks and how to play safe in the sun:
basics of chromatographyIt even touches on how UVA/UVB exposure works and why reapplying matters more than most of us think. Might help you troubleshoot what went wrong with past products.