Finding the best mineral sunscreen for your skin can be tricky. Head to any drugstore during summer and you’re likely to find a dizzying array of shelves dedicated to skin care and sun protection. There’s mineral sunscreen for your face, for your body and for your kids; there are tinted mineral sunscreens and makeup with SPF; there are sprays, creams and oils. The options are practically endless, with countless distinctions among them. And then there’s another question you have to ask yourself: Should you even be buying mineral sunscreen, or are chemical sunscreens somehow better?
Sun protection is crucial year-round, whether you’re beach-bound or sitting at home by a window, and ultimately, “the best sunscreen is one you will use again and again,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Henry Lim, program director of dermatology research for the C.S. Livinggood fellowship program at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. “As long as your sunscreen is broad spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher, it can effectively protect you from the sun.”
That said, mineral sunscreen is rapidly gaining popularity, with devotees opting against chemical UV blockers for a variety of reasons. We spoke with experts who explained the difference between the two and shared their recommendations for the best mineral sunscreens you can buy.
What is mineral sunscreen, and how is it different from chemical sunscreen?
All sunscreens contain filters to protect your skin from the sun. The difference between mineral (also known as physical) and chemical sunscreen is in the type of filter and what exactly it does. Chemical sunscreens can use a wide range of active filtering ingredients — some of the most common being oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and avobenzone — that absorb UV rays. Mineral sunscreens, meanwhile, rely on either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or both) as physical blockers that reflect UV rays from your skin. As Dr. Carmen Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York, notes, the absorption process of chemical sunscreens “causes them to degrade over time,” while the reflecting process of mineral sunscreens means “there is no chemical reaction that breaks them down with UV rays.”
When used properly, both types can get the job done. Many people choose mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreens, not necessarily because of their sun protection abilities but because of the potential health effects of chemical ingredients. A 2020 study by the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research found that seven chemicals frequently found in sunscreens — avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, ecamsule, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate — can be absorbed into the bloodstream with a single use. The FDA had already asked sunscreen manufacturers to conduct more safety testing of these ingredients, but the agency and experts have stressed that the 2020 study results don’t mean sunscreens containing those chemicals are unsafe. The FDA does classify zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as “safe and effective” for sunscreen use. There is, however, a clear link between sun exposure and skin cancer, so it’s crucial to keep using that SPF.
There have also been studies and reports on the impact of chemical sunscreen ingredients on the planet, particularly on coral reefs. For example, some studies have found that small concentrations of oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral damage and bleaching in a lab, but as Julie Andersen, senior director of brand and public relations at the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), points out, more research is necessary to understand the potential effects on reefs in the wild. “Extremely high concentrations of sunscreen chemicals are harmful to the larvae of one species of coral, but that doesn’t mean that sunscreen washing off your skin when you go swimming is the reason for global coral bleaching,” she says, adding that the biggest and most urgent threat to coral reefs is climate change.
Are mineral sunscreens good for your skin?
“Some individuals with sensitive or reactive skin may find mineral sunscreens less irritating compared to chemical sunscreens,” says Akis Ntonos, dermatology nurse practitioner, injectable specialist and co-founder of Aion Aesthetics in New York. “Mineral sunscreens tend to be less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, although this can vary from person to person.”
So, it’s a good idea to stick with mineral sunscreens — especially those labeled “noncomedogenic,” “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores,” per Lim — if you struggle with skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, acne or hyperpigmentation, the latter of which is particularly common in people with darker skin, who also need sun protection. “There’s a misconception that browner or darker skin tones don’t need to use sunscreen because ‘we have melanin’ or ‘we don’t burn from sun exposure,’” says Taylor Bagby, registered nurse and aesthetic nurse specialist at SkinSpirit. “But Black skin can still burn and is also at a high risk for hyperpigmentation, which is exacerbated by sun exposure! And while it is true that melanin provides darker skin with some safety from skin cancer, you are still susceptible to damage. A low risk is still a risk.”
A white cast, which is particularly annoying for people with dark skin, is a drawback of some mineral sunscreens; however, there are increasingly more options on the market that blend in invisibly as well as tinted formulas that may have added benefits. “For people with darker skin tones, tinted sunscreens can be considered, as they can minimize the pigmentation induced by sunlight,” Lim says.
How do you use mineral sunscreen?
Just as you do with chemical sunscreen, experts recommend you apply your mineral sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun — and don’t forget to reapply. “Regardless of the sunscreen you select to meet your specific needs, one key aspect should never be overlooked: consistency in reapplication,” Ntonos says. “Applying sunscreen once is not enough to ensure your skin remains shielded throughout the day. Regularly reapply, especially after swimming, sweating or spending extended periods under the sun.”
Lim recommends lotions, creams, gels and ointments over other sunscreen forms because they’re easiest to apply “generously and evenly,” but if you prefer to use a spray, he suggests spraying the sunscreen on your hands and rubbing it onto your skin.
And remember, “Sunscreen is only one part of effective sun protection,” he says. “In addition to wearing sunscreen on skin not covered by clothing, seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear sun-protective clothing, such as lightweight and long-sleeve shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.”
Ahead, discover the best mineral sunscreens for your face and body.
Best mineral sunscreens for your body
Our pick for the best mineral sunscreen when we tested 12 separate sunscreens against each other, this 100% mineral formula rubs in more easily than many comparable products and is plenty gentle on the skin. It’s an affordable, broad-spectrum SPF 50 from a reliable brand that’s been in the sunscreen game for ages.
Lim notes that mineral sunscreens “may cause less irritation to [kids’] sensitive skin,” and this one has the bonus of chamomile and calendula to help soothe. As a brand, Stream2Sea is a favorite for Andersen and PADI because of its extensive reef safety testing and environmental considerations.
This one offers all the benefits of Stream2Sea’s other sunscreen products, with the added bonus of a fun, shimmery finish that even holds up after you get out of the water.
This has quickly become one of my favorite mineral sunscreens for easy application and barely-there feel. It can be used on the face and body, but I particularly like it for the latter because it’s lightweight and sheer enough to apply and rub in quickly without white cast — which matters when you’re reapplying every two hours at the beach. Plus, the bottle is recyclable through TerraCycle.
Native is perhaps best known for its aluminum-free deodorant, but its sunscreen is worth getting acquainted with too. While this formula isn’t the absolute lightest, I’m still able to apply and rub it in pretty easily, and the Coconut & Pineapple scent is as close as I’ve gotten to that old-school, classic sunscreen smell that evokes memories of vacations past.
Because of their thickness, mineral sunscreens don’t always work well in spray form, but celebrity esthetician and co-host of BeautyCurious Podcast Ian Michael Crumm has found one to love from EltaMD. “Perfect for body protection, this mineral spray goes on white to ensure it covers all areas and then blends to a transparent finish,” Crumm, who also works closely with the Skin Cancer Foundation, says. “This is so good for outdoor activities and reaching hard-to-reach places because of the air-powered, all-angle spray.”
Sun Bum’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a bit thicker than some of the others on this list, but it still rubs in and doesn’t leave a greasy feel behind.
Good news for Sun Bum devotees: The brand also makes a 100% zinc oxide sunscreen in a spray version. As with many mineral spray sunscreens, this will appear white when you first apply it, but it’s still light enough that you can rub it in for even coverage.
This sunscreen lotion not only offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, but it also includes powerful skin care ingredients like niacinamide, squalane and vitamin E. If you loathe carrying more than one bottle at a time, you can rest easy knowing this one is suitable for both face and body.
Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen gives you SPF 50 protection from a combination of mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And if you need a bit of help remembering when to reapply, the smart cap technology packaging comes in handy: The color of the cap turns blue when the bottle is in harmful UV light.
This zinc oxide SPF 50 formula feels lightweight and nongreasy and leaves minimal white cast, if any (of course, this is somewhat dependent on your skin tone). Plus, you get the added bonus of a beachy vanilla-coco scent.
The SPF 50 protection in this sunscreen comes purely from zinc oxide. It’s formulated to be water- and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes, making it a great option if you’re heading out for a workout in the sun or spending much of your beach day in the water.
With Badger’s mineral sunscreen, you can feel good not only about the SPF 40 mineral sun protection but also about the company’s ethics: The organic skin care brand has plenty of laudable certifications, including being a Certified B Corporation and Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, and the recycled packaging is manufactured using solar power.
Best mineral sunscreens for your face
This mineral sunscreen checks pretty much all the boxes for Castilla. “When you dispense it onto your hand, it appears to be on the thick side; however, on application it is super lightweight and blends in easily,” she says. “Many of my patients have issues with the ‘sunscreen smell,’ but this formulation is essentially odorless. This is my favorite to recommend to melasma patients because of the combination of physical sunscreen and tint.” Kerrin Jackson, an Emmy-nominated makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery, uses this sunscreen frequently at work as well, applying it just as she would a face moisturizer.
In another expert-backed sunscreen roundup, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick highlighted this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen, which also comes with a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. The included hyaluronic acid and bio-designed collagen boost moisture, Garshick explains, keeping the skin hydrated and plump, all without leaving a white cast.
If you’re looking for a luminous tinted option for dark skin, Bagby recommends a different Colorescience product. “I think they have cracked the code on physical sunscreens that complement brown to darker skin tones,” she says. “I especially love Colorescience Glow and Bronze. They reflect beautifully in the sunlight, giving the skin this amazing glow, and don’t cause darker skin to look ashy or gray, which I know can be a huge deterrent to wearing physical SPF daily. I don’t wear foundation daily anymore because these products just make my skin glow flawlessly.”
This is a truly incredible do-it-all product: Not only does it offer sun protection through zinc oxide, but it also includes powerful skin care ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and a tinted formula that gives you that effortlessly dewy glow. If you’re looking for a makeup/sunscreen combo product, this is a winner. Bonus: You can recycle your empty bottle for free through Ilia’s partnership with Pact Collective.
One of the biggest detractors of mineral sunscreens is that they can be quite thick and difficult to rub in. That’s not a problem here. “This is probably the thinnest formulation that I have used — like a watery lotion consistency,” Castilla says. “Despite having such a thin consistency, the formulation is still able to provide coverage.”
Naked Sundays specializes in sunscreen that can easily go over your makeup or, in the case of this balm, function as your makeup itself. Of course, you’ll still need to use a separate sunscreen to cover your entire face, but this shimmery stick does come in handy as a lip balm, eye shadow or blush that happens to also have SPF protection via zinc oxide.
This mineral SPF comes in two tinted shades — Light/Medium and Medium/Dark — which admittedly isn’t many, but the tint is subtle and sheer, which means it can work for a fairly wide range of skin tones. The liquid is easy to apply and leaves a smooth, matte finish that’s great on its own or under makeup.
Skin care experts love La Roche-Posay products (and so do I, someone with sensitive, dermatitis-prone skin who uses La Roche-Posay moisturizer daily), and this sunscreen, which is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, is no exception. “It’s gentle on sensitive skin, thanks to its hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic properties," says Ntonos. Hien Bennet, nurse injector at Excolo Aesthetics, frequently recommends this product for its protection and coverage and its relatively low price tag compared to other skin care-forward sunscreens.
Supergoop! is a cult-favorite sunscreen brand, and for good reason. The line includes multiple mineral sunscreen options, but this is my favorite no-fuss option. As the name suggests, this mineral product goes on sheer — no white cast in sight — and it feels unbelievably silky smooth to the touch.
This smooth mineral sunscreen is sheer and light on the skin, making it a great every day base. It works well under makeup, absorbing quickly and providing a soft, satin finish. Plus, it's infused with vitamin E, carrot root and seed extract and other skin-loving ingredients that make it feel more like a moisturizing gel than a traditional sunscreen.
In the same best face sunscreens roundup, King also recommended this SPF 50+ tinted sunscreen, which both repairs and protects the skin. “It provides 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 50+ and contains DNA repair enzymes to help address previous sun damage,” King says.
This brush-on SPF is a great product to have on hand at home and on the go. “I always have this in my bag,” says Karen Fernandez, aesthetic department manager at Skin Spirit. “I love using it as the finishing touch to my morning routine and then reapplying as needed throughout the day. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket and totally mess-free. Plus, it’s super easy to apply on kids.”
Both Castilla and Ntonos love this product not only for its mineral sun protection but also for its unique formula that helps combat skin damage you may have from previous sun exposure. “It is super thin, goes on easily, and … has DNA repair enzymes to help with sun damage,” Castilla says.
EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum sunscreen isn’t purely mineral — it contains octinoxate in addition to zinc oxide — but if you’re looking for a combo, this might be it. Jackson discovered this sunscreen relatively recently, but she’s already hooked on its hydrating and soothing properties. “This sunscreen is my go-to when I come across someone who has tendencies to break out from their SPF, or even their makeup as well,” she says. “It feels super light on the skin and is another rare gem that goes on great underneath makeup without even so much as a hint of white cast.”
Yes, this is technically an SPF product made for sensitive baby skin, but outdoor adventure tour guide Grady Cole swears by it for himself too. “My work as an adventure guide means I’m busy keeping my guests safe while leading my kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and off-road tours, so I need something that applies quickly so I can get back to work,” he says. “Sun Bum Baby Bum stick is quick, easy to use and applies evenly, giving my face the coverage it needs without wasting time fiddling with other sunscreens.”
Supergoop!’s Mineral Mattescreen is a lightly tinted formula that leaves a smooth, matte finish. Use it as a primer before your makeup or on its own for a day out in the sun.
CeraVe is a tried-and-true drugstore favorite brand when it comes to skin care, so it’s no surprise that its mineral sunscreen also gets rave reviews. This SPF 50 face sunscreen, made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is a solid option if you want something simple and affordable while still getting the benefits of ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
This gentle sunscreen made it on our list of the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin, with cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Connie Yang recommending it for sensitive and cosmetically treated skin. Like most sensitive formulas, it skips fragrances, oils and other comedogenic ingredients.