Experts have recently observed that chemical sunscreens can irritate the skin and may enter your bloodstream. If you are looking to avoid chemical products and go for safer alternatives, mineral sunscreens are highly recommended. They are suitable for people with acne or sensitive skin as they don’t clog your pores and are far more gentle on your skin. Here is our list of the best mineral sunscreens to keep your skin protected!
Stay Safe From The Sun With Our Reviews Of The Top 15 Mineral Sunscreens
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Like the name suggests, this is a mineral-based sunscreen made with the goodness of botanical extracts such as aloe vera and chamomile that nourish the skin while providing protection from sunburn. It also contains green tea that helps protect sensitive skin and fights free radicals that can often cause aging of the skin. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work to fight the harmful UV rays with its broad-spectrum formula (SPF 30), while also absorbing into the skin quickly, leaving behind no residue or a greasy feeling. It is free of fragrance and is resistant to water for up to 80 minutes. This video will provide you with added insights about the product. Pros
All-natural Reef-friendly Leaping Bunny-certified Fragrance-free Cruelty-free Water resistant for up to 80 minutes Biodegradable formula Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free
Cons
May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
2. Best Non-Comedogenic:EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen
Formulated to let you have fun in the sun, albeit safely, this is a good mineral sunscreen that lets you indulge in a sport or even a swim while wearing it. Zinc oxide acts as the chief protector from both UVA and UVB rays, while the octinoxate helps increase the scope of its protective barrier against UV rays. Tocopheryl acetate is a source of vitamin E that helps fight aging. With a water-resistant formula that does not make the sunscreen drip or irritate your eyes, you can also wear this mineral-based sunscreen when you go for a swim. Take a look at this video to know more about the product. Pros
Fit for application on entire body Fragrance-free Oil-free Paraben-free Sensitivity-free Non-comedogenic
Cons
Some may find it greasy
3. Best Skin-Friendly:CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint
Fret no more about sunscreens leaving behind that annoying white cast as this is a skin-friendly, mineral sunscreen that is also tinted. The best part? It has a universal, sheer tint that goes with all skin tones and gives a healthy glow to your face that offsets the white cast. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide help in creating a physical barrier for the face, while 3 kinds of ceramide help boost the moisture-locking capacity of the skin while also keeping it hydrated. While it adds a good dose of moisture to your face, its lightweight formulation keeps it free of a greasy residue. Give this sunscreen a try and dodge those harmful UV rays with complete confidence! Pros
Non-greasy Tested for allergies Oil-free Non-comedogenic Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Not water-resistant
4. Best Non-Greasy:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Your quest for a sunblock that is sheer yet effective is over. The Neutrogena mineral sunscreen uses the brand’s Dry Touch technology that ensures fast absorption and a non-greasy finish on the face. The mineral protection comes from its star ingredient— Pure screen zinc oxide that is sourced naturally. It acts as a protective shield to fight sun-damage and signs of aging. The antioxidants present in this SPF 50 sunscreen for the face also help improve the texture of the skin and can even be worn under your makeup. Moreover, this one gets bonus points for being a gentle, skin-friendly product that ditches fragrance, parabens, and irritating chemicals. Pros
Sweat and water-resistant Non-greasy Lightweight Dermatologically-tested Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic
Cons
Contains alcohol
5. Best Cruelty-Free:Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Lightweight, suitable for the entire body and all age groups – this one’s a mineral sunscreen for everyone! Formulated as a spray-on, this sheer mineral sunscreen is easy to apply all over the body. Made of botanical ingredients such as sunflower seed oil that fights inflammation and repairs the skin-barrier, avocados that hydrate and nourish, organic watercress that also fights inflammation and eczema, and jojoba oil that soothes irritated skin – this one’s a powerful sunblock. The non-nano zinc oxide fights the UV rays and is great for sensitive skin too. It is also free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Pros
Suitable for all age-groups Suitable for sensitive skin Reef-friendly Gluten-free No synthetic fragrance No SLS No sulfates No parabens Devoid of common allergens Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
Might leave behind a white cast
6. Best Oil-Free Formula:MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 UVA-UVB Sunscreen
This tint suits most skin tones and features a creamy, oil-free formula that evens out the texture of the skin, making this tinted mineral sunscreen a good catch. It uses 2% titanium dioxide and 17% zinc oxide to provide a physical barrier against the harmful rays of the sun. Vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extracts fight sun-damage with their antioxidant properties. This sunscreen is also non-comedogenic, which means your pores remain unclogged despite using it. It has no fragrances and it also works well as a primer before the application of makeup. Ditching oxybenzone or octinoxate makes it friendlier for the skin. Pros
Oil-free Creamy texture Fragrance-free Gluten-free Animal testing-free Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
Same may find its consistency too thick.
7. Best Reef-Friendly:Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Plant derivatives and certified organic ingredients together make this mineral body sunscreen a great choice. The zinc oxide in this sunscreen makes it sun-friendly, while organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter hydrate, nourish, and smoothen the skin. Made using 20% zinc oxide, it helps provide a thick texture to the product that acts as a barrier against the harmful rays of the sun and also decreases damage caused by the sun. It uses a formula that is water-resistant, reef-friendly, and biodegradable. This is also gentle enough to be used on babies. Pros
Suitable for all age groups Biodegradable Reef-friendly Uses certified organic ingredients No animal testing No fragrance No paraben
Cons
The zinc oxide may leave a white residue behind
8. Best Lightweight:ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Mineral Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a power-packed mineral sunscreen that also reverses conditions such as actinic damage or what is commonly known as damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, this is your answer. Apart from helping hinder wrinkles, thickened skin, and change in skin-tone, this sunscreen also has DNA repairsomes (photolyase enzymes) derived from planktons that help repair the skin. The vitamin E in this sunscreen combats damage caused by free radicals and environmental pollutants. The product is designed as a lightweight formulation for ease of use. However, it does not compromise with the health of your skin with its broad-spectrum SPF 50+ that helps in taking the fight to the sun. Pros
Ultralight formulation Heavy-duty protection from the sun Mature skin-friendly Does not leave behind a white cast
Cons
Water-resistant only up to 40 minutes
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Sun Bum Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
This one is for those who like to keep it as natural as possible yet don’t want to have less fun in the sun. Sun Bum’s mineral sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection with its 20% zinc oxide that forms an effective barrier on the skin as it deflects rays of the sun while you can go about day with ease. But the formulation of zinc oxide used also keeps the skin hydrated as any healthy skin should be. It is also hypoallergenic, vegan, and gluten-free, making this a sunblock of your dreams! Pros
Vegan Gluten-free Hydrating Hypoallergenic
Cons
Might be too heavy for oily skin
10. Best For Children:Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Looking for a mineral sunscreen for the munchkins? This Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen protects the delicate skin of children from sun damage with a formulation that is specially made for children. The broad spectrum in use does not irritate the skin and absorbs quickly, locks in moisture effectively, and also feels as mild as water. The naturally-sourced zinc oxide protects from the sun, while the oat soothes the skin. So, use this sunscreen and don’t let the sun stop your kids from having fun, this season. Pros
Gentle formula Non-greasy Hypoallergenic Paraben-free Phthalate-free Fragrance-free
Cons
Some may find it chalky.
11. Best Eco-Friendly:Stream2Sea Sunscreen Sport – UVA/UVB
Green tea, tulsi, wakame, and olive leaf are blended to form this mineral-based sunscreen that is great for application while playing a sport under the sun. It contains 6.6% non-nano titanium dioxide that forms a physical barrier against the sun on the skin. It is formulated such that it is good for both skin and the sea. The sunscreen is also safe for sensitive skin and gives a non-greasy finish. It’s good to know that this product comes in an eco-friendly packaging made of a sugarcane finish, making this good for your skin and the planet. Pros
Reef-friendly Eco-friendly packaging Suitable for sensitive skin Non-greasy
Cons
May leaves a white residue
12. Best Paraben-Free:Blue Lizard Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen
This Australian brand of sunscreen combines mineral and chemical ingredients to give you power-packed protection from the sun in the form of this broad spectrum sunblock. 4% Octocrylene and 9.7% of zinc oxide are the only active ingredients that deliver a truly broad-spectrum 30+ protection. Ingredients such as beeswax and castor oil help in hydrating and nourishing the skin. This one is also free of parabens and fragrances, therefore being healthy for the skin and suitable for sensitive skin. This is also perfect for the beach as it is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. Pros
Reef-friendly Paraben-free Fragrance-free Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
Not tested for allergies
13. Best Fast-Absorbing:Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Lightweight, quick-absorbing, and non-greasy – this broad spectrum mineral sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide that rubs in well to keep your face protected from harmful sun rays. Wild gooseberry extract helps calm skin from the effects of infrared rays while plant-derived bisabolol soothes and moisturizes the skin. Squalane derived from sugarcane balances the moisture of the skin and that is provided by the sunscreen. This thoughtfully-formulated sunscreen can be used on babies and adults alike. But if you ask us, the winning features of this sunblock are that it is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky. Pros
Baby-friendly Plant-derived ingredients Non-sticky Fast-absorbing Lightweight Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May leave a white cast
14. Best Oxybenzone-Free:Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby 100% Mineral Sun Protection
This trusted sun protection lotion is a rich blend of botanicals such as tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus extract to pack in hydration for great skin-health. What makes it safe for babies is the fact that it is recommended by pediatricians. Its main ingredient, that is zinc oxide, is sourced naturally to provide safe protection. It is an easy wear as it does not sting or irritate the skin upon application. The formulation is mild and gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin and is also tested for allergies. Pros
Oxybenzone-free PABA-free Alcohol-free Dye-free Fragrance-free
Cons
Might not be suitable for acne-prone skin
15. Best Water-Resistant:TropicSport SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen
The brand uses a good quality of zinc that not only provides effective protection against the sun but also helps in not leaving a white residue on the skin. Formulated to last longer, this one’s been tested by surfers and is water-resistant for up to 2 hours. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide help in creating the physical barrier against the sun to fight its ill-effects on the skin. Formulated to be free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, this is suitable for all age groups and skin types. So, slather this ocean-safe mineral sunscreen on to enjoy without having to worry about sun damage! Pros
Reef-safe Water-resistant for up to 2 hours Oxybenzone-free Avobenzone-free Octinoxate-free
Cons
Uses fragrance
With our reviews of the top 15 mineral sunscreens now out of the way, here’s taking a look at how to pick the right one.
How To Choose A Mineral Sunscreen
Choose The Correct Spectrum
Always keep the spectrum in mind– go for higher protection if you spend a lot of time outdoors under the sun or play a sport However, if you’re simply looking for daily-wear sunscreen for your commute to work, you can choose a moderate SPF such as SPF 30.
Age And skin
There is also more available on the type of usage. While the ones for babies use gentler ingredients, which are often plant-based and are tested for allergies, the ones for mature skin have more evolved ingredients that target signs of aging. For oily skin, pick one without any external oils but something that has natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. For acne-prone skin, it is imperative to use hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products.
Prioritise Your Need
If you want to use your sunscreen under your makeup, pick out one that is sheer. And if you want a tone-smoother, pick a tinted sunscreen suitable for your skin tone. A lotion or a cream or a spray-on? That depends on the area of application and the degree of ease with which you want to apply your sunscreen.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, loves to experiment with various skin care products, and she believes that mineral sunscreens protect your skin from harsh sun rays. So, she went across different platforms to read hundreds of user reviews and learn about the various products in detail to provide you with the list of the best mineral sunscreens. These products deflect sun rays and keep your skin hydrated. Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen? Certain chemicals used in chemical sunscreens have the chance of causing irritation or reacting to certain skin-types, which then become problematic. This makes mineral sunscreens a better choice if your skin acts up. Is mineral sunscreen as effective? Yes, mineral sunscreen can provide as effective a protection from the sun as their chemical counterparts, depending on the spectrum chosen. Is zinc or mineral sunscreen better? Non-nano zinc oxide is one of the commonly used minerals in most mineral sunscreens and acts as an effective physical barrier for the skin against the sun. Therefore, a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide is a good choice. Does mineral sunscreen clog pores? Non-greasy, non-comedogenic mineral sunscreens do not clog pores. Can mineral sunscreen cause acne? Picking a mineral sunscreen suitable for acne-prone skin will not cause more acne. How long does mineral sunscreen last? It varies with each product, but a mineral sunscreen would typically last between 40 and 80 minutes, after which, re-application is advised. Re-application is also mostly advised after a swim or/and a towel-dry.
