Everything You Need to Know About Natural Sunscreen, According to Experts
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Sunscreen really is the most important skincare product out there — protecting against UVA and UVB damage, which reduces the risk of skin cancer and also skin ageing — it's well worth the trial and error to find the perfect one for you (and if you can't be bothered to do all that, three PS UK editors tried 20 SPFs out for you).
As the conversation around sun protection continues, we've taken an odd turn into homemade sunscreen, which unfortunately isn't as reliable as the stuff you can pick up off the shelf. I understand your scepticism and I guess that's why searches for natural sunscreens have spiked recently. There's no surprise, we only want the good stuff on our faces.
But what makes sunscreen natural? Does it even exist? Well, consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite is here to demystify the sunscreen question we're all asking.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dr Alexis Granite is a renowned expert in dermatology and aesthetics based at the Skinesis Medical Clinic in London.
Dr Catherine Borysiewicz is a renowned consultant dermatologist working within the NHS as clinical lead for skin cancer.
Dr Mary Sommerlad is a consultant dermatologist based in London.
Dr Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip is an expert in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology.
What Is Natural Sunscreen?
Natural sunscreen is not the same as homemade sunscreen, it's basically mineral sunscreen, according to consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) are notorious for leaving a white cast and not sitting well under makeup, but with new products coming out and old favourites being reformulated, there are far more options out there.
Instead, natural sunscreen aka mineral sunscreen contains physical blockers, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Dr Granite tells PS UK: "These ingredients physically block and reflect UV rays."
Is Natural Sunscreen Effective?
A mineral sunscreen comes highly recommended by Dr Granite. She says: "They are highly effective and are generally recommended over chemical sunscreens (which absorb UV rays and convert them to heat) for those with sensitive skin and people who suffer with melasma."
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens
Now that you know the science behind what makes these sunscreens so different, I'm sure you're wondering which is best. Well, Dr Granite explains that it's actually down to personal preference.
"Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are highly effective. Mineral sunscreens can be thicker than chemical sunscreens and older formulations often left a white cast, but so many advances have been made in recent years and the formulations are quite elegant and easy to use," she tells us.
Natural Sunscreen Recommendations
If mineral aka natural sunscreens are something you'd be interested in trying this summer, but are unsure where to start, below you'll find a list of dermatologist-approved mineral sunscreens to add to your shopping basket and keep you protected all year round.
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Ren Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30
Ren Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 (£33)
Dr Sommerlad also rates the Ren Mineral SPF 30, which is great for oilier skin types. This formula dries down to a matte finish, making it ideal for the summer months and it's also slightly fragranced if you like to avoid that classic sunscreen scent. However, this formula takes quite a lot of effort to blend into the skin to avoid a white cast.
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Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+
Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ (£17, originally £23)
Dr Imahiyerobo-Ip describes the Avène Mineral Fluid SPF50+ as being "cosmetically elegant for skin of colour." She notes that it goes on completely sheer, even on darker skin tones.
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Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen Spf 50+
Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen Spf 50+
(£34)
Dr Granite recommends the Ultravoilette SPF 50 as a great mineral sunscreen that you could trial. It's a zinc-only mineral formula that doesn't look or feel heavy on the skin and is designed with sensitive, oily and reactive skin in mind.
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Supergoop! Sheerscreen SPF 30
Supergoop! Sheerscreen SPF 30 (£18)
The Supergoop! SPF 30 is another dermatologist-approved mineral sunscreen, according to Dr Granite. It's smooth, weightless and gives a sheer finish to minimise white cast. Plus, it has aloe vera and hydrtaing squalane to keep your skin moisturised throughout the day.
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Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Spray SPF50+
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Spray SPF50+ (£16, originally £20)
"The Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Spray SPF50 is my recommendation for a fragrance-free mineral sunscreen for clients with very sensitive skin," Dr Catherine Borysiewicz tells PS UK. The formula comes in a handy spray bottle (but be sure to still use enough!) and is water-resistant. It's also on the slightly more affordable end of the mineral sunscreen market.
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Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (£69)
If you have a bigger budget, Dr Sommerlad recommends the Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for sensitive skin. The formula is lightweight with a slight peach tint, is fragrance-free (which can be good for people with extrasensitive skin), and doesn't leave a white cast for most people.
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Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50
Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50 (£36, originally £45)
The Skinceuticals Mineral SPF 50 is also another good option for sensitive skin types, according to Dr Sommerlad. It's lightweight, suitable for all skin types, and is slightly tinted. Although this SPF works well under makeup, it does leave a slight white cast.
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Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid
Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50 (£25, originally £31)
Dr Granite recommends the Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50, and luckily, you'll find it as part of LookFantastic's What The SPF campaign. It includes a 20% discount on SPF products with a factor of 30 or above, aligning with British Skin Foundation recommendations and lasts until the end of August 2024.
Heliocare's light fluid formula works incredibly well underneath my makeup, and although it has a slight white hue to begin with, it does dry down sheer. It's one of the few sunscreens that doesn't cause my rosacea-prone skin to have a reaction and one I continually come back to. Bonus points because it's water-resistant.
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Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.