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Experts say the best mineral sunscreens are the most effective way of limiting UV damage. By sitting on top of the skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains that mineral sunscreens create “a physical shield or a barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays, blocking the rays from reaching the skin.” And not to worry, one can achieve this expert-level protection without cakey textures or chalky finishes. Ahead a look at the best mineral sunscreens beloved by dermatologists and Vogue editors alike.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $42
- Best for Anti-Aging: Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $42
- Best Clean Formula: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
- Best Moisturizing Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 30, $38
- Best Sheer Finish: Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30, $40
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+, $42
- Best Primer: Tatcha The Silk Screen, $62
- Best Powder: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $69
In This Story:
- What is mineral sunscreen?
- Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen
- Who Should Use Mineral Sunscreen?
- How to Apply Mineral Sunscreen
- Are mineral sunscreens better?
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Why we love it: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion is as good a sunscreen as they come. Why? It boasts a weightless, almost serum-like texture that sinks right into skin, without any signs of white cast. Plus, it pairs SPF 50 with protective and soothing ingredients like a plankton extract, artemia salina for additional benefits.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Size:
- Key Ingredients: Artemia salina, 5% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide, translucent color spheres, 100% mineral filter
- Finish: Sheer, radiant finish
Best for Anti-Aging: Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love it: This mineral sunscreen by Dr. Dennis Gross, powered by zinc oxide, pairs the best of anti-aging and sheer-finish benefits. Think: reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suneel Chilukuri suggests this for anyone who is looking for a lightweight, over-the-counter option. Plus, a blend of sea buckthorn, ferulic acid, and lingonberry provide antioxidant protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and blue light.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight and smooth.
- Size: 50mL
- Key Ingredients:16% Non-nano zinc oxide, lingonberry, sea buckthorn
- Finish: Natural finish
Best for Reversing Sun Damage: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why we love it: “Compared to many mineral sunscreens, this formula is lightweight and non-chalky,” says Dr. Love. “The tint is friendly to most skin tones, and it contains enzymes that have been clinically shown to reverse signs of sun damage.”
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Ultra lightweight and silky.
- Size: 100ml
- Key Ingredients: 11% Zinc oxide, DNA Repairsomes, vitamin E, 100% mineral filters
- Finish: Invisible finish
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Why we love it: We’ll never tire of sharing our love for Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint: Fashion editor Mai Morsch even wrote an ode to the multitasking formula because it essentially replaced her entire skin-care routine.
- SPF Level: SPF 40
- Texture: This tinted serum utilizes zinc oxide to protect skin while providing lightweight, hydrating coverage.
- Size: 30ml
- Key Ingredients: 12% Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, plant-based squalane
- Finish: Light coverage, dewy finish
Best Moisturizing Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 30
Why we love it: A blend of UVA/UVB filters makes up this sun protector: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and antioxidants. Then there’s hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and plump, while glycerin takes skin moisturization to the next level. “It’s cosmetically elegant and inexpensive,” says Dr. Chilukuri.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Non-greasy cream.
- Size: 50ml
- Key Ingredients: 5.5% Titanium dioxide, 10% Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, thermal spring water
- Finish: Smooth finish
Best Antioxidant Protection: MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
Why we love it: This creamy mineral SPF is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to use daily. Additionally, the product’s patented ProVention-R liposome technology combines green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extracts, which can defend skin against environmental aggressors.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Weightless and silky.
- Size: 100ml
- Key Ingredients: 2% Zinc oxide, vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate
- Finish: Sheer finish
Best Powder: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Why we love it: It’s available in four shades, all featuring both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to shield against damaging rays to any skin tone or type. “It’s [easy] to reapply throughout the day,” says Dr. Chilukuri.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: This product offers a powder formula, making it the ultimate solution for oiliness or to reapply atop makeup.
- Size: 5.8ml
- Key Ingredients: 22.5% Titanium dioxide, 22.5% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants
- Finish: Natural finish
Best Sheer Finish: Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
Why We Love It: The name of this product says it all: It’s a completely sheer mineral sunscreen (not always easy to come by!). Bush clover extract is the main event, as it defends against free radical damage and blue light. “The brand is a personal favorite of mine because there is something for everyone with a plethora of options, wide product variety, and shade options,” says Dr. Nosworthy.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Aloe-leaf juice acts as the ultimate skin hydrator, and squalane serves up extra non-greasy softness.
- Size: 45ml
- Key Ingredients: 17.5% Zinc oxide, bush clover extract, aloe leaf juice, squalane
- Finish: Natural finish
Best Lightweight: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Why We Love It: Packed with 20% zinc oxide, sunflower shoot extract, astaxanthin-rich algae extract, and raspberry seed oil, Drunk Elephant’s mineral sunscreen includes all you need to protect skin from broad-spectrum rays and free radical damage.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: With a rather lightweight formula, expect this to sink into skin without feeling greasy.
- Size: 90ml
- Key Ingredients: 20% Zinc oxide, astaxanthin, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
- Finish: Sheer finish
Best Primer: Tatcha The Silk Screen
Why we love it: As the name suggests, Tatcha’s mineral sunscreen feels silky smooth on, making it an excellent face primer for those looking to blur the look of pores and imperfections. The infused zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and silk extract are added bonuses to both protect and nourish skin.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Silky-smooth.
- Size: 50ml
- Key Ingredients: 10% Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, silk extract
- Finish: Sheer finish
Best for Sensitive Skin: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+
Why we love it: This sunscreen is great for anyone with sensitive skin as well as children and babies older than six months. Raspberry fruit extract is infused for antioxidants, and aloe-leaf extract serves up hydration.
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Silky.
- Size: 100ml
- Key Ingredients: 5% Octisalate, 7% octocrylene, 3.8% titanium dioxide, 19.4% zinc oxide
- Finish: Natural finish
Best for Coverage: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30
Why we love it: Tower 28's tinted sunscreen isn't just great because of it's featured non-nano zinc oxide; it also blends prickly pear and white sage extracts to protect, soothe, and repair skin over time. We'd recommend this in lieu of foundation—delivering light to medium coverage and a luminous finish with minimal product.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Liquid
- Size: 30mL
- Key Ingredients: 12.6% Zinc oxide, prickly [ear extract, white sage extract
- Finish: Natural finish
Best for Oily Skin: Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF45
Why we love it: While sunscreens can get a bad rap for being heavy on skin, Murad’s formula is perfect for anyone looking for a matte finish. ”In the warmer seasons, if I’m concerned about excess oil production and I want my skin to maintain a fresh look, I’ll likely opt for this sunscreen,” says Dr. Nosworthy.
- SPF Level: SPF 45
- Texture: Lightweight and oil-free
- Size: 50ml
- Key Ingredients: Avocado extract, African yellow wood bark extract, 3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene
- Finish: Natural finish
Best Splurge-Worthy: Pavise Dynamic Age Defense
Why we love it: To put it simply—there’s nothing else like it on the market. Using the brand’s proprietary ingredient DiamondCore, this form of zinc oxide protects against UVA/UVB and blue light—in addition to providing age-reversing, skin regenerative benefits. “It has been proven in lab studies on human skin cells to target core cell aging mechanisms and regenerate dermal fibroblasts two times better, and restore collagen production,” explains Dr. Chilukri.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight, smooth, non-greasy.
- Size: 30ml
- Key Ingredients: 15% diamond-augmented zinc oxide, niacinamide, astaxanthin, silymarin, licorice root extract, tranexamic acid
- Finish: Natural finish
Best Lightweight: Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Sunscreen
- Why we love it: Summer Fridays seems to launch hit after hit. First its viral lip balm; and now, the mineral milk sunscreen. With a serum-like texture, this lightweight SPF is infused with hydrating ingredients like squalane and vitamin E to improve skin quality with consistent use. Plus, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian says, “the texture is velvety and appropriate for wearing underneath [makeup]. And for those who don't, the slight tint is effective at preventing a white cast.”
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight and oil-free
- Size: 50 mL
- Key Ingredients: 9.4% zinc oxide, squalane, vitamin E, ethyl ferulate
- Finish: Natural finish
Best Gel: Dune Skincare Mineral Melt
- Why we love it: If you prefer a gel texture, add this lightweight sunscreen to your cart immediately. While its gel formula might not sit well underneath makeup (it can pill!), it’s perfect for outdoor activities and makeup-free days under the sun—the brand was started by avid surfers, after all. Its combination of sunflower extract, rich in vitamin E, and antioxidants makes it excellent for hydrating and neutralizing free-radical damage. And if you’re prone to breakouts, Nazarian says Mineral Melt is non-comedogenic—making it a good option for acne-prone individuals.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight, oil-free
- Size: 50 mL
- Key Ingredients: 4.8% zinc oxide, 2.34% titanium dioxide, vitamin E, carrot root extract, carrot seed extract, sunflower extract, rock rose extract
- Finish: Sheer finish
What is mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide full-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. “These minerals work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the sun's rays away from the skin, providing a physical barrier to UV radiation,” explains aesthetic physician Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy. “UV damage can lead to skin cancer, skin aging, and irregularities in skin tone (like redness and pigmentation),” according to Elyse Love, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
You might be wondering: Why mineral sunscreens specifically? Often referred to as physical sunscreens, not only are mineral SPFs better for your skin, but they’re also better for the environment. Non-mineral sunscreens include chemicals, like oxybenzone, which, when in water, can be damaging to marine life and coral reefs.
Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen differs from the chemical SPF in two ways: The active ingredients found in the formula—chemical formulas often include avobenzone, octinoxate, and/or oxybenzone—and how they protect the skin from UV rays. “Mineral sunscreens physically block and reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb and dissipate UV rays as heat,” says Dr. Nosworthy. She adds that while mineral sunscreens work as soon as they’re applied to the skin, chemical products should be put on 20 minutes prior to sun exposure.
Who Should Use Mineral Sunscreen?
As most derms will tell you, the best type of sunscreen is whichever type you use. However, there are some instances where mineral sunscreen may be more beneficial. According to Dr. Chilukuri mineral formulas have the highest safety profile in the U.S., therefore making them ideal for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone, or eczema-prone skin, as well as anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Dr. Nosworthy agrees, adding that due to mineral formulas’ ability to work instantly, they’re also ideal for parents applying sunscreen to children—or anyone who needs quick sun protection.
But that doesn’t mean mineral sunscreens don’t come with their share of drawbacks. “They can produce a white-gray cast particularly on darker skin tones that can be unappealing and prevent users from applying sunscreen regularly,” Dr. Chilukuri explains. Thankfully, there’s a way around it. “This can be solved by [using] a high-quality mineral sunscreen that has been formulated for and tested on dark skin tones.” Read: all the options on this list.
Additionally, the derm recommends that anyone with acne-prone skin should look out for lightweight, non-comedogenic or oil-free formulas “to minimize the risk of clogging pores and exacerbating breakouts.”
How to Apply Mineral Sunscreen
Generally speaking, it’s best to apply mineral sunscreen as the last step in your morning skin-care routine—prior to leaving the house in the morning.
Dr. Nosworthy notes it’s always good to be a little heavy-handed when figuring out how much SPF you should be using. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using about one ounce—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover the body,” she says. You’ll also need to ensure it’s rubbed into the skin properly and you may have to give it some time once applied to allow for the dreaded white cast to dissipate. You should also pay special attention to areas like the hairline, ears, and neck to ensure there’s no left over residue.
Are mineral sunscreens better?
According to Nazarian, the key difference between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens is in how they protect against ultraviolet radiation. Mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier that blocks UV light from reaching the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV light and convert it into a form less harmful from skin.
Mineral and chemical SPF varies in application, too. Per Nazarian, physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating, whereas chemical sunscreens are often more cosmetically appealing and lightweight. “Neither is ‘better’ than the other—they’re just different,” she stresses. Each year, companies continue to improve the cosmetic elegance of mineral sunscreens, making them smoother, more hydrating, and nearly invisible. Let’s also not forget the innovations in sunscreens from other countries, such as the best Japanese sunscreens and the advancements in K-beauty.
Lastly, if you have sensitive skin (think: those with sensitive skin, including babies, children, individuals with rosacea, or those with allergies), mineral sunscreens are often a better choice. The reason being that they don’t contain harsh chemical sunscreen ingredients such as homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone, which can exacerbate skin issues or cause allergic reactions.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Elyse Love is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and co-host of the Beauty Curious podcast.
- Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy is an internal medicine physician, who specializes in aesthetic and integrative medicine.
- Dr. Suneel Chilukuri is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic surgery at Refresh Dermatology in Houston, Texas.
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.