Dermatologist-Approved: 13 Best Drugstore Mineral Sunscreens (2024)
Block the UV rays from penetrating your delicate skin with these effective sun blocks.
Dr. Samar Khalil is a dermatologist with over 18 years of experience in treating various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis. She is also well-versed in anti-aging treatments, such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.
Read full bio of Dr. Samar Kalil
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Sun rays damage our skin in multiple ways. Wrinkles, sunburns, dark spots, and freckles are some common skin conditions caused due to overexposure to the sun. To combat these negative effects, you can depend on the best drugstore mineral sunscreens, which are made with mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which do not have any potential negative effects. These mineral-based sunscreens effectively block sun rays and UV light and stop their penetration into the skin. If these rays enter our body, many undesirable side effects like moles, wrinkles, and dark spots appear, which may make you look older than your actual age. These mineral sunscreens are the best way to start if you are a beginner.
In this article, we have compiled the list of 13 drugstore mineral sunscreens that are a perfect fit for your skincare regime. Have a look at them and choose one to make your skin healthy and soft.
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Mineral Sunscreens For A Carefree Day At The Beach
1. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Australian Gold Sunscreen Tinted Face Lotion
This mineral-based sunscreen is made of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and offers you impressive sun protection while casting a matte finish. The non-chemical sunscreen is one of the best broad-spectrum sunscreens you can get as it is infused with kakadu plum, red algae, and eucalyptus. The rich combination of these antioxidants in this dermatologist-tested tinted mineral sunscreen is what makes it worth trying. This SPF 50 sunscreen is a must-try as it is gentle on your skin and doesn’t clog your pores. This tinted sunscreen is reef-friendly and offers water resistance up to 80 minutes. Check out this reviewer’s experience of using this product in this video.
Pros
- Fragrance-free mineral sunscreen
- Reef-safe
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil and alcohol-free
- Phthalate, sulfate, and paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Broad spectrum SPF
Cons
- May not be suitable for babies
"This sunscreen offers a matte finish and protects my skin well against the sun. It also is quite lightweight and does not feel heavy on the skin. It dries off easily and is quite easy to use. I like that it can stay on my skin for up to 80 minutes."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 27,917 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Self-care is a must when it comes to maintaining your skin, hair and overall health. Like facial cleansing and moisturizing, sunscreen application is also an essential part of keeping your skin healthy and happy. This product leaves a natural and a beautiful glow on your skin along with providing it with UVA and UVB protection. The sunscreen is made of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are considered the most effective active ingredients found in broad-spectrum sunscreen. They help in reflecting the sun rays and maintain the moisture level of the skin too. Hyaluronic acid’s infusion in this lotion keeps the skin hydrated all day long. On the other hand, ceramides in the formula allow you to restore and maintain your skin’s natural barrier, making this product a good mineral sunscreen. They are one of the best tinted options available in the market. Check out this tester’s experience of using this product in this video.
Pros
- Skin-friendly
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Tinted mineral sunscreen
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting sun protection
3. Best Oil-Free:EltaMD Skincare UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen
This mineral-based facial sunscreen helps your skin stay safe from UVA and UVB exposure. The product leaves you with a matte finish and can withstand all kinds of harsh weather conditions. The oil-free, tinted formula comprises antioxidants that fight against factors that can affect your skin’s health. The matte mineral sunscreen is lightly tinted and contains 0.9% transparent zinc oxide, provides water resistance up to 40 minutes, and you can count on it as it is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Sensitivity-free
- Chemical-free
- Non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen
- Water-resistant formula
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Australian Gold Sunscreen Tinted Face Lotion Best Dermatologist-Tested | CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Best For Sensitive Skin | EltaMD Skincare UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen Best Oil-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 1.7 x 5.5 inches | 1.13 x 2.7 x 6.14 inches | 1.63 x 1.63 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 3 Ounces. | 2.57 Ounces | 3 Ounces |
| Weight | - | 0.16 Pounds | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 27,917 | 36,221 | 2,097 |
| Price | $15.99 | $13.97 | $41 |
4. Best Gluten-Free:Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
The Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral-based product with an oil-free formula that quickly absorbs into your skin. The effective product is made of the key ingredients coconut oil, shea butter, zinc oxide, and cocoa butter that let your skin remain soft and hydrated with a smooth texture. It is dye-free, and thus you need not worry about the harmful effects of the ingredients in the sunscreen on your skin. As the name suggests, it’s also safe for your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. The SPF 50 sunscreen is reef-friendly and offers water-resistance for up to 80 minutes.
Pros
- Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Silicone and phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Might leave a white residue
5. Best Sweat And Water-Resistant:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Neutrogena’s mineral sunscreen lotion protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin from sunburn. This dermatologist-tested product dries quickly with a natural finish and without making your skin feel greasy. The antioxidant-rich formula comprises natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and feverfew plant juice that keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and smooth. Although a lightweight formula, it provides 2x better UVA protection as compared to other leading broad-spectrum sunscreen lotions and blends seamlessly under makeup too.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Dermatologist-tested
- PABA-free
Cons
- It may leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 8,454 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best Allergy-Tested:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen
Look younger and fresh with the mineral formula sunscreen by La Roche-Posay. The product is highly effective and helps you protect your skin against sunburn as it has SPF 50. The dermatologist-tested mineral sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation too. It is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield Technology that protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lightly-tinted and fast-absorbing product has antioxidizing properties that ensure your skin remains damage-free. To add to these qualities, it’s also suitable for use under makeup.
Pros
- High-quality
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,289 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Lotion
The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Lotion offers you SPF 50 and protection from UVA and UVB rays. It is formulated with vitamin E that ensures your skin remains young, radiant, and healthy. It settles as a matte-finish and offers a lovely glow as it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Without the use of any chemical sunscreen ingredient, the lotion reflects UV rays and prevents it from entering your skin. Sweat and water-resistant formula allows it to stay put for up to 80 minutes, this broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion is a fantastic choice for a day at the beach.
Pros
- Sweat and water-resistant
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may find the formula too thick
"This sunscreen makes my skin look healthy and radiant. It offers a matte finish and a natural glow. It is also sweat and water-resistant but not greasy."
8. Best Fpr Sensitive Skin:Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion
The lightweight sunscreen is made of zinc oxide and nourishing oats to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The travel-sized sunscreen has SPF 50 and is a fast-absorbing formula. Get a matte-finish with the dermatologically tested product that dries quickly and leaves your skin with a radiant finish. Scientifically formulated to be gentle, even safe for application on sensitive or acne-prone skin, this non-toxic lotion has a mild yet pleasant fragrance and is suitable for everyday use without causing skin irritation.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Hypoallergenic
- No fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- No dyes
Cons
- Some may find the consistency glue-like
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,753 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
9. Best For All Skin Types:TIZO 3 Primer/ Sunscreen Lotion
The SPF 40 product lends a subtle yet smooth matte finish to your face in addition to the protection it offers against the harmful rays of the sun. It’s suitable for those with sensitive skin and is also reef-friendly. Infused with ingredients such as vitamin C and E, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, it further provides your skin with the nourishment it needs to stay healthy and hydrated.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Mattifying finish
- Suitable for on all skin types
- No dyes and fragrances
- No oils and preservatives
- No chemical sunscreen filters
Cons
- May stain some fabrics
10. Best For Oily Skin:Coola Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Bless your skin with the goodness of this mineral sunscreen that not only protects your skin from the sun but also gives you a very calming effect too. The sunscreen has vitamin C and flaxseeds infused in it, thus enhancing the replenishing power of the product. It also contains shea butter that helps your skin improve its elasticity and retains its moisture too. The ingredients in sunscreen offer broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection to keep your skin shielded from the sun’s rays.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- Suitable for combination or oily skin
- Water-resistant
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly expensive
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,569 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
11. Best Lightweight:ISDIN PHOTO Ultra-Light Emulsion Mineral Sunscreen
This zinc oxide-infused mineral sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB rays to prevent your skin from seeing any damage. It has photolyase enzymes, which repair the skin and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that fights against free radicals and environmental damages, making you look younger than ever! The product absorbs well and stays on for long, leaving your skin with a healthy glow. It also prevents your skin tone from changing, while preventing the thickening of skin and reducing the occurrence of wrinkles too.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Water-resistant
- Ideal for everyday use
- Lightweight
- No greasiness
- No white residues
Cons
- Some may find the emulsion texture slightly thick
12. Best For Kids:Ethical Zinc Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion
The Ethical Zinc Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is formulated with zinc oxide and castor oil that repairs damaged and dehydrated skin and keeps it moisturized. This everyday mineral sunscreen also contains coconut oil and vitamin E that helps keep your skin hydrated, prevents damage from free radicals, and improves skin elasticity. The natural mineral sunscreen lotion is reef and ocean-safe and offers up to 80 minutes of water-resistance.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Suitable for kids
- Water-resistant
- Ocean-safe
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find it slightly greasy
"This sunscreen is good for everyday usage. It offers good water resistance but does not feel greasy. It also dries up quite well, making it one of my favorites."
13. Best Water-Resistant:Coppertone Zinc Oxide Pure & Simple Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
The Coppertone Zinc Oxide Pure & Simple Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 contains natural extracts of tea, sea kelp, and lotus that nourish your skin and 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide that helps protect your skin from the sun. Its gentle and hypoallergenic formula is absorbed into your skin quickly and offers Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The mineral sunscreen empowers you to step out into the sun without any worry and revert the damaging effects of the harmful UV rays.
Pros
- Gentle on your skin
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- PABA-free
- Paraben-free
- Tear-free
- Contains no dyes
- Contains no fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Leaves a white cast
- May cause dryness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 4,995 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Here is a buying guide to help you find the right mineral sunscreen based on your skin type. As sunscreen is an essential skincare product, this will help you make a sound decision and will prevent you from further damaging your skin.
How To Choose A Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Ingredients
Mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens; hence you must look for formulas with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in your product as these are safe to use and are effective too. Zinc oxide provides a broad spectrum SPF to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. On the other hand, titanium dioxide is the most effective ingredient against UVB, and enhances the product’s effectiveness on your skin.
SPF
SPF helps to absorb the sun’s harmful rays and helps protect it from damage. For greater effectiveness, you must buy a product that has at least SPF 30 or more. It allows your skin to remain protected from the sun and causes no damage to your skin.
Skin type
If you have oily skin, you should choose products such as the EltaMD Skincare, La Roche-Posay, and Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreens to name a few. These don’t clog your pores and also absorb excess oil on your face. For dry skin, you must look for hydrating and dermatologically-approved ingredients in your lotion such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera as these provide moisturization and make your skin soft. Products like the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen have nourishing ingredients like ceramide that prevent irritation or any kind of reaction, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Dr. Samar Kalil, a cosmetic dermatologist, says, “When choosing a sunscreen, consider the importance of SPF and opt for SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection. Take into account your skin’s specific needs, such as sensitivity and oiliness, and check for dermatologist-tested or allergy-tested certifications. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours. You should also apply your sunscreen before swimming for maximum effectiveness. Follow these guidelines for optimal sun protection.”
Infographic: How To Choose The Best Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens remain on top of the skin and offer broad-spectrum protection without making your skin appear dark or greasy. They are gentler than their regular chemical counterparts and are suitable for sensitive skin types. However, to reap the full benefits of a mineral sunscreen, you need to choose a safe product free of harsh elements or synthetic fragrances. Check out the infographic below to learn how to pick an ideal mineral sunscreen.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Sun rays are essential for your skin. But if these rays are strong and excessive, your skin gets damaged. So it will be ideal to invest in the best mineral sunscreens or sunblocks to protect your skin and prevent sun damage. Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier preventing UV rays from penetrating the skin. The Australian Gold Tinted Face Lotion is a great sunblock option with matte finish, while the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is suitable for those with sensitive skin. If you are looking for broad spectrum product that is oil free and can withstand all weather conditions, try the EltaMD UV Physical Sunscreen. Some sunscreens listed above can also moisturize your skin besides protecting the skin from harmful rays. Paraben-free sunscreens are considered safe for your skin. However, stay away from the slightly greasy sunscreens as they leave behind stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mineral sunscreens safer?
Some of the common and essential ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are recognized by the FDA as safe to use. It is also a much safer option for those who regularly get exposed to the sun for a long time and have sensitive skin.
Do mineral sunscreens clog pores?
Some products have oils in the SPF that can clog your pores, so if you have an oily and acne-prone skin, you must buy a non-greasy and oil-free sunscreen. You must also ensure that you clean your face and use a toner before applying the sunscreen
Do all mineral sunscreens leave a white cast?
No. Mineral sunscreens like the EltaMD Skincare UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen do not leave a white cast.
Can you wear makeup over any mineral sunscreen?
Yes. Apply makeup over any mineral sunscreen. But try to stick to lightweight mineral sunscreens that do not leave a white cast.
Is it better to use mineral or chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens contain safe ingredients that do not irritate or harm people with sensitive skin. In contrast, chemical sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that may damage the skin if used for longer hours.
Does mineral sunscreen dry out your skin?
Yes. Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide, an astringent. It dries the skin and may lead to irritations. Therefore, opt for hydrating mineral sunscreen formulas that moisturize the skin.
Can I mix mineral sunscreen with moisturizer?
No. Mixing mineral sunscreen with moisturizer reduces the potency of the sunscreen. Also, combining both products may lead to adverse reactions on your skin.
Does mineral sunscreen prevent freckles more so compared to its chemical sunscreen counterparts?
Yes. Mineral sunscreens block shorter wavelengths of sun rays that cause freckles. As a result, they are more effective than chemical sunscreens in preventing freckles.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a skin care enthusiast whose passion lies in reviewing beauty products as they hit the shelves. For this article she has put together a list of the best drugstore mineral sunscreens that will help her readers spend a fun day at the beach without worrying about sunburns. Her experience and thorough research of the online reviews helped her pick the best products. Her recommended formulas are budget-friendly, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
Read full bio of Dr. Samar Kalil
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Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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