16 Best Mineral Sunscreens To Protect From Harmful UV Rays – 2024
Blocking harmful sun rays may not be easy, but preventing your skin from damage is!
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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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
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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If you thought finding the best mineral sunscreen was a task, it is not anymore! With the beauty market booming, there are several sunscreens out there that do the marvelous job of protecting your skin from the sun. When buying sunscreen, there are two essential factors that must not be overlooked. First, it should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Second, they should at least have SPF 30. Now, with these things out of the way, let’s focus on why mineral sunscreens are better. The chemical ingredients of regular sunscreens only absorb the sun’s rays and are not as effective as mineral sunscreens. But mineral sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that deflect the UV rays from your skin, protecting it and keeping it hydrated!
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, curated with a careful analysis of formulations, reviews, and ratings, to keep your skin protected!
In This Article
Stay Safe From The Sun With Our Reviews Of The Top 16 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 protection 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 of a reviewer’s experience will provide you with added insights about the product.
- 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
- 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 tester’s experience of using the product.
- Fit for application on entire body
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Sensitivity-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Some may find it greasy
"While barrier sunscreens do the job effectively, this one particularly impresses me with its non-irritable formula and long-lasting coverage. I love using it daily because it does not cause any breakouts. The sport style is a bonus, being odor-free and bug-resistant!"
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 10,079 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
3. Best Nourishing Formula:Obagi Medical Physical Defense Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen
The Obagi Medical Physical Defense Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen is powered with SPF 50. It provides broad-spectrum, ultra-protection to the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is formulated with minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which target photoaging and aim to diminish wrinkles and fine lines. This cream smooths rough textured skin and is ideal for dull and delicate skin types. It offers gentle nourishment while creating an effective protective barrier on the skin. The formula is fortified with antioxidants which fight free radicals and defend the skin from oxidative stress. This sunscreen is lightly tinted and can be matched with different skin tones.
- Hypoallergenic
- Nourishing formula
- Combats free radicals
- Paraben-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ideal for dull skin
None
Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Best For Sensitive Skin | EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen Best Non-Comedogenic | Obagi Medical Physical Defense Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Best Nourishing Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.1 Grams | - | 2 Ounces |
| Dimensions | - | 1.4 x 2 x 7 inches | 1 x 1 x 2 inches |
| Weight | - | 3 Ounces | 2 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,030 | 10,079 | - |
| Price | $5.39 | $28 | $60 |
4. 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, garnering highly positive reviews. Give this sunscreen a try and dodge those harmful UV rays with complete confidence!
- Non-greasy
- Tested for allergies
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Not water-resistant
"I enjoyed how light the sunscreen felt on my skin, providing subtle coverage. The lightweight formula is worth trying for. It is not greasy or drying, blends smoothly, and lasts the entire day. It perfectly protects my skin without white caste and makes it feel so healthy and smooth."
Quick Tip5. 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, garnering praise from reviewers.
- Sweat and water-resistant
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Dermatologically-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Chemical-free
- Contains alcohol
"I loved the instant, visible softening effect. Felt premium. If you need some extra protection without the white cast look, go for it. This stuff is pretty moisturizing and it rubs in clear and is very lightweight. I don't even need to wear a foundation after applying this sunscreen. Doesn’t make my skin greasy and is definitely sheer & dry touch."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,454 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
6. 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.
- 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
- Dermatologist-tested
- Might leave behind a white cast
"I was genuinely impressed with this sunscreen's performance. It has no scent and doubles remarkably well as a primer too, enhancing the longevity of my makeup. Highly satisfied with my experience."
Pro Tip7. 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.
- Oil-free
- Creamy texture
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Animal testing-free
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Same may find its consistency too thick.
"This product has been wonderful for my skin and remarkably gentle on my eyes, a rare find in sunscreens. The tint is easy to apply without leaving a white cast. It protects even the most sun-sensitive skin. Love it!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 633 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
8. 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.
- Suitable for all age groups
- Biodegradable
- Reef-friendly
- Uses certified organic ingredients
- No animal testing
- No fragrance
- No paraben
- The zinc oxide may leave a white residue behind
"Using this product, I felt its all-day protection with merely one application. It gave my skin a subtle color, and I deeply appreciated its organic, additive-free formulation. Yes, it demands a careful application, but being gentle on the skin, it's worth the effort. It serves my purpose well - no fear of aging spots even with constant sun exposure through my car window. Absolutely, my repeat purchase."
9. 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 are clinically proven to 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.
- Ultralight formulation
- Heavy-duty protection from the sun
- Mature skin-friendly
- Does not leave behind a white cast
- Water-resistant only up to 40 minutes
"I've relied on this sunscreen for three years and it never fails me. It adorns my skin beautifully, leaving no white cast. I love using it before applying makeup. It’s one of the best sunscreens I've used."
10. 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 your 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!
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Hydrating
- Hypoallergenic
- Might be too heavy for oily skin
"I liked how smoothly this sunscreen blended into my skin. It left my skin feeling supple and didn't aggravate acne. Its sun protection and positive effect on my skin is worth a re-purchase."
11. 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 high SPF coverage 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 non-irritating sunscreen, and don’t let the sun stop your kids from having fun, this season.
- Gentle formula
- Non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Some may find it chalky.
"This sunscreen protects well with its 50 SPF, feels light on the skin, and is made without harmful chemicals. It is also water-resistant and travel-friendly. Worth considering for its skin-friendly formula."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 6,612 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
12. 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.
- Reef-friendly
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
- May leaves a white residue
"I applaud this product for its eco-conscious and skin-friendly formulation, but applying too much can leave a white cast on the skin. I've found that gently dabbing it in can make the application smooth. A little goes a long way."
13. Best Paraben-Free:Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen
The Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen from Blue Lizard is safe, non-irritating, and ideal for sensitive skin. It has SPF 50+ which gives optimum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen that is gentle and suitable for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, and eczema and is completely safe for children. It is ideal for water-based activities like swimming, scuba diving, etc., as it has a water-resistant formula. This environmentally-friendly sunscreen is made without oxybenzone or octinoxate, which helps protect fragile reef ecosystems.
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Reef-friendly
- Dermatologist-recommended
None
"The sunscreen is easy to carry and reapply. However, it tends to wash off quickly when I sweat. It's safe for the environment and works perfectly during travels. It has a subtle scent and I'd happily recommend it."
14. 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. The sunscreen for kids has squalane derived from sugarcane that 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, with consumers noticing visible results as per the brand’s claims. But if you ask us, the winning features of this mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin are that it is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-sticky.
- Baby-friendly
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Non-sticky
- Fast-absorbing
- Lightweight
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- May leave a white cast
"The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen is a staple as it leaves a moisturizing feel without stickiness. It's gentle enough for my skin. This is hands down my favorite sunscreen and I love that it's SPF 50. It doesn't leave any whiteness and has a minimal smell. It may feel oily initially, but it gets absorbed very well. And I love the ingredients above all."
15. 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, zinc oxide, is sourced naturally to provide safe protection. This sunscreen for babies is an easy wear as it does not sting or irritate the skin upon application. The zinc oxide sunscreen’s formulation is mild and gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin and is also tested for allergies.
- Oxybenzone-free
- PABA-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-tested
- Might not be suitable for acne-prone skin
"I enjoyed this sunscreen, especially beneficial for sensitive skin. I applied it twice daily with no sunburn, even after spending long hours outdoors. Although it's a tad bit runny, it offers incredible coverage and spreads smoothly."
16. 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 titanium dioxide sunscreen 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! This water-resistant sunscreen offers long-lasting protection.
- Reef-safe
- Water-resistant for up to 2 hours
- Oxybenzone-free
- Avobenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- Uses fragrance
"My go-to sunscreen for many years, this product's fantastic sun protection has saved my skin from burning on countless occasions. While it may feel a bit greasy initially, and requires some work to blend in, its reef-safe ingredients ensure guilt-free safety for the environment."
With our reviews of the top 16 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 expert-recommended formulas 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 dermatologist-recommended, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products.
- Prioritize 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.
The Bottom Line
By now, we all know that sunscreens protect the skin against harmful rays of the sun. Traditional sunscreens protect your skin but do not reflect the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is best to use a sunscreen with an SPF greater than 30 to protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun and to reflect the rays from entering the skin. The best mineral sunscreens are safer alternatives to chemical-based sunscreens as they contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that do not clog the pores and are skin-friendly. If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a gentle formula, try the Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. The EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Full-Body Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection and is sweat-resistant, while the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint nourishes your skin while protecting from sun damage. In addition, these products are non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Opt for products that have garnered positive customer reviews and conduct a patch test before application.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
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