The true MVPs of your skincare routine.
When it comes to sunscreen, the absolute most important thing is that you’re using one. It’s imperative that you find a sunscreen you like, you’re actually going to use, and that’s proven effective. But how do you do that? Well, for starters, decide between a mineral or a chemical sunscreen.
While both types can help protect your skin from aging damage and skin cancer, they have plenty of differences. Mineral sunscreens are physical blockers that deflect the rays away from the skin. The main ingredients in mineral sunscreens (aka titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are deemed generally safe and effective by the FDA1 because they create a physical barrier between your skin and UV rays. And, as if you needed another reason to consider mineral-based formulas, they also tend to be much less irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.2 The chemical options, which absorb UV rays (to prevent your skin from doing so), have come under some scrutiny due to recent findings concerning their ability to penetrate the bloodstream. Plus, this iteration is believed to be slightly less effective than mineral options.3
To help break down which mineral formulas are the cremé de la creme (in other words, worth your money and time), we went to work researching and trying 52 top-rated sunscreens—spanning a range of budgets, skin types, and concerns—for ourselves. We tested each in our Manhattan-based testing facility and for a few weeks at home. We then paired those insights with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, to bring you a well-rounded list of SPF options.
Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re going to reach for one sunscreen day in and day out, make it this one. It contains zinc oxide—a go-to ingredient for creating a barrier between harmful UV rays and your skin. Zinc oxide naturally has a white, pasty tint, but this goes on more sheer, both in color and feeling, than any mineral formula we’ve ever used. (And we’ve used a lot of them.) It’s oil-free—a win for those with oily, acne-prone skin—and contains hydrating sea buckthorn, anti-inflammatory ferulic acid, and antioxidant lingonberry4 to help your skin repair itself.
Our testing found that it blends beautifully into the skin and doesn’t pill when makeup is layered on top of it. We also love that the applicator makes it easy to dole out the ideal amount of product for all-day coverage.
Who It’s For
This is a nice choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin, as the formula doesn’t weigh down the skin or contain pore-clogging oils. It’s also worth looking into if you have anti-aging concerns, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Budget: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen
This trusty drugstore find offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays, both of which can contribute to skin cancer) thanks to naturally sourced 100 percent zinc oxide. Even better, it uses a special dry-touch technology that ensures you won’t be left feeling greasy after application. The fact that it’s non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog your pores—only adds to the appeal.
Who It’s For
Is your skin on the sensitive side? Fear not. “It’s especially great for those with sensitive skin, as it’s free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and dyes (additives that can irritate skin) and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance,” says Garshick.
Best Splurge: Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
When it comes to sunscreen that doubles as skincare, this luxe serum from Dr. Brandt Skincare has our stamp of approval. The formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays via non-nano zinc oxide (meaning the sunscreen won’t penetrate your skin)2 and offers several skincare benefits thanks to plankton extract, which addresses hyperpigmentation and clary sage ferment, which evens out the complexion. It leaves behind an invisible finish, so there’s no need to worry about a pesky white cast, and it also makes an excellent base for makeup.
Who It’s For
A great choice for anyone short on time or interested in multi-use products, this two-in-one formula addresses skin concerns like dark spots and protects the skin from the sun. We also recommend it for those who wear makeup every day, as it lays well under makeup.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Solara Suncare Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk, SPF 50
Those with sensitive skin know that finding an SPF that doesn’t irritate can be tricky—but this one is fantastic. It’s formulated with collagen, amino acids, and Ayurvedic superfruits7 to support skin reparation and provide antioxidant protection.
The milky formula comes in a dropper component, which makes it easy to dispense, and the liquid-like consistency is quick to blend out, super fast-absorbing, and doesn’t pill. It feels weightless on the skin and leaves the face feeling balanced—neither dried out nor greasy.
Who It’s For
Since it’s fragrance-free and has been clinically tested and approved by dermatologists for sensitive skin, we highly recommend this one for anyone with easily irritated skin.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
Those with acne-prone skin often shy away from sunscreen, fearing it’ll be greasy and pore-clogging. While that may be the case for some sunscreens, this option from Hero Cosmetics is actually designed with acne-prone skin in mind. It’s formulated with 100 percent non-nano zinc oxide (a mineral that’s excellent at blocking UV rays without seeping into the pores and causing a reaction), and it’s lightweight and comfortable on the skin. The formula also offers a subtle green tint that helps counteract redness and imparts a more even-toned look to the complexion.
When we tried this pick ourselves, we noticed that it has a blendable consistency that stays put once absorbed (aka, it didn’t pill or streak as the day went on). It can be a bit drying, though, so if you have dry skin, make sure you layer on a moisturizer to avoid patchiness.
Who It’s For
As you might surmise, this is a fantastic option for those with acne-prone skin. It boasts a slight green tint that helps offset the look of redness from breakouts and scars.
Best for Oily Skin: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
When you have oily skin, the last thing you want is a thick, greasy sunscreen to accentuate the appearance of your pores and make you look even shinier. That’s what makes this ultra-light SPF such a great pick. In addition to being a 100 percent mineral sunscreen with SPF 40 sun protection, it has a blurring matte finish that helps smooth the skin’s appearance and reduces shine.
We’ve worn it alone on bare skin or underneath makeup (it works beautifully as a smoothing, skin-protecting primer) and love the way it glides effortlessly over the surface of the skin. It’s worth mentioning that the formula has a peachy hue to offset any white cast, and while it can stretch to accommodate a range of skin tones, it might not look as natural on those with darker skin tones. We really hope the brand creates a few more iterations so that anyone and everyone can use it.
Who It’s For
We highly recommend this SPF to anyone with oily skin or enlarged pores, as the formula glides over the skin, adding a soft-focus blurring, smoothing, and mattifying effect. And since the formula has a slightly peachy hue to it, Garshick recommends it for anyone who wants to temporarily address an uneven skin tone.
Best for Under Makeup: Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This mineral sunscreen from Unsun Cosmetics provides SPF 30 protection along with a subtle tint and a healthy glow. It’s chock full of skincare benefits, as it’s formulated with antioxidant-rich shea butter, plankton extract, green tea leaf extract, and vitamin E, each of which works in tandem to hydrate the skin and offer additional protection from UV rays, infrared radiation, and pollution.8
All in all, it makes for a perfect base under makeup since it blends so smoothly into the skin, but it’s also a great choice for the days you want to go sans makeup (but still give your skin a little something). The only thing we wish we could change is the fact that the tint is only available in two options—Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. We felt like each tint could cover a wide range of skin tones, but we’d love to see more options so that everyone can find a more suitable match.
Who It’s For
A good choice for anyone who wears makeup daily or likes to have a little something on their face, this SPF color-corrects skin with two tinted shades and leaves behind a healthy-looking glow.
Best for Glowy Skin: Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
Glowy, protected skin is always in, and this priming SPF helps you achieve it. It’s formulated with 100 percent non-nano zinc oxide to minerally block out UV rays, and the lightweight formula has a golden tint to ensure it doesn’t create a white cast on the skin. It looks luminous and beautiful on bare skin, but it also doubles as a makeup primer and layers nicely underneath foundation.
Oftentimes, glowy products can be greasy on the skin, but this one isn’t. In fact, when testing this product on dry skin, we found the formula slightly drying after using it for several days in a row, so we recommend applying it on top of moisturizer unless you have super oily skin.
Who It’s For
Turn to this multi-use formula if you’re looking for a product that can prime and protect your skin all in one shot. You’ll also really like this one if you want something to add a subtle glow to your skin.
Best for On-the-Go: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
This powder protector is not only perfect for travel (no gloopy spills here) but also makes reapplication easier than ever, which is important since Garshick recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours. “This is a great option, as it can be easily applied over makeup and can be used on the go,” says Garshick. “It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and incorporates Enviroscreen technology to provide protection not only against UVA and UVB rays, but also pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation,” which can wreak havoc on the skin and lead to premature aging in the form of wrinkles, dark spots, and more. It comes in four different shades that blend into a wide range of skin tones, so it’s likely you’ll find a decent match. Just keep in mind that it’s a powder, so it can cling to dry patches. Be sure to layer on a good moisturizer before application if you have especially dry skin.
Who It’s For
A welcome addition to any beach bag or on-the-go makeup kit, this brush-on SPF is great for sunscreen touch-ups on both bare skin and on top of a full face of makeup.
Best for Workouts :EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Often recommended by dermatologists, this SPF 50 from EltaMD should be a go-to for anyone who needs sun protection while getting their sweat on. “It’s easy to apply and especially good for those who are active, as it won’t sting or drip when you sweat,” says Garshick.
With this advice in mind, we tried it ourselves and can honestly say that the clear zinc oxide protects skin even through the most grueling workouts or hikes, so you can be sure it will do the job even if you’re just out for a walk. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and provides broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays.
Who It’s For
A stellar option for people who want to be protected from the sun while partaking in outdoor activities, the EltaMD clear sunscreen stays in place and doesn’t burn, sting, or irritate your skin when you’re sweating a ton. It’s also something to consider if you’re looking for a clear formula that won’t leave a white cast, says Garshick.
Best Lightweight: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
One of our perennial go-to’s, this formula uses straight-up zinc oxide for powerful protection. It also relies on DNA repairsomes, powerful enzymes from plankton that help reverse previous sun damage (ideal if you haven’t been so on top of your sunscreen game in the past).10 It’s also a favorite of Garshick, who loves its absorbency. “This ultralight zinc sunscreen absorbs so well it’s often hard to believe it contains zinc,” she says.
Give it a good shake before applying, then prepare to be amazed by how quickly and easily it disappears. After wearing it ourselves for multiple weeks, we loved how light and liquidy the texture was, making it easy to both apply and reapply throughout the day. We also appreciated that it sat perfectly under makeup without pilling or leaving the skin greasy. Some reviewers online shared that they weren’t fans of the scent, but we didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary as it pertained to a fragrance.
Who It’s For
Look to this formula if you’re not a fan of thick, goopy sunscreens and want something lightweight and breathable or are trying to reverse previous sun damage.
Best for Body: COOLA Mineral Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
There are now mineral spray options available for more convenient application, including this one. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it has a 14.2 percent concentration of sun-blocking zinc oxide, along with a blend of certified organic plant-based antioxidants—we’re talking red raspberry seed oil, prickly pear extract, and buriti oil—which act as a non-toxic second line of defense against skin-damaging free radicals.11 We also appreciate that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and dries upon contact with the skin. This one isn’t formulated for the face, so we recommend keeping application limited to the body.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a spray mineral sunscreen to protect your body from the sun’s rays, this is our top recommendation.
Best Hybrid Formula: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
If you’re looking for a formula that contains both mineral and chemical SPF, consider this option. It’s a hybrid that blends zinc oxide and octinoxate, a chemical sunscreen ingredient, both of which are chemically proven to prevent UV damage. We love how the formula goes on totally clear—so there’s no white cast—and it dries almost immediately. We also like it as an option for acne-prone skin since it’s oil-free and contains anti-inflammatory niacinamide and gently exfoliating lactic acid.12
During testing, we appreciated the healthy glow it gave us (which, might we add, lasted all day long) and the fact that it didn’t cause any irritation, which can happen with some chemical sunscreens. It’s not the most hydrating, so we suggest layering on some moisturizer before application to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the day.
Who It’s For
This is a good option for you if you’re not totally sure about whether you want a mineral or chemical formula—it’s a nice blend of the two. Furthermore, it goes on clear, so it’s worth trying if you don’t want to deal with a white cast.
Best Multi-Purpose: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint With SPF 40
This formula is part serum, part foundation, and part SPF, allowing you to combine three steps into one (although we recommend applying a separate layer of SPF underneath for extra protection when possible). It contains plant-based squalane and two types of hyaluronic acid, which penetrate various levels of the skin to impart tons of hydration.13 We found the coverage to be gorgeous, sheer, and glowy, and we were impressed by the fact that it comes in 30 shades. (Pro tip: The color does change a little after you apply it, so we recommend letting it sit for 30 to 60 seconds before blending.) Plus, its broad-spectrum SPF 40 sun protection formula contains plenty of zinc oxide to keep the sun from hurting your skin.
Note: We experimented with this product both in our lab and at home, and in both scenarios, we noticed that the serum is on the runnier side. To avoid making a mess and wasting precious product, we recommend taking your time and being intentional about how much product you dispense with the dropper.
Who It’s For
If you’d like to cut down on products used each morning, this might be the product for you. It combines three steps—a serum, an SPF, and a foundation–at once.
Where We Stand
When it comes to mineral sunscreens, our best overall pick is Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30. The antioxidant-rich formula goes on completely sheer and doesn’t pill under makeup while helping your skin repair itself. For a more affordable option, consider Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. This drugstore favorite provides non-greasy, broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, and it’s a great pick for those with sensitive skin since it omits irritants like fragrance and dyes.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best mineral sunscreens, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade ranges (if applicable), and finishes—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Then, we selected 52 formulas to try out first-hand in our Manhattan testing lab and at home, making sure to take note of our thoughts and discoveries throughout the process. We also called upon a board-certified dermatologist for her opinion on each formulation and asked her which formula would best suit each skin type and concern.
Attributes we considered during testing:
- Whether or not a formula left behind a white cast
- How lightweight (or heavy) an SPF felt on the skin
- The ingredients used in each formula
- How well each formula protected skin from the sun
- Whether or not each sunscreen caused a reaction
Other Options We Tested
Bare Republic Sport Mineral Sunscreen & Sunblock Body Lotion
If you’re looking for something that holds up against sweating and splashing, this is a solid option to consider. The only thing we didn’t love about it during testing was that the bottle got greasy and, therefore, became hard to use.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
As the name suggests, this is a nice formula for those with sensitive skin, as it’s gentle, fragrance-, paraben-, and oil-free. During testing, we didn’t love how thick it felt on top of the skin, but this might not be a deal-breaker for everyone.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Non-comedogenic and lightweight, this pick from SkinCeuticals is great for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It’s a bit runnier than we would have preferred–it made a tiny mess when we applied it— but a good option nonetheless.
What to Look for in a Mineral Sunscreen
- At least SPF 30 protection: When it comes to the amount of SPF protection in sunscreen, Garshick stresses the importance of using a formula containing SPF 30 or higher. “When applied and reapplied correctly, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 15 is thought to block just 93 percent,” she says. However, there’s also no need to shop for products with a super high SPF amount, either. According to a recent report by the Environmental Working Group, sunscreens offering SPF protection above 50 may not necessarily provide stronger protection against UV rays, so there’s no need to look for anything higher than that.14 Many of the formulas on this list are SPF 30 or higher, including the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 and the Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30.
- Broad-spectrum protection: In addition to high enough SPF protection, Garshick says that broad-spectrum protection is also just as important. “This indicates coverage against both UVA and UVB rays,” she says. “While it’s thought that UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and UVA rays are responsible for skin aging, both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer.”
- Water-resistant formulas: If you are swimming and/or sweating a lot, you should use a water-resistant formula. “No matter what type of sunscreen you’re using, it’s important to understand the label and be aware of whether it’s water-resistant, and if so, for how long,” says Garshick. “This is important because you should reapply sunscreen if exposed to water after 40 or 80 minutes, based on what’s indicated on the label.” Our favorite water-resistant formula is the EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50.
FAQ
How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
Read into its ingredient list. “Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens use chemical filters including avobenzone and octinoxate,” says Garshick.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
When choosing between mineral or chemical sunscreen, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. “The best sunscreen is the one you will use, regardless of whether it’s mineral or chemical,” says Garshick. However, as she explains, mineral sunscreens are thought to be better options for anyone with sensitive skin, as some chemical ingredients can be irritating.
Some prefer to use mineral over chemical, as chemical sunscreens have been shown to absorb into the bloodstream and are thought to potentially lead to health risks—however, Garshick stresses that they are still considered safe to use. “Although some studies have shown that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream, it doesn’t necessarily mean these ingredients are unsafe or that the amount that is absorbed is enough to cause problems or concerns, so further research is needed,” she says. “For this reason, the FDA recommends either type of sunscreen in conjunction with other sun-protective measures.” That said, whether you choose chemical or mineral, be sure to still wear protective clothing and accessories whenever possible and limit exposure to the midday sun. If you’re looking for a post-makeup protectant for your face, opt for a mineral powder sunscreen. It’s worth noting that if you are (or think you are) allergic to zinc or titanium, you should skip mineral sunscreens altogether and opt for a chemical option.
Does mineral sunscreen expire?
All sunscreens—mineral included—will eventually expire. Most sunscreens typically last for up to three years after the date of purchase unless otherwise noted on the packaging. Garshick says it’s important to check the product’s expiration date and keep track of how long you’ve had it for, as expired sunscreens aren’t effective in protecting against harmful sun rays.
Are mineral sunscreens water-resistant?
Planning on going for a swim? Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal, and some products may be water-resistant while others won’t be. “It depends on the specific formulation, so it’s always important to check the label to see if it’s water-resistant,” says Garshick.
Are mineral sunscreens reef-safe?
Based on current research, Garshick says that mineral sunscreens are considered reef-safe sunscreens. “That said, the term ‘reef-safe’ doesn’t have an official definition, so more research and formal testing requirements would be needed to truly determine what is considered to be reef-safe,” she says.
