Here's one thing you should know about me: I'm a stickler for using skincare that defends against environmental aggressors and helps heal and protect. As a Black girl growing up in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, I was always met with the popular and untrue myth that dark skin doesn't need sunscreen. I'm proud to say I knew just how magical my melanin could be from a young age and how it should be treated to keep it healthy. For me, that meant always wearing sunscreen, no matter how many days went by without the sun.
Admittedly, I wish I had known more about sunscreen and how to select one. For example, did you know there are two types of sunscreen? According to Piedmont Healthcare, the main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is the formula. Chemical sunscreens often contain popular sun-protecting ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, while mineral sunscreens (also commonly referred to as physical) mainly feature titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Ready to find the best mineral face sunscreen for you? Keep scrolling!
The Best Mineral Sunscreens, Listed
- Good Weather Skin The One Daily Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
- Olehenriksen Banana Bright Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
- Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40
Best for Multipurpose Use: Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Have you been looking for a sunscreen that also serves as a color corrector? Unsun's Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen might be the one for you. Formulated to cover a range of skin tones without leaving behind white residue, the sunscreen minimizes the appearance of pores and moisturizes the skin while keeping it protected.
Customer review: "This sunscreen is a unicorn. Application is smooth, and it blends in perfectly. The tint is just enough to blur any imperfections and give my skin a more even, glowy look. This is the first mineral sunscreen I've tried that doesn't leave me looking like Mark Zuckerberg surfing. Awesome product, will 100% buy again!"
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, shea butter, beet root, bitter orange
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: Works as a 2-in-1 primer and color-corrector sunscreen
Cons: The formula is thick and does not immediately absorb into the skin
Best for a Matte Finish: The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
This Inkey List SPF 30 sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays using a 100% mineral formula with zinc oxide. I also love how it leaves a smooth, natural-looking matte finish without clogged pores or irritation.
Customer review: "What I love most is its finish–no greasiness whatsoever yet not drying, does not leave any unpleasant tingling or warmth, does not stain... and no breakouts! Plus, it goes so well under my makeup."
Key Ingredients: Glycerine, squalane, polyglutamic Acid
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce bottle
Pros: Formulated to lock in moisture for a primed and dewy finish
Cons: None
Best for Improving Skin Appearance Overtime: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Ole Henriksen's mineral sunscreen is enhanced with vitamin C and 16.3% zinc oxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and improve its overall appearance. Its formula also has banana-powder-inspired pigments to reflect light away from the face and prevent future sun damage. In other words, I can't get enough of it.
Customer review: "Obsessed with this sunscreen. The light orange citrus scent is so nice and hasn't seemed to irritate my skin. The finish is slightly matte but doesn't dry my skin out due to its thicker, more nourishing texture."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, enhanced vitamin C, niacinamide
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: The addition of vitamin C visibly brightens, evens skin tone’s appearance
Cons: Moderately priced
Best for a Dewy Finish: Good Weather Skin The One Daly Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Good Weather Skin's The One Daily Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen just broke onto the beauty scene a month ago, and it's already racking up hundreds of glowing reviews from beauty editors and consumers alike. The clean, zinc-based mineral sunscreen leaves the skin a dewy, nourished finish while providing broad-spectrum sun protection for all skin tones using a blend of squalane, sea buckthorn oil, and a myriad of other skin-loving ingredients.
Customer Review: "I am so super excited to finally have a product that works for me! The feel and glow is amazing. I’ve never been able to wear a daily sunscreen until The One. Because of the harsh irritants, fragrance, and white pasty look they gave me, my allergies and skin were not happy. Happy customer here."
Key Ingredients: Squalane, sea buckthorn oil, peptides, niacinamide
Formula Details: SPF 30 coverage, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 1.0-ounce bottle with pump
Pros: Applies evenly onto the skin and blends to perfection for all skin tones
Cons: None
Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas wearing Good Weather Skin's The One Daily Sun Cream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen under a full face of makeup.
Best for a Nongreasy Finish: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
This mineral sunscreen from Dr. Jart+ is one of Sephora's best-selling skincare products (and one of my favorites) for good reason. Effective for all skin types, its formula protects by forming a physical barrier that scatters UV rays. It's also not greasy, sticky, goopy, or tacky.
Customer review: "This was a game changer! The texture was smooth and moisturizing, but I was also able to apply foundation on top without issue. It completely blended in, and there was no white cast. Light, natural scent, which was nice."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Formula Details: SPF 50, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: Nongreasy, lightweight formula reflects and scatters UV rays
Cons: Layering beneath makeup results in slight piling
Best for Combating Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Your search for the best lightweight, mattifying face sunscreen is over. This one from Paula's Choice does that and more with a superstar formula that includes zinc oxide 13%, bisabolol bark, and willow bark to blur pores, reduce redness, and calm visible signs of irritation.
Customer review: "I've tried just about every sunscreen on the market for oily skin, and I'm so happy that I tried this one. It's absolutely perfect. There's no pilling, no sticky feeling, and it evens out my skin tone so nicely. My holy grail sunscreen!"
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, bisabolol bark, willow bark, resveratrol
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: Mattifies skin, blurs pores, and protects against visible signs of aging
Cons: Leaves a noticeable white cast on olive and deep skin tones
Best for a Hint of Color: MD Solar Science Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen
MD Solar Science's Mineral Tinted Crème delivers a finish that's silky and smooth with just a hint of added color to brighten the skin. Its formula combines naturally derived zinc oxide, vitamin C, and natural antioxidants like green tea and pomegranate extract to fight sun damage.
Customer review: "I have sensitive and acne-prone skin, so I usually prefer to use mineral sunscreens. This didn't irritate my skin! I love the ingredients and the fact that it's fragrance-free."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, green tea, pomegranate
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: Brightens and reduces hyperpigmentation while improving the skin barrier
Cons: The two shades offered don't work for all skin undertones
Best for a Firm, Toned Appearance: Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45
While I'm a big fan of Chantecaille's makeup, I was only just recently introduced to its amazing skincare products. Its sunscreen promotes a firm and toned appearance while protecting against UVA and UVB rays. How great is that?
Customer review: "Love this product. It goes on smooth and is wonderful underneath your makeup, like a primer. It is thin, not greasy, and really makes your skin look good. It is suggested as a primer, and it does work like a primer. I love it because it goes on really nice and doesn't leave a heavy feeling of sunscreen on your face."
Key Ingredients: Octinoxate, glycerin, damask rose, flower water, tea leaf extract
Formula Details: SPF 45, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 1.0-ounce tube
Pros: Formulated with stabilized sun filters to block both UVA and UVB rays
Cons: High price point
Thomas wearing Chantecaille's Ultra Sun Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 with a full face of makeup.
Best for a Natural-Looking Finish: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
I discovered this sunscreen a couple of months ago and have been using it nonstop ever since. It's nongreasy, doesn't clog your pores, and uses a super-light formula with zinc oxide to create a physical barrier against harsh UVA and UVB rays. It's also nonirritating, clinically tested, and safe for reefs.
Customer review: "Nice consistency, not greasy at all, doesn't break out my acne-prone skin, and calms redness. A beautiful way to protect and nourish my skin every day! Love it and will continue to purchase it when I need more."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, green surge (antioxidant superfood botanicals), extremolytes
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube with pump
Pros: A noncomedogenic formula made specifically for acne-prone skin
Cons: None
Best for Blue Light Protection: Éminence Organic Skin Care Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
Did you know Éminence Organic Skin Care happens to be a favorite of Meghan Markle? I'll be giving my face the royal treatment all spring and summer with its mineral sunscreen. Not only does it protect the skin against the sun's rays, but it also improves the visible effects of blue light exposure.
Customer review: "After learning from my esthetician to mix it with a moisturizer, it goes on much easier and leaves zero white cast. Love the smell and the way it makes my skin feel!"
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, passion fruit, raspberry seed oil, aloe vera
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, waterproof
Product Size: 1.0-ounce tube
Pros: Soothes and restores dry, damaged skin while protecting it from UV rays
Cons: High price point
Best for Hydration: Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Here's a lightweight, oil-free, high-performing sunscreen that blends flawlessly into all skin tones. In addition to non-nano zinc oxide, it has lingonberry and sea buckthorn to provide the skin with vitamin C and prevent sun damage.
Customer review: "My absolute favorite sunscreen! It doesn't dry out my skin and doesn't leave a white cast. It leaves my skin looking hydrated but not oily, and it wears down nicely throughout the day."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, lingonberry, sea buckthorn
Formula Details: SPF 30, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce tube
Pros: Visibly minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, and wrinkles
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to scented sunscreen products
Best for Acne and Rosacea-Effected Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you'll want to get your hands on this sunscreen. It's incredibly lightweight and silky with a formula packed with ingredients that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays while calming it for healthy- and happy-looking skin.
Customer review: "First off, let me start by saying it makes your skin look amazing. It gives your skin this beautiful glow that looks like it comes from within. It has no scent, which is great and is very light but also moisturizing as well."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Formula Details: SPF 46, unscented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce bottle with pump
Pros: Reduces the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin
Cons: Not ideal for olive and deep skin tones since it leaves a white tint
Thomas wearing the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 with a bare face.
Best for Layering: Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40
Has the Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40 appeared on your TikTok For You page yet? It not only protects your skin from the sun's harsh rays, but its formula also contains ingredients to visibly smooth, plump, and brighten the skin.
Customer review: "This one goes on beautifully and leaves a nice soft glow while protecting my skin. I like it best with my regular skincare underneath, but some may be able to wear it alone. This one checks all the boxes for me: high SPF+, feels and looks great with or without makeup."
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
Formula Details: SPF 40, scented, waterproof
Product Size: 1.0-ounce tube
Pros: Designed to provide a smoothing and brightening base for makeup
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to scented sunscreen products
Best for Addressing Hyperpigmentation: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Refillable Invisible Face Moisturizer SPF 30
I've been using this face sunscreen from Fenty Skin for over a year and haven't gone a day without it. I love how easily it applies to the skin, its longevity, and the gorgeous fragrance it has. For anyone with a darker skin tone who's struggled with white residue from sunscreens, this one is for us.
Customer review: "I have combination skin, and this is one of the best face sunscreens out there. It's lightweight and doesn't feel too sticky. It has a nice smell to it as well. Would definitely keep it as a skincare staple."
Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Formula Details: SPF 30, scented, not waterproof
Product Size: 2.0-ounce bottle with pump
Pros: Fades dark spots while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and pores
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to scented sunscreen products (unscented version available)
Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
This mineral sunscreen by Babo Botanical is made with 100% sustainable natural-origin materials and plant-based ingredients. The clean formula is lightweight, completely water-resistant, fragrance-free, and EWG Verified. Plus it is also completely sheer, making this one of my favorite sunscreens to recommend for anyone with deep skin tones.
Customer review: "Love this sunscreen. It goes on and doesn’t show up very white on my skin. Love the protection it gives my skin from the sun’s rays while I play pickleball for quite a long time. I’ve used it all summer in CA and haven’t had a burn once. Also love that its ingredients are not at all harmful to me and the earth."
Key Ingredients: Sunflower oil, shea butter, calendula, chamomile
Formula Details: SPF 50, unscented, waterproof
Product Size: 3.0-ounce tube
Pros: Created with natural origin zinc oxide for effective broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
Cons: Formula is thick and does not immediately absorb into sthe kin
What are mineral sunscreens?
Chemical and mineral sunscreens work differently to protect against sun damage. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays that hit our skin, converting those rays into heat that is released from the body. Mineral formulas, on the other hand, sit on the skin's surface and reflect the sun's damaging rays. Today, we're focusing on the many benefits of investing in a mineral sunscreen for the face, highlighting everything from formulas and ingredients to price points and popularity.
"There are numerous benefits to adding mineral sunscreen to your daily skincare routine," Love Sun Body CEO Terry Zickerman says. "Mineral filters are not absorbed into the plasma, and for consumers concerned with the hormonal effects of chemical UV filters, zinc oxide or zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas are best."
What are the benefits of using a mineral sunscreen?
Zickerman founded Love Sun Body to create a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly line of mineral sunscreens. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed a clinical study had found negative effects of six popular chemical sunscreen additives entering and remaining in the bloodstream. The good news? Mineral sunscreens are safe to use on the skin and trusted to provide broad-spectrum defense against UVA and UVB rays. Not only are they a must-have for anyone with acne-prone skin, but they're also immediately effective, with no wait time required after application.
"Because of their antibacterial properties, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide UV filters can also be calming to your skin," Zickerman explains. It also helps that mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog your pores, have a longer shelf life, and can easily be combined with other skincare products for an effortless and natural-looking finish.
A Few More of My Favorite Sunscreens
Customer review: "This is my favorite body sunscreen of all time. It goes on completely sheer, so no white cast on tan and deep skin tones. It leaves my skin with a healthy glowing effect that feels and looks really great. I like the spray application for convenience."
Customer review: "Love this sunscreen for the body! It has great ingredients and sun protection. The universal shade has a little bit of a blurring effect on the skin, and it has a really pretty finish."
Customer review: "I have been using this product every day for years. It makes my skin look silky-smooth and glowy while protecting it from sun damage. It is my most essential beauty product, and it works wonderfully."
Customer review: "I have easily irritated skin, and this sunscreen is the only one I trust not to break me out or cause irritation. I've tried other physical/mineral sunscreens, but this one outshines them all. Gentle and easy to rub in. I love it."
Customer review: "I have tried many mineral sunscreens with disappointing results every time. This did not give the nasty white cast, horrible feel, or clogged pores that normally happen. I also appreciate that it is made with zinc oxide and no titanium dioxide—much better for your skin."
Customer review: "Blended in completely on my dark skin without white streaks. Minimal smell, so it didn't clash with perfume. My skin felt like I applied really good lotion. Didn't irritate my eye or nose when applied to my face."
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