The 16 Best Mineral Sunscreens Dermatologists Want You to Know About

Jun 20, 2024

Wellness > Personal Care

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By Kelly Mickle

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, you have two basic options: mineral or chemical sunscreen. Which should you choose? It comes down to your preference and skin needs, says Barney Kenet, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of KenetMD Skincare. “Both mineral and chemical sunscreens prevent premature skin aging and can help to prevent certain types of skin cancer,” he says. They differ in their ingredients and how they work.

Mineral sunscreens block UVA and UVB rays by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the sun’s rays, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and work by inactivating UV rays, explains Dr. Kenet. Mineral sunscreens may be less likely to irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.

To help you find your best match, here are 15 derm-approved mineral sunscreens for every skin type and concern.

$60 at Amazon

This “powerhouse of a sunscreen” as Claire Wolinsky, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, calls it, shields skin from harmful rays and is also designed to counteract past sun damage. “The sunscreen protects the skin with zinc and also has DNA Repairsomes—naturally occurring enzymes clinically proven to repair existing sun damage, making it very unique,” says Dr. Wolinsky. The lotion, formulated for face and neck, also has the antioxidant vitamin E, which can reduce UV-induced skin inflammation.

$25 at Solara Suncare

Solara Suncare Go! Daily Defense Soothing Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 30 is a reef-safe formula that is gentle enough for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City. It includes aloe for a soothing effect, and has a satin finish.

$41 at Amazon

$41 at Dermstore

This sunscreen is a crowd pleaser if online reviews are to be believed, and dermatologists also approve of Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen’s oil-free formula. “It contains niacinamide to help fight inflammation from acne and rosacea,” says Jessica Wu, M.D., a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, who recommends it to her clients in sunny southern California.

$38 at Amazon

$38 at Ulta

This featherlight SPF 30 for face and body from a brand with a cult following melts into skin like a dream. Dr. Wu appreciates that it “goes on sheer and contains hydrating squalane and aloe leaf juice” for added moisture.

$10 at Amazon

$15 Save $5

An easy-to-find drugstore staple, Eucerin Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen contains 100% zinc oxide, which can be used across all skin types, says Dr. Zeichner. The lotion designed for face and body is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, oil, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate. It’s also a light lotion that is a cinch to rub in and does not leave behind a white cast.

$19 at Walmart

Looking for something gentle on your skin and easy to apply? Zinc oxide-based Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50+ spray provides 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance, while being free of both fragrance and parabens. It is also free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate—making it a reef-safe option.

$33 at Dermstore

$33 at MD Solarsciences

If you want a light base coat that works like a primer and delivers sun protection, MD Solarsciences Mineral Tinted Crème is a makeup bag must-have, according to Dr. Wu: “The lightweight neutral tint helps blur imperfections and leaves skin feeling soft and silky.”

$55 at Amazon

$55 at Dermstore

“I love this product—especially for reapplying SPF on top of makeup throughout the day,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. “For someone who is prone to sweating, the powder format of this SPF is a great option.” It has titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxides to protect against UV, blue light and infrared rays. Plus, the compact brush makes for easy on-the-go touch-ups.

$32 at Amazon

$32 at Tower 28

This 2-in-1 sunscreen-makeup combo provides sun protection and light to medium foundation coverage, while reducing redness and evening out skin tone. “You can choose from a wide range of tints, and they won’t cause a chalky cast,” says Dr. Kenet.

$30 at Amazon

$40 Save $10

$40 at Sonrei

This gel for the face and body is “really unique and my personal favorite,” says Dr. Zeichner. It’s a mineral sunscreen that is thoroughly nourishing—thanks to shea butter and aloe vera—plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

$17 at Amazon

$18 Save $1

$18 at Babo Botanicals

Dr. Wu appreciates that Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen is safe for sensitive kids’ skin with no fragrance or essential oils. The water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with mineral zinc for effective broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and 24 nourishing plant-based ingredients, like shea butter and coconut.

$42 at Amazon

$42 at Hatch Collection

This SPF 50 zinc-based sunscreen comes recommended by Dr. Wolinsky, who is a fan of the carefully selected ingredients that are safe to use during both pregnancy and breast-feeding. The lightweight plant-derived formula is free from parabens, phthalates, silicones and fragrance.

$34 at Amazon

$34 at Colorescience

Lips need coverage too, and this pick “not only protects lips with avobenzone and octisalate, but it also has shea butter and a beautiful selection of tints,” says dermatologist Tiffany J. Libby, M.D., director of Mohs Micrographic & Dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology in East Providence, R.I.

$11 at Walmart

$22 Save $11

$15 at Amazon

This handy SPF 50 spray is a reliable top pick for Dr. Wu. “It’s fragrance free and goes on sheer so you can cover a large part of your body quickly without having to rub it in,” she says. The botanical blend dries quickly without leaving you sticky and offers up to 80 minutes of water-resistant broad spectrum protection.

$15 at Amazon

$19 Save $4

Dr. Engelman is a big fan of this Australia-based brand that makes a zinc formula ideal for all skin types. “It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes,” she says. If you snorkel or scuba dive, you’ll be happy to know this Blue Lizard sunscreen doesn’t contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, making it reef safe.

$9 at Amazon

$10 Save $1

$13 at Walmart

Stick formulas give you a mess-free application for face and body. Dr. Kenet likes the CeraVe stick in particular because “it feels lightweight, goes on easily without a white cast and also contains ceramides, which nourish skin.”

The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide—block UVA and UVB rays. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens—including avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone—don’t defect light. “They rely on the skin’s absorption and prevent damage by inactivating UV rays through a chemical reaction,” explains Dr. Kenet.

Chemical sunscreens tend to be sheerer, but “because the ingredients penetrate into the skin, there is potential for irritation or allergy, especially with SPF greater than 50,” says Dr. Wu. As a result, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with sensitive or acne-prone skin opt for mineral sunscreens.

Despite what you may have heard, you won’t have to settle for a chalky product: “In the past, mineral sunscreens were thick and goopy but now formulas are much more elegant,” says Dr. Kenet. In general, this is because the active ingredients are micronized.

This is a big perk of mineral sunscreens: “There is no need to wait 30 minutes after application to go into the sun—unlike chemical sunscreens which require a wait period between application and exposure,” says Dr. Wolinsky. They’re typically more water-resistant than chemical sunscreens and are unlikely to burn if they accidentally drip into your eye, she adds.

When shopping, look for a product with at least SPF 30 protection, along with the words “broad-spectrum”—a sign it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. Zeichner. If you have oily skin, check the label for “noncomedongenic,” which means it won’t cause blackheads, adds Dr. Kenet.

A few application rules: “When applying a cream or lotion, use a nickel-size dollop for the full face,” Dr. Zeichner advises. “Sticks should be applied back-and-forth on the skin for four passes, then rubbed in, and sprays should be held one inch from the skin and sprayed until the skin glistens.” No matter what formula you use, reapply it every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming.

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