Sunscreen is one of the most important products you can use to prevent skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Some sunscreens use chemical filters that absorb UV rays and may cause irritation, allergies, or hormonal disruption. Others use mineral filters that reflect UV rays and are generally safer and gentler for your skin.
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or both) as their active ingredients. These minerals form a protective layer on top of your skin and act like tiny mirrors that bounce off UV rays. Mineral sunscreens are ideal for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, acne, or melasma. They are also more environmentally friendly and reef-safe than chemical sunscreens.
However, not all mineral sunscreens are the same. Some may leave a white cast, feel greasy, or pill under makeup. Others may have added benefits like hydration, tint, or antioxidants. To help you find the best mineral sunscreen for your skin type and needs, we have reviewed and ranked the top 5 products available on Amazon.com based on their ingredients, performance, customer reviews, and price.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best mineral sunscreens of 2023:
1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is our number one choice for the best mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen is specially formulated for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. It contains 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to calm inflammation, hydrate, and nourish the skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. It does not leave a white cast or clog pores. It blends easily and works well under makeup. It has over 20,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers love how it feels on their skin and how it helps prevent breakouts and sun damage.
Pros:
Broad-spectrum protection
Suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin
Contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
Lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic
Does not leave a white cast or clog pores
Blends easily and works well under makeup
High customer satisfaction
Cons:
Contains octinoxate, which is a chemical filter that may be harmful to coral reefs
Expensive
2. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is our second choice for the best mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen is a game-changer for people who hate the feel or look of traditional sunscreens. It contains 12% zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains frankincense, meadowfoam seed oil, and red algae to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin from blue light.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is invisible, weightless, scentless, and greaseless. It has a silky texture that glides on smoothly and leaves a velvety finish. It doubles as a makeup primer that blurs pores and fine lines. It has over 6,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers rave about how it makes their skin look and feel.
Pros:
Broad-spectrum protection
Suitable for all skin types
Contains frankincense, meadowfoam seed oil, and red algae
Invisible, weightless, scentless, and greaseless
Silky texture and velvety finish
Doubles as a makeup primer
High customer satisfaction
Cons:
Expensive
May not be reef-safe
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is our third choice for the best mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen is ideal for people with normal to oily skin who want a matte and non-greasy sunscreen. It contains 11% titanium dioxide and 6% zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains antioxidants, thermal spring water, and glycerin to neutralize free radicals, soothe, and hydrate the skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is ultra-light, water-resistant, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. It does not leave a white cast or a shiny finish. It absorbs quickly and does not clog pores. It has over 4,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate how it feels on their skin and how it does not irritate their eyes.
Pros:
Broad-spectrum protection
Suitable for normal to oily skin
Contains antioxidants, thermal spring water, and glycerin
Ultra-light, water-resistant, fragrance-free, and paraben-free
Does not leave a white cast or a shiny finish
Absorbs quickly and does not clog pores
High customer satisfaction
Cons:
Expensive
May be drying for some skin types
4. Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 is our fourth choice for the best mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen is perfect for people with dry or sensitive skin who want a hydrating and gentle sunscreen. It contains 12% zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains vitamin E, allantoin, and bisabolol to nourish, repair, and calm the skin.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 is sheer, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. It does not leave a white cast or a sticky residue. It moisturizes and softens the skin without clogging pores. It has over 2,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customers like how it works for their dry or sensitive skin and how it does not sting or burn.
Pros:
Broad-spectrum protection
Suitable for dry or sensitive skin
Contains vitamin E, allantoin, and bisabolol
Sheer, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free
Does not leave a white cast or a sticky residue
Moisturizes and softens the skin without clogging pores
High customer satisfaction
Cons:
May be too greasy for some skin types
May pill under makeup
5. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50 is our fifth choice for the best mineral sunscreen. This sunscreen is great for people who want a tinted and natural sunscreen. It contains 4% titanium dioxide and 4% zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains botanical ingredients like kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae to provide antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50 is tinted, matte, vegan, and cruelty-free. It does not contain oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of pores and imperfections. It has over 20,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Customers enjoy how it looks on their skin and how it smells like summer.
Pros:
Broad-spectrum protection
Suitable for all skin types
Contains botanical ingredients like kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae
Tinted, matte, vegan, and cruelty-free
Does not contain oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances
Evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of pores and imperfections
High customer satisfaction
Cons:
May be too dark or too light for some skin tones
May be drying for some skin types
What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens have several benefits over chemical sunscreens. They are:
Safer and gentler for your skin. Mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin or cause irritation, allergies, or hormonal disruption. They are ideal for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, acne, or melasma.
Safer and gentler for the environment. Mineral sunscreens do not harm coral reefs or marine life. They are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
More stable and effective. Mineral sunscreens do not degrade or lose their efficacy when exposed to heat, light, or air. They provide immediate and consistent protection against UVA and UVB rays.
How to choose the best mineral sunscreen for your skin type and needs?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best mineral sunscreen for your skin type and needs. Some of them are:
SPF level. SPF stands for sun protection factor and indicates how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburns and skin cancer. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers. However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which cause aging and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you should always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide content. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Zinc oxide provides better protection against UVA rays than titanium dioxide, but it may also leave a more noticeable white cast on the skin. Titanium dioxide provides better protection against UVB rays than zinc oxide, but it may also cause more free radical damage to the skin. Ideally, you should look for a sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in a balanced ratio.
Tint or no tint. Some mineral sunscreens are tinted to match different skin tones and reduce the white cast effect. Tinted sunscreens can also provide some coverage and even out the skin tone. However, tinted sunscreens may not suit everyone’s skin tone or preference. You should test the tint on your skin before buying a sunscreen to see if it matches your complexion and does not cause any reactions.
Texture and finish. Mineral sunscreens come in various textures and finishes, such as liquid, cream, lotion, stick, spray, powder, matte, dewy, etc. You should choose a texture and finish that suits your skin type and needs. For example, if you have oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight and matte sunscreen that does not clog pores or make your skin shiny. If you have dry skin, you may prefer a hydrating and dewy sunscreen that moisturizes and softens your skin.
Additional ingredients and benefits. Mineral sunscreens may also contain other ingredients that provide additional benefits for your skin, such as antioxidants, hydrators, anti-inflammatories, anti-aging agents, etc. You should look for a sunscreen that contains ingredients that address your specific skin concerns and goals. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, you may look for a sunscreen that contains niacinamide, which helps reduce inflammation and regulate sebum production.
How to apply mineral sunscreen correctly?
To get the most out of your mineral sunscreen, you should apply it correctly by following these steps:
Apply enough sunscreen. You should use about a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck, and about an ounce (a shot glass) of sunscreen for your body. You should cover all exposed areas of your skin with a generous and even layer of sunscreen.
Apply it early. You should apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to form a protective film on your skin.
Reapply it often. You should reapply your sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you sweat, swim, or towel off.
Apply it over or under makeup. You can apply your mineral sunscreen either over or under your makeup depending on your preference and the type of sunscreen you use. If you use a tinted or matte sunscreen that works well as a primer or foundation, you can apply it over your makeup. If you use a sheer or dewy sunscreen that does not interfere with your makeup application or performance, you can apply it under your makeup.
The Bottom Line
Mineral sunscreens are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to protect their skin from sun damage in a safe and gentle way. They offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without causing irritation, allergies, or hormonal disruption. They are also more environmentally friendly and reef-safe than chemical sunscreens.
However, not all mineral sunscreens are the same. You should look for a sunscreen that has a high SPF level, a balanced ratio of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, a tint or no tint that suits your skin tone and preference, a texture and finish that suits your skin type and needs, and additional ingredients and benefits that address your specific skin concerns and goals. We have reviewed and ranked the top 5 best mineral sunscreens available on Amazon.com based on their ingredients, performance, customer reviews, and price. We hope this article helps you find the best mineral sunscreen for your skin and enjoy the sun safely and confidently.
We believe in transparency and honesty when it comes to recommending products. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links. This doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps us to continue bringing you in-depth reviews and top 5 lists of the best products. We only recommend products that we've researched and believe will provide value to our readers. Thank you for your support!
Comments