I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: It doesn’t matter if your routine is full of wonderful serums and 5-star rated creams if you don’t use sun protection daily. Not only are sunscreens essential to our health, but if you’re at all interested in anti-aging, the best preventative care you can take is to consistently use an SPF. Whether you’re at the office, at the beach, or in your apartment all day–wear sunscreen. Your future self will thank you. The good news is, these days we are inundated with options. You can get low-cost sunscreens, tinted sunscreens, and foundations with sun protection. And, of course, there are mineral SPFs, too.
What is a mineral sunscreen?
Dermatologists know the importance of investing in SPF, so we turned to Dr. Karan Lal and Dr. Omar Ibrahimi to answer our burning (but not from the sun) questions. “A chemical sunscreen is a molecule which absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light directly and prevents the UV rays from damaging the skin’s DNA,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. A mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, “is a physical blocker which blocks UV light by deflecting the rays from penetrating into the skin. The most common mineral blockers are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.”
Are mineral sunscreens better than chemical sunscreens?
Whether or not a mineral or chemical SPF is better for you is largely depended on your preferences. “Physical sunscreens are more likely to come off over time with exposure to water and heat, making them less effective compared to chemical sunscreens. They must be reapplied more aggressively for continual protection,” says Dr. Lal. On the other hand, “They are great for people with sensitive skin and rarely cause allergic or irritant skin reactions. Many physical sunscreens also contain iron oxide which prevents damage from blue light sources.”
For Dr. Ibrahimi, “The biggest drawback with mineral sunscreen is that it tends to leave a whitish cast to your skin and in skin of color patients this can be most noticeable. However, there are some nice brands with tinted versions that can significantly reduce this whitish cast.”
Who should use a mineral SPF?
The answer: everyone! If you have trouble finding an SPF that doesn’t irritate your skin, try a mineral SPF. “I always recommend physical sunscreens for patients with sensitive skin, children, and patients looking for a tinted product,” says Dr. Lal.
We found the 15 best mineral sunscreens on the market, for every skin type, preference, and budget.
1
Best For All Skin Types
UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Your favorite A-listers are all using this SPF, and there’s a good reason why: It’s great for sensitive skin, completely invisible, and layers beautifully under makeup. Sunscreen as a chic accessory? That’s the world I want to live in.
2
Best For Beach Days
Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
When you’re lounging around on a beach, you’ll want an SPF that can be put to the test. This product protects you from the sun and is water-resistant, so you can take a dip without worrying about losing your protection.
3
Best For Matte Finish
Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
Gone are the days when sunscreens were greasy and pore-clogging. This mineral SPF feels more like a blurring primer than a skincare product: It leaves your skin looking matte, while also blurring out any visible pores.
4
Best For Dull Skin
Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50
This SPF was designed to be safe for your skin and the environment. It has a matte finish so your skin doesn’t feel greasy or heavy when it’s applied and uses healthy ingredients like vitamin C to nourish and brighten your skin.
5
Best For 2-in-1
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body
For skincare minimalists, this sunscreen can be used on both your face and your body so you don’t need to carry around two different products. It also contains hydrating vitamin E for a dewy finish on the skin.
6
Best For Dry Skin
Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
- Tint can look orange for some
That powdery sensation some sunscreens can leave is not on the table for this product. This SPF also contains salicylic acid to combat acne so that you can enjoy hydrated yet non-clogged pores. The slight tint also helps even out the skin tone and avoids leaving white casts on your skin.
7
Best For A Budget
Mineral UV Filters SPF 30
Not only is this mineral sunscreen good for your wallet, but it’s also incredibly lightweight, so you can barely feel it on the skin. It’s a super-hydrating formula as well, for all-day comfort.
8
Best For Glowing Skin
Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
If you want to have that natural glow that comes with your favorite foundation minus the layers of makeup, this tinted SPF can do the job. It has a very sheer coverage, but the reflective nature blurs imperfections.
9
Best For Sensitive Skin
Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This SPF is the gentle formula of your dreams, perfect for people with ultra-sensitive skin or mamas who want to share products with their babies. It sinks into the skin quickly, making it feel virtually invisible, but still actively smooths and protects the skin.
10
Best For Inflamed Skin
Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
If your skin is inflamed due to increased sensitivity or breakouts, it’s crucial to find a soothing SPF that’s still protective. The zinc in this sunscreen does two jobs: It simultaneously blocks harmful sun rays and calms down inflammation at the same time.
11
Best For Lightweight Finish
Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
- Tint can look orange for some
This SPF liquid is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to blend into the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. It also has a sheer tint to it, which eliminates the white casts that most mineral SPFs can have.
12
Best For Discoloration
Correct & Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation, so finding a great SPF is crucial. This sunscreen prevents future discoloration, but it also contains additional ingredients to fade existing marks.
13
Best For Dewy Skin
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
While we all want an SPF that protects us from the sun, having the added bonus of making our skin look beautiful from the moment we apply is incredible. This product has a sheer tint that combats white casts and makes the skin look dewy and glowing.
14
Best For A Primer
Mineral Sunscreen
- Tint can be too dark for some
This SPF has it all: A smooth matte finish, skin-loving ingredients, and tons of sun protection. It’s also great to layer under makeup because the tinted cream helps even out skin tone before you even go in with your foundation.
15
Best For Anti-Aging Benefits
Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++
We all know that sun protection is the cornerstone of anti-aging, but this SPF goes the extra mile. With squalane and natural extracts, the skin is hydrated and soothed all day, while still being protected from the sun.
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