If you ask any dermatologist about sunscreen, the first thing they're going to do is stress the importance of using it every day. But when it comes time to choose, you're left to face a plethora of options that have labels and claims you may have never heard of before.
When it all comes down to it, there are two key factors to consider in which sunscreen you choose: formula type and SPF number. SPF numbers are familiar territory for most, but the same can't be said about formula types.
Sunscreens are typically labeled as physical or chemical. If you've ever wondered what a mineral sunscreen is and whether or not you should use one, you're not alone. Comparing all the different sunscreen formulas out there can sometimes feel overwhelming, but mineral sunscreens aren't all that confusing after all — and they might actually be the safest option around.
Shop TODAY consulted top dermatologists to help break down what makes mineral sunscreens different from chemical ones, and also asked them to share a few of their favorites for face and body.
What is mineral sunscreen? | Mineral vs chemical sunscreens | Mineral sunscreens for face | For body | How we chose | Meet the experts
What is mineral sunscreen?
There are two main types of sunscreens: physical (mineral) and chemical. While chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into the skin and then absorbing UV rays, the particles in mineral-based sunscreens sit on top of the skin's surface and prevent UV rays from entering. Mineral sunscreens typically use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the two main active ingredients.
"Mineral sunscreen is also often known as physical sunscreen, as it provides a physical barrier between your skin and sun rays," says Dr. Howard Sobel, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin Rx.
Chemical vs mineral sunscreen: What's the difference?
“Chemical sunscreens consist of a group of ‘active’ SPF ingredients that absorb into the skin and catch harmful UV rays and transfer them into heat,” explains Dr. Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert based in New York City. “Physical sunscreens [with] mineral ingredients [like] zinc and titanium oxide sit more on the top of the skin and reflect the UV light away to prevent damage.”
Chemical sunscreens also tend to be lighter in texture and consistency, while mineral formulas are often thicker due to the presence of zinc oxide and can leave a white cast behind in some cases. With that said, there’s been a wealth of innovation in the mineral sunscreen category within the last few years, and many brands are finding ways to reduce or eliminate white casts from their formulas.
Mineral sunscreens for face
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Goes on smoothly
- Helps dark spots fade
- Not greasy
- May leave white cast
Size: 2.5 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
The good news? Mineral sunscreens can be layered on top of your other skin care products (like serums and moisturizers) — with one caveat, of course. "With mineral sunscreens, be sure you are applying them last in your skin care routine. In order for them to work their best, they must be at the surface of your products," dermatologist Dr. Deanne Robinson says.
CeraVe's broad spectrum SPF 50 combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with hydrating ceramides to moisturize and protect skin. "It's a great option for those seeking mineral protection and for those with dry skin who need sunscreen with greater hydrating properties," says Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
- Not sticky
- Doesn't get into eyes
- Easy to apply
- May leave white cast
Size: 1.5 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Stick sunscreens can help keep you protected without the mess that comes from using traditional liquid forms. This option from Aveeno is designed with sensitive skin in mind, is sweat- and water-resistant and can be used on the face and body.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Not oily
- Great coverage
- May be thick
Size: 5.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Anolik loves the smooth texture of this mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide. As it turns out, zinc can provide multiple skin care benefits in addition to protecting you from the sun.
"Zinc also contains natural antimicrobial agents for acne-prone skin, and is commonly used to treat and prevent various skin conditions," Los Angeles-based aesthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar says.
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
- Makes skin feel soft
- Provides healthy glow
- May leave white cast
Size: 2.5 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, Sea fennel extract, moringa seed extract
This lightweight sunscreen boasts three-way protection from the elements: electronic pollution from screens, environmental pollution and the sun. Despite the peachy color, it’s formulated to leave behind no white cast on any skin tone.
MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50
- Lightweight
- Not oily
- Shake well before use
Size: 1.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide
"I recommend this liquid mineral sunscreen for those who prefer a lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish," Aguilar says. "You feel this soak right into the skin. It’s a wonderful liquid silk that penetrates quickly."
The sunscreen is available in three tinted shades and works for both face and body. Plus, it's made without gluten, parabens, sulfates or artificial fragrances and colors.
DUNE Suncare The Mineral Melt SPF 30
- Leaves no white cast
- Enriched with youth peptides
- Reapply at least every 2 hours
"I just tried this sunscreen from buzzy brand DUNE Suncare and it has completely changed my mind on mineral sunscreens," swears production associate Audrey Ekman. "My worst mineral sunscreen fear is the dreaded white cast, but this one is truly invisible. It's fragrance-free and feels super lightweight."
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
- Not greasy
- Good for oily skin
- May leave white cast
Size: 3.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, sunflower shoot extract
Drunk Elephant's sunscreen is designed to provide moisture, broad-spectrum protection and minimize the appearance of fine lines all at once. Key ingredients in its formula are raspberry seed oil, marula oil and sunflower shoot extract.
Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF 30
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing
- Reapply after 40 min in water
"I've been using this and love it," gushes editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "It doesn't sweat off and lasts for hours."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Easy to apply
- Super hydrating
- Gives skin a glow
- May be drying
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Titanium dioxide
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this dermatologist-approved mineral sunscreen absorbs quickly and remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It also gives you a naturally warm glow almost instantly.
Sol Labs Natural Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- No white cast
- Smells good
- Pricey
Size: 4.06 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, glycerin, titanium dioxide
"I’ve been using this sunscreen for the past week or so and love how lightweight it is," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "It feels like a lightweight moisturizer and is not as heavy as a typical sunscreen. It almost feels like a lotion," she continues.
"I also love that it contains tons of good-for-your-skin ingredients like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract. Plus, it smells really good!" Stewart says.
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
- Leaves skin dewy
- No white cast
- Good coverage
- Small bottle
Size: 1.5 oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, bush-clover extract, aloe-leaf juice and squalene
The brand calls this sunscreen the "100% mineral twin" to their popular Unsun Sunscreen. Despite most mineral sunscreens being known for leaving behind a white cast, this one is formulated to dry on sheer and feel weightless.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen
- Good for sensitive skin
- Goes on smoothly
- Lightweight
- May be thick
Size: 3.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Mineral sunscreen is typically thicker than chemical ones and it can occasionally cause breakouts if you're acne-prone, but this lightweight formula is non-comedogenic and gentle enough for sensitive skin. "It's a great option for those who want mineral sunscreen protection and some tint while going makeup-free," Anolik says.
Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
- Great coverage
- Good for sensitive skin
- Some users say a bit orange
Some active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, pre-tocopheryl
This compact may look like your everyday matte foundation, but it's actually a lightweight, cream-to-powder mineral sunscreen enriched with powerful antioxidants. The result? Broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free SPF 40+
- Makes skin feel soft
- Not oily
- Absorbs quickly
- Expensive
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Both Finney and dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick highly recommend this fail-safe mineral formula from Glo Skin Beauty, which feels more like a lightweight moisturizer than SPF. “It's infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and offers a lightweight formula that works with all skin tones,” says Garshick.
“It also has the added benefit of antioxidants to help fight unwanted pigment and provide a little anti-aging boost,” notes Finney.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
- Lightweight
- Helps prevent dark spots
- Easy to apply
- Expensive
Some active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Sometimes applying sunscreen is as easy as swiping it on. Case in point, this easy-to-use mineral powder sunscreen from Colorescience. Not only is it grease- and mess-free, but it can be applied to hard-to-navigate areas that need extra sun protection like your scalp, hairline and shoulders.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Absorbs well
- May leave white cast
Size: 3.4 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E
Another favorite from both Garshick and Finney is this high-tech option from ISDIN, a brand known and beloved for its innovative sunscreens.
“This is a great mineral-based sunscreen that is sweat- and water-resistant and also contains an enzyme shown to improve the DNA damage created by the sun,” says Finney. “This is a product that I personally use when I am active outdoors and I frequently recommend it to patients [as] it blends in nicely and does not leave a significant cast behind.”
Mineral sunscreens for body
Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Dries fast
- Lightweight
- May leave white cast
Size: 5.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Aloe vera, chamomile, sunflower oil
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this fragrance-free formula is a good option for those with super sensitive skin. It boasts water-resistance for up to 80 minutes and nourishes skin with a blend of coconut, sunflower seed and olive fruit oils, which is especially ideal for folks with drier skin.
Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Not greasy
- Good for sensitive skin
- May be thick
Size: 3.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter
Despite its name, this powerhouse sunscreen isn't just for kiddos. "I recommend it to many of my sensitive skin clients because it’s lightweight, hypoallergenic, non-greasy and easy to blend in," Aguilar says.
Zinc oxide joins forces with coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter to moisturize and protect skin, and the formula is free of irritants like fragrance and dyes.
Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Lotion
- Lightweight
- Absorbs easily
- Not greasy
- May pill
Size: 3.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
This new mineral formula from Neutrogena is fast-absorbing, fragrance-free and won’t leave a chalky feeling on the skin which is a major plus.
“Providing broad-spectrum coverage, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it a great option for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin,” says Garshick. “It also incorporates vitamin E and uses Dry-Touch Technology so it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth and without feeling greasy.”
Pacifica Sun + Suncare Mineral Sunscreen Coconut Probiotic Spray
- Water resistant up to 80 min
- Light coconut scent
- Shake well before each spray
"Who has the time (or the reach) to massage greasy sunscreen lotion all over every time you're supposed to reapply?" asks Ekman. "When it comes to my body sunscreen, I like a spray-and-go option that can get the job done quickly and without making a mess. This one comes out in a continuous mist, smells great and has lasted me a surprisingly long time."
Sunshine & Glitter All the Sparkle Mineral Shimmer
- Mineral formula
- Blends well
- Doesn't leave white cast
- Sparkles are very bright
"I was gifted this mineral sunscreen by Sunshine & Glitter, and it has honestly become one of my favorites," says Commerce Editor Amanda Fama. "The lotion is infused with biodegradable glitter that’s shockingly bright once applied (fun for summer concerts or beach trips), and yet the sunscreen itself blends seamlessly without leaving behind a white cast. Not to mention, it smells amazing. I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a vibrant mineral sunscreen!"
Supergoop Play 100% Mineral Body Mist
- Not sticky
- May leave white cast
Size: 6.0 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin B5, vitamin E
"It’s hard to find spray formulas that are mineral-based (most are chemical sunscreens). This one is perfect for my squirmy kids and for quick reapplications," Robinson says.
The non-aerosol mist dries quickly, offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, according to its description. "Beyond SPF, the formula features marigold, sunflower antioxidants and aloe vera, which work to reduce sun and free radical damage," she adds.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Mineral Sunscreen
- Nice smell
- Lightweight
- No white cast
- May be greasy
Size: 6.7 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, niacinamide, pongamia seed extract
Production coordinator Camryn Privette is a huge fan of the Sol de Janeiro brand. "Their newest launch not only smells amazing but applies smoothly for a mineral based sunscreen (which I’m normally not a fan of). It also gives a great glow which I love," says Privette.
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- No white residue
- May pill
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Some active ingredients: Zinc oxide
“The latest from Colorescience, this lightweight formula can be used on the face or body and in addition to zinc oxide, contains moisturizing ingredients, such as silver ear mushroom extract to help boost hydration,” says Garshick. “As the name implies, it absorbs easily and won’t leave behind a white cast.”
This innovative formula features the brand’s unique EnviroScreen® technology, which protects against UVA/UVB damage, blue light, infrared light, free radicals and pollution.
How we chose the best mineral sunscreens
We, the Shop Today team, rounded up the best mineral sunscreens using a few methods: enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists, filtering our searches for top-rated products and combing through hundreds of verified shopper reviews.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, is a celebrity dermatologist in New York and founder of Sobel Skin Rx.
- Dr. Robert Finney, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert based in New York City.
- Dr. Deanne Robinson, MD, FAAD, is a fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
- Dr. Robert Anolik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser skin surgery.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist for MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She serves patients in Manhattan, New York, and Clifton, New Jersey.