Dermatologists Say These Are The Best Mineral Sunscreens (2024)

Dermatologists everywhere rave about EltaMD's broad-spectrum sunscreen. The water-resistant formula (good for a full 80 minutes) is non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. Plus, you can buy it in a tube or a convenient pump. Just note: It doesn't contain quite as much zinc oxide as other formulas, but it's close—and because of this, it won't leave as much of a white cast.

Our tester, who has sensitive skin, says she's always had to be cautious about the products she uses, but this one has never disappointed her. She tells us the lotion goes on super smoothly and never leaves a white cast or a greasy residue.

Sunscreens come in all different versions—creams, sticks, sprays—and if you like the convenience of the latter, this vegan and cruelty-free pick from Coola is the product for you. Though it contains 70 percent organic ingredients, the broad spectrum and fragrance-free formula is water-resistant for 80 minutes and boasts 14.2 percent zinc oxide.

Although most mineral sunscreens can be a bit hard to spread, our tester says this one applies like butter and soaks in immediately. And, because it's fragrance-free, it doesn't have that strong sunscreen smell either. It's like you're not wearing anything at all (but, trust me, you are).

Read More: Best Spray Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens can help reduce the white case zinc oxide leaves on skin, making this pick by Drunk Elephant ideal for those with darker skin tones. Still, it contains a whopping 20 percent zinc oxide for fantastic sun protection. Also featured on the ingredient list: sunflower shoot extract to neutralize free radicals and raspberry seed oil to offer antioxidant protection.

Aside from the gorgeous tint, this product gives your skin the most natural glow, according to our product tester. She adds that whenever she wears it, she looks like she just got back from a beach vacation.

It may be formulated for babies, but the youngest set isn't the only group that can benefit from this sunscreen. The SPF 50 formula is perfectly suitable for adults, and is a great pick for anyone with sensitive skin. It contains 23.4 percent zinc oxide, but is free from potentially harmful and irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, and more.

It's definitely one of those zinc oxide sunscreens that's super thick and takes a good amount of rubbing to absorb, but once it's on, you're good for two to three hours before reapplying. Our tester often uses it while she's outside for a long period of time, like when she's mowing the lawn or swimming, because you don't have to re-apply it that often.

Because they act as a physical barrier on skin, zinc oxide sunscreen can feel thick and heavy. Not this one. Ideal for faces, this formula is ultra-lightweight, so it's easy to spread and won't leave as much of a white cast on skin. Still, it contains 11 percent zinc oxide—more than the minimum recommended amount.

As someone with oily skin, our product tester loves that this formula is super lightweight and not greasy at all compared to other mineral sunscreens. She adds that she likes the smell, too.

If you struggle with acne, it's hard to find daily defense against the sun—so many formulas cause pores, leading to flare-ups. But this gel-cream formula, by Hero Cosmetics, is fully non-comedogenic, weightless, and totes shine-free, so it's gentler on sensitive, acne-prone skin. Still, the reef-safe SPF 30 sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and more than 17 percent zinc oxide.

As an added bonus, it also has a green tint, which blends into the skin to cancel out any redness caused by acne, sensitivity, redness, and more.

This formula is about as clean as you can get—the reef-safe product doesn't contain any chemical-based active ingredients, fragrances, or parabens. What is does have? 50+ SPF broad spectrum protection powered by 10 percent zinc oxide and 8 percent titanium dioxide. It also has another unique claim to fame: a color-changing bottle that alerts you when harmful UV rays are present.

Our tester wore this during prolonged sun exposure and did not get any color. She says that it rubs into her skin very evenly with no noticeable cast—she's able to put a sufficient amount of it on her face without looking crazy.

For a drugstore formula, this pick sure does contain a lot of zinc oxide. At 21.6 percent, this is one of the hardest-working formulas out there—especially considering the price point. It's also hypoallergenic and oil-free, making the SPF 50 pick a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Our tester did note that, when she first applied it, it felt thick and hard to rub in. However, once it was absorbed, she loved how it looked. She notes that there's a very subtle white tint that makes her skin look super smooth and poreless without looking unnatural.

Always forgetting to reapply? This formula won't hurt the environment—it's reef- and ocean-safe—but offers up to four hours (!!) of water resistance. It's also billed as clear, so you're less likely to get that familiar white cast.

Our tester did tell us that this formula on the oilier side, so it's better for those with dry skin. However, she notes that its lasting powers are superb and she loves the light vanilla scent, too. Another pro? It applies super creamy but not too thick and it dries down very nicely, she notes.

Powder sunscreens are great for the scalp, since you can brush them on without leaving your strands a greasy mess. And they can be just as effective. This one boasts 22.5 percent zinc oxide and 22.5 titanium dioxide for maximum sun protection. Plus, it comes in four colors to suit your shade.

WH associate commerce and fashion editor Lily Wohlner is a huge fan of this powder, as she can take it on the go and apply throughout the day. "I'm always hopping from thing to thing in the city, and even when I'm not in direct sun, SPF is a must. This is always in my work bag when I'm out and about, and I can apply it over my makeup to make sure my skin is protected during long days of outdoor (and indoor!) events."

It may be made with just five simple, 98 percent organic ingredients, but this reef-friendly formula also offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, 18.75 percent zinc oxide, and water-resistance for up to 40 minutes. It also contains vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize skin.

Our tester brought this on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda, and she said it kept her and her family totally protected. She even notes that it stayed on even after going in the ocean three-plus times.

If dry skin is a concern for you, check this out. Mama Sol's hydrating formula is your new go-to. It serves as an SPF, makeup primer, or moisturizer replacement. Infused with Zinc, you'll feel its hydrating effects right when you apply it. And, it's made with clean ingredients, so this product is safe for expecting and nursing mothers, as well as those with sensitive skin. And that's not all—it even provides blue light protection from your screens, making it a must-have for your daily routine.

Read More: Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin

Meet the experts

• Kunal Malik, MD, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY

What are the disadvantages of using zinc oxide sunscreen?

"Zinc oxide is one of the preferred and widely used sunscreens because of its safety and efficacy," says dermatologist Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD. They're usually very well tolerated and cause no significant side effects, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

That said, there is one big downside: Zinc oxide tends to leave a white cast on skin, which is especially visible on those with darker skin tones. They can also rub or sweat off of skin more easily, necessitating more frequent reapplication, says Dr. Malik. And because zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier on the skin, they may even cause increased perspiration during physical activity, he adds.

Shop other sunscreens we love

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