The 7 best mineral sunscreens for your face, from sheer to tinted

Key takeaways

• Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as their only UV filters. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says dermatologists recommend them for sensitive skin.

• Our top pick is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50, which is fragrance-free and water resistant for 40 minutes.

• If white cast is your main worry, CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is designed to go on clear, and it’s $16.99.

• Only three picks here are labeled water resistant: La Roche-Posay, EltaMD and Blue Lizard.

• Use at least a teaspoon for your face and reapply every two hours, or sooner if you swim or sweat.

How to choose a mineral sunscreen

The AAD explains that if the active ingredient is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both, “you have a physical sunscreen,” and that dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen for people with sensitive skin. Cleveland Clinic adds that mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than chemical ones. Our guide to mineral vs chemical sunscreen covers the differences in more depth.

What to check on the label:

• Broad spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. The AAD recommends both, plus water resistance. SPF 30 filters out 97% of UVB rays.

• Water resistance. The FDA says water-resistant sunscreens must state whether they last 40 or 80 minutes, and that no sunscreen is waterproof.

• Tint. Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, which can help hide white cast. The AAD notes that visible light also contributes to melasma, and a tint adds protection against it.

• White cast. Cleveland Clinic says mineral particles can be visible, especially on darker skin, though some newer formulas are designed to minimize this.

We compared each sunscreen on its Drug Facts label and published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at the active ingredients and their strengths, SPF, water resistance, tint, whether fragrance is listed and the price.

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50: best overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 is an untinted, broad-spectrum face sunscreen with 6% titanium dioxide and 5% zinc oxide. La Roche-Posay labels it fragrance-free and oil-free, and says it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

Key features:

• Water resistant for 40 minutes. It’s one of three water-resistant picks here.

• Matte finish. La Roche-Posay describes the texture as fast-absorbing and non-whitening, with a matte finish.

• Antioxidants. It includes vitamin E and senna alata extract.

Tradeoff: at $42.99 it costs more than twice as much as CeraVe, and a dermatologist quoted on La Roche-Posay’s own page notes that mineral filters can leave a cast on some skin tones.

Best for: sensitive skin, and days you’ll be sweating.

Price: $42.99.

2. CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: best for no white cast

CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 has 15.35% zinc oxide and 2.66% titanium dioxide, with three ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin. There’s no fragrance in its ingredient list.

Key features:

• Designed to go on clear. CeraVe says it leaves no white cast and gives a more transparent finish across a wide range of skin tones, even on beards.

• Published study figures. CeraVe cites a consumer test with 177 people, including 65 with beards.

• Skin care ingredients. Ceramides and niacinamide are in the base.

Tradeoff: it isn’t water resistant, so you’ll need a different sunscreen for swimming or heavy sweating.

Best for: anyone who’s avoided mineral sunscreen because of white cast.

Price: $16.99.

3. Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30: best lightly tinted

Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is a lightly tinted sunscreen with zinc oxide as its only filter, plus antioxidants like green tea, resveratrol and vitamin C. Paula’s Choice calls it fragrance-free and says it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

Key features:

• Light tint. Iron oxides help neutralize white cast.

• Soft matte finish. Paula’s Choice describes the texture as silky.

• Antioxidant-rich. Its ingredient list includes several antioxidants alongside the zinc.

Tradeoff: it comes in one tint shade, it isn’t water resistant, and SPF 30 is the lowest here alongside Vanicream. Paula’s Choice suggests trying the travel size first to see if the tint works for your skin tone.

Best for: people who want a sheer tint and antioxidants in their daily SPF.

Price: $39 for 2 fl oz.

4. EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41: best tinted for active days

EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41 is a tinted mineral sunscreen with 9% zinc oxide and 7% titanium dioxide. EltaMD labels it fragrance-free and says it’s made for sensitive and oily to normal skin.

Key features:

• Water resistant for 40 minutes. EltaMD says to reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating.

• Sheer tint. Iron oxides give it a light tint to even out the look of skin.

• Large size. It’s 3 oz, the biggest tube on this list.

Tradeoff: at $48 it has the highest price here, and it comes in one tint shade.

Best for: sensitive skin that wants a tinted, water-resistant sunscreen.

Price: $48 for 3 oz.

5. Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30: best for very sensitive skin

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 has 19.5% non-nano zinc oxide as its only filter, in a moisturizing base with five ceramides and squalane. Vanicream labels it fragrance-free and free of dyes, lanolin, parabens and botanical extracts.

Key features:

• Short list of common irritants. It leaves out fragrance and plant extracts entirely.

• Moisturizer and sunscreen in one. Ceramides and squalane are in the base.

• National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Vanicream says it carries the seal.

Tradeoff: Vanicream says it may leave a white cast on some complexions, and its label says to use a water-resistant sunscreen if you’re swimming or sweating.

Best for: very sensitive or reactive skin.

Price: about $14 for 2.5 oz at major retailers.

6. Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40: best matte finish

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is a whipped mineral sunscreen with about 17% zinc oxide and 1.33% titanium dioxide. It comes untinted or in three tinted shades.

Key features:

• Matte finish. Supergoop! says it’s designed to mattify and blur the look of pores.

• Four shade options. Untinted, Sunrise, Golden Hour and Sunset.

• Works as a primer. Supergoop! suggests letting it set for 30 seconds before makeup.

Tradeoff: it isn’t water resistant or labeled fragrance-free, and it contains ginger lily root extract.

Best for: oily or combination skin that wants a matte base under makeup.

Price: $40 for 1.5 fl oz.

7. Blue Lizard Sheer Face Mineral SPF 50: best budget water-resistant pick

Blue Lizard Sheer Face Mineral SPF 50 has 10% zinc oxide and 8% titanium dioxide, plus squalane, shea butter and sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid.

Key features:

• Water resistant for 80 minutes. It’s the longest water resistance on this list.

• Low price. It’s $15.99 for 1.7 fl oz.

• UV-sensing cap. The Smart Cap changes color in UV light as a reminder to protect your skin.

Tradeoff: it isn’t labeled fragrance-free and contains aromatic plant extracts, and Blue Lizard notes it may stain some fabrics.

Best for: swimming, sports and beach days on a budget.

Price: $15.99 for 1.7 fl oz.

How to apply mineral sunscreen

• Use enough. The AAD says to use at least a teaspoon for your face.

• Put it on last. Apply sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine. Our guide to skincare routine order explains where each product goes.

• Reapply every two hours. The FDA says to reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

• Rub in small sections. Working in small sections helps a mineral formula blend more evenly and cut down on white cast.

• Wash it off at night. Mineral sunscreens can be harder to remove. Our list of cleansing balms covers gentle options for taking off sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions

Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical?

Neither is better for everyone. Mineral sunscreen is often recommended for sensitive skin because it’s less likely to cause irritation. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every day.

Does mineral sunscreen leave a white cast?

It can, especially on darker skin tones. Newer formulas like CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen are designed to go on clear, and tinted formulas use iron oxides to blend in.

Which mineral sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 and Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 are both fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin.

Is zinc oxide sunscreen safe?

The FDA has proposed that sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, at up to 25%, be recognized as safe and effective, based on its review of the safety data.

Is mineral sunscreen good for dark spots?

A tinted mineral sunscreen may help. The AAD notes tinted sunscreens contain iron oxide and that visible light also contributes to melasma. Our list of dark spot correctors covers serums to pair with it.