The 18 best mineral sunscreens of 2023, per experts

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As summertime draws near, we have to stop and think for a moment. It's recommended to wear facial sunscreen daily and a quality body sunscreen when exposed to the sun. That means, if you’re out and about basking in the sun's rays, you’re squeezing, spraying and spreading a lot of sunscreen on your body.

That's why it's important to understand the ingredients you’re applying to the surface of your skin — as you would with your favorite skincare products, like a moisturizer with SPF. To nurture and protect your skin, opting for a well-formulated mineral sunscreen is your best bet.

"The use of sunscreen, including mineral sunscreen, is an important part of skin cancer prevention and also helps to prevent photoaging (i.e. wrinkling and discoloration of the skin)," Matthew J. Mahlberg, MD, Denver-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon and The Skin Cancer Foundation spokesperson, told the New York Post. "UVA rays tend to penetrate the skin more deeply and cause breakdown of collagen, so the use of zinc-based mineral sunscreens can be especially helpful to prevent photoaging."

That said, the benefit of sunscreens is only realized with consistent use, so it's best to choose a sunscreen that you like so long as it is broad-spectrum and ideally SPF 30 or higher, per Dr. Mahlberg.

To make your hunt for skin protection easier, we rounded up the 18 best mineral sunscreens on the market, as recommended by board-certified dermatologists and skin health experts. Our team of experts also shared what's important to know about mineral sunscreens — including ingredients and application best practices — in our in-depth FAQ section.

The ALASTIN Skincare SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is an investment worth making, namely for its transparent application and gentle yet effective formulation.

"It's light and moisturizing, while also providing broad-spectrum protection," Marina Peredo, MD, board-certified dermatologist who specializes in aesthetic dermatology and owner of her practice, Skinfluence, told The Post. "It's formulated with cucumber and aloe leaf extract which calms the skin and is water-resistant, gluten free, paraben free and cruelty free."

With nearly 2,500 rave reviews on Amazon for being "great for sensitive skin" and "making the skin look flawless," the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is worth the less-than-$15 price tag, especially for being a renowned dermatologist-tested brand.

"Its original formulation was difficult to rub in and had a distinct white cast," Gloria Lin, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group and precept resident clinic at Elmhurst Hospital for the Mount Sinai dermatology residents, told The Post. "However, the brand has since changed it, so it is much more user-friendly now. Its mineral version contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide along with ceramides to hydrate the skin."

Neutrogena has a bounty of sunscreens on the market, and Dr. Peredo recommends the brand's mineral sunscreen as a wonderful option to purchase ahead of your next beach trip or poolside soiree.

"This is a great drugstore option that can be used for the body," she says.

"Patients love this brand because it does not feel or smell like sunscreen," Dr. Lin says. "It rubs in easily and does not leave the unwanted white cast on the face."

She says some patients allow the Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ to double as their makeup primer. "The mineral one does contain both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide," she adds. "It also has ingredients like bamboo extract to protect against free radical damage and wild butterfly ginger to protect against blue light."

"This is one of my favorites for the face because it has a tint and gives an extra layer of protection," Peredo says, recommending the ALASTIN Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36. "It has a universal tint and is lightweight."

For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best tinted moisturizers for more products that boast a buildable, lightweight finish.

"This brand is designed to be more lightweight with its cream to powder formulation," Lin shares, recommending Bare Republic. "It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide."

More, it also has antioxidant ingredients like raspberry, grape and carrot seed oils that are designed to help against free radical formation, per Lin.

"This is great because it has hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin," Peredo shares. "It is clean and suitable for all skin types."

Even better, it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, thanks to its PA+++ formulation. Note: the more + signs, the more protection you’ll receive.

"Parents often like this for their children as there is a mineral spray version that rubs in well," Lin shares. "Caution should be used during application, and it should be rubbed in afterwards to ensure even coverage and adequate protection."

Even better, it's a wonderful option that's vegan, hypoallergenic and less than $20.

After interviewing Peredo, she shared one of her top brands is La Roche-Posay — one she widely recommends. Shop the brand's Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for a less-than-$40 grab that’ll last you for months. It's backed by more than 3,000 reviews for "not leaving the face oily" and "blending perfectly."

"Cetaphil is a good brand for sensitive skin given its hypoallergenic formula," Lin notes. "This sunscreen tends to feel more lightweight and non-greasy."

Even better, it's adored by more than 10,000 users, with one Amazon review writing, "after trial and error, this is the winner for non-tinted mineral sunscreen for the face."

"Many patients love this brand because it does not feel or smell like sunscreen," Lin shares. "It contains hyaluronic acid, which can be helpful for moisturization."

Additionally, Lin recommends it as a good option for those with more sensitive skin, too, since it's free of parabens, fragrances, and dyes. "There are clear and tinted options making it suitable for different skin colors," she adds. Plus, it's 12,000+ reviews only add to the brand's acclaim.

"I personally find Aveeno's sunscreen to have a bit of an unusual scent, but some patients do like this since it is meant for sensitive skin with their signature nourishing oat, and it does not contain parabens or dyes," Lin says. If you’re looking for a 100% mineral option that’ll help nourish your skin, grab this one.

"This is a higher end more expensive product; however, it may be worth the price tag," Lin notes. "ISDIN is especially helpful for those with significant sun damage already since it contains ‘DNA Repairsomes’ or plankton-derived enzymes that is designed to repair existing sun damage."

Not to mention, its water-resistant and lightweight formula makes it dermatologist-recommended for dark skin tones.

"This contains zinc oxide and is typically considered good even for sensitive skin," Lin shares, recommending the TIZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40. "The brand has both tinted and un-tinted versions."

Impressively, TIZO includes vitamins E and C to provide additional antioxidant protection.

"Patients are a fan of the texture of this product since it is more lightweight but still moisturizing," Lin adds. "It's oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it would still be good for those with more acne-prone skin."

Not to mention, if you’re looking for a good facial sunscreen that's less than $30, this travel-friendly option is one of your best bets.

"This brand may be good for people with active lifestyles as it is harder to wash or sweat off," Lin suggests, highlighting Australian Gold as a top brand. "It also has antioxidant ingredients like eucalyptus and red algae."

More, the price also helps make this a crowd favorite

"This is another great option for more sensitive skin since it does not contain fragrances or parabens," Lin highlights. "Parents often like this brand for their children since it is more gentle. The bottle cap also changes color when exposed to UV light to help remind patients to apply sunscreen."

Plus, the formulation is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.

"Many patients like this brand since the sunscreen feels more lightweight and does not clog the pores" Lin adds, recommending SkinCeuticals. "This also contains artemia salina, which is a plankton extract that helps protect against UV damage."

To top off its benefits, this mineral sunscreen is also water-resistant, so it's a good option for active lifestyles or beach days.

Ahead, our team of board-certified dermatologists and skin health experts give us the 411 on what to know about mineral sunscreens — including notes on their formulations and ingredients.

The two main types of UV-blocking ingredients in sunscreen are physical (mineral) and chemical. Many experts also use the terms "organic" and "inorganic" to describe these categories.

"Physical ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin and block UV rays before they can penetrate," Dr. Mahlberg explains. "You can think of physical sunscreens like shields that reflect the damaging rays of the sun."

Chemical ingredients, such as avobenzone and octisalate, absorb UV rays and convert them to heat energy before they can cause damage. Many sunscreen products combine organic and inorganic filters. "Both types of filters have been tested as safe and effective, and the most important thing is choosing a sunscreen that you like and feel comfortable wearing," he adds.

In other words, "mineral or physical sunscreens are formulated with minerals that rest on top of the skin and reflect away the UV rays," Peredo notes. "They have a physical UV filter which creates a broad-spectrum coverage."

The difference between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens is how they protect your skin against UV rays. "Mineral sunscreens are different from chemical sunscreens because they rest on top of the skin and reflect away the UV rays," Peredo explains. "Chemical sunscreens are formulated with chemical compounds such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone, which absorb and transform UV rays in heat."

Unlike chemical sunscreens which can cause irritation or an allergic reaction for some patients, the mineral sunscreens are typically better tolerated. "Since these physically protect against UV rays, then it does not require time to be absorbed prior to sun exposure to provide immediate protection," Lin explains. "This makes it excellent for people in the mornings to simplify their skincare routine."

More, mineral sunscreens may also last longer in direct sunlight, so it can provide more protection, especially if more frequent reapplication may be difficult. "For those with darker skin types, they do make tinted versions that may be preferable to avoid the harsh white cast of the traditional mineral sunscreens," Lin suggests.

According to Peredo, apply mineral sunscreen a minimum of 20 minutes before sun exposure to any area of the skin that will be exposed to allow time for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin. "You should apply mineral sunscreen every two hours, unless you are swimming or playing sports, then you need to increase the frequency of applications," she adds.

Think of it this way: to appropriately cover the whole body, then one ounce or a shot glass-worth of sunscreen is required. "It's not enough to apply sunscreen just in the morning because it does not last all day, so it's meant to be reapplied at least every two hours," Lin advises. "It should be applied more frequently after swimming or perspiration even if it has been less than two hours, especially if it isn't water-resistant."

Mineral sunscreen can also be applied last in the skincare routine, so after cleansing and moisturizing but prior to makeup. "Sunscreen spray is not the same as sunscreen lotion and cream; most people do not apply the spray correctly, and it can be difficult to determine if an adequate amount has been used," Lin says. "The nozzle should be held close to the skin and sprayed until the skin is glistening wet. The sunscreen then needs to be rubbed in afterwards to ensure even coverage. Do not spray directly on the face but instead spray on to the hands and then rub it on the face. Avoid inhaling and using on windy days."

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two mineral UV filters available in the U.S. "You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30," Mahlberg recommends. "Other than that, you can choose a sunscreen with ingredients that work for your skin and lifestyle."

For example, someone with dry skin may want to choose a moisturizing sunscreen with ingredients like lanolin or glycerin. "There are many products with different formulations out there; the most important thing is choosing a sunscreen you’re comfortable wearing every day," he adds.

Let's take a closer look at the two recommended ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Zinc oxide is derived from zinc, which is a mineral element required for normal health. "It's an inorganic compound and has natural antimicrobial properties, which can be helpful for those with more acne-prone skin," Lin explains. "Zinc oxide is also found in other products like barrier or diaper creams since it can be used on sensitive skin."

More, titanium dioxide is made from titanium, which is a silver white metal that can reflect UV rays. "It's also used in certain cosmetics," Lin notes. "Both are typically noncomedogenic, so they do not clog the pores. Of note, the newer nanoparticle formulations are currently being studied since these may be small enough to harm the coral reef and ecosystem."

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