Best Mineral Sunscreens (2026) Reviewed
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays instead of absorbing them like chemical formulas. They work immediately upon application and tend to be gentler on sensitive skin. Here are the best options across different price points and use cases.
What to Look For
- Active ingredients — Zinc oxide provides the broadest protection; titanium dioxide excels at blocking UVB. Many formulas combine both.
- SPF level — SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays; SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Higher numbers offer marginal additional protection.
- White cast — Tinted formulas and newer micronized zinc formulations minimize the chalky appearance on darker skin tones.
- Water resistance — Look for 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance if swimming or sweating heavily.
- Texture — Lotions work well for full coverage; sticks are convenient for touch-ups; sprays require rubbing in for proper protection.
- Reef safety — Mineral sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate are considered safer for coral reefs.
Best Mineral Sunscreens
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 — Best Overall
No products found.
EltaMD UV Clear consistently earns top marks from dermatologists for its lightweight formula that works well on acne-prone and sensitive skin.
This formula combines zinc oxide with niacinamide to calm redness and help control breakouts. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and layers well under makeup. The untinted version works on most skin tones without significant white cast.
- Pros:
- Contains niacinamide for acne-prone skin
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Oil-free and fragrance-free
- Available in tinted and untinted versions
- Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Small 1.7 oz size doesn’t last long with daily use
Best for: Those with acne-prone or sensitive skin who want a dermatologist-recommended daily SPF.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted SPF 50 — Best Tinted
No products found.
This tinted mineral sunscreen provides reliable broad-spectrum protection while evening out skin tone and reducing visible white cast.
The ultra-light fluid texture spreads easily and sets to a natural matte finish. Iron oxides in the formula help mask the white cast typical of mineral sunscreens while providing some additional visible light protection. Works well as a primer under makeup.
- Pros:
- Self-adjusting tint blends into most skin tones
- Lightweight fluid texture
- Water resistant for 40 minutes
- Fragrance-free formula
- Cons:
- May appear slightly dark on very fair skin
- Needs shaking before each use
Best for: Anyone who wants mineral protection with a tint that doubles as a light coverage base.
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50+ — Best for Sensitive Skin
No products found.
Blue Lizard’s sensitive formula uses only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with no chemical filters, fragrances, or parabens.
The hypoallergenic formula includes organic aloe vera to soothe skin. The Smart Cap technology turns the lid blue in harmful UV light as a reminder to apply. Water resistant for 80 minutes, making it suitable for beach days and outdoor activities.
- Pros:
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- 80 minutes water resistance
- Reef-safe formula
- Smart Cap UV indicator
- Cons:
- Thicker texture requires more effort to blend
- Can leave noticeable white cast on darker skin
Best for: Those with reactive or easily irritated skin who need dependable mineral protection.
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 — Best for Oily Skin
No products found.
This 100% mineral formula controls shine and blurs pores while providing broad-spectrum protection in a weightless, oil-free texture.
The whipped cream texture applies smoothly and sets to a true matte finish without feeling dry. Contains wild butterfly ginger to help filter blue light and bamboo extract for antioxidant benefits. The neutral tint helps minimize white cast on most skin tones.
- Pros:
- True matte finish controls oil all day
- Doubles as a makeup primer
- Blurs pores visibly
- Water and sweat resistant
- Cons:
- Premium price
- May feel drying on already dry skin
Best for: Oily and combination skin types who struggle with midday shine.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted — Best Budget
No products found.
CeraVe delivers their signature ceramide-rich formula in an affordable mineral sunscreen with a sheer tint that adapts to different skin tones.
The formula includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Niacinamide helps calm skin. The sheer tint provides light coverage without looking heavy or cakey.
- Pros:
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Affordable price point
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cons:
- Only SPF 30
- Tint may not suit all undertones
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want hydrating mineral protection with skincare benefits.
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ — Best for Kids
No products found.
Thinkbaby was the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and maintains a top rating from the Environmental Working Group.
The non-nano zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection without harsh chemicals. Free of PABA, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. Water resistant for 80 minutes. The cream absorbs without feeling sticky or leaving an oily residue.
- Pros:
- EWG rated “1” since 2010
- 80 minutes water resistance
- No chemical UV filters
- Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free
- Cons:
- Can leave white cast
- Thicker texture than some adult formulas
Best for: Parents who want the cleanest possible formula for babies and young children.
COOLA Organic Mineral Body SPF 50 — Best Organic
No products found.
COOLA’s body lotion combines 70%+ certified organic ingredients with non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection that meets clean beauty standards.
The Plant Protection Complex includes red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, and meadowfoam seed oil to nourish skin while defending against free radicals. The sheer formula blends without heavy white cast. Water resistant for 80 minutes.
- Pros:
- 70%+ certified organic ingredients
- Fragrance-free option available
- Sheer, lightweight finish
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Cons:
- Higher price per ounce
- 5 oz size runs out quickly for body use
Best for: Clean beauty enthusiasts who want organic certification with effective mineral protection.
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face SPF 50 — Best Drugstore
No products found.
This drugstore favorite delivers a matte, powdery finish with a subtle tint that works as a BB cream or makeup primer.
Formulated with native Australian botanicals including kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae for antioxidant benefits. The non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide reliable mineral protection. Oil-free formula won’t clog pores.
- Pros:
- Matte finish works well under makeup
- Available in multiple tint shades
- Water resistant for 80 minutes
- Fragrance-free
- Cons:
- Fair-Light shade may be too light for medium skin
- Can emphasize dry patches
Best for: Those who want an affordable tinted mineral sunscreen with a sophisticated matte finish.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face SPF 50 — Best Value
No products found.
Neutrogena’s Purescreen technology uses naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide to provide reliable broad-spectrum protection at a mass-market price.
The Dry-Touch formula absorbs without leaving a greasy residue. Free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and irritating chemicals. Earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for sensitive skin.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- National Eczema Association approved
- Layers invisibly under makeup
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Cons:
- May leave slight white cast on darker skin
- Not as elegant as higher-end formulas
Best for: Shoppers who want effective mineral protection without spending premium prices.
Verdict
For most people, the EltaMD UV Clear offers the best combination of gentle ingredients, lightweight texture, and dermatologist-backed efficacy. On a budget, CeraVe’s Hydrating Mineral Tinted sunscreen delivers ceramides and hyaluronic acid at a fraction of the cost. Those with oily skin should try Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen for its true matte finish and pore-blurring effect.
