Editor’s Picks: 19 of the Best Mineral Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin All Year Round

Before we take a closer look at my product picks, here are the most important considerations when choosing a facial sunscreen. (My mineral sunscreen tutorial covers these in more detail!)

• High in zinc oxide: To fully protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, you have two choices. You can look for a formula that contains at least 20% zinc oxide on its own. Or, a combination of 15-20% zinc oxide along with at least 5% titanium dioxide will be equally effective.
• Low in PUFAs: Oils with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are easily oxidized in UV light, releasing free radicals and triggering cellular damage. I avoid them in the first five ingredients, which typically make up about 80% of a product. (Note: If the ingredients are listed in alphabetical order, there’s no way to gauge the concentration, so I’ve excluded such products from this guide.)
• Low in fragrance: Sunscreens should be low in fragrance and essential oils, since they’re a common cause of irritation, and in some cases, can be photosensitizing.
• Low in silicones: Although this is a matter of personal preference rather than safety or efficacy, I prefer to limit silicones because they form an occlusive seal on the skin surface. This can trap pore-clogging debris, dehydrate your skin and slow down cellular renewal.
• Reef-safe: Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are reef-safe, meaning that they will not do damage to coral reefs.
• Water-resistant (optional): If you plan to swim or tend to sweat a lot, opt for a water-resistant mineral sunscreen to ensure you stay protected. 

• What it is: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, squalane, glycerin, fatty alcohol.
• Editor’s notes: Not only is this one of the most affordable mineral sunscreens, it’s also one of the most elegant, with a sheer and non-greasy feel on your skin. (It was originally created for babies, but quickly became a favourite with adults, too!) It protects with zinc oxide in a base of hydrating but non-comedogenic emollients (so it could replace a light moisturizer). It’s silicone-free and fragrance-free, and is suitable for both face and body.

• What it is: Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33 is a lightweight daily sunscreen that protects and moisturizes for healthy-looking skin.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coco-caprylate, 4% niacinamide, 1.5% artichoke leaf extract, 1.3% turmeric extract, glycerin, vitamin B5 (panthenol), vitamin E.
• Editor’s notes: Consider this an ultra-light sunscreen and skin treatment in one. In addition to zinc oxide to shield your skin from the sun, it also has a high concentration of niacinamide—one of the best multitasking ingredients to brighten, soothe, minimize pores and strengthen the skin barrier. Artichoke and turmeric extracts up the antioxidant protection while treating dullness, large pores and fine lines. Plus this formula is oil-free, silicone-free and fragrance-free, with a non-greasy, non-chalky finish.

• What it is: EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 is a lightweight, serum-like sunscreen that applies transparently on all skin tones.
• Active ingredient: 25% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coconut alkanes, coco-caprylate, safflower oleosomes, prickly pear extract.
• Editor’s notes: This innovative serum sunscreen both looks and feels invisible on your skin—even on the darkest skin tones. But you’re not sacrificing on sun protection. To the contrary, it actually boasts the highest possible concentration of zinc oxide (and was developed in partnership with the sunscreen experts at The Sunscreen Company). It’s silicone-free and fragrance-free, with a demi-matte finish. 

• What it is: EltaMD UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 is a transparent sunscreen that hydrates and brightens your skin for a dewy, healthy glow.
• Active ingredient: 20.15% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Coco-caprylate, niacinamide, isopropyl myristate, ethyl macadamiate, mica, glycerin, propanediol, capric triglycerides, vitamin E, coconut fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe, ergothioneine.
• Editor’s notes: Of all the sunscreens from this brand—which are praised for their light textures and sheer finishes—this is my top pick. It has their highest amount of zinc oxide, with no added chemical filters, and works to brighten your skin both immediately and long-term. Although we’re not told the exact concentration, niacinamide is the second inactive ingredient, and targets discolourations and dullness. Plus it has ergothioneine for extra antioxidant protection, and mica for instant (but subtle) luminosity. It’s also oil-free, silicone-free and fragrance-free.
• Also available: EltaMD UV Glow Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 is the tinted version of this formula.

• What it is: REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen is a mattifying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
• Active ingredient: 22% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, aloe, glycerin, caprylyl caprylate, fatty alcohols, rice starch.
• Editor’s notes: If most sunscreens leave you looking too shiny, give this one a try. The formula has a thin, non-greasy texture with a matte finish, so it’s perfect for oilier skin. Besides a generous amount of zinc oxide to shield you from the sun, it contains rice starch to help absorb excess oil, control shine and minimize pores. It’s also silicone-free, with less than 1% natural fragrance.

• What it is: Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 is a sheer, oil-free sunscreen and facial moisturizer that protects your skin from the sun and blue light.
• Active ingredient: 22.75% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Coco-caprylate, octyldodecanol, capric triglycerides, glycerin, fatty alcohol, gluconolactone.
• Editor’s notes: This sunscreen has a creamy texture that feels thicker than most. Even still, it doesn’t make you greasy—it just leaves skin with a supple, smooth finish (which creates a great canvas for makeup). The formula is surprisingly minimalist. There’s a high concentration of zinc oxide, plus silky emollients, and no added silicones or fragrance. Rather than plastic, it comes packaged in a chic aluminum tube, which is 100% recyclable.

• What it is: Odacité Sun Guardian Oceanic Glacial Water Day Crème SPF 30 is a natural sunscreen that doubles as a hydrating, antioxidant-rich day cream.
• Active ingredients: 22% zinc oxide, 2.3% titanium dioxide.
• Other ingredients: Sea silt extract, aloe, propanediol, capric triglycerides, undecane, glycerin, fatty alcohol, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E.
• Editor’s notes: If you’d rather not have to apply a separate moisturizer underneath your sunscreen, consider this SPF day cream, which hydrates and protects in one step. It shields skin with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and is packed with skin conditioners, soothers and antioxidants (and zero silicones or fragrance). It’s suitable for all skin types, and has a matte finish with a soft blurring effect that helps to even out your skin tone.

• What it is: CyberDerm Simply Zinc Lite Untinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a silky, feather-light sunscreen fluid that delivers incredible broad-spectrum protection, especially against UVA (the rays most responsible for aging).
• Active ingredient: 25% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coco-caprylate, coconut alkanes, safflower oleosomes, Norwegian spruce extract.
• Editor’s notes: Created under the guidance of a dermatologist, this is one of the most protective mineral sunscreens on the market. In addition to the maximum percentage of zinc oxide, it contains Bio UVA Ultra, a patented organic material that increases the UVA protection by up to 60%. That gives it a UVA Protection Factor of 20, which is one of the highest ratings of any mineral option. As such, it is especially ideal for people with hyperpigmentation, melasma or a history of skin cancer. You’re also getting an elegant formula that is free of both silicones and fragrance, and leaves a smooth, invisible finish. 
• Also available: CyberDerm Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is the tinted version of this formula.

• What it is: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32 is a sheer, lightweight and non-greasy mineral sunscreen for blemish-prone skin.
• Active ingredient: 22.4% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coconut alkanes, fatty alcohol, glycerin, aloe, probiotics.
• Editor’s notes: Anyone who is acne-prone knows all too well that sunscreens can aggravate the condition by coating the skin in heavy, pore-blocking ingredients. But not this one. It was specifically formulated to be lightweight and non-comedogenic, and in fact doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing sunscreen. Besides zinc oxide, it has probiotics to help support a healthy skin barrier, and no silicones. Natural turmeric and iron oxides give it a barely-there tint that subtly blurs imperfections and makes it invisible on most skin tones.

• What it is: First Aid Beauty Mineral Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, is safe for sensitive skin, and won’t cause breakouts.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coconut alkanes, glycerin, fatty alcohols, oat kernel extract, vitamin E, avocado oil.
• Editor’s notes: If you’re someone with sensitive skin or a condition like eczema, you’ve probably experienced sunscreens that cause redness and stinging. So this formula was made for you. Just like all the brand’s products, it’s free of a long list of potential irritants (including fragrance). It’s also silicone-free, non-comedogenic and non-whitening, despite its high concentration of zinc oxide.

• What it is: Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30 is a translucent sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizing makeup primer.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, isoamyl laurate, coconut alkanes, lethicin, glycerin, silica, rose extract.
• Editor’s notes: Packaged in a glass jar instead of a tube, this two-in-one sunscreen and primer creates the ideal base layer for makeup. It’s loaded with zinc oxide, hydrating botanicals, and a natural silicone alternative that creates a velvety texture. Once blended out, it becomes translucent, leaving you with a smooth, satin finish that plays perfectly with makeup (sans pilling). This formula is also fragrance-free and silicone-free.

• What it is: Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is a rich SPF face moisturizer that repairs damage, brightens and plumps, and is formulated for an active lifestyle.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, glycerin, shea butter, coco-caprylate, propanediol, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, peptides, ceramides, squalane.
• Editor’s notes: This water-resistant sunscreen treats the signs of aging while protecting your skin from the sun, blue light and pollution. Besides zinc oxide, it’s infused with copper peptides, probiotic-inspired peptides and ceramides to work on cellular repair, brightening and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s free of silicone and fragrance, gives skin a dewy finish, and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

• What it is: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 is a rich but non-greasy lotion that functions as a sunscreen, face moisturizer and makeup primer, and is also refillable.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Aloe, capric triglycerides, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, cucumber extract, astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid, algae extract, green tea extract.
• Editor’s notes: This three-in-one formula gives you sun protection, hydration and priming benefits, thanks to its natural blend of humectants, emollients and zinc oxide (and no silicone). Although it goes on white, it fades quickly to become transparent and dewy. It’s also refillable—so when you use it up, you can purchase an eco-friendly refill to insert in the canister.

• What it is: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 is a sheer sunscreen that delivers broad-spectrum protection and prevents free radical damage.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, pentylene glycol, glycerin, propanediol, fatty alcohol, silica, marula oil, aloe, seaweed extract, algae extract, sunflower sprout extract, grape juice extract.
• Editor’s notes: Before clean beauty became mainstream, this was one of the first mineral sunscreens to land at Sephora, and it’s still a solid option. It offers excellent protection, and is enriched with the brand’s signature marula oil plus an array of antioxidants. It’s also free of fragrance and essential oils, and low in silicone. It has a moisturizing but non-greasy cream texture, and leaves your skin with a slightly dewy sheen. 
• Also available: Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 is the tinted version of this formula.

• What it is: Naturally Serious Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 is a hydrating moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields skin from aging UV rays.
• Active ingredients: 19.03% zinc oxide, 4.28% titanium dioxide.
• Other ingredients: Ethyl macadamiate, capric triglycerides, saccharomyces ferment, coco-caprylate, octyldodecyl erucate, candelilla wax.
• Editor’s notes: Think of this product as both a highly protective sunscreen and a nourishing moisturizer. It has a thicker texture, but isn’t greasy or sticky, and it wards off UV rays with a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It’s also free of what the brand calls “B.A.D. ingredients” (banned, ambiguous or debatable), including silicones. Thanks to its sheer beige tint, it blends in to match most skin tones without any white cast.

• What it is: Ava Isa Sun-é-Serum Drops SPF 35 is a lightweight sunscreen serum that applies transparently on all skin tones.
• Active ingredient: 25% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coconut alkanes, coco-caprylate, safflower oleosomes, Micah.
• Editor’s notes: This formula is almost identical to the Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 (both were formulated by The Sunscreen Company), so it’s another option if you’re looking for an invisible sunscreen with the feel of a silky serum. It offers maximum sun protection, is made without fragrance or silicones, and is transparent and non-whitening on even deep skin tones. Bonus: It’s also spiked with Micah, an antioxidant that prevents free radicals before they are formed.

• What it is: Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer is a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturizer that hydrates and helps to prevent premature skin aging.
• Active ingredient: 20% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Aloe, capric triglycerides, apple juice, grape juice, vitamin E, vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate), hyaluronic acid, pomegranate juice, algae extract, cucumber extract, provitamin B5 (panthenol).
• Editor’s notes: This natural sunscreen lotion was specifically formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, and gives oil-free, silicone-free hydration. In addition to zinc oxide, it contains an array of antioxidant-rich botanicals that soothe and protect your skin from aging free radicals. It does have a white cast initially, but this fades after a few minutes, leaving a slightly dewy finish.

• What it is: Kinship Self Reflect Sport SPF 60 Triple Ceramide Moisturizing Sunscreen is a mega-hydrating moisturizing treatment and water-resistant sunscreen.
• Active ingredient: 24% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, butyloctyl salicylate, C13-15 alkane, candelilla wax, sunflower seed wax, shea nut extract, acerola cherry ferment, ceramides.
• Editor’s notes: This waterless formula was made for active days, when you’re sitting, sweating or swimming under the sun. Not only does it have a high concentration of zinc oxide, it gives you up to 80 full minutes of water-resistance. It’s also a great choice for dry skin, since it contains nourishing emollients (rather than silicones), plus three types of ceramides to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. 

• What it is: Cocokind Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 32 is a non-irritating daily sunscreen lotion that protects skin from UVA, UVB and pollution.
• Active ingredient: 21% zinc oxide.
• Other ingredients: Capric triglycerides, coconut alkanes, fatty alcohol, glycerin, aloe, argan oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, algae extract, plankton extract, rice starch.
• Editor’s notes: In addition to shielding your skin from the sun, this clean beauty formula is hydrating enough to replace your moisturizer. It’s packed with emollients, but the addition of rice starch gives it a soft, dewy feel without greasiness. It is also fragrance-free and silicone-free.