When it comes to your face, you already know that daily sunscreen is essential to shield your skin from sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. But if you're not using a mineral sunscreen, with the right concentration of active ingredients, you're probably getting less protection than you think.

Of the 16 different sunscreen filters used in the US, the FDA regards only the mineral ones—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—to be "GRASE" (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective). The other, chemical sunscreen filters (including avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule) were recently delisted.

Also consider that zinc oxide is the single most effective ingredient available for filtering out UVA rays. Not only does UVA account for more than 90 percent of the UV light that reaches our skin, it is also highly carcinogenic and the culprit behind sun-related skin damage.

That's why I've put together the ultimate guide to the best mineral sunscreens, and how to choose the right one for you.

Whether you prefer sheer or tinted, matte or dewy, there are more mineral formulas to choose from than ever before!

What to Look for in a Mineral Sunscreen

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

• High in zinc oxide: To get full broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB, you have two choices. You can look for a formula that contains at least 20 percent zinc oxide on its own. Alternatively, a combination of 15 to 20 percent zinc oxide along with at least five percent 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. So they shouldn't be present in high quantities—I avoid them in the first five ingredients, which typically make up about 80 percent 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: Since they're a common cause of irritation, fragrances and essential oils are best to be avoided or at least limited, especially if you have sensitive skin. 
• Low in silicones: Although it's a matter of personal preference rather than safety or efficacy, I prefer to avoid silicones because they congest and dehydrate my skin (not to mention I dislike how they look and feel!). 
• Water-resistant: If you plan to swim or sweat a lot, you may want a water-resistant sunscreen. Just keep in mind that many brands don't make this claim, even if their products are water-resistant, because they have to pay to perform the test.
• Reef-safe: Mineral sunscreen ingredients will not do damage to coral reefs. 

To make your shopping decisions easier, I've noted which of these features are applicable to the products below, along with their cruelty-free status. 

The Best Mineral Sunscreens

Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 33 is a non-greasy, oil-free formula that ticks off all my sunscreen boxes. In addition to its high concentration of zinc oxide, it has four percent niacinamide to reduce redness, minimize pores and fortify the skin barrier. Artichoke leaf and turmeric extracts up the antioxidant protection.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32 has a light, non-greasy texture plus a subtle beige tint to camouflage uneven tone and prevent a white cast. The addition of probiotics helps to support a healthy skin barrier.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Acne-prone skin.

EleVen by Venus On-the-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: EleVen by Venus On-the-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is unlike any lotion sunscreen you've tried, thanks to an innovative collaboration between Venus Williams, Credo Beauty and The Sunscreen Company. With the maximum concentration of zinc oxide, it offers the highest possible UV protection, but is invisible on all skin tones, with a non-greasy feel. I just find it takes a little more work to blend out—but it's totally worth it.
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 is an ingenious weightless formula that's perfect for people who hate sunscreen. It has the texture of an ultra-lightweight liquid serum, which disappears on your skin—imparting zero texture or colour. That means it is transparent even on dark skin tones.
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a gentle and super affordable formulation for babies and adults alike. It protects skin from head to toe with zinc oxide in a lightweight base of coconut fatty acids, squalane oil and glycerin. Once applied, its white hue disappears, even on darker tones.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen is an ultra-light formula that feels great on the skin. It has a matte finish, and contains rice starch to minimize pores and absorb excess oil. On my fair skin, I have not noticed any white cast whatsoever.
• Active ingredient: 22 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to oily skin.

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 is an all-natural sunscreen with a slightly thicker but non-sticky texture. Once it dries down, it becomes matte and clear, while also priming the skin for makeup application. Like all the brand's products, it is made in small batches every 10 to 12 weeks for maximum freshness and potency.
• Active ingredient: 23 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal, dry and sensitive skin.

Thinksport Everyday Face SPF 30+

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Water-resistant ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Thinksport Everyday Face SPF 30+ not only has a great price point, it also offers high protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Unlike most affordable sunscreens, it's not loaded with silicones, nor does it feel heavy on the skin. The finish is slightly dewy, with a sheer tint that should blend seamlessly with all skin tones.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer gives you oil-free hydration plus sun protection. Its blend of plant-based ingredients (which includes aloe, apple juice and coconut fatty acids) leaves skin with a slightly dewy finish. I've found that it has a white cast initially, but it fades after a few minutes. 
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Acne-prone skin.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30 is an anti-aging CC cream and sunscreen. Choose between five shades (ranging from light to deep), which deliver sheer coverage and a dewy glow. Meanwhile, vitamin C and plant-derived stem cells help to correct signs of sun damage.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer offers the benefits of a sunscreen and a tinted BB cream in one. There are three shades, as well as a sheer version, and all give light coverage with a dewy finish. The downside? The shade range doesn't cater to deep tones (try the brand's Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30 instead).
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Cocokind Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 32

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Cocokind Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 32 is lightweight and non-greasy, thanks to rice starch, which absorbs excess sebum. While the zinc oxide shields skin from UV rays, the algae and plankton extracts deliver additional antioxidant protection.
• Active ingredient: 21 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 is ideal if you're seeking sun protection and tinted coverage in one. There are 15 shades to suit all skin tones, including options for warm, cool and neutral undertones. The coverage level is light but buildable.
• Active ingredients: 20 percent zinc oxide and two percent titanium dioxide.
• Best for: Normal, dry and oily skin.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 is a lightweight cream sunscreen enriched with an array of antioxidants. Initially, it can seem a bit whitening, but I've found that goes away—at least on light skin—as it sets. The finish is slightly dewy, and unlike most of the brand's other products, it does not break me out.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal skin.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 gives you the same protection as the brand's original sunscreen, but in a sheer tint. While it doesn't offer coverage, it eliminates any whitening effect, and would be suitable for medium to deep skin tones. (Fair skin will find it too warm and dark.)
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal skin.

Naturally Serious Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Naturally Serious Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 provides maximum protection thanks to its combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It's a tinted lotion that is suitable for light to medium tones, and gives sheer coverage while eliminating the usual white cast. However, for deeper complexions, it likely won't be dark enough.
• Active ingredients: 25 percent zinc oxide and four percent titanium dioxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 30 treats the signs of aging while it protects your face from sun. Copper peptides, ceramides, antioxidants and squalane are some of the key ingredients in this formula that work on cellular repair and hydration. You're also getting 40 minutes of water-resistance.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 is one of your cleaner options, made with emollients like coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba esters. It has a thick but non-oily texture, and once it dries down, the white cast dissipates and the finish is semi-matte.
• Active ingredient: 19.5 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30 both primes and protects, using a blend of moisturizing botanical ingredients. Housed in a pot, this sunscreen has a thicker texture and a semi-matte finish, and its white cast tends to disappear once blended out. It also plays perfectly with makeup, without causing the pilling that often occurs with other sunscreens. 
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal skin.

Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is a multitasking BB cream, primer, hydrator and tinted sunscreen. It comes in four shades, however, they only range from fair to medium, with no options for darker tones. The coverage is light—just enough to even out imperfections, with a dewy finish.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 acts as a makeup primer, moisturizer and mineral sunscreen. The zinc oxide protects your skin as the aloe, coconut fatty acids, glycerin and castor oil deliver rich but non-greasy hydration. Just be aware that it does require blending to reduce the white cast.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

The Inkey List SPF 30 Sunscreen

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe

• Details: The Inkey List SPF 30 Sunscreen promises not to pill when you layer it over other skincare products or underneath makeup. It also boasts one percent Pollustop, a polysaccharide that protects from pollutants. The rest of the ingredients list includes glycerin and shea butter for moisture, and silica for a matte finish.
• Active ingredient: 22 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Low-silicone ✓Water-resistant ✓Reef-safe

• Details: Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ promises very high protection in a lightweight formula with a matte finish. This one is best for fair to medium skin tones, since it tends to be whitening (due to the titanium dioxide). You're also getting up to 80 minutes of water-resistance.
• Active ingredients: 14.6 percent zinc oxide and 11.4 percent titanium dioxide.
• Best for: All skin.

Kerstin Florian Correcting Multi-Vitamin Day Crème SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Low-silicone ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Kerstin Florian Correcting Multi-Vitamin Day Crème SPF 30 can be used as both a sunscreen and an anti-aging daytime moisturizer. The formula features vitamin C to brighten, vitamin B5 to hydrate, and vitamin E to quench free radicals. Just be aware that it can be a bit whitening until it sinks into the skin.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Block Island Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Block Island Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 can be used on both your face and body to ward off UV damage. The mostly natural formula is comprised of ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate without greasiness.
• Active ingredient: 22 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal, dry and oily skin.

CoTZ Sensitive SPF 40

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Water-resistant ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: CoTZ Sensitive SPF 40 is a gentle formulation made without fragrances or preservatives. It's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and is quite hydrating, with a slightly dewy finish.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Sensitive skin.

Akt Therapy D-Luxe Daily Bronzer SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Akt Therapy D-Luxe Daily Bronzer SPF 30 protects you from UV while it gives your skin a natural-looking bronze tint. Besides zinc, this minimalistic formula is comprised of natural hydrating ingredients (think: olive oil, beeswax and vitamin E).
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Face Shade Coconut Glow SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Water-resistant ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Face Shade Coconut Glow SPF 30 gives your skin an instant bronzey tint. That makes it perfect for medium to dark skin (or light skin if you like a tanned look), with zero white cast. You're also getting up to 80 minutes of water-resistance. 
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal skin.

Ava Isa Sun-é-Serum Drops SPF 35

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Ava Isa Sun-é-Serum Drops SPF 35 is a weightless, transparent serum with the maximum level of sun protection. As almost the same formula as EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 (both were made by The Sunscreen Company), it is transparent on all skin tones, and feels like you've got nothing on your skin. Bonus: This version also includes Micah, an antioxidant that prevents free radicals before they are formed.
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

CyberDerm Every Morning Sun Whip SPF 30

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Fragrance-free ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: CyberDerm Every Morning Sun Whip SPF 30 was recently reformulated—so now it has more of the active ingredient, a higher SPF number, and a weightless, invisible texture. (It's actually identical to EleVen by Venus On-the-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, just different branding.) Although it is more work to blend, you're getting a lightweight lotion that becomes completely transparent and semi-matte on all skin tones.
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: All skin.

CyberDerm Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: CyberDerm Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is one of the most protective options, thanks to patented Bio UVA Ultra (which increases the UVA protection) and antioxidant-rich Norwegian spruce extract. It comes in a sheer nude-beige tint with a dewy finish, so it could easily replace a light-coverage foundation. 
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

CyberDerm Simply Zinc Lite Untinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

✓High-zinc ✓Low-PUFA ✓Fragrance-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: CyberDerm Simply Zinc Lite Untinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and untinted version of the original Simply Zinc Ultra. It offers the same incredible level of protection, with the help of Bio UVA Ultra and Norwegian spruce extract. Although it goes on white, I find it becomes invisible after a few moments of blending.
• Active ingredient: 25 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 31

✓High-zinc ✓PUFA-free ✓Silicone-free ✓Reef-safe ✓Cruelty-free

• Details: Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 31 is a 100 percent natural face and body sunscreen made with coconut fatty acids and plant-derived emollients. It has an ever-so-slight tint that won't show up on your skin, but helps to eliminate a white cast. The texture is on the thicker side, but it doesn't feel heavy and the finish is matte.
• Active ingredient: 20 percent zinc oxide.
• Best for: Normal skin.

Shop Editor’s Picks

What's your favourite mineral sunscreen?
Have you tried any of these formulas?