Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. These minerals sit on the skin’s surface...
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. These minerals sit on the skin’s surface and block UV rays, while chemical filters absorb them. Mineral formulas start protecting as soon as you apply them and are less likely to sting...

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. These minerals sit on the skin’s surface and block UV rays, while chemical filters absorb them. Mineral formulas start protecting as soon as you apply them and are less likely to sting or irritate. That makes them a favorite for sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin, as well as after in-office treatments. Today’s formulas blend in sheer or come in flattering tints that even out skin tone, without the thick white cast of older mineral sunscreens. Need help choosing? See our picks for the best mineral sunscreens.

Our mineral sunscreen collection features dermatologist-trusted formulas from EltaMD, SkinCeuticals, Colorescience, La Roche-Posay, ISDIN, SkinMedica, and MDSolarSciences. Choose from daily face sunscreens, tinted formulas, brush-on powders, body and sport sunscreens, and lip and eye protection. Mineral SPF is especially helpful for sensitive skin, rosacea, and post-procedure skin. Apply it generously as the last step of your morning routine, and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.

Mineral Sunscreens — Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and block UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use filters like avobenzone, and octinoxate, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Mineral formulas work as soon as you apply them and tend to be gentler, while chemical formulas often feel lighter and blend more easily. Both protect your skin when used correctly, and our picks for the best mineral sunscreens can help you find the right one.

Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

Mineral sunscreen is usually the best choice for sensitive skin, because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to cause stinging, redness, or allergic reactions than chemical filters. Zinc oxide also has calming properties, which makes it a go-to for rosacea, eczema, and skin recovering from treatments like lasers or peels. Look for fragrance-free formulas such as EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Sunscreen for the gentlest protection. Browse more options in our sunscreen for sensitive skin collection.

Does mineral sunscreen leave a white cast?

Older mineral sunscreens often left a chalky white cast, but today’s formulas are much sheerer and easier to blend. Tinted mineral sunscreens are the best way to avoid a white cast entirely, especially on medium and deep skin tones. They also even out redness and discoloration for a natural, skin-perfecting finish. Find your shade in our tinted sunscreens collection, or see our guide to the best sunscreens for dark skin tones.

Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen?

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen ingredients the FDA has proposed to classify as generally recognized as safe and effective. That proposal came in 2019, when the FDA asked manufacturers for more safety data on most chemical filters. More data being requested doesn’t mean chemical sunscreens are unsafe, and wearing any sunscreen is far better than wearing none. Many people choose mineral formulas during pregnancy, for children, or simply for peace of mind. Learn more about how SPF protects against skin cancer.