Find the best mineral sunscreen for your skin to stay happy, healthy, and burn-free this summer.
Now that summer is here and the sun is shining, you’re going to need to protect your precious skin from its harmful rays. But no two sunscreens are alike; some are much better for your skin than others.
One type, mineral sunscreen, has been hailed as an excellent option for people who want to avoid putting harmful chemicals on their skin, as it’s made from natural ingredients. But what is mineral sunscreen, and what brands and options are best? We’re here to help you find your perfect match.
What is Mineral Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens skip the use of harmful chemicals to block the sun and utilize natural ingredients instead, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of both.
Unlike chemical-based sunscreens, which protect your skin by absorbing into it without diverting the sun’s rays, mineral sunscreens do the opposite. They sit on the skin, creating a barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays away from your body, so they have no chance to absorb into the skin and cause damage.
There are several benefits associated with using mineral sunscreen over chemical-based options:
- It’s safe on the skin and reduces the likelihood of developing irritation
- It protects against UVB and UVA rays as long as it’s broad-spectrum
- It’s safer for those with acne-prone skin
- It’s more convenient for daily use because it’s lighter and goes on invisible, unlike a lot of chemical sunscreens
- Many mineral sunscreens will also come tinted, so you can wear them on their own or with makeup and still get the same level of sun protection
Here are 10 of the best mineral sunscreens you can find online right now, according to reviewers:
Sun Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen (This link opens in a new tab)
Reviewers are raving about Sun Bum’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen because of its light scent, easy application, and ability to leave the skin feeling soft. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen also gives the skin a subtle glow, so you’ll look sun-kissed without having to worry about harming your skin.
Australian Gold SPF 50 Botanical Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (This link opens in a new tab)
The Australian Gold SPF 50 Botanical Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a standout. It has over 700 5-star reviews, with people loving it for its natural-looking tint, easy application, and the fact that it moisturizes the skin while offering good UVB and UVA protection. It also contains botanical ingredients such as eucalyptus and red algae to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors other than the sun. There are three colour options: fair to light, medium to tan, and rich to deep to suit all skin tones.
Hawaiian Tropic SPF 30 Weightless Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (This link opens in a new tab)
When you think of Hawaiian Tropic, your mind might go to the suntan lotions of your childhood, but they have stepped up their sun protection game in a big way with the Weightless Mineral Sunscreen lotion. The broad-spectrum 30 SPF lotion is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, made with 100% mineral actives and no fillers or chemicals, and has a tropical scent that screams summertime. According to reviewers, it also hydrates the skin, doesn’t cause breakouts, and offers the best bang for your buck.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.