Mineral sunscreen is typically thicker than chemical ones and it can occasionally cause breakouts if you're acne-prone, but this lightweight formula is non-comedogenic and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Doesnt make you look dry, smallest amount of glow but not oil and my pores look smaller. What else to consider: The tinted version does have a significant color, and though it claims to be universal, some (including myself) find it to be too dark and orange-toned. Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. All of them were independently selected by our editors. There's some concern over whether those chemicals can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they could interfere with hormones, especially in pregnant people or young children, said Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a board-certified dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center. In general, zinc oxide is preferred for its ability to block all kinds of UV rays, while titanium dioxide has difficulties blocking UVA rays (the ones that accelerate skin aging). Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. You can buy Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen from Amazon for around $18. Its a gentle lotion that should be safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin, which is why Bordone called it out as one of the best drugstore brands to try. Theres also a rose-infused option if you prefer more of a floral vibe. Subscribe to GQ for more Recommends content. It also delivers antioxidant-rich Vitamin C and green tea for added defense against skin-aging pollutants. What else to consider: Reviewers note that it is harder to blend than other non-mineral options, which is to be expected, and can leave a white cast if youre not willing to rub it in quite thoroughly. Its fragrance-free, paraben-free, nontoxic, and vegan. Luckily, they've come a long way in the past decade and many mineral formulas have a nice, clean finish now. This type of sunscreen helps form a physical barrier between your skin and the sun's rays. It delivers a 20% non-nano zinc coat to the skin, and, should the FDA let brands advertise their water resistance beyond 80 minutes (that's the legal cap these days), thinksport's would probably endure longest. It also damaged coral DNA, preventing them from reproducing or leading to deformed offspring. It's foremost a facial sunscreen, but is terrific across the body if you go liberal with it. But Neutrogena comes in clutch with a broad spectrum SPF 50 mineral sunscreen thats non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and free of parabens and fragrances like so many of the other pricier formulas on this list. Another brand recommended by Kenkare for tinted mineral sunscreen, this SkinCeuticals option protects with broad-spectrum 50 SPF while evening skin tone and boosting radiance with a universal tint. I use this sunscreen along with the ordinary niacinamide serum. What else to consider: Since this is only SPF 30, make sure youre using plenty per Kenkares recommendation to ensure that youre getting the coverage you need. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. "This product is incredibly sheer. Yes, these brands are using natural sunscreen, but its a stretch to call it natural when it also utilizes chemical ingredientswhich is what many consumers are trying to avoid. Opting for a mineral sunscreen may also be a better way to protect your skin too, although there are some pros and cons. Heat can exacerbate the condition, according to Bordone. Kenkare also specifically recommended La Roche-Posay for its mineral sunscreens. Kenkare also noted that the SPF for mineral sunscreens usually maxes out at 50, which should be fine for the majority of people. Kinship uses a plant-based probiotic blend to support a clear, strong skin barrier with gentle, purely mineral UVA/UVB protection. What else to consider: If you like the brand and want to go with a mineral option without risking a white cast, the tinted Mineral Mattescreen may be the way to go. But the dangers of sun exposure remain, which presents a bit of a conundrum. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Mineral sunscreens can be layered on top of your other skin care products (like serums and moisturizers) with one caveat, of course. Biossance's is an easy application, no cast, and delivers a 14% non-nano zinc coverage. Sometimes applying sunscreen is as easy as swiping it on. While Biebers beloved tinted moisturizer is a great everyday option for SPF coverage, this sunscreen is better for beach days or any serious sun exposure since its water-resistant and has a slightly higher SPF. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. I am a huge fan of Biossance products, so I was thrilled to see that the company came out with a sheer mineral sunscreen. Despite its name, this powerhouse sunscreen isn't just for kiddos. The primary protective ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide with some turmeric for moisturizing and soothing. The non-nano ones stay squarely atop the skin. They can also help minimize pigment changes that you see in things like sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring, or melasma, Kenkare said. You can buy La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid from Amazon for around $35. Best for: normal to dry skin in need of dewy SPF with a luminous finish bordering on tint. Some of the potential downsides of mineral sunscreen is that it may not last as long on the skin and wash off easily (so you need to reapply more frequently) and the texture, which can sometimes be thicker and harder to rub into your skin. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this dermatologist-approved mineral sunscreen absorbs quickly and remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Sobel swears by Neutrogena's lightweight SPF 50, which is made with Purescreen, a blend of naturally sourced titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. My skin is pretty sensitive and this doesnt bother it at all. beatriceg17 via Ulta. This sunblock prevented sunburn completely. But when it comes time to choose, you're left to choose from a plethora of options that have labels and claims you may have never heard of before. Chemical sunscreens convert UVB light to heat, she said. And DERMA-E's is exactly that, while also shielding skin in a lightweight 20% non-nano zinc blanket. Best for: dry, sensitive, or redness-prone skin that needs hydrating mineral SPF protection without a tint or white cast. The company makes The Glow Screen and Unseen Sunscreen, which are both great, but Mineral Sheerscreen and the tinted Mineral Mattescreen are the only options that are fully mineral. You can buy Supergoop! The good news? Loaded with clean ingredients like shea and cocoa butters, organic aloe and a blend of apple, strawberry and kiwi extracts, this mineral sunscreen is almost good enough to eat. Granted, you are paying a hefty price for the quality, but it may be worth it if youre struggling with redness, allergies, or easily irritated skin. No sunscreen roundup would be complete without Supergoop! The finish gives me a nice glow and I often blend it with the foundation just because it is so light to layer. Patricia O. via Verishop. If you've ever wondered what a mineral sunscreen is and whether or not you should use one, you're not alone. I have its tinted daily moisturizer with SPF in a shade thats a bit too dark for my winter skin, but I love using it in the summer for subtle, smoothing sun protection (it comes in a wide variety of shades that should match any skin tone). Promising Review: Ive tried a number of mineral sunscreens and this is my favorite by far. Plus, it's non-comedogenic so it won't cause breakouts! To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. You can buy EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 from Amazon for around $39. "It's a great option for those who want mineral sunscreen protection and some tint while going makeup-free," Anolik said. Not only is it grease- and mess-free, but it can be applied to hard-to-navigate areas that need extra sun protection like your scalp, hairline and shoulders. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, so make sure to reapply as necessary. Its very calming to skin. Joan Kaczmarek. After all, there are no geysers of naturally-occurring sunscreen ready to be bottled, right? Free standard shipping on all orders at Tuckernuck, Redeem Moda Operandi coupon code to save 15% off your first Trunkshow purchase, Get 15% off for Boscov's credit card purchase with a coupon, SiriusXM coupon: pay $1 only on your first subscription, Up to 80% off select perfumes at FragranceX, 2022 Cond Nast. Promising review: I have very fair, sensitive skin and suffer from melasma. "Zinc also contains natural antimicrobial agents for acne-prone skin, and is commonly used to treat and prevent various skin conditions," Aguilar said. Kenkare said that an early solution was to make them tinted, like the one that she uses every day as someone with brown skin who doesnt want to look like a ghost. While there are some great tinted mineral sunscreens, not everyone wants the addition of color to their sunscreen. Contact Loren Cecil at loren.cecil@buzzfeed.com. Thats because the body absorbs the chemicals. You can buy SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 from Dermstore for around $35. You can buy Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen from Amazon for around $30. It doesnt leave a white sheen, absorbs well, and best of all it does not dry out my already dry skin. The right mineral sunscreen for you may depend on your skin tone and how youre using it, and there are now tons of great options on the market to keep your skin and the coral reefs safe. You can buy Paulas Choice CALM SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer from Amazon for around $30. The problem is that those chemicals can be found in most options youll find in the sunscreen section at the drugstore. This option from Aveeno is designed with sensitive skin in mind, is sweat- and water-resistant and can be used on the face and body. Having melasma, it is not advised to use chemical sunscreens so I had to find a mineral. (Preventing sunburns and sun damage, however, can help lower your skin cancer risk, so they have a clear benefit there.). It blends into the skin seamlessly, leaving a soft, clean and dewy finish, Sobel said. Stick sunscreens can help keep you protected without the mess that comes from using traditional liquid forms. Keep in mind that just because a label says its reef-safe or non-toxic doesnt mean theyre completely chemical-free. Best for: reliable mineral sun protection ideally for fairer skin unless you dont mind a ghostly face.