15 Mineral SPFs You’ll Actually Want to Wear All Year Long
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The best mineral sunscreens have come a long way from the chalky white formulas of the past. Along with new formulas that feel weightless and absorb nearly invisibly, many of these popular SPFs use zinc or titanium dioxide as key UV filters and are also packed with actives like peptides , vitamin C , and other beneficial skincare ingredients.
Our Top Picks:
Aside from being generally more environmentally friendly and reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them, there are several reasons why beauty enthusiasts may prefer mineral formulations over chemical ones. Mineral sunscreen tends to be gentler on sensitive skin and may provide a more effective barrier against the damaging effects of the sun. "It is important to check active ingredients in sunscreens, as some mineral sunscreens also contain chemical sunscreens, which are more likely to irritate sensitive skin," medical and cosmetic dermatologist Carmen Castilla tells Bazaar .
To help you narrow down some of the best mineral sunscreens to round out your suncare essentials, Castilla and Bazaar editors curated the following list of favorites—some of which can be used on the face and body. Whether you're looking for a tinted SPF to give you that no-makeup-makeup look or a more traditional formula that doesn't take forever to blend in, keep scrolling for a few of the best options from top brands like Shiseido , EltaMD , and more.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+
This skincare-infused SPF 60 sunscreen not only works for both your face and body, but also protects against UV rays using a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Its sheer mineral formula also aims to improve the skin's tone and texture after two weeks of use, and is ideal during outdoor activities.
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This SPF gem from EltaMD might be one of the most dermatologist-recommended sunscreens to date. It comes in both tinted and non-tinted versions, but either option blends well with all skin tones. The SPF moisturizer is also fragrance-free and loaded with hyaluronic acid to leave skin plump and radiant.
What Bazaar editors are saying:"If you talk to any derms—literally, any single one—they will probably recommend EltaMD sunscreens. They're just that good. The mineral formula is fragrance-free, and while it goes on a little white at first, if you properly rub it in, it does blend perfectly into skin. It's a formula you know you can trust—and that's all that really matters to me." — Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Dune Suncare The Mineral Melt SPF 30
Here's a mineral sunscreen that uses peptides to keep your skin firmer and plumper while protecting it against sun rays and other environmental elements. Plus, its velvety formula is non-comedogenic, and won't leave behind a white cast after it's rubbed in.
What Bazaar editors are saying:"As someone with acne-prone skin, I can confidently say that this mineral SPF from Dune Skincare is one of the best for anyone who regularly deals with breakouts. Its nourishing peptide formula not only blends into my skin seamlessly, but also happens to be oil-free." — Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor
Merit Beauty The Uniform
Bazaar editors are big fans of Merit's best-sellers, including this buzzy tinted mineral sunscreen. The formula is not only dermatologist-tested, but is also perfect for that no-makeup-makeup look, and guards against UV rays using SPF 45. And since the essential is non-comedogenic and oil-free, it works for just about any skin type.
What Bazaar editors are saying:"This sunscreen has truly become one of my go-to complexion products for summer, day or night. It is lightweight enough that it won't slide off my face during a hot, humid commute to the office, but still provides the perfect dose of coverage. The shades are super flexible, so I never worry about my face turning orange or any harsh demarcation lines on my neck. This is one skincare-makeup hybrid product that is definitely worth the hype." — Katie Intner, beauty market and commerce editor
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Castilla says that she's often more partial to tinted mineral sunscreens or non-tinted ones, like this hydrating option from CeraVe. Its formula uses ingredients like niacinamide to reduce irritation, along with hyaluronic acid to keep it plump. "The iron oxide that creates the tint in these sunscreens also blocks visible light. Visible light does not cause skin cancer, but it can cause hyperpigmentation or worsen conditions such as melasma. It is a helpful ingredient to maintain an even skin tone," notes the professional.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
If you can't stand the feeling of products on your face, allow us to introduce you to this featherweight SPF from Tatcha. And since the sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant, it's also ideal for warmer months.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This lightly tinted SPF is another of Castilla's top mineral picks. It blends seamlessly into almost any skin tone, leaving no visible cast. Along with guarding against UV rays, the sunscreen also helps give your skin a more luminous glow.
Neutrogena Ultra Transparent Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen
Actress Jennifer Garner counts this sheer SPF as one of her go-to skincare favorites. "In the morning, I work out, shower, and then put on Ultra Sheer face liquid mineral sunscreen SPF 70 and spray some SPF on my body," she previously told Bazaar . Along with fitting seamlessly in your bag, the sunscreen essential is also hypoallergenic and helps prevent sunburn.
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40
"Sunscreen has been proven to help prevent skin cancer, so for me, mineral sunscreen is key, and I'm madly in love with our Universal Glow," dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo previously explained about her brand's popular SPF 40, which has previously been named a Bazaar Skincare Award winner. In addition to UVA and UVB light protection, the favorite also guards against blue light and uses a universally blendable zinc formula that absorbs quickly.
Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop's fan-favorite Unseen Sunscreen also comes in a mineral version with an SPF 40 and antioxidant protection by way of bamboo extract. Its cloud-like formula is sheer and fragrance-free, and nicely doubles as a grippy primer ahead of makeup application.
Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Serum
This sun serum from Undefined Beauty is hands down one of the easiest-to-blend mineral sunscreens around, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around for touch-ups. Since its formula adjusts to your undertones, you won't have to worry about it lingering on your skin once it's applied. Plus, it also contains skincare ingredients like tremella mushroom for deep hydration, along with niacinamide to refine pores and improve brightness.
U Beauty Multimodal Transparent Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25
U Beauty makes some pretty powerful skin resurfacing formulas, so it's fitting that it also has a high-performing SPF to use in tandem. What's more, this one also doubles as a makeup primer, combining ingredients like pongamia pinnata seed extract, clary sage, and vitamin C to brighten skin's tone, even its texture, and leave behind a blurred, smooth finish.
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Here's an SPF option that provides head-to-toe sun protection, since its formula is optimized for both face and body. The multitasking face-and-body SPF 30 formula blocks harmful rays and blurs imperfections, featuring a peach-tinted formula that won't leave a ghostly residue on your skin.
Kinship Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 32
Here's another lightweight SPF that not only helps keep your skin protected against the elements but also against the environment too. Dodson Davis also counts this hydrating sunscreen from Kinship as another of her all-time favorite mineral picks.
What Bazaar editors are saying:"Kinship's Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen absorbs quickly without a white cast, and nicely uses plant-based pre-probiotic technology to strengthen the skin barrier as you wear it." — TDD
Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30
Bazaar editors are big fans of Vacation's buzzy SPF staples, and its non-nano mineral lotion is another broad-spectrum essential that's made its way to our beach bags. It combines hydrating shea butter and soothing niacinamide to keep skin protected for up to 80 minutes per wear.
FAQs
Meet the Experts:
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Dr. Carmen Castilla is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist practicing at New York Dermatology Group.
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