There are quite a few reasons why some of us may gravitate towards mineral sunscreens as our go-to form of SPF. Unlike their chemical counterparts, mineral formulas (also known as physical sunscreens) are known to be much more gentle on the skin, making them a safe choice for those with sensitive skin.
As someone who’s tired of eye-stinging SPF formulas that may flare up my skin or cause irritation, I’ve always struggled to find a quality sun cream that won’t force me to wash it off almost immediately. That is until multiple dermatologists suggested that I try mineral sunscreens.
I won’t deny the charm of chemical sunscreens for face. They’re convenient, easy to apply and, most importantly, they don’t tend to give you that dreaded white cast. That said, after having used mineral SPF iterations, I don’t think I can ever go back. The formulas no longer irritate my sensitive skin (or my eyes), while still offering broad spectrum protection on a daily basis. So far, my favourite has to be the La Roche-Posday Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50+ (I know, an absolute tongue-twister).
One catch? Not all mineral sunscreens are made equal. Some may not work well with oily and acne-prone skin types, while others can be stickier than others. Luckily, I’ve done all the hard work for you and have shortlisted all the best formulas that are worth considering – with the help of dermatologists, of course. Here’s everything you need to know, plus more expert advice and insight into mineral SPFs.
Best mineral sunscreens at a glance – our top picks:
- Best mineral sunscreen overall: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen, £36, Space NK
- Best mineral sunscreen for all skin types: Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+, £34, Cult Beauty
- Best mineral sunscreen for oily skin: Supergoop! Mineral Matte Screen, £35, Cult Beauty
- Best mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50+, £21.90, LookFantastic
Meet the experts:
- Dr Lukian Radmila, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
- Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics,
- Dr Yuliya Krasnaya – Dermatologist at Evoclinic.
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics
Mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens – which sunscreen is better for your skin?
“The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun's rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light, and they don't absorb into the skin,” shares Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, a dermatologist at Evoclinic.
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“Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
“It's important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences," adds Dr Radmila.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens use UV filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate to sink into your skin and prevent harmful UV light from causing sun damage. That’s not to say that mineral sunscreens don’t offer optimal broad-spectrum protection. In fact, they do a fine job of deflecting blue light, UVB and UVA rays, the latter of which are responsible for pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen.
How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
The easiest way to tell the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is to check the ingredients label on the bottle. “Identifying whether a sunscreen is mineral or chemical can be determined by examining its list of active ingredients,” explains Dr Yuliya. “Mineral sunscreens contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on the skin's surface and reflecting or scattering UV rays.”
“In contrast, chemical sunscreens feature organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat,” adds Dr Yuliya.
Keep reading to check out our full edit of all the best mineral sunscreens…
Why we love it: Protecting your complexion from UVA and UVB rays has never been easier, thanks to this lightweight formula from Summer Fridays. It's nourishing, filled to the brim with vitamins and antioxidants and can even help prevent signs of premature ageing. Plus, did we mention it's also ocean- and reef-friendly?
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Why we love it: Australian brands are simply the best when it comes to sunscreen. Ideal for all skin types, this broad spectrum mineral sunscreen provides SPF 50 protection as well as a matte finish without leaving you with chalky white residue all over your body. It also contains kakadu plum, which helps protect the skin against free radicals, while pentavitin hydrates your skin with every reapplication.
Why we love it: Looking for something that can protect your skin from UV rays while also helping keep excess oil at bay? Say no more. This zinc-powered mattifying lotion SPF acts as a primer and can act as a makeup primer by smoothening your skin and helping to blur out enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation.
Save more when you shop for the best mineral sunscreens using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: With a lightweight and silky formulation, this tinted sunscreen for your face contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which hydrate dry skin and help give it a more healthy appearance. Suitable for sensitive skin, blends easily and comes available in a range of tints.
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Why we love it: Made with 100% naturally-sourced zinc oxide, this face sunscreen has a broad spectrum formula that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays. Not only is it perfect for your delicate facial skin, but it's also fragrance-free, parabens-free and free from dyes, phthalates and any irritating chemicals.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Why we love it: When it comes to skincare products designed for sensitive skin, nobody does it better than La Roche-Posay. This lightweight mineral sun cream applies like a dream and leaves a non-greasy and ultra-dry protective veil on your skin. Suitable for all skin tones, particularly sensitive and combination skin. One of the best sunscreens and has been approved by board-certified dermatologists.
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Why we love it: If you're looking for a mineral face sunscreen that you can apply on the go relatively quickly and easily, then this is the one for you. This mineral powder is perfect for helping set your makeup in place while also applying a layer of sun protection. All you have to do is tap it on your face and buff it out with the included brush – easy peasy.
Save more when you shop for the best mineral sunscreens using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: This gel-cream mineral sunscreen has a water-resistant formula that glides onto your skin with ease and absorbs quickly. The best part is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. Plus, it also contains ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin E and antioxidants that help brighten and hydrate your complexion.
Why we love it: People with skin that's prone to breakouts will agree that applying an overly cakey defence SPF is a nightmare, especially if you're trying to avoid acne. Thankfully, this gentle sun cream from Kiehl's has a lightweight formula that's filled to the brim with antioxidants to protect your skin while moisturizing and enhancing your natural complexion.
Why we love it: This nourishing milk has a non-greasy, water-resistant and reef-safe formula that's perfect for keeping your skin well-protected from sun exposure throughout the warmer months of the year. It's also infused with kukui nut, guava and coconut, which keep your skin moisturised while also providing the scent and feel of a Hawaiian holiday.
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Why we love it: Sure, the smell of sun cream does remind us of summer, but it's also not the best when all your clothes smell like it 24/7. This unscented sunscreen from Ultrasun alleviates that problem while also providing heavy-duty protection. 10/10 would recommend.
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Why we love it: Lightweight and so comfortable to wear, you'll forget you applied it in the first place (but don't actually forget to apply and reapply…). This mineral sunscreen SPF from Clinique has a pleasant, fast-absorbing and oil-free formula that is gentle enough to use in the undereye area.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Why we love it: Infused with the natural goodness of aloe vera, this hydrating sun cream helps block out harmful sun rays while also protecting you from environmental aggressors such as pollution. Suitable for all skin types and doesn't leave any stickiness or greasy residue.
Why we love it: Thanks to naturally derived zinc, this sunscreen lotion helps deliver broad-spectrum protection while staying gentle enough to be used daily. The best part? It leaves your skin looking dewy, glowy, and hydrated – the dream, honestly.
Why we love it: A weightless face lotion that enhances your skin's natural tone and elevates its overall radiance. Yes, please. Suitable for all skin types, it provides a high level of sun protection while also helping create a more even skin tone.
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Why we love it: Designed for those with very sensitive skin, this gentle mineral sun lotion is infused with thermal water to offer a pleasant soothing effect. It's fragrance-free and water-resistant, too.
Why we love it: This broad spectrum sunscreen offers clean protection from UVA and UVB rays, thanks to a mattifying formula that boasts naturally derived zinc oxide as well as rich antioxidants that boost your skin's natural defences against free radicals.
What are the cons of chemical sunscreens?
In the past, governing bodies such as the FDA have expressed some concerns regarding the long-term effects of (some, not all) chemical filters. Plus, chemical sunscreens may potentially irritate sensitive, acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.
Why do I need to use sunscreen in the first place?
According to Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, “90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays.” In fact, Dr Christine told us that her best skincare-related advice to anyone is to “use SPF every single day, all year around."
Using some form of daily SPF will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce risk of skin cancer too. Even if you have a darker skin tone, ensuring that your skin is well protected is of the utmost importance. Make sure to grab something that's at least SPF 30 – better yet, go for SPF 40 or SPF 50 for maximum protection.
What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?
Dr Radmila shares that “mineral SPF is more heat-resistant and tends to last longer than chemical sunscreen,” making it an excellent choice for a beachside holiday.
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Mineral sunscreens are also generally considered safe for most people, including those who are pregnant or have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. However, Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, still recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatology expert before using any skincare product if you have a particular skin concern.
"When shopping for mineral sunscreens, look for those that are labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘hypoallergenic’, which are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions."
Looking for ways to improve your sun care and skincare routine to better protect yourself this summer? Check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best sunscreen sticks, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. You can also take a look at our edits of the best body moisturisers and body lotions and best vitamin C serums.
For more shoppable skincare, makeup, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
