10 Best Mineral Sunscreens (Review) In 2022

- The Best Mineral Sunscreen
- 1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
- 2. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
- 3. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 70
- 4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid
- 5. EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
- 6. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- 7. Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- 8. Goddess Garden - Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
- 9. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen
- 10. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
After the long cold months of winter, everyone wants to spend as much time as possible enjoying the warmer days of spring and summer. Spending time outdoors is good for the mind, body, and soul but it’s not without a few hassles as well. Sunburn is the greatest plight of sun-seekers all over the world and if you have pale, sensitive skin, you know how your skin will react to long hours in the sun.
Sunburn is no laughing matter. Apart from turning most sufferers a bright, glowing shade of red, it can also be incredibly painful. Depending on the degree of your sunburn, the pain and discomfort can last for several days and this is followed by the inevitable peeling and flaking of skin. When you are hit by such a nasty case of sunburn, the new skin underneath will be even more sensitive and susceptible to harmful UV rays.
The best way to treat sunburn is to not get burned in the first place. Staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing is one way to avoid a nasty sunburn, but for those who want to enjoy the gorgeous weather, the best option is to apply sun protection creams and lotions, such as mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens work much like ordinary ones, but they use natural minerals instead of chemicals. The best mineral sunscreens will protect your skin this summer without the negative effects of chemicals so check out this selection for the best one for your skin.
The Best Mineral Sunscreen
1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Oil-free EltaMD UV Clear facial sunscreen
Zinc oxide broad spectrum coverage
Protects against UVA and UVB rays from the sun
Suitable for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin
Dermatologist recommended
Fragrance & Paraben-free
Take care of the sensitive skin on your face this summer with EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen. This zinc oxide sunscreen has a broad-spectrum coverage that is ideal for protecting skin that is delicate or prone to acne. It can shield your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun and all without harmful chemicals, fragrances, or paraben. This is the sunscreen that is recommended by leading dermatologists so even the fairest among us can enjoy fun in the sun without worrying about sun damage.
2. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

100% Mineral Filter Sunscreen
Made with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
Contains ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid
Allergy tested & gentle on skin
Developed with Dermatologists
Universal tint for all skin tones
For protection from the sun with a seamless finish for all skin types and tones, CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 is a great mineral sunscreen. This is a 100% mineral filter sunscreen that has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients. It also contains nourishing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Facial skin is incredibly sensitive, especially when it is exposed for hours to the harmful rays of the sun. Keep your skin supple and protected while maintaining a healthy glow. This universal tinted cream blends perfectly for all skin tones and it is also allergy tested so you can be certain it will be gentle on your skin. Developed with dermatologists, this is a product you can use all year round to prevent sunburn and dry skin.
3. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 70

Made with unique Australian botanicals
Non-chemical sun protection
Eco-Conscious Formulation
Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested
Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Non-greasy powdery matte finish
Take a leaf out of the book of those sun-loving Australians and take care of delicate skin this summer with Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion. This cream is made with a unique blend of Australian botanicals giving you non-chemical sun protection for those lazy days at the beach. The eco-conscious formulation has been tested by dermatologists and pediatricians making it safe for sensitive skin of all ages. You’ll love the non-greasy formula that leaves a soft powdery matte finish and board spectrum protection again UVA and UVB rays. For a mineral sunscreen that is hypoallergenic and free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalate, PABA, and Petrolatum, this one is suitable for the entire family.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid

100% mineral UV filter system
Tinted mineral sunscreen for face
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Sun protection factor SPF 50
Fast absorbing matte finish
Made with non-greasy Titanium Dioxide
A sunny day is no reason to run for cover when you apply La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen to your face. This remarkable cream is suitable for sensitive skin and can be applied under your regular makeup or use it on its own. Your skin is protected from UVA and UVB rays with a broad spectrum formula and a sun protection factor of SPF 50. You won’t have to put up with greasiness as this mineral sunscreen is made with non-greasy titanium dioxide and is fast absorbing with a matte finish. Your skin will glow for all the right reasons and without the painful redness of sunburn.
5. EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

Full-body zinc oxide sunscreen
Mineral-based & water-resistant
Broad-spectrum coverage
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Recommended by dermatologists
Free of parabens, oil & fragrance
Fun in the sun is easy when you apply this EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen to your skin. This is a full-body zinc oxide sunscreen that is mineral-based and water-resistant for the person who likes to stay active even on the sunniest of days. It offers broad-spectrum coverage to protect against the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. This natural sunscreen is free of parabens, oil, and fragrance making it ideal for sensitive skin. For lots of fun and adventure during the sunny days of summer and winter, use this mineral sunscreen that has been recommended by dermatologists.
6. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
No chemical sunscreen ingredients
UV protection & water-resistant
No Oxybenzone and no Octinoxate
Paraben & fragrance-free
Reflects UV rays away
For a completely natural sunscreen that offers exceptional UV protection and up to 40 minutes of water resistance, this Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a winner. This mineral sunscreen does not have chemical sunscreen ingredients of most commercial sunscreens and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. There is no oxybenzone or octinoxate making it safe for sensitive skin while being safe for the aquatic life when we go swimming in their environment. It effectively reflects UV rays away from you lessening the harmfulness that causes painful sunburn and skin damage. The formula of this great product is paraben and fragrance-free making is a safe sunscreen for young and old. If you’re dealing with a bit more sensitive skin then regular, make sure to check our buying guide for sunscreens for sensitive skin.
7. Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

100% Mineral-based sunscreen
Broad-spectrum UV protection
Formulated with 3 essential ceramides
Sunscreen filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Allergy tested for less irritation
Free of harmful chemicals
Protect your skin and enjoy the great outdoors this summer with Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and lock in the moisture long after the sun goes down. This 100% mineral-based sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UV protection with sunscreen filters containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It has been allergy tested to lower the risk of skin irritation without any harmful chemicals. You will love this lightweight formula which keeps your skin beautifully hydrated thanks to the three ceramides that give your skin a natural glow and act as a natural barrier to keep your delicate skin from drying out while you enjoy your days in the sun, sand and sea.
8. Goddess Garden – Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Made with organic ingredients
Gentle and effective formula
Mineral protection for sensitive skin
Safe for you and the environment
Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
Vegan & Leaping Bunny Certified
Look after your skin this summer with Goddess Garden – Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. This organic sunscreen is made with all-natural ingredients that are vegan and Leaping Bunny certified so you know that no furry creatures were used in testing. The gentle and effective formula is water-resistant up to 80 minutes so you can splash around to your heart’s content. This great mineral sunscreen is safe for even the most sensitive skin types so one product is all you need for your family. Look after your skin and those of your little ones with confidence.
9. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen

Sheer zinc dry-touch sunscreen
Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Lightweight and non-greasy
Dermatologist recommended
Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic formula
Free of fragrance, parabens, dyes & oils
One of the things that people dislike when it comes to applying sunscreen is that it takes quite a while to dry on your skin before you can venture out into the sunlight. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen is a sheer zinc dry-touch sunscreen that is lightweight and non-greasy. It is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so you won’t experience the nastiness of skin irritation or clogged pores. Dermatologists recommend this mineral sunscreen for its broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection that also shields your skin from harmful UV rays. Free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, and oils, this is the mineral sunscreen for even the fairest in the land to use when stepping out this summer.
10. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Natural, zinc-based Mineral sunscreen
Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Protection from UVA/UVB rays
Lightweight & non-greasy formula
Hypoallergenic & chemical-free
Moisturizes and protects sensitive skin
You may be a beach bum but that doesn’t mean you don’t need protection from the sun. With Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion you can spend those beautiful summer days at the beach without burning your skin. This is a natural, zinc-based mineral sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection from UVA and UVB rays. This great formula is vegan friendly and is kind to the aquatic bodies of water we choose to swim in. It is free of Octinoxate & Oxybenzone so even scuba divers exploring the reef can wear this mineral sunscreen without worrying about nasty chemicals harming delicate underwater ecosystems.
Mineral Sunscreen Buying Guide
Features To Look For In Best Mineral Sunscreens
Application - The application of mineral sunscreens is not in any way different from applying traditional sunscreens. Creams are easy to apply and as most of them are white when applied, it is easy to see on the skin so if it is still visible, you know you need to keep rubbing the cream into your skin. However, some creams are also tinted which is great for those who want to cover blemishes as well as protect their skin.
Sprays are also a good option as you can then apply a light mist over your skin. This is a popular choice for those who really don’t like applying blobs of cream. However, it may be necessary to give your skin a quick rub to ensure the spray is evenly applied and covering all areas of exposed skin.
Ingredients - Traditional sunscreens are often loaded with chemicals and those with sensitive skin may experience irritation. Even those who don’t have sensitive skin often experience some inflammation or other adverse effects from prolonged use. Mineral sunscreens are quite different. The active ingredients are natural minerals that are gentle enough for everyday use and, in particular, for those with delicate skin. These natural ingredients are a great choice for those who find themselves exposed to the sun on a daily basis whether for work or play. If you’re not sure of which active ingredients you should be looking for, check the label. Titanium Dioxide and zinc oxide are good ingredients but avoid parabens, phthalates, and similar ingredients. Gentle formula is especially important when it comes to sunscreen for kids.
SPF Level - All sunscreens have an SPF level, otherwise known as the Sun Protection Factor. The SPF level determines how much protection you get from the sun’s harmful UV rays and the length of time you are protected. As an example, a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will generally only protect your skin for about an hour. Less if you have very fair or sensitive skin. Many sunscreens have an SPF that goes up to 50 or even 100. The higher the SPF, the longer you can spend in the sun before you need to re-apply your sunscreen. Play it safe and use a higher SPF mineral sunscreen than you think you will need, particularly if you do have fair and sensitive skin.
Quantity - If you are buying a mineral sunscreen for the whole family to use, it helps to have a larger quantity. However, keep in mind that sunscreen for the face is always going to be in smaller packaging than full-body sunscreen. All sunscreens, including mineral ones, come with a use-by date, so it is somewhat pointless to purchase a really large container if you don’t intend on using it regularly. If you are planning a seaside vacation with the whole family, you can justify getting larger quantities. Otherwise, it may be better to get a smaller quantity and replace it if you run out, rather than having a large bottle that will not be usable several months later.
Water Resistance - It’s hard to imagine a summer without some aquatic activities so a mineral sunscreen that is water-resistant is an absolute must. Otherwise, you will lose your sun protection once you hit the water. Always look for water resistance in sunscreen, even if you aren’t planning on swimming. Summer is hot and people sweat so you don’t want your sunscreen dribbling off your skin. Just remember that you may need to apply your sunscreen a little more frequently if you are frolicking in the water.
Scent - This feature is open for debate and is a matter of personal preference. Some mineral sunscreens have a light and very subtle scent. This scent often reminds us of summer so we look forward to the days we need to use sunscreen. However, scents and fragrances can be irritating to some people, especially kids. A scent can also clash with your perfume or cologne. Fortunately, you have the choice of a mineral sunscreen with or without a scent so check the label for the one you prefer.
Quick Drying - All sunscreens come in some type of liquid form. Whether it is a spray, cream, or even oil, they are all liquid. Mineral sunscreens are no different in that regard and these liquids can be quite uncomfortable when you apply it on a sandy beach. Look for mineral sunscreens that are quick drying. You’ll appreciate this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the faster the mineral sunscreen dries, the sooner you can go out and have fun. Secondly, sand is less likely to stick to every part of the skin you’ve just applied sunscreen to.
Non-Greasy - Choosing a quick-drying formula is preferable to one that takes half an hour or so to dry, but for the same reason, you want to find a non-greasy mineral sunscreen. Sand at the beach is pretty much inevitable and even if you manage to keep the sand off your towel while you apply sunscreen, that doesn’t mean the wind can’t blow it on you. Greasy sunscreens can result in sand sticking to your skin and the stickiness also means the sand stays glued to you even in the water.
Moisturizing - Sand, sea, and wind are the perfect storm for drying your skin but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your day at the beach. The good news is that many mineral sunscreens also include ingredients that are hydrating so you can not only protect your skin from sunburn, you can also ensure your skin stays supple and moisturized.
Tinted or Non-Tinted - Mineral sunscreens are available in tinted or non-tinted varieties, especially the ones for the face. If you already have a nice tan, or you’re spending a day near water, non-tinted mineral sunscreen is the better choice. However, if you a spending a day at something like an outdoor wedding or garden party, tinted mineral sunscreen is the perfect cosmetic that can cover up a few blemishes and protect your skin from UV rays at the same time.
Use Case - Anytime you spend in the sun for longer than 15 or 20 minutes is a case where a mineral sunscreen should be applied. The main considerations for using any type of mineral sunscreen will depend on the type of skin you have, the activities you will be engaging in and the length of time you plan to spend outdoors. It is very likely you will need a different type of sunscreen for gardening than you would for a day at the beach. It’s also worth noting that the skin on your face is very different from the skin on the rest of your body. Your face is often more exposed to the sun than other parts and facial skin is also more sensitive. While you can use a body mineral sunscreen on your face, it is actually better for your facial skin to use a mineral sunscreen that has been specially formulated for the delicate skin of your face.
Eco-Friendly - The trouble with traditional sunscreens is that many are laden with a cocktail of chemicals. When you go swimming or diving in a reef, these chemicals end up in the water where they can do all sorts of damage to aquatic creatures, plants, and coral. If you see oxybenzone or octinoxate on the label, give it a miss as these and other similar substances will not be kind to the reefs you plan on swimming near.
Whichever mineral sunscreen you choose to use this summer, or winter for that matter, just make sure you apply it before any prolonged exposure to the sun. The ones in this selection will ensure the only memories you have this summer are happy ones, and not painful ones you spent treating sunburn.