The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (2024)

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (1)

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You've likely heard by now that wearing sunscreen is an absolute must, regardless of the weather. Applying an SPF is good for your skin because "sun exposure can be very damaging to the skin," says GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "This can manifest as a sunburn, lead to premature aging (wrinkles and hyperpigmentation) and even lead to cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the best anti-aging products we have on the market."

Mineral options are good for those looking for a reef-friendly SPF or who have sensitive skin, since they "generally have a lower chance of causing skin irritation," says Chris Tomassian, M.D., a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology Collective.

What's the best mineral sunscreen for most people? The Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is our top-tested mineral sunscreen; it proved to be easy to apply and earned top scores for not leaving any residue and not stinging. Our testers loved how easily it absorbed into skin and that it didn't interfere with makeup.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab is constantly testing beauty products, including sunscreens. In our most recent test, we analyzed 290 mineral and chemical face sunscreens, narrowing the field to the top 21 SPFs. They then enlisted more than 450 consumer testers to evaluate the products, considering factors such as ease of use, performance and more. So, if you're looking specifically for a mineral SPF, we've got you covered with our top picks.

1

Best Overall

Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (9)

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (10)Can be worn under makeup
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (11)Doesn't irritate skin or eyes
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (12)Absorbs easily with no residue left behind
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (13)Formula can be liquidy/runny

Earning the top spot amongst mineral SPFs in our Lab's latest face sunscreen test, Colorescience's sunscreen proved to absorb quickly into skin and not leave any residue behind. It also earned top scores for not interfering with makeup and not irritating or stinging the face or eyes. Don't be surprised if it looks white when you first apply it, as testers noted it'll be white initially but will disappear upon rubbing it into your skin.

"The more I use this product, the more I love it," one tester raved. Another noted that it "went on easily, absorbed quickly and left no greasy feeling. Best face sunscreen I have ever used," and many testers shared they'd continue to buy this product. This SPF has a runny texture, so make sure to shake well before use.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide
Size1.7 fl. oz.
SPF50

2

Best Value

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (14)

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (15)

A lightweight, milky emulsion, Hawaiian Tropic's lotion is top-tested in the Beauty Lab for body sunscreens. Testers found that it's easy to apply, non-drying and rinses off easily at the end of the day. They also praised the pump bottle style and scent, though they wish the size could be a bit larger when using it as a body SPF. "I loved that it had such a pleasant fragrance and didn't leave a white cast on my body," shared one tester. "This made it easier to use on my arms for everyday use."

Sunscreen activeTitanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Size3.4 fl. oz.
SPF50

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3

Best for Face

Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (20)

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (21)Hydrates skin
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (22)Spreadable formula
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (23)Doesn't leave a white cast, film or reside on face
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (24)Cap may fall off of the tube

From famed dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, this mineral SPF was also a stellar performer in our recent Lab testing. Earning top scores for overall satisfaction and making skin feel hydrated, it's a great pick especially for those with dry skin.

It came in second place for not leaving a white cast, film or residue on the skin. "It felt like a cosmetic product, not a sunscreen," one tester shared. Another liked that "the formula was very spreadable and easy to use." Double-check that you've secured the cap, though, as testers reported it doesn't attach well to the tube.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide
Size1.7 fl. oz.
SPF50

4

Best for Body

Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (25)

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (26)Well-priced
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (27)Non-irritating
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (28)Easy to apply and rubs into skin well
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (29)Some say it feels greasy or tacky on skin

Coppertone's mineral formulation earned the second highest overall score for not causing any stinging or irritation in Lab testing, with an impressive 100% of testers strongly or somewhat agreeing. True to its name, this SPF is simply made with just zinc oxide as its main sunscreen active.

Testers also agreed that this budget-friendly pick is easy to apply — one noted that it's one of the easiest mineral sunscreens they've tried, adding that "for a mineral sunscreen, it rubbed in easily and was dry to the touch shortly afterward." However, some testers found it greasy and tacky.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide
Size6 fl. oz.
SPF50

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5

Best for Sensitive Skin

Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (30)

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (31)

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (32)Non-oily texture
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (33)Can be worn under makeup
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (34)Doesn't cause redness or irritation
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (35)May leave a white cast

Though mineral sunscreens are formulated to work for sensitive skin, this Lab test winner from Sun Bum went above and beyond. The non-oily formula earned an almost perfect score for not causing skin redness and irritation in testing and didn't leave skin shiny. Testers also loved the texture of this mineral option. "The silky texture went on like a makeup primer and worked as such," one tester said. "I liked the velvet feel of the product," another added. Take note, some testers found that it leaves a white cast on skin.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Size1.7 fl. oz.
SPF30

6

Best Korean Brand

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (36)

Now 25% Off

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (37)Doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or sticky
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (38)Works for oily or acne-prone skin
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (39)Doesn't cause redness, irritation or breakouts
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (40)Not water-resistant

For those looking for a mineral sunscreen from a K-Beauty brand, reach for this Dr. Jart formula that's also great for oily or acne-prone skin. The Lab test winner earned top scores for a shine-free finish, not causing bumps or breakouts, and not causing visible redness or irritation, making it any oily-skinned person's dream.

Testers loved the citrus scent of this sunscreen. "This product absorbed quickly, and I love that it left my face looking smooth and matte," one shared. Note that this sunscreen isn't water-resistant, so if you're swimming or sweating, it may be best to try a different option.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Size1.69 fl. oz.
SPF50+

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7

Best for Dark Skin

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (41)

Pros
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (42)Can be worn under makeup
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (43)Won't feel oily or greasy on skin or leave any residue
Cons
  • The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (44)Difficult to spread on skin

If you're looking to protect your face from the sun, turn to SkinMedica's formula, which performed the best out of the mineral options in Lab face sunscreen testing. It earned the highest overall scores for not feeling oily or greasy on skin, not interfering with makeup, providing shine-free finish and not leaving a film or residue on skin.

Many testers praised how well it works under makeup. "The white cast faded in a minute, leaving me free to do my makeup as usual fairly soon after," one says. Another adds, "Felt and looked like a primer finish." Some testers did find it to be a bit hard to spread around, though.

Sunscreen activeZinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Size1.85 fl. oz.
SPF35

How we test mineral sunscreens

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (45)

Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab regularly tests body and face sunscreens, including mineral formulas. In the Lab's most recent test, our scientists initially analyzed 290 mineral and chemical face sunscreens to then narrow the field to the top 21 products.

They enlisted more than 450 consumer testers to test the sunscreens for one week, considering factors such as ease of use, performance, satisfaction and more. Ultimately, our Lab scientists tallied nearly 7,500 survey questions to find the best face sunscreens on the market.

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The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (46)

What to look for when shopping for the best mineral sunscreens

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (47)

Take into account the following to choose the best mineral sunscreen for you:

✔️ Broad spectrum protection: For maximum defense against the sun, you want your sunscreen (whether it's mineral or chemical) to provide broad spectrum protection, which means that "it protects against both UVA and UVB rays," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Look for the wording "broad spectrum protection" on the front of the packaging.

✔️ Water-resistance: Especially if you're going to be sweating or using your sunscreen for beach, lake, river or pool days, opt for a water-resistant formula. "There's no such thing as waterproof sunscreen," says Wnek, but "water-resistant sunscreen is usually available in 40 or 80 minute options, representing how long you can go before reapplication."

✔️ SPF: Though the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher, "our Lab tests show that consumers only apply about one-third of the amount necessary to achieve the listed level of SPF, so we recommend that consumers choose at least SPF 50 for face and body when you know you will be in the sun for longer periods of time," Wnek explains.

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What's the difference between a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen?

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (48)

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, "sit on top of the skin and act as a barrier to reflect UV light," explains Wnek. "They include active ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide."

Rather than reflecting light, chemical sunscreens "use ingredients that are absorbed into the skin and convert harmful UVA and UVB rays into longer less harmful wavelengths," says Dr. Tomassian. These active ingredients could be "avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate or octocrylene," Wnek adds.

Is mineral sunscreen better for you than chemical sunscreen?

The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (49)

Experts say the best sunscreen is the one that you're diligent about using. So, "one isn't better than the other," says Wnek, but here are some pros and cons of each, according to her:

Mineral Sunscreen

Pros Cons
✓ Sun protection typically lasts longer than chemical sunscreens ✘ Can leave a white cast and be harder to spread on skin
✓ Zinc oxide can be gentler on skin, making it a better option for sensitive skin

Chemical Sunscreen

Pros Cons
✓ Can be more pleasant to use (spreadable, better texture) than mineral sunscreens ✘ Usually need more frequent application as they don't last as long as mineral formulations
✓ Less likely to leave a white cast ✘ Can potentially be more irritating than mineral sunscreens

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    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (50)

    This guide was written by Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn, who works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts and tested hundreds of skincare products including mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens, tinted sunscreens, sunscreen sticks, powder sunscreen and more. She firmly believes in wearing sunscreen every day, no matter the weather, and will never be found outside without her SPF on.

    GH's sunscreen testing is overseen by Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek, who has been testing skincare products for more than seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment and regularly polls our consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits.

    The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (51)

    Catharine Malzahn

    Beauty Assistant

    Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

    The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (52)

    Tested byDanusia Wnek

    Senior Chemist

    Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

    The Best Mineral Sunscreens, According to Our Testing (2024)
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