The 11 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2025 for UV Protection
It goes without saying that a day should not go by without wearing sunscreen. Yet with the different types of sunscreens available today, choosing between chemical and mineral sunscreen can be hard to decipher, which is why knowing the differences is key in your sunscreen journey.
Mineral sunscreens rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin to reflect UVA and UVB rays so they don't penetrate the skin. By creating a physical shield on the skin, UV rays are forced to scatter when they reach the skin. While mineral sunscreens don't allow UV rays to penetrate the skin, their efficacy is also highly dependent on the formulation. Since not all sunscreens are created equal, those that don't claim to be water-resistant or broad-spectrum and have at least an SPF of 30 are better equipped to protect the skin from damaging sun rays.
For the most part, mineral sunscreens are less irritating than chemical ones, so those with sensitive, dry, acne-prone, and easily irritated skin prefer them. Mineral sunscreens are also a safe option for younger skin, too, but some versions can leave behind the dreaded white cast. To make the most of your sunscreen efforts when wearing a mineral sunscreen, look for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulations that absorb into the skin well and feature hydrating ingredients for added skin benefits.
Shop the Best Mineral Sunscreens
1.Colorescience SPF 50 Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen
5 reviews
$66.00
Sunscreen that doesn't blend in with your skin can be annoying, but this seamless and ultra-sheer formulation meshes with the skin—and even protects against blue light--so you can't even tell you're wearing anything at all.
Key Ingredients: EnviroScreen® technology, zinc oxide
SPF: 50
2. Glytone Hydra Lipid UV Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
9 reviews
$42.00
Not all mineral sunscreens hydrate the skin, but this one does. With a unique blend of mineral-based UVA and UVB filters plus Active Stress Defense Technology, this formula boosts the skin's moisture content, helping to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Active Stress Defense Technology, hyaluronic acid, squalane
SPF: 40
3. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
1090 reviews
$42.00
There's a reason this mineral sunscreen is a cult classic. It's tinted, so it makes the skin look more even and better, while protecting against UV damage in an elegant finish that doesn't leave the skin looking or feeling oily or with any white cast.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, artemia salina, translucent color spheres
SPF: 50
4. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 32
153 reviews
$40.00
This mineral sunscreen is perfect for protecting post-procedure and sensitive skin types. It improves the skin's tone and texture while protecting it. Plus, the lightweight formula glides onto the skin for ample coverage that isn't irritating.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, caffeine
SPF: 32
5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid SPF 30
12 reviews
$37.99
Your favorite moisturizer just got a major upgrade. It now includes mineral sunscreen for full-spectrum protection and hydration without a greasy finish.
Key Ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield® technology, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
SPF: 30
6. Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
$36.00
Endorsed by the National Eczema Association, this lightweight mineral sunscreen protects against sun, free radical damage, blue light damage, and pollution for a well-rounded dose of much-needed skin protection.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide
SPF: 50+
7. EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
1115 reviews
RRP: $45.00Current price: $36.00
Whereas most sunscreens are made just for the sun, this one is made to protect the skin on every level where protection is needed. Sure, this tinted sunscreen safeguards the skin from the sun, but it also protects it from blue light and environmental aggressors while reducing redness and adding hydration to the skin.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamins E & C, iron oxides, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, Ginger Root
SPF: 50
8. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Daily Lightweight Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
1 reviews
$46.00
This award-winning, quick-to-absorb, ultra-lightweight mineral sunscreen protects against UV damage and contains a unique enzyme complex to repair existing sun damage on the skin.
Key Ingredients:DNA Repairsomes, zinc oxide
SPF: 50+
9. ISDIN Fusion Mineral Body Cream SPF40
$32.00
Mineral sunscreen isn't reserved just for the face; plenty of body sunscreens employ the ingredients, too. This one defends head to toe against UV radiation, protects against pollution damage, and deeply hydrates the skin.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, bisabolol, allantoin, vitamin E
SPF: 40
10. ISDIN Fusion Mineral Body Cream SPF40
13 reviews
$46.00
This luxurious mineral sunscreen, which is ideal for sensitive skin, is lightweight on the skin and works hard to protect the skin on the body from UV rays without leaving behind any residue.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, pomegranate
SPF: 50
11. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Mineral SPF 40
5 reviews
$66.00
Although this clear gel-like formula is made to be worn on the face as sun protection, its gripping power and natural finish also make it a makeup primer.
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract
SPF: 40
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
