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15 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Everyday Skin Protection

No sun damage here, bb!

Headshot of Mekita RivasBy Mekita Rivas
best mineral sunscreens
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No skincare regimen is complete without a proper sunscreen to keep you protected from the harmful effects of UV rays. Think of SPF as your skin’s BFF—without it, you’re more vulnerable to sun damage, premature signs of aging, and skin cancer. While you may think sunscreen is just a summertime essential, you should absolutely be wearing SPF all year-round to give your skin the protection it needs, regardless of season or climate.

So, now that we’ve established that you def need sunscreen 365 days a year, how, exactly, do you know which sunscreen is best for you and your skin? You'll want to start with the formula itself. Ideally, you’ll select one that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a minimum of SPF 30. However, not all sunscreens are created equal—there are two major types to know: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. So what's the difference? Chemical-based sunscreen absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, while mineral-based sunscreen (which use active ingredients like zinc oxide), forms a physical barrier to reflect UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens are typically recommended and better suited for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. You also might come across sunscreens that mix both mineral and chemical filters, so be sure to read the ingredients list before committing to anything.

If you’re looking to go chemical-free, you’re in luck. More and more mineral sunscreen options have landed on the market in recent years. Now, again, it all comes down to the formula. If you regularly work out, swim, and/or participate in water activities, having a water-resistant sunscreen is essential. If you wear makeup on the daily, you’ll benefit from a sunscreen that’s both layerable and breathable. Or, you may want a tinted sunscreen that covers all your bases—literally. No matter your needs, there’s a mineral sunscreen that can be incorporated into your routine. Below, we rounded up all the best ones to give a try right now.

1
for a matte finish

Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
1
for a matte finish

Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

$17 at Supergoop!
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Supergoop's Matte Screen goes on smoothly, easily layers under makeup, and provides a poreless matte finish. Skin looks instantly smoother—without leaving any weird white residue.

2
for a lightweight feel

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
2
for a lightweight feel

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Credit: Courtesy

With an ultra-hydrating effect, this sunscreen is especially ideal for dry, flakey skin. The cloud-like formula is fragrance free and effortlessly blends onto skin.

3
for a fast-absorbing formula

ISDIN Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

ISDIN Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
3
for a fast-absorbing formula

ISDIN Daily Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Need a sunscreen that seamlessly blends into skin at a supersonic speed? You've found it right here—plus, this water-resistant formula doesn't leave any gross greasiness.

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4
for a tinted option

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
4
for a tinted option

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

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This tinted mineral sunscreen offers the best of both worlds: sun protection and a hint of color. It goes on smoothly, feels like air, and gives your skin a subtle sun-kissed glow.

5
for a mid-day touch-up

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder
5
for a mid-day touch-up

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

When you're looking for sun protection on the go, this handy brush-on sunscreen is your savior. Not only does this powder formula offer SPF 50, but it's also easy to toss in your bag so that you can reapply sunscreen literally anytime, anywhere.

6
for going non-greasy

Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF33

Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF33
6
for going non-greasy

Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen SPF33

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This silicone- and fragrance-free formula dries in a clear, weightless finish that's not greasy or heavy. It's ideal for all skin types and for daily use.

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7
for super sheerness

Biossance Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
7
for super sheerness

Biossance Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

When dry skin strikes in the winter, this sunscreen is oh-so-hydrating and doesn't leave a white residue. The sheer finish works well with makeup, too.

8
for a touch of dewiness

Cocokind Daily SPF

Cocokind Daily SPF
8
for a touch of dewiness

Cocokind Daily SPF

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This easy-to-apply, lightweight formula is a solid option for an everyday sunscreen. Plus, it leaves a soft, glowy finish that isn't too shiny.

9
for a slightly scented formula

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen
9
for a slightly scented formula

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen

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Even though this sunscreen has a dewy finish, it's not oily or greasy. If you find matte options to be too drying, this moisturizing formula is worth trying (and it even smells like a hint of vanilla, if you're into that!).

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10
for a moisturizing effect

Buttah Skin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Buttah Skin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
10
for a moisturizing effect

Buttah Skin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

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This tinted mineral formula acts as a barrier that protects skin and deflects light. In addition to on your face, you can also wear it on your neck and chest for all-over protection and moisture.

11
for something oil-based

Kari Gran Essential SPF 30

Kari Gran Essential SPF 30
11
for something oil-based

Kari Gran Essential SPF 30

Now 10% Off

A rich, serum-like feel goes a long way with this hydrating sunscreen. Pro tip: Shake the bottle a couple times before use to ensure the formula comes out nice and blended.

12
for water resistance

Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen

Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen
12
for water resistance

Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen

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Unscented? Water-resistant? Yes and yes. This sunscreen goes on smooth, makes skin feel creamy and hydrated, and leaves a soft, dewy finish.

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13
for layering with makeup

Versed Guards Up Sunscreen

Versed Guards Up Sunscreen
13
for layering with makeup

Versed Guards Up Sunscreen

Now 12% Off
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Airy and blendable, this sunscreen can be worn beneath makeup without feeling thick or cakey. Plus, it's pretty easy to wash off at the end of the day.

14
for a hypoallergenic choice

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
14
for a hypoallergenic choice

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Now 14% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Water-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, this sunscreen is a favorite among those who live that beach bum lifestyle. The only downside? Some reviewers claim that it can leave a white cast.

15
for plastic-free packaging

Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40

Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40
15
for plastic-free packaging

Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40

Credit: Courtesy

This silky smooth sunscreen is oil-free but still nourishes skin. And it comes in an aluminum tube, in case you're looking to minimize your plastic consumption.

Headshot of Mekita Rivas
Mekita Rivas
Editor

Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.

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