10 Best Mineral Sunscreens That Are Anything But Chalky

Tester feedback: “On a mother-daughter trip to Costa Rica, I noticed Tatcha’s The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 in her toiletry bag and, out of curiosity, tried it myself,” says associate editor Annie Blay. “To my surprise, the liquidy sunscreen blended into my skin, leaving nothing behind but sun protection and a light glow. The SPF initially applies a bit purple-ish but after some rubbing, it completely blends into my skin.”

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), allantoin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, sericin, fibroin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Discoloration: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40

Why it's worth it: Those with dark spots or dull skin will love the brightening formulation of Dr. Loretta’s Universal Glow Daily Defense, but just about anyone will enjoy its ultra-glowy, white cast-free finish. Its formula is powered by antioxidant lipochrome, which provides tone-evening and radiance-boosting properties to make your complexion reach an all-time glow. This formula also contains ectoin, an amino acid that “helps protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions," according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD.

Tester feedback: “I've been in the beauty biz for, uh, longer than I'd like to admit—and I can attest that mineral sunscreens have gotten a whole lot better in recent years," features director Dianna Mazzone Singh attests. “This formula is case in point: It blends easily, imparts a natural-looking glow, and layers beautifully under makeup.”

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17%), lipochrome, ectoin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Darker Skin Tones: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it's worth it: For a hint of apricot- and pearl-infused glow, you'll want to give Hero Cosmetics' Force Shield Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30 a whirl. This zinc oxide-based face sunscreen boosts skin radiance and moisture with brightening niacinamide and kakadu plum (rich in antioxidants)—a dream team for those with dark spots for hyperpigmentation—without feeling sticky or greasy. For an added boost of luminance, light-diffusing pigments blur pores and take your glow to new levels.

P.S. If you have acne-prone, oily skin or simply prefer to skip the glowy finish, you can't go wrong with the original Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30.

Tester feedback: “I’m already a big Korean beauty fan (most of my favorite chemical sunscreens are K-beauty), so it didn’t take much convincing to try out the Hero Superbeam Sunscreen,” says Blay. “The light orange tint (a commonality in all three sunscreens) gave me hope that this wouldn’t leave a white cast and I was right.”

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17.53%), niacinamide, kakadu plum extract, mica | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Why it's worth it: When redness takes over, the mint-green tint of EltaMD’s UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Sunscreen SPF 50 will neutralize any traces. Our editors named this formula a One to Watch inductee for its redness-reducing color and invisible finish that could rival that of a chemical sunscreen (without the chemical filters, of course). Its redness-minimizing powers come from Centella asiatica extract (also known as cica), which is also helpful for mitigating irritation. To double down on its soothing properties, this formula contains ceramides to support the skin barrier, coddle areas of sensitivity, and seal in much-needed moisture.

Tester feedback: “When this first hit my desk, I thought, ‘It’s mineral and green? There’s no way this will blend with my skin,’” says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor. “I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it melted onto my skin. It feels like a moisturizer and leaves no white, gray, or green cast. In fact, it helps color-correct the redness I regularly have on my cheeks and around my nose.”

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (12.9%), Centella asiatica extract, ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Tinted: Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35

Why it's worth it: One of our editors’ all-time favorite skin tints, the Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer, also happens to be a mineral-based sunscreen—hooray! As its zinc oxide-based formula guards against skin-damaging UV rays, its 14 flexible tints work to even out discoloration and blemishes while still looking natural and non-cakey. For long-term skin benefits, you can expect a dewier, brighter complexion post-wear, all thanks to a hard-working duo of hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract.

Tester feedback: This is my deserted island makeup product," says shopping director Shanna Shipin. "Sun protection, a moisturizer-like feel, and buildable coverage while feeling like absolutely nothing is on your face? Groundbreaking." Shipin has facial eczema and says that this tint allows her skin to breathe and doesn't accentuate flakes or fine lines—all while covering up decades-old acne scars and pregnancy-induced melasma.

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (15%), hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract | Fragrance-free: yes

More mineral sunscreens we love:

Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+

Why it's worth it: Isdin's Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ costs a pretty penny, but according to Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, it's worth the splurge. At the heart of this formula are plankton-derived photolyase enzymes, which she says "improve DNA damage after exposure to UV light." While everyone can use this, you can tell why it might be an especially ideal option for someone treating substantial sun damage from burns and/or age spots caused by years in the sun. Also in the mix is vitamin E to repair barrier damage and guard against free radicals.

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (11%), vitamin E, photolyase | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Cotz Flawless Complexion SPF 50

Why it's worth it: We love that the Cotz Flawless Complexion SPF 50 rubs in effortlessly regardless of which of its two shades (Lightly Tinted or Richly Tinted) you pick, but oily skin types will especially love its oil-free, non-greasy finish. Adeline Kikam, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in McAllen, Texas says that this 20% zinc oxide formula was a huge winner in her Brown Skin Friendly (BSF) report card (and continues to be one of our top SPF recs), and you'll understand why the moment you swipe it on. "It has one of the nicest textures I've ever seen in a sunscreen," she says, calling out its "very lightweight, buttery, and creamy texture with a sheer-to-satin finish." No need to worry about any potential pilling, either, as its lightweight texture dries down quickly and doesn’t mess with any makeup you apply over it.

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (20%), vitamin E | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it's worth it: Biossance's Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 doubles as a cooling, velvety-smooth primer that never cakes or makes skin feel tight, which is already pretty impressive. It's spiked with super-moisturizing squalane to keep skin supple and hydrated throughout the day. "This is a wonderful sunscreen for those with sensitive skin who need extra moisture," Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, says, calling the sheer formula “a favorite for a number of years now.” It also contains ectoin and glycerin to further moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling bouncier and smoother.

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17.68%), squalane, ectoin, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Touch-Ups: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Why it's worth it: Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 is perfect for easy, on-the-go application, especially over makeup. This convenient, self-dispensing brush shields skin with all-mineral UV filters and adds a dose of hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid powder. Four shades, ranging from Fair to Deep, make reapplying sunscreen (every two hours or so) a piece of cake—no wonder our editors and Dr. Mariwalla are all fans (it’s an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, after all). Keep in mind that powder sunscreen doesn’t provide equal protection to traditional lotion, so use it as a touch-up for your most sunburn-prone areas. “Touch up with the powder sunscreen throughout the day on the most sunburn-prone areas: midface, nasal bridge, and upper forehead," says Anna Guanche, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist.

Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (22.5%), zinc oxide (22.5%), hyaluronic acid powder | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion

Why it's worth it: If you’re looking for sun protection that won’t set your bank account back too much, try Sun Bum’s Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion. Its fragrance-free formula glides onto skin and effortlessly blends out to a sheer finish, leaving zero traces of white cast behind. Dr. Kikam recommends Sun Bum's ultra-lightweight lotion for even the most humid of summer days as it leaves a comfortable, matte finish. Her best tip? "It helps to apply in layers for buildable coverage and even application," she says, adding that you'll see a "very minimal whitish tint that fades away after a couple of minutes." So, be a little patient.

Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (5.8%), zinc oxide (2.4%), rice bran extract, rosemary extract, sunflower extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

While chemical sunscreen features UV filters that absorb onto skin, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, physically reflecting and scattering "a wide range of UV wavelengths," as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains. These wavelengths include UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns, and UVA rays, which cause longer-term issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and skin cancer.

According to Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City, "Chemical-free sunscreens should only contain ​zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients." (It's important to note hybrid formulas exist and contain the aforementioned ingredients plus chemical-based sunscreen compounds, so always triple-check the ingredients label.)

"Chemical sunscreens can be irritating and allergenic for some folks," explains Dr. Mudgil. Some folks, according to board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, is a whopping "25% of all people," he told Allure. If that statement rings true for you, it's time to consider a physical sunscreen with non-chemical shields. They reduce the risk of irritation to practically zero, due to "organic, inert, and hypoallergenic" formulas, Dr. Mudgil explains. Incidentally, sunscreens that don't contain chemical protectants are generally healthier for coral reefs. (In fact, Hawaii banned the sale of products with chemical filters oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether.) However, take the term "reef-safe" with a grain of salt, as it's not regulated.

• Morgan Rabach, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City
• Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Anna Guanche, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist
• Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
• Adeline Kikam, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in McAllen, Texas
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best mineral sunscreens that won't irritate sensitive skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

We have the highest standards for sunscreens—keep reading for a formula that suits your needs and preferences:

• 12 Best Sunscreens for Mature Skin That Go Beyond UV Protection
• Hello, Glow: These Sunscreens Leave Behind a Radiant Finish
• These Soothing Sunscreens Won't Aggravate Sensitive Skin—Promise

Now, watch Oscar winner Mikey Madison break down her Anora beauty transformation:

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