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The best mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin that won’t leave a ghostly white cast
‘I’d never found an SPF that didn’t cause breakouts, until I tried this’
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The terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are thrown around a lot by beauty brands, and sun creams are no exception. When it comes to the best SPF for your face and body, ‘natural’ usually refers to mineral sunscreens, which are typically better for sensitive skin, as well as for our delicate ocean ecosystems.
The best mineral sunscreens use naturally occurring minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically shield against and reflect UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that work by absorbing UV light. Here’s what you need to know.
Are mineral sunscreens better?
“Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV radiation, making them a good option for sensitive or reactive skin, as they’re less likely to cause irritation,” explains dermatologist and aesthetic doctor, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
For sunscreen purposes, however, they must be purified and processed to ensure safety and enhance their texture and performance, which involves chemical modification and synthetic processing. This means that no sun cream is technically entirely natural.
“Chemical sunscreens can offer a lightweight, invisible finish,” Dr Ejikeme tells us. “But some people with sensitive skin may find certain chemical filters irritating. Always remember to patch-test any new product to ensure it suits your skin – especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea.”
Mineral SPF formulas are gaining popularity because they're free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are typically not very reef safe. Plus, many brands are now prioritising ‘natural’ and organic skincare where they can.
How we chose the best mineral SPFs
Although we can’t speak for the SPFs’ ability to protect against the sun’s rays (as we’d need to send people out in the sun to test), we’ve included the products and brands our beauty experts reach from time and again.
For each, we’ve considered the cosmetic properties of our picks, looking at texture, scent, application, look and feel of skin during wear. After all, the best SPF for you is one you’re going to actually want to wear.
These are the mineral formulas we love to slather on – not just on holiday, but every day.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good for lots of skin tones
- No stinging or irritation
- Easy to apply
Cons
- You might not want a tinted product
We know, we know. We’ve heard all the excuses before. “Sunscreens break me out” or “They make my eyes sting” or even “I can’t add another step to my morning routine”. Well, meet Merit’s latest launch, The Uniform. As the name suggests, it’s designed for everyday wear. It’s lightweight, doesn’t cause a white cast or leave darker skin tones looking ashy, but instead delivers a silky, perfect-level-of-pigment glow. It also helps to balance out redness or hide tired eyes, while still delivering Merit’s signature dewy finish.
The broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection means it guards against wrinkles and pigmentation (UVA) and that dreaded sunburn (UVB). Florence, the GHI’s senior beauty writer, recommends this to all her SPF-resistant friends and already has a clan of converts.
“I’d never found an SPF that didn’t break me out before, until I found this,” one told her. For extra points, it’s notoriously tricky to achieve SPF50 for darker skin tones in tinted SPFs (while keeping the shade well matched, anyway) but Merit’s clever lab team has managed it.
Key specs
| Active ingredients | Mineral zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
Pros
- Refillable
- Ultra-fine and lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
This is serious suncare that feels and acts like a luxurious body cream, leaving skin with an addictively silky feel and no residue, thanks to the ultra-fine zinc oxide shield. Like the brand’s whole range, it’s refillable, too.
GHI lifestyle writer, Maddie, says she always steals this one from her mum on holiday as it feels so much nicer to apply than her own, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
Pros
- Lightweight liquid formula
- Sheer tint evens skin tone
- Mild on skin
Cons
- Three shade additions are SPF 40 rather than 50
If you like your natural mineral SPF with a tint to subtly even out skin tone and reduce the telltale white cast, turn to La Roche-Posay, a GH beauty editor favourite.
It’s an everyday go-to for the GHI’s head of content, Alison, who praises its "featherlight feel" and says it's "very gentle on skin." One drawback is that although the formula now comes in three additional shades (medium, medium deep and deep), the SPF level of those formulas is 40 rather than 50.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (11%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50+ |
Pros
- No white cast
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Slightly thicker than other options
If you’re after a mineral SPF for the face that offers full broad-spectrum coverage, while acting as a primer for a full makeup look, this could be the one.
Many people associate sensitive skin with dry complexions, but oily skin types need sun protection too. This is perfect for those who prefer to keep the shine at bay, as well as protecting from the sun’s rays.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide (22.75%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50+ |
Pros
- Contains natural plant-derived ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Not oily or drying on skin
- Suitable for babies, children and adults
Cons
- Thick formula
Made with 20% mineral zinc oxide and naturally derived plant ingredients, the Babo Botanicals cream SPF is a winner for eliminating white cast, rubbing onto skin and rinsing off easily.
The formula, which can be used on adults, children and babies, doesn’t transfer onto fabrics or feel oily or drying. Note that some of the team find it a little thick, and the bottle is smaller than others on this list for the price.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide (20%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Sunscreen SPF 35
Pros
- Can be worn under makeup
- Won't feel oily or greasy on skin or leave any residue
Cons
- Difficult to spread on skin
- Only SPF35
If you're looking to protect your face from the sun, turn to SkinMedica's formula. It’s noticeably less oily or greasy on skin than other options, doesn’t interfere with makeup, provides a shine-free finish and doesn’t leave a film or residue.
You do get a white cast with this one on first application, but it fades in a minute, leaving you free to do your makeup as usual fairly quickly afterwards. It adds a bit of a primer effect but needs to be worked in a little more than others on the list.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (5%), Zinc Oxide (6%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 35 |
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50 Drops 50ml
Pros
- Illuminating pigments
- Diffuses imperfections
Cons
- Pricey for the size
These illuminating SPF drops are infused with sheer mineral pigments that blend into the skin like a dream, leaving you with a lit-from-within glow, all while diffusing imperfections.
And with a clinical-grade 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide formula, you can trust that your skin will be protected. Our beauty director, Lynne, chucks a bottle of these drops in her suitcase wherever she goes.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (24.5%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50+ |
Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Easy application
- Leaves skin moisturised
- Doesn't sting
Cons
- Cap can easily detach from the tube
- Expensive
Smooth on Dr. Dennis Gross’s mineral face sunscreen, which contains moisturising hyaluronic acid to soften and protect skin while it shields.
This melts into skin to soften and hydrate instantly, and our senior food & drink editor, Stacey, tells us she never has to wear an additional moisturiser on top. How’s that for multitasking magic? The only niggles are the higher price point, and the cap doesn't stay attached to the tube very well.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (18%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
Pros
- Smooth and easy to apply
- Won't dehydrate skin
- Great scent
Cons
- May feel greasy
- Not SPF50
Hawaiian Tropic’s coconut-infused mineral milk is loved for its smooth application and transfer resistance. The light milky lotion is effortless to apply, non-drying and rinses off easily, but doesn’t stain or rub off on fabrics.
We love the pump bottle and the low price point, plus if you’re into a fragranced SPF, this has a deliciously tropical scent. The clue’s in the name.
Key specifications
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%) |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
FAQs
Are chemical sunscreens bad for us?
“The idea that sunscreen is harmful is based on misinformation, and it’s concerning to see these myths gaining traction,” explains Dr Ejikeme. “The reality is that UV exposure is a well-established cause of skin cancer, and sunscreen is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing it.
“Some of the fear around SPF comes from misunderstandings about sunscreen ingredients, but extensive research has shown that regulated sunscreens are both safe and necessary for protecting the skin.
“It’s important to remember the world of SPF has evolved significantly, with new innovations making sun protection easier and more effective than ever. We’re seeing ultra-lightweight formulations, multi-tasking products that combine skincare benefits with UV defence, and more inclusive options that work across all skin tones.
“Many products have added ingredients over and above UV protection, and that’s becoming industry standard.”
What SPF factor is best?
“A higher SPF reduces the amount of UV exposure your skin receives, which means less tanning,” says Dr Ejikeme. “However, it’s important to understand that a tan is a sign of sun damage, not a marker of skin health.
“Even an SPF50 doesn’t block 100 percent of UV rays, but it significantly reduces damage. If your goal is to protect your skin while maintaining a glow, a bronzing SPF or a tinted sunscreen can be a safer option rather than relying on UV exposure for a tan.
“Daily SPF is the most effective anti-ageing product you’ll ever use. It protects against premature fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and long-term sun damage while reducing the risk of skin cancer. The best part? With so many innovative formulas available today, there is an SPF for every skin type and concern.”
Is mineral sunscreen better for you than chemical sunscreen?
"Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which for the most part sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV radiation,” Dr Ejikeme tells us. “This makes them a good option for sensitive or reactive skin, as they’re less likely to cause irritation. Ultimately the best SPF is the one you'll use.”
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 |
Catharine (she/her) is the former 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.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
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