Top 10 Best Mineral Sunscreens in 2025

Top 10 Best Mineral Sunscreens

Sun protection is more critical now than ever before. Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, with one in five Americans expected to develop skin cancer by the age of 70. This sobering statistic underscores the importance of effective daily sun protection as a fundamental part of any skincare routine.

In 2025, mineral sunscreens have emerged as top contenders in sun care, blending scientific innovation with skin-friendly, environmentally conscious formulations. Unlike traditional chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, mineral sunscreens work by forming a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting and scattering harmful ultraviolet radiation before it penetrates the skin.

10. Cay Skin Mo' Bay Mineral Sunscreen Drops

Cay Skin Mo' Bay Mineral Sunscreen Drops offer a versatile and innovative approach to sun protection. Created by model Winnie Harlow, these sunscreen drops can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or applied directly to the skin, allowing for customizable coverage tailored to your needs.

The formula initially appears white but blends seamlessly across all skin tones, delivering effective mineral protection with nourishing ingredients like squalane and antioxidants.

Price: $36

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (15.6%), squalane, vitamin E, aloe, fruit extracts, antioxidant complex

Type: Fluid drops

SPF: 30

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (15.6%)

What we love:

• Innovative drops format allows customizable application
• Can be mixed with moisturizer or foundation
• Blends seamlessly on all skin tones
• Created with inclusivity in mind by model Winnie Harlow
• Hydrating squalane prevents dryness

What we don't:

• Lower SPF than many competitors
• Dropper can get messy with frequent use
• Learning curve for proper mixing and application
• Not water-resistant

9. HydroPeptide Solar Dew

Using innovative MicroSperse Technology, this sunscreen delivers powerful protection without any white cast. It’s enriched with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to provide hydration and support skin renewal, making it ideal for dry, mature, or stressed skin types. The dewy finish leaves skin glowing and healthy-looking.

Price: $54

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (14%), peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, licorice extract, vitamin E

Type: Hydrating cream

SPF: 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (14%)

What we love:

• Proprietary MicroSperse Technology eliminates white cast
• High concentration of peptides for anti-aging benefits
• Dewy, youthful finish perfect for dry or mature skin
• Hydrating formula with multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid
• Elegant packaging with airless pump dispenser

What we don't:

• Too dewy for oily skin types
• Mid-to-high price point
• Not water-resistant
• Some users report pilling when layered under certain foundations.

8. Thrive Natural Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen

This environmentally conscious sunscreen combines effective mineral UV filters with antioxidant-rich plant extracts and shea butter. It holds a plastic-negative certification, contributing to ocean health and sustainability. Water-resistant and nourishing, it’s the go-to for those who want to protect both their skin and the planet.

Price: $24

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (20%), plant-based antioxidants, shea butter, coconut oil, algae extract

Type: Rich cream

SPF: 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (20%)

What we love:

• Exceptionally high zinc oxide content for maximum protection
• Certified plastic-negative packaging
• 80-minute water resistance
• Contains sustainable, plant-based ingredients
• Perfect for ocean activities and reef environments

What we don't:

• Thick consistency requires effort to blend
• Noticeable white cast initially
• Heavy feel that some users find uncomfortable
• Limited availability in physical retail locations

7. Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen

Designed for oily and combination skin, this mattifying mineral sunscreen controls shine throughout the day without drying the skin. The subtle tint neutralizes any white cast, and the silky finish provides an excellent makeup base.

This product is especially useful in hot, humid climates where oil control is essential for maintaining a fresh appearance.

Price: $40

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (17.4%), titanium dioxide (2.9%), silica, butterfly bush extract, blueberry extract, vitamin E

Type: Mattifying cream with tint

SPF: 40

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (17.4%), titanium dioxide (2.9%)

Reef Friendly: Yes

What we love:

• Controls oil and shine all day
• Contains butterfly bush extract for blue light protection
• Creates perfect matte base for makeup
• Subtle tint minimizes white cast
• Antioxidant protection against environmental stressors

What we don't:

• Limited shade range for the tint
• Can accentuate dry areas
• Slightly drying for normal to dry skin
• Packaging dispenses more product than needed

6. First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide

Lightweight and breathable, this sunscreen calms irritated skin and offers antioxidant benefits with ingredients like green tea and licorice root. The sheer formula suits all skin tones, leaving no white residue and providing a comfortable base for makeup or natural looks. Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin, it balances protection with soothing skincare.

Price: $34

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (16%), vitamin C, green tea, licorice root extract, allantoin, ceramides

Type: Lightweight liquid

SPF: 30

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (16%)

What we love:

• Ultra-sheer finish with no white cast
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients soothe irritated skin
• Works beautifully on acne-prone skin without clogging pores
• Free from common allergens and irritants
• Elegant texture feels like a lightweight moisturizer

What we don't:

• Lower SPF than some competitors
• Not water-resistant
• Slightly tacky finish initially
• May not provide enough sun protection for intense outdoor activities

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard is a trusted name among dermatologists for sensitive skin. This fragrance-free, paraben-free formula minimizes the risk of irritation while offering broad-spectrum mineral protection.

The innovative packaging changes color in sunlight to remind users to reapply, a practical feature that enhances sun safety. It's suitable for the whole family, including children, and for those prone to skin sensitivities.

Price: $15.99

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (8%), hydrating complex, antioxidants

Type: Cream

SPF: 50+

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (8%)

What we love:

• Ideal for sensitive, reactive skin
• Free from irritating chemicals, fragrances, and parabens
• Bottle turns blue in harmful UV light as application reminder
• 80-minute water resistance
• Dermatologist recommended for eczema and rosacea

What we don't:

• Thicker texture requires more effort to blend
• Slight white cast on deeper skin tones
• Basic formulation without added skincare benefits
• Bottle design is somewhat dated

4. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

A hybrid between skincare, makeup primer, and sunscreen, this product is infused with Japanese botanicals, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to smooth skin texture and minimize pores. Its subtle tint enhances the complexion with a natural glow, making it ideal for those seeking multifunctional skincare that prepares the face for flawless makeup application while offering strong sun defense.

Price: $68

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (15%), Japanese wild rose, loquat leaf extract, silk extracts, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane

Type: Silky cream with subtle tint

SPF: 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (15%)

Reef Friendly: Yes

What we love:

• Doubles as a primer with pore-minimizing effect
• Contains Japanese botanicals for skin health
• Leaves a natural, filtered-skin finish
• Subtle universal tint helps counteract white cast
• Rich in skincare benefits

What we don't:

• Universal tint may not work for very deep skin tones
• Premium price point
• Not water-resistant
• Can emphasize dry patches on dehydrated skin

3. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield

Innovative and convenient, this brush-on mineral sunscreen revolutionizes reapplication during the day, especially for makeup wearers. Available in multiple skin-tone shades, it effortlessly controls oil and provides a fresh matte finish without disturbing your look.

The portable packaging makes sun protection quick and mess-free, encouraging consistent use throughout the day, even in challenging environments.

Price: $69

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (12%), titanium dioxide (11.6%), iron oxides, antioxidant complex

Type: Powder brush-on

SPF: 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (12%), titanium dioxide (11.6%)

What we love:

• Perfect for reapplication over makeup
• Available in multiple shades for different skin tones
• 80-minute water resistance
• Controls oil throughout the day
• Portable and mess-free application

What we don't:

• Can be drying if used as primary sunscreen
• Coverage may be uneven on first application
• Powder can settle into fine lines if overapplied
• Replacement cartridges are expensive

2. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion

Affordable and effective, this sunscreen offers a silky, milk-like texture that glides on effortlessly. Despite its lightness, it delivers robust protection with a 40-minute water resistance, perfect for casual beach days or outdoor activities.

Its hydrating complex helps maintain skin moisture while zinc oxide shields against UV rays, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable daily defense without sacrificing comfort.

Price: $15.99

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (17%), coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E, aloe, tropical fruit extracts

Type: Fluid lotion

SPF: 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (17%)

What we love:

• Budget-friendly option that performs like luxury products
• Serum-like milk texture glides effortlessly on skin
• Pleasant tropical scent without artificial fragrances
• No white cast even on deeper skin tones
• Water-resistant (40 minutes)

What we don't:

• Scent might be too noticeable for some users
• Needs frequent reapplication during water activities
• Bottle design can leak if not stored upright
• Limited availability in some regions

1. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral

ISDIN sets itself apart with a unique DNA repair technology that goes beyond sun protection. This lightweight zinc oxide formula is infused with enzymes that help reverse previous sun damage, providing a restorative effect not found in most sunscreens.

The luxurious serum-like texture absorbs seamlessly without a trace, making it perfect for everyday use under makeup or on bare skin. It’s especially recommended for those with sun-induced aging concerns or a history of sun damage, combining protection with active skin repair.

Price: $73

Sunscreen Ingredients: Zinc oxide (11%), DNA repairsomes, vitamin E, antioxidant complex, emollients, silica

Type: Ultra-lightweight serum

SPF: 50+

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (11%)

Reef Friendly: Yes

What we love:

• Absorbs instantly with zero white cast
• Contains DNA-repairing enzymes from plankton to reverse existing sun damage
• Feels like a luxury skincare product rather than sunscreen
• Perfect for daily wear under makeup
• Never pills or balls up when layered

What we don't:

• Premium price point
• Small bottle size (3.4 oz) requires frequent repurchasing
• Not water-resistant enough for extended swimming
• May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin types