There are quite a few reasons why some of us may gravitate towards mineral sunscreens as our go-to form of face sunscreen. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays, mineral formulas use filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help protect the skin’s surface, which is why they’re so often recommended for sensitive, reactive or easily irritated skin.
As someone who suffers with sensitive skin, I know how hard it is to find a face SPF that doesn’t sting your eyes, trigger redness or make you want to cleanse it off immediately. After several dermatologists suggested I try mineral SPF, I found they were much easier for my skin to tolerate, while still giving me the daily protection I need.
That’s not to say chemical facial sunscreens don’t have their place. They’re often lightweight, easy to apply and far less likely to leave behind that dreaded white cast. But after using more mineral SPFs, I’m not sure I’d rush back. The best formulas feel reassuringly protective without irritating my skin or my eyes. Right now, my favourite is Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+.
The catch? Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal. Some can feel sticky, some can look chalky and others may not be ideal sunscreens for oily skin. So, I’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down the formulas genuinely worth considering, with expert dermatologist insight along the way.
My favourite mineral sunscreens, at a glance:
- How we tested mineral sunscreens
- Why you can trust me
- Meet the experts
- Mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens – which sunscreen is better for your skin?
- How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
- What are the cons of chemical sunscreens?
- Why do I need to use sunscreen in the first place?
- What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?
How we tested mineral sunscreens:
I take testing beauty products seriously, and sunscreens are the category I really don’t want to get wrong. Sun protection matters, so if I’m recommending an SPF, it needs to be one you’ll actually want to wear every day. If it feels greasy, pills under makeup, leaves a chalky cast or starts stinging my eyes, it’s not making the cut.
To build this edit, I spoke to dermatologists and skincare experts, using their recommendations as a starting point. From there, each mineral sunscreen was tested by myself and Glamour freelance writers Fani Mari, Maisie Bovingdon and Denise Primbet, who all have different skin types, tones and concerns.
We tested each formula for a minimum of three to six weeks, wearing them in real-life situations, from long office days and gym classes to dinner dates and nights out. Along the way, we paid close attention to protection level, texture and finish, as well as how lightweight each sunscreen felt, whether it left a white cast, how it sat under makeup, if it clogged pores and how easy it was to reapply.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for six years now, working across The Mirror and now Glamour, so testing skincare has long been part of my day-to-day. Sunscreen is one category I’ve become particularly focused on, largely because I have sensitive skin and have struggled to find formulas that don’t irritate, sting my eyes or trigger redness. After speaking to dermatologists over the years, I was repeatedly advised to look at mineral sunscreens over traditional chemical options, which is what led me to explore the category more seriously.
Since then, SPF has become completely non-negotiable in my routine. I wear it every single day without fail, and I’m selective about what earns a place on my shelf. I tend to reach for SPF 50, and I’m quick to rule out anything that feels heavy, looks chalky, doesn’t sit well under makeup or becomes uncomfortable as the day goes on.
I’ve tested a wide range of formulas over the years, and not all of them have worked for my skin. Every sunscreen in this guide has been properly trialled, either by me or by the Glamour team, over an extended period of time. Nothing here is based on a first impression, only on formulas that hold up in real, everyday use. After something else? Read my guides on the best SPF lip balms, the best body sunscreens and the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
Ahead, the best mineral sunscreens to shop right now…
1. Best overall: Ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing Lotion SPF 30
- Tested by: Maisie Bovingdon, Glamour Freelance Writer.
- Key ingredients: Ectoin (active DNA and cell protection) and GSP-T, a powerful antioxidant complex that helps protect against oxidative stress.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "I’m in my early 30s, and I’m more conscious than ever about sun damage, pigmentation and fine lines, but the Ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing SPF claims to address all of my concerns.
"I wore this face SPF religiously last summer, and I’ve stocked up again this year, because it is a skincare and suncare hybrid that is gentle, water-resistant, long-wearing and protective. With SPF30 and PA+++, this suncare essential protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays, though I typically prefer to wear a PA++++ formula for optimum UVA protection.
"The formula also contains Ectoin, which is a skincare ingredient I am obsessed with lately because it provides an intense boost of hydration my skin needs, especially in the warmer months. As this beloved ingredient of mine is included in this formula, it helps me to slim down my skincare routine when I’m travelling. The inclusion of antioxidant GSP-T protects the skin from environmental aggressors and oxidative stress, so it is ideal for commuting into a very polluted city.
“This cream SPF is water-resistant and durable enough to withstand me jumping in and out of the swimming pool, or sea. Plus, it blends effortlessly into my skin without leaving a pesky white cast or greasy residue, and sits well under make-up without piling.”
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2. Best tinted: Supergoop! Mineral Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops SPF 30
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, strawberry seed oil, pongamia pinnata seed extract.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "I’ve been using the original Supergoop! Glowscreen (the chemical version) for over a year now, so when the new Mineral Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops SPF30 landed on my desk, I was very curious to see how they’d compare.
"As someone who loves a no-makeup makeup finish, this is exactly the kind of tinted SPF I get excited about. It makes skin look like skin, just warmer, glowier and more even, while still giving you mineral sun protection thanks to zinc oxide. The drops come in two shades, Sunrise for lighter skin tones and Golden Hour for deeper skin tones. I went for Golden Hour, and it gave my skin that bronzed, post-holiday warmth straight away.
“I applied it with my fingers and found it easy to blend, with zero white cast. The dropper applicator is great if you want to mix it into your moisturiser, although it can get a little messy and isn’t the easiest to control. I love a glow, but for an office day I did need a bit of powder across my forehead and T-zone to tone it down slightly. On holiday, though, or when I already have a bit of colour, this would be the perfect no-makeup makeup SPF.”
3. Best under makeup: Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF30+
- Tested by: Fani Mari, Glamour Freelance Writer
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin.
- Texture: Fluid cream.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "Sunscreen is one of the most important, non-negotiable steps in my routine, and I’m particularly pleased when I find products that have added skincare benefits. This lightweight, non-comedogenic mineral formula leaves a really nice glow on my skin and it comes in two shades; original, a fair-medium shade and sunlit, a medium-tan shade.
"It’s a viral product and for a good reason. While I generally prefer using an SPF50 all year round, I love using this product for its amazing ingredients and the glow it gives my skin. It makes for a great makeup base and also looks fantastic on its own. While it's very glowy, I like the finish. As my husband said when he saw me, “You look very glowy, but not oily”, and that’s all I strive for!
Both shades have a little tint to them, not enough to replace a proper foundation but great for no-makeup or light makeup days.
“In terms of ingredients, this is packed with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and soothe the skin. While I’m not always a big fan of mineral formulas, as they tend to be thicker and leave a white cast, this one is great. You need to blend it in a bit more than you would a chemical formula, but it blends in nicely, leaves no white cast on me and it feels lightweight.”
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4. Best for reapplication: Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Mini Mate
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- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, kakadu plum, dragosine plus.
- Texture: Lightweight cream.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "This SPF lives in my handbag at this point. The pocket-sized bottle makes it ideal for topping up throughout the day (every two hours btw), and as someone who always goes for SPF50, I like that it still delivers high-level protection in such an easy-to-carry cutesy format.
"I also really rate the pump applicator. I applied it directly onto my face, but you can pump it onto your fingers first if you prefer. Either way, it’s easy to control how much product comes out, which makes reapplying feel much less messy.
"On my sensitive skin, it feels comfortable and easy to wear. It blends in quickly, leaves no obvious white cast, which is rare for a mineral sunscreen, and layers well with my usual skincare without pilling. I’ve also worn it under makeup and it sits nicely, giving my skin a fresh, dewy finish rather than looking heavy or chalky.
“The formula uses zinc oxide for mineral sun protection, alongside kakadu plum and dragosine plus for antioxidant support. The only downside is that the bottle is small, so it won’t last ages, especially if you’re being good and reapplying properly throughout the day.”
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5. Best oil-free: Clinique SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face
- Tested by: Maisie Bovingdon, Glamour Freelance Writer.
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
- Texture: Thin liquid.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "I have been a die-hard Clinique fan for decades. I have worn Clinique’s Superdefence SPF moisturiser Gel religiously for years, but conscious of my skin health, I also apply a separate face SPF daily, especially in the summer.
"While it promises not to leave white cast like other mineral sun protections, but sadly it did. When I applied the recommended two finger’s length of SPF, the formula needed a lot of work to massage it into the skin to blend out the white tint. However, the oil-free formula is lightweight on the skin, and leaves a velvety-soft second-skin finish, which I prefer to avoid looking greasy. Plus, it sits comfortably on my bare skin, and under make-up, which a bonus.
“While it offers high SPF50 to protect against UVB rays, and claims to offer UVA protection, it doesn’t state the PA rating, which is what delivers the UVA protection. So, while I like the formula and finish, I would seek out a broad-spectrum SPF with both factor 50 and PA++++ to be extra safe in the sun.”
6. Best powder: Supergoop!(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, ceramide-coated powders, olive glycerides.
- Texture: Powder.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "This is one of those SPFs that makes the most sense when you’re already wearing makeup. Cream sunscreen over foundation? Not always ideal. A mineral powder that you can brush over the top? Much more realistic IMO.
"I first reviewed this for our best scalp SPF guide as the brush makes it ideal for popping on your parting, but it’s also great for using as a mineral sunscreen too - despite it only being SPF30 (not my preferred SPF50) - because it’s so easy to re-apply, I’ll let it slide. The lock and twist applicator took me a few tries to get right, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy to use and apply. Simply twist the bottom, and the product will appear on the brush for you to apply to your face (or scalp).
“I’ve even used it as a setting powder as it’s great for keeping makeup in place, and minimising shine thanks to its translucent, matte finish. Although, it may be a little too drying and matte for those with very dry skin. I’ve also found it can settle a little into pores - especially if I’m wearing a lightweight base underneath.”
Check out our LookFantastic discount codes to save more when you shop for the best mineral sunscreens.
7. Best Korean: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30
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- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer
- Key ingredients: Artemisia capillaris and olive-derived lipid.
- Texture: Fluid cream.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: "This is one of those SPFs that feels much more like a skin tint than a traditional sunscreen. The texture is very fluid, almost watery, so it glides on easily and feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin. It does dry down quite quickly, though, so I found I had to work fast and blend it in properly before it set.
"The Korean sunscreen is available in 12 shades, which is pretty impressive for a mineral SPF, as tinted mineral formulas don’t always offer that much choice. I went for MP200, which was slightly too dark for me and pulled a bit orange, so next time I’d definitely go one or two shades lighter. The coverage is sheer, but it gives enough of a tint to even things out and make skin look a little fresher.
“Formula-wise, it contains Artemisia capillaris, also known as mugwort, to help soothe, alongside olive-derived lipids for hydration. My main issue was how it layered. It didn’t sit perfectly over every serum and went slightly patchy in places, so I’d keep the skincare underneath quite simple with this one.”
Your mineral sunscreen questions, answered:
Meet the experts:
- Dr Lukian Radmila, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
- Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics,
- Dr Yuliya Krasnaya – Dermatologist at Evoclinic.
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics
Mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens – which sunscreen is better for your skin?
“The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun's rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light, and they don't absorb into the skin,” shares Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, a dermatologist at Evoclinic.
“Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
“It's important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences," adds Dr Radmila.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens use UV filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate to sink into your skin and prevent harmful UV light from causing sun damage. That’s not to say that mineral sunscreens don’t offer optimal broad-spectrum protection. In fact, they do a fine job of deflecting blue light, UVB and UVA rays, the latter of which are responsible for pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen.
How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
The easiest way to tell the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is to check the ingredients label on the bottle. “Identifying whether a sunscreen is mineral or chemical can be determined by examining its list of active ingredients,” explains Dr Yuliya. “Mineral sunscreens contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on the skin's surface and reflecting or scattering UV rays.”
“In contrast, chemical sunscreens feature organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat,” adds Dr Yuliya.
What are the cons of chemical sunscreens?
In the past, governing bodies such as the FDA have expressed some concerns regarding the long-term effects of (some, not all) chemical filters. Plus, chemical sunscreens may potentially irritate sensitive, acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.
Why do I need to use sunscreen in the first place?
According to Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, “90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays.” In fact, Dr Christine told us that her best skincare-related advice to anyone is to “use SPF every single day, all year around."
Using some form of daily SPF will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce risk of skin cancer too. Even if you have a darker skin tone, ensuring that your skin is well protected is of the utmost importance. Make sure to grab something that's at least SPF 30 – better yet, go for SPF 40 or SPF 50 for maximum protection.
READ MORE: The best sunscreens for dark skin.
What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?
Dr Radmila shares that “mineral SPF is more heat-resistant and tends to last longer than chemical sunscreen,” making it an excellent choice for a beachside holiday.
Mineral sunscreens are also generally considered safe for most people, including those who are pregnant or have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. However, Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, still recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatology expert before using any skincare product if you have a particular skin concern.
"When shopping for mineral sunscreens, look for those that are labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘hypoallergenic’, which are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions."
Looking for ways to improve your sun care and skincare routine to better protect yourself this summer? Check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best sunscreen sticks, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. You can also take a look at our edits of the best body moisturisers and body lotions and best vitamin C serums.
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