All the Mineral Face Sunscreens I’ve Tested
Listed from Best to Worst
I’ve tested well over 100 sunscreens since I started doing my annual mineral face sunscreen testing videos back in 2015! That’s a lot of sunscreen reviews to remember so I created this page to keep all the information organized.
The sunscreens are listed here from BEST to WORST and I’ve categorized them so you can quickly find one that works for you and your skin!
Thanks for visiting, this post is still a work in progress, some info. is incomplete…
The Best ~ Great On Their Own AND Great Under Makeup!
Undefined R&R Sun Serum SPF 50 PA++++ (Review): $28 for 1.7 oz. 12% Zinc Oxide, water resistant to 40 minutes, vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free, non-nano. Lightweight tinted liquid with antioxidants, easy to apply, dewey finish, no white cast, hydrating, great under makeup. Best for all skin types. 2022 Winner! https://bit.ly/3wg3hRc
Elta MD UV Elements SPF 44 (Review) ~ $34 for 2 oz.
5.5% Titanium Dioxide, 10% Zinc Oxide, 40 min. water resistant, fragrance free
Whipped tinted lotion, easy rub in. No white cast, soft luminous finish. No issues at hairline. Feels lightweight, dry & set. Makeup goes on really well over it. Didn’t affect wear time of makeup. Neutral/medium tint. 2019 Winner!
http://bit.ly/2Q0JbrE (Dermstore), http://bit.ly/2PZIezI (Walmart)
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50 (Review) ~ $14.99 for 3 oz. 4% Titanium Dioxide, 4% Zinc Oxide. 80 min. water resistant. Cruelty free, paraben free. Tinted cream with matte finish best for combo to oily skin types & light/cool skin tones. Smoothing on pores/texture. Pretty good under makeup but can be drying and look a little heavy. Light/cool tint. 2017 Winner! (Review) https://bit.ly/2YNcTDA (Ulta), http://amzn.to/2q50quv (Amazon)
Babo Botanicals Tinted Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50 (Review) ~ $21.50 for 1.7 oz. 20.6% Non-nano Zinc Oxide, not water resistant. Cruelty free, fragrance free, vegan. Contains wheat germ oil (don’t use if allergic to wheat). Tinted liquid with satin/matte finish best for normal to oily skin & lighter/cooler skin tones. Good under makeup. https://amzn.to/3RNDvh4 (Amazon), https://bit.ly/3z8Gf0R (Babo)
Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 (Review) ~ Tinted cream with satin finish best for light cool skin tones. Helps makeup last longer, tint is light/cool. https://amzn.to/2OrkKlz (Amazon), http://bit.ly/2OxD0to (PC)
MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid Tint SPF 50 in Light/Medium (Changed to SPF 30, I haven’t tried the SPF 30 but it’s the same formula) (Review)~ $22.50 for 1 oz. 16.1% Zinc Oxide, not water resistant, cruelty free, reef safe. Easy to apply, not sticky or greasy, soft satin finish, no white cast. Very lightweight and wears great under makeup. Best for normal to oily skin. Comes in 3 shades. 2021 Winner! https://bit.ly/35OuP2o (Ulta), https://amzn.to/2rkZkZG (Amazon)
Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++ (Review) ~ $21 for 2.36 oz. 15% combined Titanium Dioxide + Zinc Oxide, not water resistant. Screens IR & reduces heat in the skin. White lotion with light citrus scent absorbs quickly good around hair. Feels dry & set after 20 min. with no white cast, luminous finish. Very good under makeup, no settling, long wearing, non-drying. 2018 Winner!
https://amzn.to/2HoaxyH (Amazon)
CeraVe Hydrating Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 (Review) ~ $13.97 for 1.7 oz.
5.5% Titanium Dioxide, 10% Zinc Oxide, Not water resistan.t
Tinted cream with a luminous finish best for dry to normal skin types and all skin tones. Good under makeup, no settling into wrinkles, but shortens wear time a little. 2020 Winner! https://amzn.to/2u6YDZy (Amazon)
StriVectin Advanced SPF Full Screen SPF 30 ~ $39 for 1.5 oz.
16% Zinc Oxide, Not water resistant, non-nano, reef safe, pollution & blue light defense. A lightly tinted thin lotion good for all skin types. Feels lightweight & not greasy! Looks great under makeup for 5-7 hours. https://bit.ly/2L8o5m6 (Nordstrom), https://bit.ly/35IsJ3H (Ulta)
Hydropeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted SPF 50 (Review) ~ Lightweight luminous finish with antioxidants, slight white cast, luminous finish. Great under liquid foundation, smoothing on pores & texture. Hydrating, best for dry skin. 2017 Winner (tie)! http://bit.ly/2qBdvrS (Dermstore), http://bit.ly/2h6WCp7 (Skinstore)
Etude House Sunprise Airy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (Review) ~ $13.50 for 1.85 oz. ? Titanium Dioxide, ? Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Very lightweight liquid leaves slight white cast, contains high sd alcohol best for normal to oily skin. Strong citrus scent, some pilling around hair. Soft satin finish. Great under makeup! http://bit.ly/2v3hZ16 (YesStyle), http://amzn.to/2wjjJ3v (Amazon)
Hydropeptide Solar Defense SPF 30 (Review) ~ $44 for 1.7.oz.
2.5% Titanium Dioxide, 6% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Blueish tinted cream that rubs in quickly and blends well. No problems around hair. Luminous finish & no white cast, best for all skin types, cool fair skintones. Works well with powder & liquid foundation. SPF 30 winner 2015!
http://bit.ly/2y1CbgK (Dermstore), http://bit.ly/2h7HTus (Skinstore)
Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50 PA++++ (renamed Exuviance Skin Caring BB Fluid SPF 50 PA++++) ~ $42 for 1.7 oz. 7% Titanium Dioxide, 6% Zinc Oxide. Fragrance Free. Not water resistant. Lightweight tinted liquid with antioxidants, easy to apply. Dries down to luminous finish with slight pale cast. Best for light, cool skin tones. Wearable on its own. Better with powder than liquid foundation. 2015 Winner! (Review)
http://bit.ly/1Iaq9p2 (Ulta), http://bit.ly/1VGNFwk (Amazon)
NeoStrata Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50 ~ Exact same formula as Exuviance (above) but costs less! http://amzn.to/24V146P (Amazon)
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer PureScreen SPF 50 ~ $13.99 for 1.7 oz. 5% Titanium Dioxide, 3% Zinc Oxide. White moisturizer lotion texture, easy to rub in, strong mineral scent, leaves slight white cast, not great around hair. Not greasy feeling. Good under powder makeup, not good under liquid. https://bit.ly/3uo0Wkx (Walmart)
Maelove Sun Protector SPF 30: High zinc oxide sunscreen that leaves a slight cast & doesn’t blend perfectly around hairline/brows. Good under makeup. https://shrsl.com/29u2z
Good on Its Own but Not Good Under Makeup
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 ~ $33 for 3 oz. 7% Titanium Dioxide, 9% Zinc Oxide. 40 min. water resistant. Lightly tinted cream rubs in easily, no white cast. Wearable on its own. Good under powder makeup, not good under liquid foundation. (Review) http://bit.ly/1Qb0xJN (Amazon), https://bit.ly/3eDdT1W (Dermstore)
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ~ $30 for 1.7 oz. 6% Titanium Dioxide, 4.9% Zinc Oxide. Water resistant. Runny tinted liquid, clings to dry skin, & streaks no white cast, satin/matte finish. Very wearable on its own! Ok with powder foundation, awful with liquid makeup. https://bit.ly/3dpb9EK (Dermstore), http://amzn.to/1BXIflm (Review)
ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 PA+++ ~ $39 for 1.8 oz.
12% Zinc Oxide, 40 min. water resistant, protects against pollution, blue light, & IR radiation. Lightly tinted runny lotion that spreads and blends quickly & easily. Feels a little greasy going on but dries back over 15-20 minutes. No white cast, no issues with hair. Luminous finish. https://bit.ly/2SR87kB (Dermstore), https://bit.ly/3dwytAl (ColoreScience)
Epionce Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50~ $38 for 1.7 oz
4.8% Titanium Dioxide, 9.3% Zinc Oxide, 80 min. water resistant.
Siliconey feeling tinted lotion that spreads quickly and easily. Fragrance free, no issues with hair (good for men). Medium tint. https://bit.ly/2HpnjiB (Dermstore)
SuperGoop Zinc Screen SPF 40 ~ $42 for 1.7 oz.
13% Zinc Oxide, Not water resistant, reef safe, vegan. Light peach tinted runny lotion. Easy to blend. Dries clear but shiny & damp feeling. Best for dry to normal skin. https://bit.ly/3cdvEUx (Nordstrom), https://bit.ly/2PySrDs (Sephora)
Thrive Daily Defense Sunscreen Balm SPF 30 ~$20.95 for 2 oz.
20% Zinc Oxide, Not water resistant, Non-nano, reef safe. This is a slightly greyish lotion with a strong lemon scent. https://amzn.to/2zlQna8
DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum 45 ~ $19.95 for 2 oz.
12% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate (Not All Mineral)
https://bit.ly/2WuKzmA
Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ PA++++ ~ 18.90 for 2 oz.
Not mineral, uses European filters we don’t have in the US. Uvinul A Plus & Uvinul T 150. https://amzn.to/35GKiBi (Amazon), https://bit.ly/3cdOACT (YesStyle)
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 ~ Tinted cream with antioxidants, best for light cool skintones. http://bit.ly/1Qb0xJN (Amazon)
Ulta Tinted Mineral Face Lotion SPF 30 ~ $10.99 for 2 oz. 3% Titanium Dioxide, 3% Zinc Oxide, water resistant 80 min. Fluffy tinted cream, smells powders, spreads easily. No white cast, matte finish, dry & set, smooths pores. Really bad under makeup. (Review) http://bit.ly/2IfUlEo
Perricone MD Pre:Empt Series SPF 30 ~ $75 for 2 oz. 11.4% Zinc Oxide, not water resistant. Ligthly tinted lotion, absorbs quickly, no shine, no white cast, no greasy feel. Not great under makeup. (Review) http://bit.ly/2raSAyd (Sephora), http://bit.ly/2Idvyk5 (Ulta)
Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF 50 PA++++: $65 for 1.7 oz. 2% Titanium Dioxide, 10% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Protects against blue light, pollution & IR. Pale peach tinted liquid, easy to apply, good around hair. Satin matte finish, no white cast! Bad under makeup, lots of settling into wrinkles. (Review) http://bit.ly/2JMtFb6 (Nordstrom), http://bit.ly/2DzZ11X (Ulta), http://bit.ly/2roYCf5 (Sephora)
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light SPF 50 ~ 33.50 for 1.7 oz. 6% Titanium Dioxide, 5% Zinc Oxide, water resistant 40 min. White runny liquid that doesn’t blend easily & goes on chaulky. After 20 min. it’s dry & set, no white cast, not greasy. OK under makeup. (Review) http://bit.ly/2JN5sBJ (Ulta)
Skinceutials Physical Matte SPF 50 ~ $34 for 1 oz. 9% Titanium Dioxide, 3.99% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Tinted whipped cream with silicone feel. Easy to apply, no white cast, no greasy feel. OK under makeup. (Review)
E.L.F. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Primer ~ $12 for 1.01 oz.
25% Zinc Oxide, doesn’t say it’s water resistant but it’s impervious to water… very hard to wash off. A thick tinted cream that takes work to spread. No fragrance. The tint is on the grey/olive side so could be good for some skintones. Feels a little greasy, a little silicony, goes on streaky, pills, & gives polka-dot pores. After 20 minutes the color adjusts so it can be worn alone. Not too shiny or greasy feeling. Very soothing on irritated skin.
SuperGoop Smooth & Poreless SPF 40 ~ $38 for 1.5 oz.
0.7% Titanium Dioxide, 17% Zinc Oxide, not water resistant
Tinted lotion with a very silicone feel & glide. Feels wet. Disappears into skin with no white cast & no problems around hair. Doesn’t dry back after 20 minutes, feels a little wet and has a shiny finish that doesn’t do anything to make me look smooth or poreless. Wearable on its own if you like luminous & have dry skin.
Coola Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30 ~ $42 for 1.5 oz.
15% Zinc Oxide, screens high energy visible light, blue light, IR radiation & pollution, not water resistant, fragrance free
A Lightweight lotion that goes on patchy and uneven, Smells kind of funky, & feels sticky but not greasy. Makes my face itch like I put on a glycolic acid peel. Leaves a whitish cast and is very shiny. The sticky feeling and pin pricks along with most of the white cast and shine went away after 20 minutes making it very wearable on its own.
MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 ~ $28 for 2.3 oz. 13.5% Zinc Oxide. Thick & sticky feeling white cream that blends well and is good around hair. No white cast. Doesn’t dry down, stays sticky feeling, but looks good. Good under powder makeup, bad under liquid foundation. (Review) http://amzn.to/23fjFeE (Amazon), http://bit.ly/1WPSdEl (Ulta)
Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 ~ $51 for 2 oz. 6%, 8% 80 min. water resistant. Gel like lotion spreads easily, good around hair, smells funky, no greasy feel. Soft satin finish after 20 minutes. Good under powder foundation, not good under liquid makeup. (Review) http://amzn.to/23fjY9k (Amazon), http://go.magik.ly/ml/sik/ (Dermstore.com), http://bit.ly/1WPS2IZ (Skinstore)
Good Under Makeup But Not Wearable Alone
Clinique Pep Start Daily UV Protector Tinted SPF 50 ~ $19.50 for 1 oz.
6.3% Titanium Dioxide, 4% Zinc Oxide, not water resistant, unscented.
A thin peach tinted liquid that goes on easily but leaves a white cast, feels oily, and is really shiny. But looks great under makeup! https://bit.ly/3cgLQo7 (Ulta)
Bare Republic Mineral Tinted Face SPF 30 ~ $12 for 1.7 oz.
5.2% Titanium Dioxide, 2.5% Zinc Oxide, 40 min. water resistant, synthetic fragrance free
A whipped pale sand colored cream that feels lightweight and glides over the skin feeling silky. Leaves skin a little paler than normal but no visible white cast. Doesn’t disappear into skin, but rather sits on top looking a little streaky & giving polka dot pores. After 20 minutes it’s much better, feels dry and set with a satin/matte finish That could be wearable for some skin tones. It clings to dry skin and isn’t great around hair. It looks really nice under makeup, doesn’t affect the finish of the makeup and it blends in smoothly. It caused a little settling into wrinkles and kicked up a few skin flakes. Makeup wore well throughout the day but feels a little drying throughout the day. Reminds me of a lighter version of the Australian Gold & like AG, its not great for those with dry skin. https://bit.ly/2HvhJLr (Target)
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF 50 ~ $42 for 1.7 oz. 4.9% Titanium Dioxide, 4.42% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Thick white lotion goes on lavender/white but absorbs quickly, good around hair. Feels sticky but not greasy with shiny finish & slight white cast after 20 minutes. Makeup looks good from a distance and lasts well but settles into wrinkles. (Review) http://bit.ly/2JImXDa (Nordstrom), http://bit.ly/2JGero8 (Sephora)
Not Bad But Just Not For Me
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Cream SPF 30 ~ $32 for 1.7 oz. 2% Titanium Dioxide, 17% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. A tinted gel/cream with lots of silicone, tint is pale/greyish & leaves slight white cast. Matte finish. Slides around on my combo skin, not good under makeup. http://amzn.to/19S5BRU (Review)
MD Solar Sciences MD Creme Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50~ Exact same formula as Mineral Tinted Cream SPF 30 (above) comes in 2 shades. Silicone feel, matte finish. Good on its own, not good under makeup. (Review)
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme SPF 50~ Exact same formula as both above but not tinted.
Replenix UltiMatte Perfection SPF 50+ ~ $44.50 for 1.7 oz., 16.2% Zinc Oxide, not water resistant. Tinted siliconey feeling cream. Matte smoothing finish, very wearable on its own. Not good under makeup. Slides around on my combo skin. (Review) https://bit.ly/2AoRPZZ (Dermstore), https://amzn.to/2Xk5FWz (Amazon)
Paula’s Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 ~ $26 for 2 oz. 2.23% Titanium Dioxide, 6% Zinc Oxide. Not water resistant. Lightweight white lotion, slight white cast, very shiny finish for something called “Shine-free”, not good under makeup. http://amzn.to/1IZpliN (Review)
Cotz Plus Healthy Mineral Complex SPF 58
Farmacy Green Screen SPF 30 (Renamed to Green Defense)~ $36 for 1.7 oz. 2.4% Titanium Dioxide, 5.4 % Zinc Oxide. Paraben free. Not water resistant. Lightweight white lotion with no scent, leaves barely there slight white cast & feels silky. Luminous finish. Pretty good under makeup. (Review) https://bit.ly/3c5NEQ9
Not Enough Zinc Oxide in These (Weak UVA Protection)
Sun Bum Mineral Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30 ~ $15 for 1.7 oz.
3.2% Titanium Dioxide, 1.8% Zinc Oxide, 40 min. water resistant, Fragrance free
Coola Mineral Tinted Matte Face Sunscreen SPF 30 ~ $36 for 1.7 oz.
3.2% Titanium Dioxide, 1.8% Zinc Oxide, 40 min. water resistant, Fragrance free. https://amzn.to/2YO3SdF
Coola Classic Face Mineral Sunscreen Cucumber SPF 30 ~ $36 for 1.7 oz. 3.2% Titanium Dioxide, 1.8% Zinc Oxide Fragrance free.
http://amzn.to/1Ivhngt (Review)
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted SPF 50 ~ $33.50 for 1.7 oz.
11% Titanium Dioxide, 0% Zinc Oxide = incomplete UVA coverage (Review)
The Worst ~ Too White, Too Greasy, and/or Too Shiny
White Cast & Greasy
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion 50+ for Sensitive Skin & Children (Review)
Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 41 (Review)
Pacifica Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic Sunscreen SPF 30 (Review)
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil Free Moisturizer (Review)
Too Shiny & Greasy
Rejuvelle All-In-One Sunscreen & Moisturizer SPF 45 (Review)
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Defense SPF 30 (Review)
Cotz Flawless Complexion Soothing Mineral Complex SPF 50 ~ $19.99 for 2.5 oz. 0% Titanium Dioxide, 20% Zinc Oxide. Whipped texture with lots of silicones, goes on clear but feels heavy & greasy, very shiny finish. Doesn’t dry back after 40 min. Not good under makeup. https://bit.ly/2SQAq2O (Review)
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked SPF 45 Lotion
Paula’s Choice Hydro-Light Shine-Free SPF 30
Avene High Protection Light Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen Lotion SPF50_
Avene Mineral Light Hydrating Lotion SPF 50
Burnout Eco
Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+/PA+++
Drunk Elephant
First Aid Beauty
Image Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32
Josie Maran
Kate Somerville
La Roche Posay
Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 40 Moisturizer
Obagi Mineral Sun Shield SPF 50
Shiseido
Tarte TarteGuard
Think Sport Everyday Face SPF 30+
Tizo3 Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense SPF 45
Avene
Discontinued
Make P:rem UV Defense Me. Blue Ray Sun Fluid SPF 50+ PA++++ ~ This has been reformulated and is no longer all mineral. I haven’t tried the new version.
Bare Minerals Prep Step SPF 50 ~ Lightweight liquid that works like a primer, best for dry skin.
Cane + Austin Prime & Protect Mattifying Primer SPF 50 ~ Tinted puffy cream best for darker skintones.
Avene High Protection Mineral Light Mattifying Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ ~ Best for Oily, acne prone skin.
CeraVe Face Lotion Invisible Zinc SPF 50 ~ $11.99 for 2 oz. 4.9% Titanium Dioxide, 4.7% Zinc Oxide. Thick white cream, doesn’t spread easily. White cast. After 20 minutes feels dry & set, white cast diminished but still visible.
Clinique For Men SPF 50 Sunscreen ~ Exact same formula as the “women’s” but costs $3 more!
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