Sunscreen is meant to be worn every day, regardless of the weather. But many of us find ourselves forgetting about sunscreen on the cold, darker days of winter when we’re concerned with staying warm and keeping dry, flaky skin at bay. Now that we’re officially into spring and the sun is getting stronger, it’s imperative that you have a good sunscreen in your beauty arsenal. If you have a bottle left over from last summer — toss it because it’s probably expired — and use this opportunity to give mineral sunscreen a try.
There are many mineral sunscreens for face on the market, from easy-to-apply sticks to loose powders that feel like you’re applying makeup to lotions that are reminiscent of your go-to sunblock. The benefit of a mineral sunscreen is that, like the name implies, it relies on minerals, like zinc and titanium oxide, to give you physical SPF protection without chemical sunscreen ingredients.
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Celebrity dermatologist and KARYNG skin care line founder Dr. Karyn Grossman explains, “[Zinc and titanium oxide] are minerals that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect light/UV from the skin. Other sunscreen ingredients are chemical sunscreens. These get absorbed into the skin and they use chemical reactions to decrease the skin’s UV exposure.”
The benefit to using mineral sunscreen is that not only do you end up with a more natural product, it’s usually suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Grossman adds that mineral sunscreens are also less likely to cause breakouts. However, a common complaint about mineral sunscreens for face is the white cast they often leave behind. We searched high and low for the best lightweight mineral sunscreens for the face that won’t leave your skin looking pale and pasty. Just promise us you’ll wear it every day and reapply, OK?
[ Next: Before You Buy: The Best (and Worst!) Sunscreens for Every Budget ]
The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Your Face
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Hint of Tint
You can say goodbye to your old foundation once you use this product. It offers medium to full coverage plus 100 percent mineral UVA/UVB SPF protection. What's more, it provides up to 24 hours of hydration and helps to blur imperfections. This correcting shield really does it all.
Avène Complexion Correcting Shield SPF 50+ (Face), $36 at Avène
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More Than Makeup
There are a number of makeup products that contain SPF, but this is a sunscreen first and makeup second. The loose mineral sunscreen is perfect for when you're on the go because it has a brush applicator that allows you to sweep the product over your face and neck. It comes in four flattering matte finishes that deposit a hint of color on your skin, making it perfect for balmy days when you want to skip foundation.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen Brush Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $64 at Sephora
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Barely There
You will genuinely forget that you're wearing this mineral sunscreen because it's that lightweight. Shake the bottle and apply the liquid formula before you head out the door. Those with sensitive skin don't have to be concerned about it irritating their complexions because it's part of La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range, so it's formulated with optimal skin tolerance in mind.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, $33.50 at Ulta
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Prime Time
One of the go-to brands for mineral makeup, bareMinerals' skin care products are also worth checking out. This is a convenient makeup primer and mineral sunscreen in one. It helps prep your skin for foundation and concealer while providing UVA and UVB protection. You also don't have to worry about it giving your skin that ghoulish sunscreen cast. It's formulated with color-adapting, micro-encapsulated pigments that blend with your skin tone for an invisible finish.
bareMinerals Prep Step Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Shield Daily Prep Lotion, $30 at Ulta
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For Swimmers
Having a good everyday sunscreen is essential, but it's imperative to have the right sunblock when you're at the beach. This dermatologist-tested sunscreen is one you will want in your beach bag. The mineral-based formula is gentle enough for kids and those with sensitive skin because it doesn't contain alcohol, fragrance, chemical sunscreen agents or parabens. The innovative formula actually becomes more powerful for up to 15 minutes when exposed to water or perspiration. How's that for cool science?
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce for Sensitive Skin and Children, $42 at Ulta
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Skin Soother
Don't let the name fool you. There isn't anything goopy about this mineral sunscreen. It has a silky formula that you will actually want to apply to your face. Really. In addition to providing broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, the formula helps to soothe redness and irritation. It also helps to protect against hyperpigmentation and photoaging.
Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $28 at Sephora
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Broad Spectrum
Do you loathe that greasy feel sunscreen can leave on your skin? You get none of that residue with this lightweight sunscreen. The 100 percent mineral formula is also non-acnegenic and allergy-, dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, so it won't cause breakouts. Furthermore, it's safe for contact lens wearers.
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face, $26 at Sephora
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Cool as a Cucumber
Forget farm-to-table, this is a farm-to-face sunscreen. It's formulated with good-for-your-skin ingredients like shea butter, linseed oil, evening primrose oil and cucumber fruit extract (obvs). The formula helps to protect skin, smooth out lines and nourish your face. And even though it's packed with oils, it still gives your complexion a natural matte finish.
COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen, $36 at COOLA
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Z Is for Zinc
There's no need to coat your face with zinc war paint to get optimal protection. This oil-free, hypoallergenic sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection without the chalky formula. In fact, it's so lightweight that it even has a dry-touch finish. Bring it to the beach with you because it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Lotion SPF 50, $10.99 at Target
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Get Physical
Go out and enjoy the weather, but only after you apply this sunscreen. The lightweight formula is free of fragrances and skin-clogging ingredients. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. You can also skip heavy makeup when you're wearing it. It has a subtle tint that offers just enough coverage to even out your complexion.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen, $29.50 at DermStore
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Stick It
There are no excuses for skipping sunscreen because you find the application to be messy and time-consuming. With this stick, you can protect your face and body in minutes. In addition to SPF 30 protection, cocoa butter hydrates your skin and helps give you an I-just-had-a-facial glow. Natural antioxidants and a peptide complex also work to plump and firm skin.
Mineral Fusion Revitalize and Repair SPF 30 Sun Stick, $14.99 at Target
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Soothes Sensitive Skin
Don't just get any old sunscreen; get one that works with your skin. This chemical-free formula is brilliant for those with sensitive or reactive skin thanks to the natural mineral formula. It also has an UltraCalming Complex with oat and botanical actives that helps to reduce burning, itching and discomfort. Go on and apply it without fear.
Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30, $52 at Dermalogica
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Worth the Splurge
This SPF may be one of the chicest sunscreens on the block thanks to its printed tube, but the zinc oxide formula is worth just as much praise. It's packed with ingredients that help to fight free radicals, provide UV protection and combat the signs of aging. And did we mention that the formula is suitable for all skin types and that it doesn't leave any obvious residue?
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30, $34 at DermStore
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Nature Powered
There's nothing mad about this sunscreen. The chemical-free, all-natural formula's hero ingredient is zinc oxide. It provides SPF 30+ UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Add in naturally photoprotective oils like avocado oil, carrot seed oil and raspberry seed oil and you have your new go-to natural sunscreen.
Mad Hippie Facial SPF 30+, $24.99 at Mad Hippie
