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We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, expert commentary and three new GH Beauty Lab test-winning products, including a new best overall body formula by Hawaiian Tropic based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
When it comes to sun protection, there are two main types: Chemical and mineral. The word “natural” usually refers to mineral sunscreens, which use naturally-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that absorb sun’s rays. Mineral sunscreens are gaining popularity because they’re free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients like oxybenzone, and because, “in general, there’s been a movement toward natural and organic skincare,” says Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab regularly tests all types of sunscreens, including sunscreens for kids and babies, face sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin, face sunscreen and more. Lab experts keep current regulations at the forefront when considering sunscreens for testing and start by surveying 2,500 women on their sun protection habits, in our most recent test. They we evaluate the products on consumer testers for both sun protection efficacy and cosmetic properties. Here, the best mineral sunscreens for face and body with no white cast, including formulas for dark, acne-prone, sensitive, oily and mature skin, plus sprays and drugstore buys, tested by the GH Beauty Lab:
Our top picks
Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen for Face
Mineral Non-Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sun Bum
Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen for Body
Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50
Hawaiian Tropic
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Face Gel Lotion SPF 30
Bare Republic
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
Colorescience
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Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen for Face
Mineral Non-Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
- Not irritating, sticky or greasy
- Smooth texture works well with makeup
In GH Beauty Lab testing, this Sun Bum face sunscreen received a near-perfect score for not causing redness or irritation. It’s also non-tacky, non-oily and doesn’t interfere with makeup. “I absolutely loved this! The silky texture went in like a makeup primer and worked as such,”one tester says. Other testers rave that it is “silky” and “looks so natural.”
• SPF 30
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (2.4%), Titanium Dioxide (5.3%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$10.58
Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen for Body
Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50
- Smooth and easy to apply
- Won’t dehydrate skin
- Great scent
The top-rated of all the mineral sunscreens in the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent body SPF test, coconut oil-infused Hawaiian Tropic was loved for its smooth application, transfer resistance and “deliciously tropical” scent. The light milky lotion was the least likely to stain or rub off on fabrics of any mineral SPF, effortless to apply, non-drying and rinsed off easily. Testers praised the pump bottle, though it was smaller than others; the formula also felt greasy to some testers. Many raved that the “scent was amazing” and “application process was clean.”
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.50
Best Value Mineral Sunscreen
Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50
- Great sun protection
- Pleasant scent
- Not greasy or irritating
Australian Gold’s SPF uses a both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield skin from the sun. This sunscreen offers a grease-free finish and strongly protects against UV rays. Not only does it actually smell good (95 % of GH Beauty Lab testers agreed it had a pleasant scent), but it also scored perfectly for preventing sunburn and near the top for not being oily or irritating and for its “smooth” feel.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (4%), Titanium Dioxide (4%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$2.73
Best Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen
Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Softens skin
- Easy application
- Strong sun protection
- Great value
Not only is this GH Beauty Lab test-winning Coppertone sunscreen extremely affordable, but it’s also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and uses high levels of pure zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Users found it easy to apply and moisturizing and the formula tallied near-perfect marks for effectively protecting skin from the sun. It also rinsed off well and didn’t stain clothing. “Skin did not feel dried out like some other sunscreens,” a tester noted.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (24.8%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$1.66
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Mature Skin
SheerZinc Face Sunscreen SPF 50
- Smooth, hydrating feel
- Works well with makeup
- Strong sun protection
- May leave a white film on skin
Neutrogena’s great value zinc oxide face sunscreen was easy to apply and effective at preventing sunburn in GH Beauty Lab testing. The silky smooth, softening formula, great for mature skin types, also wears well under makeup — testers found it didn’t interfere with their foundation application. Several users remarked that they liked how it “moisturized skin.” It might leave a bit of a white cast at first while it soaks in so it may be better-suited for fairer skin tones.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (21.6%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$5.49
Best Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Mineral Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Easy to use
- Not irritating, oily or drying
- Strong sun protection
- May take time to soak in and leave a white cast
A rare sunscreen spray with naturally-derived mineral active ingredients, testers found Bare Republic easy to apply in GH Beauty Lab evaluations. It also scored well for its vanilla coconut scent, not stinging or irritating skin, not feeling greasy or drying and protecting skin from sunburn. Note that users didn’t find it fast-absorbing and reported that it left a white residue on skin. Many users raved about its effortless application: “It sprayed very evenly,” one noted. Another said, “I did not get sunburned, despite spending hours in the strong Colorado sun!”
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (12%), Titanium Dioxide (8%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$2.49
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dark Skin
Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35
- Won’t leave a white film on skin
- Not greasy or tacky
- Works well with makeup
After trying out SkinMedica’s physical sunscreen that’s sheer enough for dark skin tones, several GH Beauty Lab testers said that they wanted to purchase it for themselves. The formula earned top scores for not leaving a visible residue on skin, feeling or looking oily, interfering with makeup or having a sticky feel. “It did not leave that heavy white film,” a tester reported. Another said: “Others left a white cast over my face, but this product didn’t. I love it!”
• SPF 35
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (6%), Titanium Dioxide (5%)
• Water resistance: Not water resistant
• Price per ounce: ~$20.50
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Face Gel Lotion SPF 30
- Non-greasy matte finish
- Stays put on skin
- Appealing gel texture
This innovative Bare Republic formula for face is a gel-lotion hybrid that sinks into skin instantly, leaving it matte and non-oily. Testers also liked the texture and how well it stays on during exercise. “This product truly shocked me in how well it went on, how it felt on my face, how my face looked, and that there were no ill effects like many sunscreens — the burning and stinging, breakouts,” one marveled.
• SPF 30
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (18.2%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$9.40
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
- Doesn’t irritate skin or eyes
- Smooth, easy to apply texture
This gentle SPF from Colorescience was the best pure zinc oxide formula in past GH Beauty Lab body sunscreen testing. In Lab evaluations, 95% of testers agreed it didn’t cause any stinging or irritation, and 100% said the it didn’t irritate eyes or skin even when applied on the face. A fan raved that the “silky” lotion “melted into their skin,” and another added that it “spread on a lot easier and did not have the thickness” of the other formulas.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (12%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$11.50
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50
- Not oily or sticky
- Matte effect
- Mild, non-irritating formula
A top performer in GH Beauty Lab facial sunscreen testing, Isdin’s pure zinc oxide formula has a matte finish, making it great for oily skin. Testers found it didn’t leave an oily or tacky feeling on skin and it provided a shine-free finish. The liquid SPF was also gentle on skin and didn’t irritate eyes. “I liked that it did not feel greasy or oily and also that it had a matte finish to it,” a tester commented.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (11%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$17.64
Best Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral Crème Sunscreen SPF 50
- Soaks in quickly
- No white film left on skin
- Not oily or irritating
For a sheer finish, this MDSolarSciences mineral zinc oxide- and titanium dioxide-based face sunscreen is a great choice. In GH Beauty Lab testing, users liked its fast absorption, the shine-free look that it leaves on skin, its delicate scent and that it didn’t cause skin irritation. The silky texture also didn’t leave behind any white residue. “It felt like a base coat primer that reduced the appearance of pores,” one tester said.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (17%), Titanium Dioxide (2%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$17.64
Best Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Contains natural plant-derived ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Not oily or drying on skin
Made with 20% mineral zinc oxide and naturally-derived plant ingredients, the Babo Botanicals cream SPF was a GH Beauty Lab test winner for eliminating some of zinc’s common gripes, rubbing onto skin and rinsing off easily. It rated well at applying and washing off skin effortlessly, and not transferring onto fabrics or feeling oily or drying. Note that some users commented on its “thick” texture and it is the smallest bottle of all the winners, at three ounces. “It moisturized my skin without a greasy residue,” one commented.
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (20%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.50
Best Scented Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50
- Smooth texture
- Appealing aroma
- May leave a white film and be difficult to wash off
Bargain priced per ounce, Ulta Beauty’s mineral sunscreen lotion was a GH Beauty Lab test winner thanks to its “light, clean” scent and satiny feel. The rich lotion earned the highest score for texture among the mineral formulas and overall for its appealing aroma, plus performed strongly at not feeling tacky or oily. It may be difficult to rinse off, leave a white residue on skin and rub off on fabrics. “Loved the scent and the texture, and the mineral ingredients work beautifully,” one said. Two described it as “smooth and silky.”
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4%), Zinc Oxide (4%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.00
Best Mineral Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Doesn’t irritate skin
- Not greasy or tacky
- Liquid can separate, so bottle must be shaken before use
GH Beauty Lab testers gave this Bare Republic sunscreen a perfect score for being mild on skin. They also said that it left skin matte and didn’t feel sticky after application. Note that this is an emulsion formula, so you need to shake it before applying, or else you’ll get a non-uniform liquid. “I liked the milky texture of this product and it melded in with my skin in just a few minutes,” a tester reported. Another said: “It was a gentle product; I did not have any irritation, stinging or bumps after using it.”
• SPF 30
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (2.5%), Titanium Dioxide (5.2%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$8.80
Best Organic Natural Sunscreen
Organic Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Made with a majority of organic ingredients
- Gentle on skin
- Contains chemical active ingredients
Formulated with over 70% organic ingredients, including botanicals like aloe and safflower seed oil, oxybenzone-free Coola was a winner in GH Beauty Lab sunscreen testing. An impressive 100% of testers reported no stinging or irritation on the body or face, and it scored highest for not rubbing off on clothing. “I love how light this product is and how much it feels like a light skin lotion (and not like a sunscreen at all!)!” one marveled. “It goes on so easily and smoothly and disappears into the skin…the perfect sunscreen.”
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone (1.75%), Homosalate (5.0%), Octisalate (2.0%), Octocrylene (5.0%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$5.60
How we test mineral sunscreens
To find the best natural mineral sunscreens, GH Beauty Lab scientists rounded up the newest sunscreen formulas and narrowed them down to the top contenders. We ultimately distributed 330 sunscreens to consumer testers in our most recent test. After use, volunteers filled out detailed questionnaires on the product’s sun protection effectiveness, application and look and feel on skin. Then, GH Beauty Lab scientists tallied over 5,500 responses to identify the top-performing mineral sunscreens on the market.
Are mineral sunscreens actually better?
Whether mineral sunscreens are “better” than chemical SPFs depends on what you’re looking for. “Mineral sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB radiation, and visible light,” says Sara Hogan, M.D., a dermatologist at the Luxe Dermatology and Aesthetic Center in McLean, Virginia. Mineral SPFs tend to be less irritating, though may be more difficult to spread and leave a white film. “They may also be less water-resistant than chemical sunscreens,” Dr. Hale says. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate that work by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat; they are generally easier to apply and leave less visible residue on skin.
It’s important to keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate “natural” claims in consumer products, so the term itself doesn’t really mean anything concrete when it comes to sunscreen. “There’s no such thing as a truly ‘natural’ sunscreen, because the ingredients need to be treated in chemical processes when added to formulas to prevent harmful reactions,” explains Steven Q. Wang, M.D., Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
What to look for when shopping for the best mineral sunscreen
Here’s what to look for when shopping for a mineral natural or organic sunscreen, according to GH Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologists:
✔️ Broad-spectrum protection: One of the most important features to look for in any sunscreen is that it’s labeled “broad-spectrum,” meaning it “effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Hale says. Other sunscreens shield only UVB, leaving you vulnerable to damaging UVA rays.
✔️ Mineral active ingredients: Seek out naturally-derived actives made from minerals include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which sit atop the skin to reflect sun’s rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. “Iron oxide is often added to mineral sunscreens to give color to the ‘white cast,’ but also protects the skin from UVA and visible light, particularly blue light,” Dr. Hogan adds.
✔️ Free from potentially harmful actives: Avoid products that contain ingredients like oxybenzone and benzene, which research shows have the potential to be problematic for health.
✔️ Natural or organic ingredients: Many brands indicate these keywords (like “made with natural ingredients”) on product packaging. Look for an ingredient percentage listed (i.e. “70% organic ingredients”) to be sure the product contains the type of ingredients claimed. Keep in mind that there aren’t 100% organic sunscreens, but you can find formulas that are made with organic ingredients that are also effective.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann came to Good Housekeeping in 2012 with over six years of prior experience as an organic chemist in the hair dye, cosmetic and biotech industry. She develops laboratory protocols using specialized lab equipment, conducts product testing across hair and skincare categories and oversees large consumer studies. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and beauty and sustainability award programs. Since joining GH, Sabina has researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She has carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more. Sabina also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifies product claims.
Katie Berohn is a former Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant with extensive experience reporting on skincare and GH Beauty Lab testing, including all types of sunscreens.
Senior Chemist, Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab
Sabina Wizemann is a senior chemist in the Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conceives, creates and carries out experiments to evaluate beauty and health products.
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group.
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