Finding the best mineral sunscreen for your face can be a difficult task.
Even though mineral sunscreen formulas have greatly improved over the years, many of them still leave a white cast on your face.
There’s also the not-so-simple matter of finding a sunscreen that works with your skin type.
To take some of the hassle out of your search for a chemical-free sunscreen, we’ve rounded up the best mineral sunscreens that offer year-round protection for your face.
Before we get to the good stuff, here are three things you should know about mineral sunscreen for your face:
- The best mineral sunscreens for the face are generally lightweight formulas that leave no white cast behind.
- When choosing sun protection for your face, don’t forget about your lips.
- Wearing a daily SPF on your face can help lower your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
From coral reef-safe options to mineral SPF for sensitive skin, the formulas below are sure to help you look and feel good this summer and beyond.
1. First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
First Aid Beauty’s Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is an ultra-lightweight formula that goes on subtle and smooth.
Packed with antioxidants, like Green Tea Leaf Extract and Licorice Root Extract, this mineral sunscreen promises to soothe sensitive skin while shielding your face from the sun’s UV rays.
It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic, making it a worthy addition to any acne-prone skin care routine.
2. EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
If you’re looking for a mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin, EltaMD’s UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 is a solid option for your face.
Fragrance-free, oil-free and paraben-free, this lightly tinted formula provides lightweight coverage that won’t irritate your skin.
Antioxidants, like Linoleic Acid and Thiocitic Acid, provide additional benefits by reducing free radicals that cause premature skin aging.
GOT WRINKLES?3. Tiege Hanley Lip Balm SPF 30
When it comes to sun protection for your face, the lips are easy to forget.
But there’s a good reason why you shouldn’t overlook the SPF for your kisser.
According to a 2012 Brazilian study, squamous cell carcinoma of the lip accounts for 40 percent of carcinomas on the head and neck (see claim: “Overall, they account for 40% of the head and neck carcinomas.”)
To protect your lips, we recommend applying our zinc-based lip balm on a daily basis—rain or shine!
Our broad-spectrum lip balm is super lightweight and contains zinc oxide, a naturally-derived sunblock you can feel good about wearing day in and day out.
4. Coola Mineral Sport SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick
Who doesn’t love a good sunscreen stick?
If you’re looking for a mess-free mineral sunscreen with a touch of color, Coola’s Mineral Sport SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick is a great choice.
Made with moisturizing avocado oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this age-defying formula is best-suited for dry and sensitive skin types.
5. Kinship Self Reflect Reef-Safe Probiotic Face Sunscreen SPF 32
If you’re searching high and low for a reef-safe sunscreen, then you probably know that certain sunscreen ingredients can be deadly to coral reefs.
According to a 2015 study published in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, the compounds in oxybenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreen, are contributing to coral bleaching, DNA damage and deformities of baby coral (see claim: “Planulae exhibited an increasing rate of coral bleaching in response to increasing concentrations of oxybenzone.”)
Consider trading in your non-reef friendly sunscreen for Kinship’s Self Reflect Reef-Safe Probiotic Face Sunscreen with SPF 32.
Containing non-nano zinc oxide, this plant-based sunscreen can help protect your face from UV rays while improving your complexion.
It’s also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
TAKE THE SKIN CARE QUIZ6. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF 30
If you’re a skin care expert, then you’re no doubt familiar with the impressive hydrating abilities of squalane.
Biossance put this rock star ingredient in their mineral sunscreen to hydrate the skin while protecting it from UV rays.
The result is a reef-safe formula that blends into the skin without leaving any trace of a white cast.
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid
La Roche-Posay is known for its lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens, and their Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen is a worthy addition to their sunscreen line.
Fast-absorbing, non-whitening and weightless, Anthelios provides a matte finish that is perfect for using under makeup.
It was specifically designed for sensitive skin, so you can rest easy putting this safe and effective formula on your face.
The Takeaway
Although mineral sunscreens have come a long way over the years, finding one that is suitable for your face can still be a challenge.
If you’re tired of all the trial-and-error, just hang in there.
Once you find the right sunscreen for your face, we promise that it will be worth it!
References
Vieira, Renata Aparecida Martinez Antunes Ribeiro, et al. “Actinic Cheilitis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip: Clinical, Histopathological and Immunogenetic Aspects.” Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, vol. 87, no. 1, Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia, Feb. 2012, pp. 105–14.
Downs, C. A., et al. “Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol. 70, no. 2, Feb. 2016, pp. 265–88.
