Sunscreen is an everyday essential for me and it should be for you too— yes, even when you’re sitting inside all day (remember those things called windows?)
Dermatologists have shared that, although most windows block UVB rays, UVA rays (which penetrate the skin even deeper) can still make it through. Without sunscreen, all the hard work your skin-care products have done will be for nothing.
RELATED: Best Drugstore Mineral Sunscreens That are Affordable and Amazing
Therefore, finding a good facial sunscreen is a must! Being a skincare fanatic, I’ve tried a LOT and today I am talking about my top 6 favorite mineral sunscreens for face.
If you know me, it’s probably no surprise that all the options on this list are mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients) that work by reflecting the harmful UV rays away from the skin’s surface. By contrast, chemical sunscreen filters work by absorbing the sun’s rays through chemical reactions.
Mineral sunscreens are also generally more photo stable than the chemical ones — which basically means they’re less likely to break down and become ineffective in the presence of sunlight. And they are almost immediately effective right after applying, whereas chemical SPF creams must fully absorb into your skin first to work.
Another big plus is that mineral sunscreens are more gentle and won’t irritate sensitive skin or sting eyes.
Now let’s get to the individual reviews of my favorite mineral sunscreens for face that provide superior protection with a cosmetically elegant feel and finish! NO white cast, no thick or greasy feel and no dryness!
Best Mineral Sunscreens For Face
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36)
This new sunscreen is truly an outstanding option for ALL skin types— from oily to dry as the Sahara and even sensitive skin. If you hate wearing sunscreen, THIS is the one you need to try!
Super lightweight with a sheer tint, it has a thin liquid consistency that absorbs very quickly and leaves skin feeling nicely balanced (not greasy, nor drying) It feels like next to nothing on the skin with a natural matte finish and layers beautifully under makeup. It’s undoubtedly one of the Best Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup.
And thanks to the sheer tint, there’s absolutely NO white cast despite its pure Zinc Oxide (16.8%) sunscreen formula. It blends in seamlessly and becomes invisible once you rub it into your skin. FAB job First Aid Beauty! Full review here.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30 ($12)
This is my favorite drugstore sunscreen that ticks all the right boxes in terms of texture, feel and finish (without worry of a white cast!)
With a mineral-only SPF, CeraVe tinted sunscreen protects and hydrates while providing sheer coverage with a healthy glow. It’s more like a sheer tinted moisturizer with SPF that smooths and evens skin tone while still allowing natural skin to shine through.
The formula is hydrating without being heavy or greasy and has a slightly dewy finish (not shiny or oily) On my light-medium skin tone, the sheer tint blends seamlessly. Since the tint is quite sheer, it should work for most skin tones.
Plus, it also treats skin to hydrating ingredients like Ceramides, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid. A winner all around, especially for normal to dry and sensitive skin types.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked SPF 45 Lotion ($38)
This is one of the best moisturizing mineral sunscreens for face I’ve ever tried! If you have dry skin like me, this one is sure to please! It has been featured in my Best of Beauty 2018 favorites as well as the Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF post and since then I’ve re-purchased it 4 times.
It offers solid sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF 45) with mineral-only sunscreen actives zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Plus, it provides a healthy dose of hydration and also contains antioxidants vitamin A, C, and E that protect skin against free radicals.
The sheer tinted formula blends like a breeze and evens out my skin tone with a soft dewy finish. I LOVE it for makeup-free days but it also wears well under makeup. Powerful sun protection with perks…YES please!
Olay Complete UV365 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin ($16.99)
Another drugstore sunscreen that’s great for almost all skin types, whether you fall on the dry or oily end of the spectrum. It has a lightweight lotion texture that absorbs quickly with a smooth, shine-free finish. It basically just feels like a standard, everyday moisturizer.
Besides zinc oxide (7%), this sunscreen includes synthetic active ingredients like octinoxate and octisalate. The oil-free formula also contains Niacinamide along with antioxidants green tea, vitamin E and aloe extract.
The formula isn’t moisturizing enough on its own (except in summer) for my dry skin, but when paired with a light moisturizer, the combo keeps my skin happy and hydrated throughout the day. It also works well under makeup.
Value wise though, this is the best sunscreen in this post. You get 2.5 oz of product for under $14 (also available at Amazon) The no frills packaging and the fragrance-free formula that feels light and comfortable makes it universally appealing. My hubby likes to wear this daily as a daytime moisturizer with SPF.
CoTZ Face Moisture Lightly Tinted SPF 35 ($26.50)
With 16% zinc oxide as the active ingredient, this is a water-resistant tinted mineral sunscreen that’s great for everyday as well as outdoor activities.
The oil-free formula has a lightweight, velvety-mousse texture that glides on without a greasy or tacky feel and sets to a matte finish. It provides a light dose of moisture to my skin. The best part? It also blurs my large pores and smooths skin texture!
The sheer tint doesn’t provide any coverage at all, but blends easily on my light-to-medium skin tone and there’s no chalky white cast to worry about. The formula is also fragrance-free. Full review here.
PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($44)
Lightweight and moisturizing, this sunscreen provides broad spectrum UV protection with a mix of mineral (zinc oxide) and chemical sunscreen filters (Octisalate and Octocrylene). It also defends skin against aging pollutants with antioxidants.
The formula is nicely hydrating with a cosmetically elegant finish on the skin. Initially it leaves a slight sheen but dries down to a natural satin finish that’s not overly shiny or greasy. If you have oily skin, this sunscreen might not be the right choice for you but it’s great for normal/dry and combination skin.
So, these are my favorite mineral sunscreens for face. I hope this post helps you find a facial sunscreen that you will want to wear everyday!
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