Mineral sunscreen has come a long way—especially for those with deeper skin tones. Chalky white formulas are a thing of the past, as newer mineral sunscreen options feel weightless, absorb clear, and are packed with skincare actives.
Shop the Best Mineral Sunscreens
Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
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There are several reasons to choose a mineral sunscreen—one that uses zinc or titanium dioxide as a filter—over a chemical one. Mineral sunscreen tends to be gentler on sensitive skin, and the formulations are often more natural or “clean,” if that’s key for you. “It is important to check active ingredients in sunscreens, as some mineral sunscreens also contain chemical sunscreens, which are more likely to irritate sensitive skin,” Carmen Castilla, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist practicing at New York Dermatology Group, tells Bazaar.
Castilla and our editors helped narrow down a list of the best mineral sunscreens for the face. Whether it’s a skin tint loaded with SPF or a more traditional formula that blends seamlessly, find it below.
Pros
- Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons
- Pricey
Castilla says she’s partial to tinted mineral sunscreens like this one from Colorscience. “The iron oxide that creates the tint in these sunscreens also blocks visible light. Visible light does not cause skin cancer, but can cause hyperpigmentation or worsen conditions such as melasma. It is a helpful ingredient to maintain an even skin tone,” she says.
Shades: 4
What reviews are saying: “Yes it’s a little pricey but it’s worth the money. It doesn’t break me out and I have sensitive skin. The coverage is the best coverage I’ve seen in a tinted sunscreen. I use this as my foundation for a day-to-day look.” —Hailey O.
Pros
- Neutral undertones pair with any foundation.
- Fragrance-free
Cons
Castilla highly recommends this lightweight drugstore SPF from Neutrogena, which includes vitamin E to nourish skin while also protecting it. Plus, the formula is sheer enough to layer under makeup, or can be worn solo on no-makeup makeup days.
Shades: 4
What reviews are saying: “Most sunscreens meant for darker skin have a much lower percentage of active ingredients and I worry I am not getting anti-aging coverage, but this one really has everything a darker-skinned person could ask for. I recommend it to everyone with dark skin because not only is it an effective sunscreen, it also looks like a light foundation layer.” —May
Pros
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Matte finish
Cons
- Some shoppers say it stains clothes.
- The smell can be polarizing.
La Roche-Posay makes one of the most beloved mineral sunscreens to date, and Castilla agrees its reputation is earned. The weightless formula is oil-free and has a matte finish, which is ideal for breakout-prone skin that tends to look oily with other SPFs. The formula also has antioxidants that add another level of protection from environmental damage.
Shades: 1
What reviews are saying: “Glides on smooth and so lightweight. Gives just the right tint in your skin to look like makeup coverage but sun protecting. Love!” —Alyssa L.
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Pros
- Gives pores a filtered look
Cons
- Liquid-y texture makes application messy
- Over $40
Rounding out Castilla’s top picks is this lightly tinted SPF that blends well into any skin tone without a visible cast. In it, you’ll also find plankton extract, which is known to increase skin’s resistance to the stress caused by UV rays and heat from the sun. It’s no wonder SkinCeuticals is such a popular brand with dermatologists.
What reviews are saying: “Very easy to put on and spread! No white cast and not greasy! Leaves a nice, satin-matte finish.” —Roxana Vel
Pros
- Minimizes redness
Cons
- Might be too greasy for oily skin types
Made especially for sensitive skin, this allantoin- and Centella asiatica–infused sunscreen keeps skin calm, breakout-free, and hydrated (thanks to moisturizing probiotics).
What reviews are saying: “As someone with sensitive skin, it’s really hard to find something that doesn’t burn my face after being out in the sun and sweating. This SPF is perfect for me and I appreciate that it is unscented.” —Katie
Pros
- Gel-like formula is ideal for textured skin
Cons
- Some shoppers say white cast takes time to disappear.
Supergoop!’s fan-favorite Unseen Sunscreen also comes in a mineral version with an SPF 40 and antioxidant protection by way of bamboo extract. Bazaar’s beauty editors love to wear this one in particular under makeup.
What reviews are saying: “As someone who has given up on sooo many mineral face sunscreens (always too heavy, too greasy, feel generally icky sitting on top of my skin) this stuff is incredible. It’s so lightweight and goes on insanely smooth—it has a silky, powder-like feel to it that slips right over my skin with zero effort.” —oliviasac
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Pros
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Pump doesn’t always work properly
This gem from EltaMD might be one of the most dermatologist-recommended sunscreens to date. It comes in both tinted and non-tinted versions, but either option blends well into all skin tones. The SPF moisturizer is also fragrance-free and loaded with hyaluronic acid to leave skin plump and radiant.
Shades: 3
What reviews are saying: “It is very easy to spread on the face and dries quickly. Once dry, I did not feel it at all and it dried clear. I found that it was very moisturizing. Typically, I will also use a face oil but I did not need to with this product. I feel like it covered my face evenly and provided great sun coverage.” —SKLewis
Pros
- Provides blue-light protection
- Under $25
Cons
- Some shoppers don’t like the smell.
The peach tint of this SPF helps eliminate any white cast left behind from the zinc—just give it a minute to absorb before moving on to makeup. The finish falls right in between dewy and matte, so it works well for both oily and drier skin types. Plus, the formula is infused with skin-nourishing sea fennel and Moringa seed extract.
Shades: 1
What reviews are saying: “This is absolutely the best mineral sunscreen I have used for my face. I have used so many, and I have finally found the one that blends in does not leave a white cast, and looks amazing with or without makeup I don’t break out I don’t feel chalky.” —Jax
Pros
- Doesn’t rub off on clothes
Cons
- The orange tint takes a minute to absorb.
Live Tinted’s Hueguard is one of the few options on this list that was designed to work head-to-toe. The multitasking face-and-body SPF 30 formula blocks harmful rays and blurs imperfections with its peach-tinted formula.
Shades: 1
What reviews are saying: “Super easy to use: no pilling, no streaks, no cast. Takes a minute to reveal the final finish, which is a beautiful, lit-from-within subtle glow.” —MA
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Pros
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Needs to set for 3–5 minutes before applying makeup
This skincare-forward sunscreen contains peptides to help skin look more bouncy, hyaluronic acid to plump, allantoin to soothe sensitivity, and mineral SPF 40 to prevent sun damage. It works well paired with other fan favorites from Kosas, like the brand’s liquid skin tint and concealer.
Shades: 2
What reviews are saying: “Love love the way it goes on smooth and leaves my face with a luminous glow! It’s beautiful underneath makeup or alone for a light coverage day!” —panda1225
Pros
- A little goes a long way.
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Over $40
- Might be too rich for oily skin
This thicker sunscreen is a great choice for skiers or anyone looking for a balmlike SPF to use in during cooler months. A blend of castor, lavender, and parsley oils seals moisture into the skin and soothes chapping.
What reviews are saying: “Doesn’t irritate my skin, feels hydrating and gentle. It’s not lightweight, but the texture is really luxurious and blends out to a soft moisturizing feel that is not overly greasy or matte. It’s unlike any sunscreen I’ve tried before, and it leaves no white film.” —Rachel
Meet the expert
- Dr. Carmen Castilla is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist practicing at New York Dermatology Group.
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Shop more sunscreens we love:
- Vacation Brought Back the ’80s Orange Gelée Tanning Gel—With an SPF Twist
- The 10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists
- 10 Best Sunscreen Oils to Score a Healthy Glow This Summer
- The 9 Best Eye Creams With SPF for Easy Sun Protection
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Nykia Spradley
Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.