Mineral sunscreen with either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (or both) has a negative reputation due to its tendency to cause a white cast or chalky residue on the skin. But in recent years, a lot of new mineral sunscreens have come into the market and have outperformed their reputation.
While you can use chemical sunscreens, which are frequently lighter-weight and offer a more transparent finish, mineral sunscreens might be a better option for some people. “Formulas are improving dramatically on this front as technology advances,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology. Dr. Yadav claims that because it is less likely to aggravate skin types that are reactive, sensitive, or prone to acne, it is a good choice for people looking for a sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Experts In This Article
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology
- Michele Green, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Shari Marchbein, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
The “best” sunscreen is one that you’ll truly want to apply—and reapply—year-round. SPF, whether chemical or physical, is an essential component of any skin-care regimen to protect against dangerous sun rays. Luckily, there are several of zinc sunscreens that work well for you. They promise broad-spectrum protection with at least the minimum SPF 30 and provide enough water resistance if you plan to be near water, perspiration, or humidity. Furthermore, you won’t look like Casper the Friendly Ghost with the majority of the options available.
The best zinc-containing sunscreens, in brief
- Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin: Blue Lizard, Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, $18
- Best hybrid: EltaMD, UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $43
- Best for oily skin: Supergoop!, Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF 40, $40
- Best tinted: Kosas, DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, $40
- Best stick: Neutrogena, Ultra Sheer Mineral Stick, $15
- Best spray: Baby Bum, Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $16
- Best powder: Colorescience, Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $69
Table of Contents
What is the Best Zinc Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Made Of?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, mineral or physical sunscreens are the only safe and effective sunscreen actives that presently function to physically block the sun’s damaging rays. They are commonly prepared with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a mixture of the two. Dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, FAAD, of New York, previously stated to Well+Good that “mineral sunblocks put a layer of protection on the skin like a shield, so the sun’s rays literally bounce off of it.”
Benefits of Using the Best Zinc Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
According to Dr. Yadav, one of the main advantages of zinc sunscreen—or any mineral sunscreen, for that matter—is that it provides instant sun protection. Chemical sunscreens need to absorb into the skin for 15 to 20 minutes before they can provide good sun protection. Another advantage is that most persons with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin may take mineral sunscreen effectively. “Those who have very sensitive or acne-prone skin and experience irritation or breakouts when using chemical SPF find that they don’t have negative reactions to physical formulations,” the expert explains. “Physical sunscreen is typically quite gentle.”
Cons of the Best Zinc Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
On the other hand, a significant drawback of using zinc oxide sunscreen is its tendency to create a visible white layer on the surface of the skin. “Certain mineral sunscreens may exhibit a white or grayish appearance on individuals with deeper skin tones, however, there are currently numerous formulations available that seamlessly blend with darker complexions,” explains Dr. Yadav. Additionally, she mentions the availability of colored mineral sun protection factors (SPFs), several of which incorporate iron oxide.Sunscreens containing iron oxide not only offer cosmetic coverage, but they are also believed to safeguard against visible light exposure, which might potentially lead to hyperpigmentation.
What to Look for in a Good Zinc Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum protection
First and foremost, it’s critical to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30—anything lower won’t do, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association—that “provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which are damaging to the skin,” according to Dr. Yadav.
Resistance to water
Think about using a sunscreen that can withstand water or perspiration if you plan to swim or perspire a lot. Water- and sweat-resistant solutions work best for people who, you guessed it, spend a lot of time in the water or perspire a lot, says Dr. Yadav. For instance, if you have physically demanding professions outside, are highly physically active, or regularly engage in aquatic activities like water polo or skiing. The label of a sunscreen will specify if and how long it is water resistant; ideally, according to Dr. Yadav, you should look for a product that provides water resistance for at least 80 minutes.
Type of application
Selecting from the range of mineral sunscreens is primarily a question of taste, as they are available in lotion, spray, stick, and powder forms. A common option are lotions, however other people might find sticks or powders more convenient. As for reapplication, Dr. Yadav notes, “many people like stick or powder sunscreen, and powder especially if you wear makeup.” Other people might prefer sprays, which can make application quick and simple. However, Dr. Yadav advises using spray sunscreen inside, where wind and other environmental conditions won’t interfere with application.
Shop the best sunscreens with zinc oxide
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
The majority of zinc sunscreens are great for those with sensitive skin, but Blue Lizard’s mineral SPF goes one step further by eliminating ingredients that could irritate skin, like parabens, dyes, and scents. But it does contain broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection that lasts for 40 minutes in the water, along with antioxidant-rich green tea and caffeine, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s also reasonably priced; a bottle of the substance will run you less than $18. Although the lotion doesn’t leave a greasy aftertaste, be aware that it could leave a white cast behind.
SPF: 30
Format: Lotion
Size: 1.7 oz
Pros:
- Paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free formula
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Only water resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Potential white cast
Best hybrid: EltaMD, UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — $43.00
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and octinoxate
Dermatologists like Dr. Yadav and beauty aficionados alike adore the EltaMD mineral sunscreen. “Its mineral and chemical formula with niacinamide to help soothe skin irritation and inflammation is why I’m a big fan of EltaMD products,” Dr. Yadav said of the product. The hybrid sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection by combining zinc oxide and octinoxate, a chemical sunscreen component. Furthermore, the mixture won’t produce a white cast. Applying it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure is advised by the manufacturer, which may be a trade-off for people who want an SPF that takes effect right away.
SPF: 46
Application type: Lotion
Size: 1.7 oz
Pros:
- Recommended by Dr. Yadav
- Paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free formula
- Formulated without oil, making ideal for oily or acne-prone skin
Cons:
- Must be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, unlike other options on the list
Best for oily skin: Supergoop!, Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF 40 — $40.00
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Those who have oily skin may want to seek for a mineral sunscreen like this one from Supergoop that has a lightweight consistency and an oil-free composition. Board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, of New York recommended it for our list of the best tinted sunscreens for oily skin, adding that the SPF is “extremely sheer.” Combining zinc, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, the mixture provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection against visible light exposure, including blue light, without producing a white cast. As an added plus, sunscreen doubles as a primer to help keep makeup from shining and last longer.
SPF: 40
Application type: Lotion
Size: 1.5 oz (also available in 0.68 oz)
Pros:
- Recommended by Dr. Green
- Mattifying formula absorbs oil and controls shine
- Works well under makeup as a primer
Cons:
- May not be ideal for dry skin types
Best tinted: Kosas, DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 — $40.00
Active ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
Editors and writers at Well+Good have come to appreciate the Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen because of its lightweight nature and the almost undetectable broad-spectrum SPF 40 sun protection it leaves behind. Its peachy-pink color counteracts the ghostly white look that many mineral sunscreens have, even though zinc oxide is its main ingredient. Even better, it contains allantoin, which is proven to calm and prevent inflammation, along with ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize without suffocating the skin.
SPF: 40
Format: Lotion
Size: 1.3 oz (also available in 0.5 oz)
Pros:
- Silicone- and fragrance-free formula
- Formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- W+G editors have reported it doesn’t leave a white cast
Cons:
- Expensive for its size
Best stick: Neutrogena, Ultra Sheer Mineral Stick — $15.00
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Mineral Stick, a 2023 Well+Good SPF award winner, offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. The mixture is excellent for the face and body and applies smoothly on the skin. Ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin types, such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance, and mineral oil, are absent from the product. With antioxidant vitamin E, it hydrates skin while shielding it from damaging rays. To guarantee complete protection from the sun’s rays, use the recommended amount of stick sunscreen or any other non-liquid SPF.
SPF: 50
Format: Stick
Size: 1.5 oz
Pros:
- Paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-, fragrance-, and mineral oil-free formula
- Formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- According to W+G editors, it rubs in easily
Cons:
- Potential white cast
Best spray: Baby Bum, Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 — $16.00
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
The Baby Bum Sunscreen Spray, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, has received great reviews from W+G contributing writer Dory Zayas. She previously stated that “it doesn’t leave a chalky, white residue behind” and that “the spray application makes it super easy to distribute on skin.” Although the sunscreen is designed for infants, adults can also benefit greatly from its paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free composition. The product’s manufacturer advises spritzing the product on your hands before applying it to your face to reduce the possibility of it going into your eyes.
SPF: 50
Format: Spray
Size: 3 fl oz
Pros:
- Paraben-, dye-, and fragrance-free formula
- Formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Spray format makes it easy to apply
Cons:
- Contains coconut oil, which might irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
Best powder: Colorescience, Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 — $69.00
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Colorescience’s powder sunscreen is simple to apply and reapply throughout the day, and Dr. Yadav approves of it since it’s “easy to throw in your bag and apply on the go.” In addition to having a handy built-in brush, the formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Its iron oxide content makes it perfect for those who are prone to hyperpigmentation. Although the powder sunscreen has several positive aspects, its shade selection is constrained. The mattifying version is a good choice if you want something sheer, but be aware that it only provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and up to 40 minutes of water resistance.
SPF: 50
Application type: Powder
Size: 0.21 oz
Pros:
- Recommended by Dr. Yadav
- Wears well over makeup
- Built-in brush makes it convenient for on-the-go application
Cons:
- Only water resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Limited shade range
Is Zinc Sunscreen a Good Choice for Daily Use on Sensitive Skin?
Indeed. Dr. Yadav asserts, “You can—and should—wear any form of sunscreen, including zinc oxide, every day.” “Just remember to thoroughly wash your skin when the day is over.”
Which sunscreen contains zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is frequently one of the active elements in mineral or physical sunscreens; to be certain that a product has the chemical, just check the ingredients list.