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Finding The Best Mineral Sunscreen For Your Face Is Tricky. These Are The Beauty Editor Approved Ones
No white cast, no problem.
As a beauty editor, I take great pride in sharing excellent skincare recommendations, but name-checking the best mineral sunscreen is tricky. I know there are benefits to them (more on that later), but for a very long time, every formula I've tried either feels grainy, chalky, or makes my tanned olive skin appear dull and grey. Considering how far we've come in other aspects of skincare, surely it's possible to find a mineral face SPF that work on all skin tones?
The very best mineral sunscreens for all complexions
- Editor's choice: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF50,
- Best for every day: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer,
- Best for dry skin: Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops
- Best for oily skin: Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen SPF30
- Best for touch-ups: Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30
Why do mineral sunscreens cause ashiness?
The culprit lies in the main ingredientS of a mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are white powders. 'Both sit atop the surface of the skin and reflect, as well as absorb, UV radiation,' says Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP with special interest in dermatology. When you apply the correct amount of sunscreen (around two fingers worth), mineral formulas have historically left behind a greyish tint, or a white cast. Thankfully, there are many modern formulas that now use much smaller particles that blend into a sheer finish.
What are the benefits of a mineral sunscreen?
While mineral formulas reflect and absorb light, chemical sunscreens contain active organic compounds such as avobenzone, and oxybenzone that absorb UV rays and convert it to heat. Chemical SPFs tend to be more user-friendly and they are completely safe, but extremely fragile skin types can be allergic to them, or experience irritation.
'It’s worth using a mineral sunscreen if you have very sensitive skin or rosacea prone. Zinc oxide is well tolerated by people with sensitive skin, and which makes mineral sunscreens a desirable option,' offers Dr Khorana, who also recommends them to those with breakout-prone skin.
How do you avoid a white cast from mineral sunscreens?
For complexions deeper that a medium tan, a tinted SPF works best. And, as I've found out, the tint itself comes with added benefits, too. 'Tinted mineral sunscreens usually have an added colour base that can help even out skin tone while protecting your skin because tinted sunscreens also have the ability to block visible light,' shares Dr Khorana. 'This also makes mineral tinted sunscreens ideal for certain skin conditions like melasma or hyperpigmentation.'
Application technique also makes a difference. I find that applying in light layers and letting each layer sink in can help negate any grey tones. It takes a little more time in the mornings, but it does help. Formulas with nano-particles and hydrating ingredients will have better 'slip' and sink in quicker, too. To find the products that really impress, I've tested my way through dozens of hyped new launches and old favourites. Here, see the ones that made the cut.
The Best Mineral Sunscreens For Summer And Beyond
Tatcha is known for its elegant textures, and this SPF did not disappoint. It goes oN like a lightweight skin tint, has a subtle peach hue that sinks in to an invisible finish, leaving the complexion feeling well-hydrated but without any greasy residue. It sits well under make-up, but because it has a 'perfecting' effect, it looks even better with just a hint of concealer where needed.
Trust Fenty to launch a mineral sunscreen that protects every single skin tone without a grey cast in sight. Hydra Vizor is also fortified with niacinamide to take care of dark spots and excess shine.
Kora Organics founder, the Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, is no stranger to being in the sunshine so it comes as no surprise that her mineral sunscreen goes on a like a velvety serum - hydrating, plush and packed with nourishing ingredients such as probiotics, chia seed oil and aloe. Oily skin types might find it too heavy, but thirsty complexions will drink this up.
Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen SPF30
Australian brand Ultra Violette makes SPF that fits seamlessly into your everyday routine. That means this mineral hero works well under make-up, doesn't pill when you layer it up, and won't feel claggy through humid days in the office. Clean Screen is is formulated to feel comfortable on oily complexions and is completely fragrance-free.
A powder SPF should never be your first line of sun defence (they don't cover as evenly as a liquid suncream), but for touch-ups throughout the day or setting your make-up, this one works like a charm. Consider it your extra layer of protection for days when you're directly in the sun.
For a mineral sunscreen, Pai's British Summer Time goes on impeccably smooth - just like a face moisturiser. The new Glow version imbues the complexion with a gentle luminosity for a vision of good health without looking oily. Pai is also kind on sensitive skin types.
Dr Khorana often recommends AlumierMD's tinted SPF40 to her deeper skinned patients (there is also an untinted version available). The formula is gentle on even the most reactive complexions, as it contains no added fragrance or colours. What it does have, however, is protective antioxidants and hydrating glycerin.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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