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There’s no doubt that sunscreen and sun creams are absolutely essential for healthy skin; however, it can be hard work finding a sunscreen you’re totally satisfied with.
If you’ve struggled to find your SPF soulmate with traditional chemical-based sunscreens, mineral sunscreens could be worth a try.
Once upon a time, mineral sunscreens were often written off due to the white ‘cast’ they would leave on the skin. But times have changed! Innovative formulas have changed the game when it comes to mineral sunscreens and there are so many to choose from.
Discover nine of our favourite mineral sunscreens here at H&B, as well as a little more information to help you decide if they could be a good choice for you in this article.
Mineral sunscreens are a form of sun protection for our skin that use minerals instead of chemicals.
They’re sometimes referred to as a physical sunscreens and work by absorbing and then deflecting or scattering the UV radiation, as well as absorbing the UV light and releasing it as heat.1
The two main chemicals used in mineral sunscreens are:
It totally depends on what you’re looking for in a sunscreen; there are pros and cons to both.
Mineral sunscreen offers the following benefits:
They can also be a great choice for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they sit on the surface of the skin rather than get absorbed.
People often turn to mineral sunscreen as chemical sunscreens can have their draw backs, like:
However, mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave whitish ‘casts’ on the skin, so may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones (even though this is much less common now).
They can also sometimes require larger amounts to be applied to provide adequate protection.
Ultimately, the best sunscreens are the ones you will actually use on a regular basis. Dermatologists from the British Skin Foundation claim:
“The best sunscreen is the one you will use regularly and in the correct quantities.”
They are pretty much the same thing, so neither!
You can find mineral sunscreens to suit different wants and needs.
For example, there are mineral sunscreens designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Here is our round-up of the best mineral based sunscreens on the market for the face and body (and your children), including:
Starts out white, rubs in clear! This easy-to-apply sunscreen is a refreshing alternative to those annoying sunscreens that leave you with a blotchy ‘white cast’ on your skin.
The active ingredient is 18.75% uncoated clear zinc oxide, which offers broad-spectrum SPF30 coverage with excellent UVA and UVB protection.
Although this sunscreen provides a high level of protection, it is also incredibly gentle, moisturising and great for all skin types – a clear winner in our books!
Key benefits
Kind to you and the environment, this sunscreen by Green People gives you the best of both worlds.
The ocean-friendly formula is
non-greasy and great for sensitive skin and families.
You can expect highly effective broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection, and it’s great for people who suffer from prickly heat.
Key benefits:
High-strength sun protection meets an ultra-light formula in this innovative SPF50 sunscreen.
This high-tech formulation glides effortlessly onto the skin, using 100% mineral filters to provide sun protection and a very high 95% UVA filter.
You won’t find any chemical filters here! Instead, protective antioxidants and infraguard step in to guard your skin from the negative effects of sun damage.
Key benefits
If you’re looking for a 100% mineral and 100% vegan-friendly mineral sunscreen – you’ve found it with the H&B Mineral Sunscreen. Formulated with natural filters, antioxidants and oils, it leaves the skin feeling nourished as well as protected throughout the day.
This formula offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection from the sun, while causing no damage to coral reefs or local fish – win, win!
Key benefits
What our customers think
Sunscreen can be tricky when you have sensitive skin, which is why Alba Botanica have designed this fragrance free sensitive mineral sunscreen.
This formula offers broad spectrum SPF30 sun protection to protect you from UVA and UVB rays, while remaining lightweight and easy to absorb.
It also contains naturally nourishing and antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, grape seed oil, and vitamin E.
Key benefits
This Clean Screen Mineral Sunscreen is the product of six years of research into a SPF that’s good for your skin – in more ways than one.
It provides everyday broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection from the sun, without the greasy finish a lot of sunscreens leave you with.
This sensitive, no-shine and 100% vegan formula is easily absorbed and the perfect protective addition to your skincare regime.
Key benefits
You don’t want a greasy face when you apply sunscreen – we get it – and so do Ultrasun.
This mineral sunscreen provides heavy-duty sun protection that’s gentle to sensitive facial skin. It glides effortlessly onto skin for over 90% UVA filter protection from 100% mineral filters.
It also contains the revolutionary anti-ageing enzyme Ectoin, as well as other powerful antioxidants to keep your skin feeling fresh.
Key benefits
A beautiful combination of sun protection and tinted skin nourishment – this sunscreen is a must-have for your daily beauty regime.
Reef-safe mineral-based zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum SPF20 protection from the sun, while polyphenol-rich lingonberry stem cells and hyaluronic acid nourish the skin.
Key benefits
This tinted sunscreen is also available in a darker shade.
What our customers think
n/a new product
Put your baby’s skin in safe hands with Badger’s baby sunscreen.
This highly effective formula offers broad-spectrum mineral SPF30 protection from the sun, as well as moisturising ingredients like chamomile and calendula.
It’s super easy to apply and is one of the highest rated sunscreens on the Environmental Working Group list – so you know it’s good!
Key benefits
We hope this guide has helped you find the right mineral sunscreen for you – now get out there and test it out in the sunshine!
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 19 April 2022
Joined Holland & Barrett: March 2019
BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science
After completing her BSc in Biomedical Science, Doaa worked in Research and laboratory for 3 years. Doaa was also a member of a product development team in a manufacturing company specialising in sun care and personal care products, researching and providing regulatory advice regarding international regulations.