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Here are some of the best mineral sunscreens on the market right now and what makes them so great…
I know you probably don’t need to hear – yet again – just how important wearing sunscreen is. None of us wants to deal with dark spots, fine lines and other aging signs, not to mention the more serious issues.
But you know what else none of us wants to deal with? That notorious, insufferable, ridiculous looking white cast that makes you reconsider every now and then is being wrinkle-free really a necessity.
At some point, you may have even considered to try and replace your mineral sunscreen with a chemical one. After all, chemical sunscreens are known to be lighter and less likely to leave the white cast.
And if you’ve found what works for you, then kudos to you! But, unfortunately, for many of us, chemical sunscreens are not an option.
Chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin and are known to cause skin irritations. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens stay on the surface of the skin. They almost never irritate the skin, but they often leave a very visible film.
(You can read more here on what is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens and how to choose the right one for you.)
But worry not – though a quest for your perfect mineral facial sunscreen can be challenging on more than one level, it is not impossible to find a product that offers both the ultimate sun protection and the practically invisible finish. Here are some of the best lightweight mineral sunscreens, no white cast, that have grabbed our attention lately, definitely worth checking out…
10 Best Mineral Sunscreens, Lightweight and No White Cast
When it comes to mineral sunscreens, often times the trick is to work it into your skin really well. A lot of people just smear the product on and end up with a lot of chalky white cast. But if you rub it in really well, there’s a good chance the white cast will disappear.
That said, some mineral sunscreen formulas are just too thick, gloppy and heavy and no amount of rubbing can help that. Others, like the ones below, are amongst the best mineral sunscreens on the market right now, offering great feel, invisible protection, plus some additional skincare benefits…
1. Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen
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Price: $38.00/1.5 oz.
SPF: 30; Physical Blocker: 17.5% zinc oxide; Tinted: No
A great example of a sunscreen that is practically invisible and feels great on the skin, but is 100% mineral based. This sunscreen is lightweight and works great as a primer under makeup.
Other than zinc oxide, Mineral Sheer Screen contains blush clover extract, which helps protect skin from blue light and reduce oxidative stress. It also contains aloe leaf juice and squalane, which moisturize and soothe the skin.
2. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
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Price: $30/1.7 oz.
SPF: 30; Physical Blocker: 14% zinc oxide; Tinted: No
This broad-spectrum, non-toxic sunscreen definitely deserves its place amongst the sheerest, the best mineral sunscreens on the market. It blends seamlessly into the skin and leaves a clean finish.
This multitasker also hydrates the skin thanks to the squalane, which mimics the body’s natural nourishing oils and prevents drying out. It also contains water lily, which soothes and cools the sun-exposed skin.
3. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense
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Price: $49.00/1.7 oz.
SPF: 50; Physical Blockers: 5% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide; Tinted: Yes
Even though it provides the high SPF 50 sun protection, this lightweight, almost watery formula layers nicely under makeup. Of course, you can also wear it without makeup, as it is tinted and it helps even out the skin tone a bit.
You should liberally apply this sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. And don’t forget to shake the bottle before every use, to evenly distribute the protective ingredients.
4. Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense
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Price: $42.00/1.7 oz.
SPF: 30; Physical Blocker: 16% zinc oxide; Tinted: No
Another great option for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This oil and fragrance-free formula prevents premature aging signs by shielding your skin against the sun in a safe, invisible way.
Other than physical blockers, this mineral sunscreen also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as lingonberry and sea buckthorn. Antioxidants protect your skin against free radicals and even further delay aging signs.
5. Saie Sunvisor Moisturizing Sunscreen
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Price: $34/1.35 oz.
SPF: 35; Physical Blocker: 15% zinc oxide; Tinted: Yes
Here’s a little product that can raise your whole sunscreen experience to a whole other level! This product both shields your skin against the sun and provides it with nourishing licorice, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
The formula is incredibly light and provides a fresh, dewy finish. The trick is to warm the product between your fingertips for around 10 seconds – apparently, the longer you warm it up, the more sheer results you get.
6. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense
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Price: $45.00/1.7 oz.
SPF: 30; Physical Blocker: zinc oxide; Tinted: No
Great weightless, invisible sunscreen that does what it says and works even for sensitive skin. You may need to rub it in a bit until the white cast disappears, but you’ll get there really fast.
This sunscreen contains skin soothing bio-active mushroom complex that can reduce UV-induced redness. As for the protection against free radicals, you can rely on antioxidant-rich green tea to do its job.
7. Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen
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Price: $11.99/1.7 oz.
SPF: 50; Physical Blocker: 12% zinc oxide; Tinted: No
Don’t let the price fool you – this humble sunscreen has a lot to offer to your skin. Not only is it lightweight and gives a great matte finish that works perfectly under makeup, it is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
As for the skincare benefits, this gentle, hypoallergenic formula is perfect for sensitive skin. It even has skin soothing and moisturizing effects, thanks to the vitamin E and allantoin.
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
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Price: $33.50/1.7 oz.
SPF: 50; Physical Blockers: 5% zinc oxide, 6% titanium dioxide; Tinted: both tinted and not tinted options
Developed specifically with sensitive skin in mind, this ultralight sunscreen fluid blends perfectly into the skin and leaves a matte finish. It is easy to incorporate into your everyday routine and it is even water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
This sunscreen also provides some antioxidant protection, as it contains senna alata leaf extract, which is known to fight free radicals. Plus, it contains skin soothing ingredients, such as thermal spring water and vitamin E.
9. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
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Price: $55.00/3.4 oz.
SPF: 50; Physical Blocker: 11% zinc oxide; Tinted: Yes
Another lightweight formula, perfect for daily use. The tint adjusts well to most skin tones and it doesn’t leave a white chalky film behind.
Not only does this product prevent the formation of premature aging signs that occur due to the prolonged sun exposure, it also contains enzymes that have been clinically proven to repair the already existing signs of sun damage.
10. Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense
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Price: $33.00/2 oz.
SPF: 30; Physical Blocker: 13% zinc oxide; Tinted: Yes
In the end, one of the best mineral sunscreens out there that barely feels like sunscreen on the skin even though it is zinc oxide based. It has a beautiful, silky texture and a matte finish that works well for oily skin.
This formula is also packed with soothing ingredient and antioxidants that reduce the oxidative stress and protect the skin against the environment. All in all – great sun protection and great additional nourishment for your skin.
thanks for sharing very informative blog.
i personally use rivaj uk sunblock and get positive result. Highly reccomended product.
thanks