The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2021 Edition

I may earn a commission for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

Every season is sunblock season in my opinion, but since summer is almost upon us, I figured this was a great time to write about some of my favorite mineral based sunscreens. I wear an SPF daily, and highly recommend it regardless of your pigment. It is my sincere belief that the best thing we as individuals can do for our skin is to protect it from the harmful UVA and UVB rays that the sun emits. Keep on reading for my current list of go-to natural moisturizers perfect for everyday sun protection.

I personally prefer mineral sunblocks to standard chemical sunscreens because they are clean, act as a shield, and are much better for our reefs. The one major problem with mineral sunblocks, however, is that they they tend to be thick and oftentimes leave an annoying white or purple cast on the skin, especially on those with darker pigments like myself. I have medium brown skin and have gone through my fair share of frustration with finding the perfect mineral sunscreen. Fortunately, with advancements in science and technology, clean beauty companies are finally able to create mineral SPF formulas that actually blend into the skin without leaving a chalky film behind. All of the products mentioned below are broad-spectrum, made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and are approved by me – an Indian girl with a fascination for all things sunblock!

Before we get to my list, here’s a quick refresher regarding sunscreen.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
An SPF number indicates how well it protects the skin from UVB rays.
UVB rays cause sunburns, and sunburns can develop into skin cancer.
UVA rays cause skin damage in the form of tanning, wrinkles, and aging.
PA ratings indicate how well a product protects against UVA rays.
Broad-Spectrum sunblocks are always best because they protect against UVB & UVA rays.
Mineral sunblocks known as physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and bounce UV light off and away from the body.
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, convert UV light into heat, and then release said heat from the body.
In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock & remembering to reapply it throughout the day – hats, long sleeve shirts, long pants, and minimal exposure to the sun are the other simple and effective ways you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
If you have a serious skin condition or health concern, always consult your dermatologist or doctor about which sun protection products are best for you.

At the end of the day, specific sunblocks may work for one person but not another due to individual skin types, pigments, lifestyles, and climates. Trial and error is typical, but once you find that perfect product – it absolutely makes a world of difference! The natural, mineral-based, physical sunscreens listed below are a great jumping off point, and in my opinion, definitely worth trying.

BIOSSANCE – Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

The Verdict: The signature, sugar cane squalane in this product is highly effective because this physical sunscreen also serves as a moisturizer making it a two-in-one cream perfect for daily use. The formulation is extremely lightweight, unscented, and wears wonderfully under my loose, mineral powder makeup.
White / Purple Cast: I only discovered the Biossance brand last fall when researching which mineral sunblocks work best with dark skin. And let me tell you that the hype is real. This starts off with more of a purple cast but completely disappears after 10-20 seconds of rubbing it in.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30 PA+++
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 14%
Price: $30.00 for 1.7oz // $42.00 for 3.38oz
EWG Rating: Verified Brand

COCOKIND – Daily SPF

The Verdict: I love a two-in-one product, and this Cocokind physical sunscreen is just that. This wonder of a lotion protects my skin from the sun and moisturizes my face at the same time. The formula is unscented and full of phytoplankton which helps protect skin from photoaging and the negative effects of blue light. It is a touch mattifying so I imagine this formula is better suited for oilier complexions and use under liquid foundation.
White / Purple Cast: This starts off with a slight white cast, but quickly absorbs into my skin and disappears after 10-20 seconds of rubbing it in.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 32
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 21%
Price: $25.00 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: Unavailable

HYNT BEAUTY – Sun Prep

The Verdict: I have been using this product for a few years and absolutely love it as a morning moisturizer under my makeup. The scent is fruit forward and slightly sweet. The formula has an excellent, ultralight texture that blends seamlessly into my skin. And unlike many sunscreens this product comes in a pump bottle. My only gripe is that I wish it had a touch higher SPF since I spend a lot of time outside. However, for days in the office – Sun Prep is my go-to product. It’s a bit pricey but so amazing that I’ve purchased it 4 times since first discovering this stuff back in 2019.
White / Purple Cast: Absolutely none! This formula is a godsend because it requires zero rubbing in and as a result zero worry about a cast.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 25
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 9%
Price: $55.00 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: Unavailable

JUICE BEAUTY – Oil Free Moisturizer

The Verdict: I purchased this product quite a few years ago while wandering through Whole Foods but think it’s worth mentioning because it was the only item from the Juice Beauty line that I really liked. The scent is fruity and delicious, and the formulation is light. It moisturized nicely and wore well under my powder makeup.
White / Purple Cast: It takes some rubbing in and does leave a very faint white cast. But under makeup, the cast was unnoticeable!
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Price: $32.00 for 2 oz
EWG Rating: 1

SUN BUM – Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

The Verdict: This is my go to sunblock for long days in the sun. It has the highest SPF of the products mentioned in this post and is also the least expensive by a landslide. I love Sun Bum’s mineral sunscreen because of the yummy coconut scent and wide availability at all of the major drugstores, Target, surf shops, and more.
White / Purple Cast: The formulation is on the thicker side but surprisingly blends in after some rubbing.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 50
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Price: $14.99 for 3 oz
EWG Rating: 3

SUNTEGRITY – Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer

The Verdict: This stuff is fabulous and comes in a pump bottle just like Hynt Beauty’s Sun Prep. The scent is citrusy and bright. I swear it smells just like orange juice! The texture is excellent, and the product sits wonderfully under my loose powder makeup. This product also comes with a refill so you don’t have to keep purchasing the pump which is an excellent way to cut down on waste. Suntegrity also has a few body sunscreens that I can’t wait to try out this summer.
White / Purple Cast: This leaves a slight purple cast on my skin, but it becomes completely unnoticeable under my makeup.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Price: $45.00 for 1.7oz
EWG Rating: 2

VERSED – Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen

The Verdict: I bought this last fall because I am a fan of Versed serums, and my best friend also recommended it. I am not into tinted sunscreens and/or moisturizers, but decided to give it a shot nonetheless since the price point isn’t too high and because it’s available at Target. The unscented formula feels nice on my skin but is a touch too dry & mattifying for my taste. As a result, I wear a neutral day cream before applying this SPF and never wear it under makeup. I enjoy using this sunscreen on days that I’m going makeup free but still heading outside for a walk, grocery store run, or some time in my garden.
White / Purple Cast: This goes on as a light tan shade but definitely blends into my skin after a a bit of rubbing.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 35
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 15.2%
Price: $21.99 for 1.7 oz
EWG Rating: 2

Before I conclude this post, I want to give an honorable mention to some excellent powdered mineral sunscreens. Both products are sheer and an excellent & easy way to reapply a broad-spectrum SPF over your makeup while going about your day!

BRUSH ON BLOCK – Translucent Mineral SPF Powder Sunscreen