The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2026 Edition

Six years later, it still brings me so much joy sharing my mineral-based sunscreen finds with you all. And although I publish this annual post each summer, please know that every season is sunblock season in my humble opinion. As I’ve gotten older, I can genuinely say that I still believe that the best thing we as individuals can do for our skin is protect it from harmful UVA and UVB rays via the use of mineral-based sunscreens when spending time outside. If you’re equally as passionate about sun protection as I am or just looking to learn about some new SPF products, keep on reading.

Before we get to this year’s list, here is a quick sun cream rundown.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
An SPF number indicates how well it protects skin from UVB rays.
UVB rays cause sunburns. It’s important to know that 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 both UVB & UVA rays.
Mineral sunblocks are also known as physical sunscreens. They 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, it’s important to know that 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 any health concerns, always consult your dermatologist or doctor about which sun protection products are best for you.

Now that we’re caught up on the facts, let’s talk products!

A BUDGET-FRIENDLY FIND

TRADER JOE’S – Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen

My Thoughts: Considering that I go to Trader Joe’s on a weekly basis, you’d think that I would have tried this sunblock by now. Unfortunately, I heard through the grapevine that it wasn’t that great so never bought it. And now years later – I finally decided to give it a whirl this spring. I wasn’t expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this sunscreen! The consistency is lovely, the all natural citrus scent from grapefruit peel oil is absolutely divine, and the spray nozzle works well. I also love how easily the lotion spreads and how quickly it absorbs in my brown skin. Not to mention – the formula PABA free, fragrance free, and practically cost free due to the incredible price point! It’s truly is the perfect mineral sunscreen for anyone watching their wallet this summer or just looking for a great deal!
White / Purple Cast: A very faint residue is left after rubbing it in.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 15%
Price: $9.99 for 6 oz.
Water-Resistant: Yes! 80-Minutes

A GREAT NEW MOISTURIZER

JOSH ROSEBROOK – Nutrient Day Cream

My Thoughts: I have been wanting to try this moisturizer for quite some time and am so happy that I finally took the plunge. Before we get to the good stuff, it’s worth mentioning that…the consistency of this cream is nice & thin out of the bottle but feels much thicker when applied. Once fully absorbed, my face is left slightly tacky. This cream also smells a bit like play-doh. Despite all of these unpleasant formula traits, I do love how rapidly and seamlessly this product absorbs into my skin. The tackiness fades quickly, and my powdered makeup sits beautifully on top of the day cream. And although strange, I have gotten used to the signature doughy scent. I also enjoy that this sunscreen adds additional hydration to my face. Last but not least – I think it’s important to mention that per the product description, the formula is indeed a touch mattifying. As a result – I personally apply an AM moisturizer before using this cream on days that my skin is feeling a bit dry. If you have an oiler complexion, you could probably use this SPF moisturizer alone as intended. Overall, I am a fan of Josh Rosebrook’s Nutrient Day Cream and think the pros absolutely outweigh the cons.
White / Purple Cast: None! It blends into my brown skin after minimal rubbing.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 12%
Price: $50.00 for 1.0 oz // $80.00 for 1.7 oz
Water-Resistant: No

A GAME-CHANGING DISCOVERY

SOLARA SUNCARE – Good Karma Dry Oil

My Thoughts: Simply put – I have not been this impressed by a mineral-based sunscreen in years. The last time I was this blown away by an SPF product was in 2019 when I first used Hynt Beauty’s Sun Prep. Solara Suncare’s dry oil is truly a dream because it instantly melts into my brown complexion with an invisible finish. This product simultaneously and throughly moisturizes my skin leaving a dewy glow. To top it off, this sunscreen is so wonderfully thin that it doesn’t even clump underneath my arm hair or eyebrows. It genuinely blends into every inch of my body seamlessly, efficiently, and effectively. Suffice it to say, I am little obsessed with this product, and as the name suggests – karma must be on my side because this sunscreen is just too good! And if you thought this product review couldn’t get any better – just wait. Other than all of the stellar things mentioned above, this sunscreen smells absolutely phenomenal – like freshly sliced oranges to be exact. This dry oil also includes aloe vera & ginger root to calm inflammation, panax ginseng for boosted hydration, and antioxidant-rich camellia oil for added nourishment. The lightweight formula is luxurious in every way possible since it never feels greasy or heavy on my skin. And if I had to find one flaw, it would be that this product is, unfortunately, not water-proof so please be sure to use a different sunblock when swimming. Other than that – it’s pretty damn perfect in my opinion. Please give Good Karma Dry Oil a try, and let me know in the comments below if you love it just as much as I do.
White / Purple Cast: Zero! Nada! Zilch!
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Non Nano Zinc Oxide 18.5%
Price: $45.00 for 1.7 oz
Water-Resistant: No

PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED SUNSCREENS THAT ARE STILL DEFINITELY WORTH TRYING

AVA ISA – Every Morning

My Thoughts: I was really happy with this product last year as it both moisturized my skin while protecting it from the sun. The formula is a bit thick and mattifying so I wouldn’t recommend it to those with drier skin or for use during colder months. On the flip side, I think it’s perfect for combination and/or oilier skin types and for anyone living in warmer climates. I also appreciate that this daily SPF is unscented making it a great buy for those with sensitive skin as well.
White / Purple Cast: None! It immediately blends into my skin.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
Price: $45.00 for 1.7 oz
Water-Resistant: No

BRUSH ON BLOCK – Translucent Mineral SPF Powder Sunscreen

My Thoughts: I use my Brush On Block so often that one of my best friends bought me a new one for my birthday last year. She clearly knows what I like! If you wear makeup and are in the sun often, this translucent mineral SPF powder is a true game changer! The applicator is slender, and the powder comes out nicely. I keep this product in my purse and use it often during days spent out in the sun. It’s also worth mentioning that my boyfriend really loves this stuff as well because he doesn’t have to get traditional sunscreen all over his hands. Oh and let’s not forget that Brush On Block is water resistant up to 80 minutes, reef-friendly, and perfect for your scalp, neck, and the back of your hands as well. I genuinely love this powdered sunscreen and cannot recommend it enough! They also have a handy dandy refill cartridge.
White / Purple Cast: None! It’s slightly tinted but blends into skin instantly.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30 PA+++
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.1%
Water-Resistant: Yes
Price: $36.00 for 0.12 oz

COCOKIND – Daily SPF

My Thoughts: 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 all 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. The product is a touch mattifying so I believe this sunscreen 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.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 32
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 21%
Water Resistant: No
Price: $25.00 for 1.7 oz

HYNT BEAUTY – Sun Prep

My Thoughts: 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 botanical-based formula has an excellent, ultralight texture that blends seamlessly into my skin. Some standout ingredients include pine bark extract, aloe vera, green tea, and rhatany root extract. 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 multiple times since first discovering this product 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 an unsightly cast.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 25
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 9%
Water Resistant: No
Price: $65.00 for 1.7 oz

PRIMALLY PURE – Sun Cream (Lavender Mint)

My Thoughts: If you’re a reader of my blog than you already know that I’m a huge fan of Primally Pure! I am thrilled to announce that they finally launched a sunscreen just a few months ago in the Spring of 2025. This product only contains 9 ingredients which to me is the epitome of clean beauty. The amount of ingredients is so minimal that I may as well list them for you. Here goes: Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Organic Tallow, Organic Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Peppermint Oil, and Tocopherol. And if you buy the Unscented Version – there are only 7 ingredients! I personally love lavender and mint so decided to purchase the scented option which I am very happy with since the herbal notes are both relaxing and rejuvenating up application. The formula is on the thicker side yet smooth enough that it easily absorbs into my skin. The packaging is a bit odd, but if you just unscrew the entire top – the sun cream comes right out with no issue. So far I have only used this product on my face and neck but plan to test it out on my legs and arms down the road.
White / Purple Cast: None! It blends in wonderfully into my dark skin.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 25%
Water-Resistant & Reef Friendly: Yes! 80-Minutes
Price: $38.00 for 3.4 oz

RAW ELEMENTS – Face + Body Sunscreen

My Thoughts: I have known about Raw Elements for quite some time, but finally decided to give it a try two years ago. Compared to the other sunblocks on this list, the formula is definitely thicker, but the texture is ultra creamy and smooth with no mattifying effects. I love this product because it leaves my skin feeling completely moisturized and hydrated. For these reasons, this sunblock is ideal for cold weather conditions, arid climates, use under makeup, days spent in the water, and those with drier complexions. Last but not least, it comes in an eco friendly tin & has a lovely herbal scent. If you are sensitive to rosemary oil, this sunscreen may not be for you. However, if you love the scent of rosemary – please give this natural sunblock a try because it really is quite perfect in my opinion. And if this stuff couldn’t get any better, Raw Elements donates to 1% For The Planet and makes all of their products in the USA.
White / Purple Cast: It has a slight purple cast at first but blends in quickly leaving a sheer finish.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 23%
Price: $19.49 for 3.0 oz
Water-Resistant & Reef Friendly: Yes! 80-Minutes
DISCOUNT: Use code HILA10 to save 10% Off your purchase.
FUN FACT: Raw Elements also makes a variety of SPF 50 products that I am very eager to try.

SUNTEGRITY – Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer

My Thoughts: My favorite thing about this clean sunscreen is the amazing citrusy, bright scent. I swear it smells just like orange juice! The texture is excellent, and the formula works wonderfully under my loose powder makeup. Some key ingredients include red algae, pomegranate seed oil, and astaxanthin. Suntegrity also sells a separate refill so you don’t have to keep purchasing the pump which is an excellent way to both save money and cut down on waste.
White / Purple Cast: This leaves a slight purple cast on my skin, but it completely disappears under my makeup.
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
Water Resistant: No
Price: $48.00 for 1.7oz

URSA MAJOR – Force Field SPF 30

My Thoughts: The formula is lightweight, incredibly hydrating, and perfect for daily use under makeup. In addition to the zinc oxide that blocks the sun, Force Field contains Lingonberry Stem Cells and Elfdoc Flower which both help to improve skin texture. Every time I apply this moisturizer, I feel like a million bucks. It’s that good! And yes, this SPF is indeed a touch pricey but in my opinion, it’s well worth the cost. I think it’s also worth mentioning that Ursa Major is a Certified B Corp and Certified Plastic Negative via their partnership with rePurpose Global. They are continuously striving to make their products as sustainable as possible which is why I love their company and their glass bottle packaging so much.
White / Purple Cast: None! This magic formula blends into my darker skin almost instantly.
Water-Resistant: No
Broad-Spectrum SPF: 30
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 14.95%
Price: $58.00 for 1.7oz

I hope you enjoyed this year’s list of new mineral-based, sunscreen discoveries.

And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below.

Cheers to an SPF-filled summer & beyond!