The 18 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Chemical-Free Protection

While it's a great option for everyone, oily skin types will especially appreciate this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen from Australian Gold. It's oil-free, nongreasy, and dries with a matte finish.

But that's not the only reason why we gave this mineral sunscreen pick the top spot on our list: It's also formulated with Australian-native botanicals, including Kakadu plum and eucalyptus, to give the skin a clarifying and brightening treatment while out and about.

Need further proof this water-resistant mineral sunscreen deserves a place in someone's beauty routine? It amassed the most Amazon reviews among our picks — a casual 23,445 to be exact.

They're obsessed with Australian Gold's mineral sunscreen because of its affordable price tag, with many noting the silky textured product glides on smoothly and doesn't leave a white cast on their skin. Some even say that it outperforms their higher-end products despite the $8 price tag.

More: These Sport Sunscreens Can Withstand Your Grueling Outdoor Workouts

Good luck getting Saunders to shut up about all things La Roche-Posay. She's a huge fan of the brand and considers their Anthelios one of the best mineral sunscreens in the game.

"Lightweight, sheer, and non-greasy, La Roche-Posay's sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals. Anthelios helps mattifies my oily skin and doesn't feel sticky or tacky on my hands afterward," says Saunders.

This mineral sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is much higher than other options on the market. It's a must for the upcoming spring and summer trips to the lake, pool, or beach.

Saunders is also a fan of COOLA and notes their products are on point. "Some mineral sunscreens are thick and chalky, but COOLA's has a silky, liquid feel that glides on easily and doesn't leave behind annoying white residue. It's a fantastic pick for those with darker skin tones, but of course, all complexion can enjoy the benefits of using this product," she says.

Made with organic ingredients, including a proprietary plant-based complex, users can expect a sheer and light sunscreen that can keep up with their lifestyle.

Jamal prefers this hybrid face moisturizer with mineral sunscreen because it has a transparent finish that's excellent for all skin types and tones. It's also reef-friendly (a must for her!) and leaves the skin looking dewy. Plus, it helps guard our skin against pollution and blue light emitted from tech, like laptops and smartphones.

Users can expect their skin to look more illuminated and hydrated by using this sunscreen infused with anti-aging botanical ingredients, such as lotus, jasmine, and white peony. Overall, it's made with 70% organic ingredients, which we always appreciate.

One reviewer says it's a dreamy product that leaves kept their skin protected while on vacation in St. Lucia. "I made sure I reapplied it throughout the day, which helped with preventing me from getting sunburned. This is the first time I went on vacation and didn’t get sunburned/heat rash on my face," says their 5-star review.

New York's favorite dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross, M.D., created the ultimate mineral sunscreen. It boasts an oil- and fragrance-free formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays, photoaging, pollution, and blue light.

Although the SPF coverage is lower than others on this list, it still meets the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended broad-spectrum SPF 30 guidance. It's also made with cosmetically elegant ingredients, such as non-nano zinc oxide, and natural ingredients, including lingonberry and sea buckthorn.

Users also appreciate the lightweight texture and feel that layers nicely under makeup or when worn independently. Others with sensitive and acne-prone skin note the gentle ingredients don't irritate their face.

"Neither one of us broke out and it also moisturized nicely without leaving a greasy mess behind. We used it on the French Riviera where it was quite sunny and here, [where] it is more humid, and it worked for both locations," one Sephora reviewer says about her and her husband's experiences using this SPF.

Ugh, we know the price tag sucks, but Saunders says almost every dermatologist she has interviewed over the last 3 years has suggested using this mineral sunscreen. Case in point: Shokeen says it is ideal for someone who wants a lightweight and moisturizing sunscreen that provides some coverage.

And FWIW, we previously named this the best sunscreen for anti-aging because its nourishing formula contains peptides, vitamin E, and DNA Repairsomes to plump tired skin. It's also tinted, so those with darker skin tones won't have to worry about it leaving behind an ashy finish to their skin.

To quote one 5-star Amazon review, “I have older skin and fine lines, and after application, there was no build-up in any of the lines. It absorbed in quickly. Also, it comes out of the bottle quite thin (LOVE that!) so no heavy layer to wait to absorb [into my face and neck]."

We love supporting women-owned brands. Influencers Mariana Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland launched Summer Fridays with a single product, and today has become a beauty empire creating practical and aesthetically pleasing products, like the ShadeDrops.

This mineral sunscreen has a milky texture that feels like a serum, but absorbs quickly doesn't leave behind annoying residue or whitecast. It's chock full of vitamins and antioxidants, along with moisturizing squalane and soothing chamomile.

One Sephora reviewer with acne-prone skin considers it the their no-fail mineral sunscreen, and they've already bought a backup option. "I can even reapply this serum on top of makeup my pressing it into my skin to get continued coverage in the afternoon. Very happy with this product and recommend to some of my clients even though I sell a different SPF at my spa," says their 5-star review.

Put down the highlighter and instead use this new beauty product for spring. After going viral on TikTok, the Kosas DreamBeam sold out on Sephora (boo!), but with good reason: it leaves the skin looking dewy, but not greasy, just like a freshly glazed donut. How dreamy?

We love that DreamBeam is made with nearly 22% non-nano zinc for some major sun protection. Plus, it's infused with four derm-loved ingredients, and honestly, we're impressed.

There are peptides and ceramides to help plump and soften the skin, while the dream team of hyaluronic acid, which is an epic moisture magnet, and allantoin, to soothe sensitive skin.

"This is my favorite sunscreen I have ever used. It gives a glowiness to the skin without looking oily, and if you are looking for a light makeup look, just add some concealer and you are ready to go! The formulation is so smooth and also works amazingly as a primer. Could not recommend this enough," gushes one 5-star review.

Although a bit pricey for the size, this facial sunscreen is seriously worth it — Shokeen and esthetician Yuko Funaki of Moonflower Spa in New York suggest this one.

Funaki loves that the formula has a radiant, universal tint that adapts to someone's skin tone, so users could skip foundation on no-makeup days. She highlights that it doesn't leave behind a white cast, which is a problem for those with darker skin tones and anyone wearing foundation or primer.

Shokeen says it's also great for anyone looking to layer with makeup. Online reviewers agree, noting it feels light on the skin and does not irritate their eyes. But most importantly, they love that it provides some much-needed broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage.

"I have had a few incidents of skin cancer in the past from sun damage. Since I have found this sunscreen, I get incredible results when I check in with my dermatologist each year. It is a game changer and, literally, a lifesaver," declares a 5-star review.

Shopping for sensitive skin can be hard, to say the least. This sensitive skin-friendly formula from Blue Lizard contains no chemical sunscreen ingredients, parabens, or fragrances.

Thousands of Amazon reviewers swear by this option for sensitive skin, too. One reviewer says sunscreen often gets in their eyes while working out, leading to an irritating and painful experience. "Blue Lizard sunscreen solves that problem. No matter how much I sweat, or whether I apply this sunscreen close to my eyes, there's no eye irritation. It also provides great, long-lasting, protection from the sun. I've been using this product for over a year now and I plan to stick with it," says their 5-star review.

Bonus: The cap turns blue to alert you when someone is being exposed to harmful UV rays, and it's reef-safe, too.

Sunscreen serums have recently been popping up everywhere, but this option crafted by Venus Williams and The Sunscreen Company is by far the best.

Jamal is fond of this reef-friendly mineral sunscreen due to its lightweight feel and transparent finish. She promises it is excellent for all skin types and leaves behind a matte finish without drying it out, making it great for oily and dry skin types.

Former beauty editor Jennifer Hussein is also keen on this SPF and says, "Its ultra-lightweight, breathable, and invisible formula, paired with clean, botanical ingredients, makes the whole process of using sunscreen much more enjoyable."

Did we mention this reef-safe pick is also infused with prickly pear to hydrate your skin?

Users will love how easily this Supergoop! sunscreen stick glides on the skin without causing excess shine, residue, and white cast. Sunscreen should be applied to the scalp, which sounds funny, but the reality is that the scalp is exposed skin and deserves just as much TLC as the face and body.

Given this is a stick formula, it's designed. tobe non-greasy and mess-free, so users won't have to worry about running their perfectly styled hair with excess product.

The mineral sunscreen also features a nourishing blend of shea and cocoa butter, jojoba, avocado, and chia seed oil. Plus, the solid stick makes it easier to stow away in their purse, pocket, or wherever someone stashes their outdoor essentials.

Shopping for someone who lives an active lifestyle? Then they will want to pack this EltaMD mineral sunscreen in their gym bag. On top of being water- and sweat-resistant for a full 80 minutes, this formula is also free of fragrances, oils, and parabens. It alos boasts a very high level of zinc oxide (19%) to block UVA and UVB solar rays.

We previously named this the best sports sunscreen of all time because it earned snaps from two board-certified doctors. It combines knotgrass extract, an anti-aging botanical, with jojoba esters, which helps boost the skin's barrier function, adds hydration, and minimizes redness and wrinkles.

If someone has dry, flaky skin, they'll want to opt for this ultra-hydrating formula. This mineral-based sunscreen features Biossance's star ingredient, sugarcane-derived squalane, to hydrate and provide antioxidant benefits to the skin. We also love that this formula is sheer, so there's no white cast or gross residue when you wear it.

One reviewer on Accutaine and is allergic to chemical sunscreens loves this SPF because it doesn't strip her dry skin of additional moisture. She says, "This is the first I’ve found that leaves my skin more moisturized after applying. If I hadn’t known it’s 100% mineral, I would’ve guessed it was a regular hybrid sunscreen, because it applies like one (better, actually). I’ve never used a mineral sunscreen that left less of a white cast than this one."

Bonus: It can also be used as a primer for someone's makeup routine!

Getting every nook and cranny on the body can get pretty difficult — we're all familiar with the painful arm reach-around to get our upper backs, right?

Well, if someone would like to make things a little easier on their joints, then this spray sunscreen is perfect. It leaves an even mist of fragrance-free, mineral-based SPF 30 sunscreen that's gentle enough for sensitive skin types. It's also ultra-sheer, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.

"I have never had a product spray so wide as this one and I loved it. I really felt I was getting full coverage. I didn't notice any whiteness to the spray. It didn't make me feel greasy or oily. I am white as a ghost and I didn't get burned at all on over a 2-hour hike with little shade. I will continue to buy and recommend," says one 5-star Amazon review.

Not all mineral sunscreens play well with redness, but this one from Peter Thomas Roth feels invisible on the skin and can even be used as a primer.

Its award-winning formula is infused with soothing ingredients, like safflower extract and vitamin E, to help camouflage a flushed complexion. There's also vitamin A (aka retinol) for an anti-aging effect, brightening vitamin C, and even diamond powder that leaves skin hydrated and glowy.

Many Sephora reviewers consider it an incredible mineral sunscreen. "This sunscreen feels much lighter on the skin, [has] no white cast, and [is] not oily at all. Excellent formula and finish and [is] extremely comfortable to wear alone or under makeup," says one reviewer who previously used Shiseido Wet Force sunscreen.

In our guide to acne sunscreen, doctors previously explained that mineral SPFs are ideal for preventing acne because they sit on top of the skin and are non-comedogenic.

This reef-safe mineral powder sunscreen is great for acne-prone skin because it absorbs excess oil like a champ, and it doubles as a setting powder. Speaking of multipurpose products, allow us to put everyone onto one of our favorite lazy girl hair hacks: dust on this powder sunscreen to your scalp as a dry shampoo alternative in a pinch.

Thousands of reviewers say this is one of the best mineral sunscreens on Amazon. It's so seamless to use, one reviewer says the translucent and refillable beauty product works with their autism sensory issues. They add it doesn't irritate their eczema and doesn't leave behind a white cast.

To quote their 5-star review, "This sunscreen does it for me in every way I can think of. The texture didn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, it feels kinda nice to run the brush over my skin. My super sniffer detects absolutely no smell at all, which I highly prefer even over 'pleasant' smells."

This mineral sunscreen is ideal for anyone who finds applying sunscreen a necessary, but boring task. The fragrance-free lotion is packed with a holographic shimmer, so they'll stay safe under the sun while rocking a serious glow. Kids will love it, too!

The Target Clean formulation contains some of our favorite skincare ingredients, like raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils, to help fight free radical damage. It's also non-GMO, paraben-free, and reef-friendly, so users can swim in the ocean with this SPF and not feel guilty when the water inevitably washes it away.

"I didn’t expect to like this that much, but it’s such a good sunscreen for everyday face application, especially under makeup! It’s matte and doesn’t make me look oily (I have very oily skin). I also have sensory issues, and this doesn’t have the oily/sticky sunscreen texture that other brands have," says a 5-star Target review.