By now, you are well aware that sunscreen is important. And if you aren’t, consider this yet another friendly reminder that you should be wearing it every day from head-to-toe through all seasons. That includes those dark and gloomy winters when the sun tends to hide and trigger the seasonal depression many of us fall victim to. Beyond simply remembering to slather on the SPF, deciding on the type of sunscreen you’ll use is also essential. For many, mineral sunscreen is the clear winner.
Generally speaking, there are two types of SPF that most products fall into: chemical and mineral. The biggest difference between the two is how they interact with the skin. Chemical sunscreens literally infiltrate the skin upon application, fully absorbing under the skin (and in some cases, to the bloodstream) where it then provides protection.
In response to an obvious roadblock to people getting ample protection and the growing interest in clean beauty, mineral sunscreen has become the SPF du jour for many. Unlike its chemical counterparts, mineral formulas use natural ingredients that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the skin instead of absorbing them. They’re so popular in fact, that beauty junkies like us reference the EWG’s sunscreen list every year for the latest and greatest options.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to personal preference. To help you decide, here are some stellar mineral options.
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Bare Republic.
Bare Republic Mineral Gel Lotion
Don’t sleep on this ultra-sheer, unique gel formula made with rose oil and calendula oil help calm and soothe skin.
Olay.
Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30
Get sheer protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB rays with zinc oxide, as well as hydration with vitamin B3+ peptides.
Alastin Skincare.
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
This luxe pick is packed with antioxidants to further protect the face from sun damage and has a hint of a tint that compliments all skin types.
C’est Moi.
C’est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Made with sensitive skin types in mind, this fragrance-free lotion is also safe to wear in water, though you’ll want to reapply about 40 minutes after you towel off.
Buy: Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion $14.99
DERMA E.
Derma E Ultra Sheer Mineral Body Sunscreen Mist
This easy-peasy spray is infused with green tea and vitamin E to provide a soothing effect to the skin as it’s being applied.
Erbaviva Organic Skincare.
Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 30
This coral-safe, zinc oxide sunscreen will feel like a dream, thanks to an infusion of essential oils and aloe.
Love Sun Body.
Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen
This hypo-allergenic, sweat-resistant formula holds the rare distinction of the Environmental Working Group’s highest rating.
Buy: Natural Mineral Sunscreen $23
TropicSport.
TropicSport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
This one passes the 80-minute water resistance test and is infused with vitamin E, Tucuma butter, and aloe for added hydration.
Buy: Mineral Sunscreen Lotion $19.99
Unsun.
Everyday by Unsun Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15
Unsun, founded by Katonya Breaux (fun fact: she’s Frank Ocean’s mom), has been around for a few years. However, this Everyday line is a partnership with Target and includes affordable sun protection products. It includes this water-resistant SPF for the body.
EiR NYC.
EiR NYC Surf Mud Pro
This SPF product is truly one of a kind. In addition to being made with a reef-safe (aka safe for ocean water) zinc formula, its packaging is also biodegradable. Another key ingredient, chocolate (!!), provides deep hydration to the skin.
