We love trying out new serums, moisturizers, face oils and all the other products in our ever-growing skin routines, but let’s never forget the most crucial step—sunscreen. It’s important to apply sunscreen every single day, not just during these scorching summer months. UVA and UBV rays can damage your skin even when on a cloudy day, so taking the extra minute to add some SPF to help prevent sun damage and skin cancer is non-negotiable.
It’s important to make sure you’re using a clean, nontoxic sunscreen, which is why we, along with so many others, have recently made the switch to exclusively using mineral sunscreens, as opposed to their traditional chemical counterparts. Mineral sunscreens are typically free of harmful chemical ingredients and tend to be gentler on your skin, as well as reef-safe. But what, exactly, makes a mineral sunscreen better than a chemical sunscreen?
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“Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens work in fundamentally different ways,” Dr. Harry Fallick, the founder of Fallene Ltd. and CōTZ Skincare, explained. “The two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, act as reflectors to scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. Zinc oxide itself protects against a broader spectrum of UV light than any other sunscreen ingredient.”
“All other FDA-approved sunscreens are considered chemical sunscreens,” Dr. Fallick told Observer. “These absorb the UV energy and dissipate it as heat via a chemical reaction.”
Mineral sunscreens not only protect against UVB and UVA rays, but usually also help protect from blue light rays—yes, your screens are hurting your skin. A mineral sunscreen is also the best choice for those of us with sensitive skin.
“Mineral sunscreens are better for the skin because their ingredients aren’t absorbed into the skin itself, and they tend to be hypoallergenic,” Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare, told Observer. “The physical filters in mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and act as a ‘screen’ that deflects UV radiation. They’re also formulated with all-natural minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium. The ingredients found in mineral sunscreens are biodegradable as well, which means they won’t harm marine life or their environment.”
One of the big issues people have with mineral sunscreen is that it’s not as blendable as chemical sunscreens, and can sometimes leave a slight white sheen. While some mineral products are harder to fully blend than others, it’s all about finding the right brand for you.
“The hesitancy of many people to embrace mineral sunscreens stems from their outdated reputation of being heavy and leaving a white cast,” said Dr. Fallick. “Our experience formulating with minerals and choosing the right raw materials has led to products that are exceptionally elegant as well as safe and effective.”
Whether you’re looking for a full-body spray, an ultra gentle face sunscreen, a stick formulation or more, we’ve found the best mineral sunscreens to try right now. Scroll through to see our favorite picks.