I will preface this post by saying I do not like mineral sunscreens. They’re inferior to chemical sunscreens (the EU/Asian formulas) in almost every way: heavier texture, harder to blend, tendency to pill, and oh the dreaded white cast that makes everyone who’s darker than the shade of paper look like a ghost.
But sometimes you have no choice but to use mineral sunscreens. Whether it’s a skin sensitivity or pregnancy, or you just prefer mineral filters, you’ve probably struggled with finding a product that you actually enjoy applying. And I mean applying the full two-fingers worth.
According to my spreadsheet, I’ve tried 25+ mineral sunscreens and my god a lot of them sucked. Mostly because they made me look like a sickly ghost while costing 2-3x as much as my beautiful chemical sunscreens!
Luckily, there are still gems to be found, and here 5 great mineral face sunscreens that are elegant, (relatively) easy to apply, and most importantly, won’t leave a white cast.
Recommended mineral spf with no white cast
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
With a price, texture, and finish comparable to Korean sunscreens, this in my opinion is the best budget mineral sunscreen with no white cast. The lotion texture spreads easily on the skin and includes hyaluronic acid to lightly hydrated the skin as well. SPF 30 is sufficient for everyday use, but if you plan on spending extended time outdoors, reapply diligently or go with one of the higher SPF options below.
My NC15 skin gets absolutely no white cast with this one, but you can also see how this wears on a range of skin tones directly on the Good Molecules website!
Filters: 13.3% Zinc Oxide (+ Butyloctyl Salicylate)
Price & Size: $12 for 50ml at Ulta, Beautylish
Bubble Solar Mate Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Another affordable pick, this has slightly higher UVB protection and blue light protection as well! Includes antioxidants like Raspberry Seed Extract to support the skin, the cream texture blends effortlessly into the skin leaving a satin finish that layers well under makeup. Due to the SPF and lower filter %, I would classify this as an everyday sunscreen as well.
Again, zero white cast on my skin tone, and you can see more before & afters on the official website. Don't bother with the tinted sunscreen from Bubble though, while there's no white cast, it will turn you into a cheeto.
Filters: 12% Zinc Oxide (+ Butyloctyl Salicylate)
Price & Size: $19 for 50ml at Bubble
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion
If you're looking for a sweat and water-resistant (80 minutes) with high spf for outdoor activities, the Australian brand Naked Sundays got you covered. Don't be turned off by the thick, almost cement like texture. It actually blends surprisingly well and 2 layers didn't feel heavy or uncomfortable. As the name suggests, it also works as a primer under makeup, and while I wouldn't say it helped my makeup last longer, it certainly didn't make things worse either. Depending on your routine beforehand, the finish can range from satin (skip moisturizer) to extra glowy.
Thanks to the slight tint I didn't notice any white cast, but I can't speak for darker skin tones as there aren't photos on their website either. FYI the tint doesn't show up on the skin at all, so it actually applies clear. Magic!
Filters: 22.5% Zinc Oxide
Price & Size: $34 for 50ml at Revolve, Naked Sundays
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
The best lightweight formula of all the mineral sunscreens I've tried, this legit feels just as comfortable as any lightweight Korean chemical sunscreen, and features an antioxidant rich formula to further protect the skin. Now it does have the lowest % of filters, but according to the EU label, it's also PA+++, so you know it's definitely protecting against UVA and UVB rays. Combining its texture, finish (just as elegant), and protection factors, this is definitely the best splurge everyday mineral sunscreen.
Zero white cast on me, and you can see this sunscreen in action on different skin of color on the official website.
Filters: 9.4% Zinc Oxide
Price & Size: $36 for 50ml at Sephora, CultBeauty, Space NK
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50
The best tinted mineral sunscreen, this one has everything: spf 50 for outdoors use, PA++++ for UVA protection, sweat/water resistant for 40 minutes, a light milky texture, a beautiful tint that doubles as a sheer foundation, and a satin finish that just makes my skin look so good. It's also rich in antioxidants, which can provide some extra sun protection benefits (specifically against UV rays).
The universal tint adapts to my skin tone flawlessly without leaving a white cast, but there are no demos of how it looks on darker skin tones. There is the Flex version which offers 4 different shades, including a darker tan and deep shade.
Filters: 12% Zinc Oxide (+ Butyloctyl Salicylate)
Price & Size: $45 for 50ml at Skinstore (JENNY for 25% off), Dermstore
🌞 Want more sunscreen reviews? Find and compare 30+ mineral sunscreens tailored to your skin’s needs in my extensive sunscreen database! Explore now
Textures and Finishes
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
These are the only two filters available for mineral sunscreens, and not by total coincidence, Titanium Dioxide is missing from all my top picks. I swear it wasn’t intentional, but I’ve always preferred Zinc Oxide (ZnO) over Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) for the following reasons:
- Zinc Oxide offers broad spectrum protection, meaning it protects again UVB, UVAI, and UVAII rays. That’s why these sunscreens can get away with using just this one filter. Meanwhile Titanium Dioxide mainly covers the UVB and UVAII range, so it needs to be paired with ZnO for a broad spectrum formula.
- That white cast we’re so desperate to avoid? Both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are guilty of it but the latter is worse.1 There’s a reason why it’s sometimes included in other skincare products to give the illusion of “brighter” skin.2
- Zinc Oxide is fantastic for sensitive skin, so much that it’s also used as an anti-irritant and skin protectant. It’s even been shown to have wound healing properties!3,4
That’s not to say Titanium Dioxide is terrible, it’s still a gentle filter for sensitive skin types, and if you find it in the a mineral spf you love, keep on using it!
*This is assuming neither are nano-particles.
What about Butyloctyl Salicylate?
The name might look vaguely familiar… like Octisalate, a popular chemical filter. And it turns out they are in fact similar, so similar cosmetic chemist Lab muffin called Butyloctyl Salicylate “Octisalate’s identical twin brother, just with longer hair“.
On the plus side, Octisalate (and by association its twin) is one of the safest sunscreen ingredients out there, as long as it’s used within the recommended upper limit of 5% (10% in Japan).5 A survey by Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 2018 found its usage in skincare is typically around 5% or less, but much higher in makeup like lipstick.6
A study done on the safety of chemical sunscreens (with octisalate) also showed no adverse effects on its use during pregnancy, so we can probably assume the same results for Butyloctyl Salicylate.7
Basically, brands took advantage of an ingredient classification loop hole, shame on them. But unless you’re allergic to salicylates, I wouldn’t worry too much about this ingredient.
Best mineral sunscreen summary
Obviously these are my opinions based on what I’ve tested so far, and of course, none of these leave a white cast.
👑 Best overall: Summer Fridays
🎾 Best active / sport mineral formula: Naked Sundays
🏦 Best budget: Good Molecules or Bubble
🌵 Best for dry skin types: Bubble (but honestly they all work pretty well)
🧈 Best for oily skin types: Summer Fridays
⭕ Best for acne-prone skin types: Bubble, since it doesn’t contain potentially comedogenic ingredients
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
Pinnell, Sheldon R., et al. Microfine Zinc Oxide Is a Superior Sunscreen Ingredient to Microfine Titanium Dioxide. no. 4, Apr. 2000, pp. 309–14, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.2000.99237.x.
Wright, Clayton, et al. Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Human Keratinocytes. no. 1, June 2016, pp. 90–100, https://doi.org/10.1080/01480545.2016.1185111.
Lin, Pei-Hui, et al. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. no. 1, Dec. 2017, pp. 16–16, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010016.
Gupta, Mrinal, et al. Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review. Jan. 2014, pp. 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/709152.
Couteau C;Pommier M;Paparis E;Coiffard LJ. “Study of the Efficacy of 18 Sun Filters Authorized in European Union Tested in Vitro.” Die Pharmazie, vol. 62, no. 6, Pharmazie, 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17663193/.
“Butyloctyl Salicylate | Paula’s Choice.” Paulaschoice.com, Paula’s Choice Skincare, 2023, www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-butyloctyl-salicylate.html.
Bozzo, Pina, et al. “Safety of Skin Care Products during Pregnancy.” Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, vol. 57, no. 6, 2011, pp. 665–67, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/#b30-0570665
I hate most mineral sunscreens and the ones that do work okay-ish tend to have lower UVA rating than I prefer. With the access to more modern filters in Europe I wore organic filters all through both pregnancies without worries, I needed the high UVA rating against hyperpigmentation.
Anne from “Doctor Anne”
Do you remember which ones you used? I’d be interested in trying them out!
I’ve used all the sunscreens listed here, but if you’re referring to sunscreens that didn’t make the cut, they’re all reviewed in my sunscreen database which is available to newsletter subscribers.
Thanks for the info. I’ve always been worried about mineral sunscreens as they always seem thicker and prone to leave streaks. I look forward to trying some of your suggestions and leaving the streaks behind!