suncare

All the Best Natural and Mineral Sunscreens (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Sunscreen should be more than just a last-minute addition to your beach bag. In fact, it should be a daily step in your routine — regardless of the weather — because it “protects the skin from sun damage and skin cancer,” says Dr. Fayne Frey, a New York–based dermatologist and the author of The Skincare Hoax. It comes in two main forms: chemical and natural. The latter contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which act as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, says Craig A. Downs, an ecotoxicologist and executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory. These minerals are considered more environmentally safe than those used in most chemical sunblocks, which can create an “oil-slick-type situation that suffocates, bleaches, and kills reefs,” says Ashlee Piper, a sustainability expert and the author of Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet.

While these formulations have gotten a bad rap for leaving a chalky or pasty residue, we found some standouts that blend in without a trace — and come recommended by board-certified dermatologists, celebrities, and makeup artists, plus our own writers and editors. Below, we’ve curated a list of the best natural sunscreens we’ve written about, all of which contain at least one of the key ingredients and are SPF 30 or greater. (For more specific sun protection, see our guides to the best ones for lips, face, and children; we’ve even got some picks for bald heads.)

Update on August 26, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

Best natural sunscreen for face

EltaMD UV Clear, a hybrid sunscreen with high levels of zinc oxide, has been recommended to us time and time again by dermatologists (for darker skin tones, aging skin, cystic acne, and teens, too). It’s also a consistent Strategist best seller. Beyond being fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, the lightweight formula contains ingredients like niacinamide, a vitamin-B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight breakouts, says Dr. Nava Greenfield, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Plus lactic acid, “which will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum buildup,” also helps keep breakouts at bay, says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.

Best natural sunscreen for dry skin

To manage dryness while protecting skin from the sun’s harsh rays, Elizabeth Hand, an aesthetician and founder of Stalle Studios, recommends this sunscreen, which she uses daily. In our guide to the best facial sunscreens, Hand describes the formula as “next level” and adds that “Dr. Loretta spent part of her career working with the creator of the Fitzpatrick Scale, the universal classification system used to categorize human skin pigmentation and its response to UV-light exposure, so she knows a thing or two about SPF.”

Best natural sunscreen for acne-prone skin

Tizo is “really gentle on acne,” Greenfield says. In addition to vitamin E, an ingredient that Robinson says can treat post-acne spots, it’s infused with vitamin C to brighten and reduce inflammation. (Former Strategist writer Lori Keong has written about how Tizo is also suitable for those with body acne as, with regular application, it can prevent hyperpigmentation.) And while dermatologist Dr. Chauncey Barbulescu is a fan of the tinted version for darker skin tones, this colorless formula is also sensitive-skin-friendly, as it’s made without oil, parabens, and fragrance.

Best natural sunscreen for oily skin

If your skin tends to feel extra-shiny after applying sunscreen, Denton-Hurst recommends this ultralightweight formula from Jan Marini. It’s ideal for oily skin types because it contains “microscopic sponges” that help absorb excess oil. According to Kim Zimmerman, the director of e-commerce and marketing at Rescue Spa, the Jan Marini sunscreen is a hit among Rescue Spa aestheticians, who often recommend it to their clients with oily complexions. They appreciate that it has a slight tint and a matte finish that doesn’t leave skin looking greasy.

Best natural sunscreen for sensitive skin

For a sensitive-skin-friendly product, consider Vanicream. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen that’s free of potential irritants, such as fragrances, dyes, parabens, and botanical extracts. Formulated with nourishing ceramides, it has an SPF factor of 30 and uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection.

Best natural sunscreen for mature skin

Both Strategist columnist Chris Black and cookbook author Claire Saffitz use this 100 percent mineral sunscreen and say it has an ultrasmooth texture that disappears into skin without leaving residue. It’s also on our list of the best facial sunscreens because it’s full of antioxidants and photolyase enzymes, which Francesca Fusco of Wexler Dermatology says have “been shown to reverse the specific DNA mutations caused by ultraviolet [light].” Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, frequently recommends this sunscreen, which he says works well for all skin types and most skin tones because it doesn’t leave a white or iridescent cast. If it doesn’t disappear completely, Robinson recommends using the tinted mineral formula instead.

Best (less expensive) natural sunscreen for mature skin

If you’re looking for a more affordable sunscreen that can still combat signs of aging, look no further than Dune’s The Mineral Melt. The formula has brightening and firming capabilities thanks to ingredients such as peptides, known to stimulate the skin to make collagen, plus vitamin E to reduce the appearance of UV damage. When I tested this product, I loved how velvety and thin it felt, blending into my skin without any greasy or white residue. According to the brand, the lightweight formula uses micro-dispersion technology, which is the reason it’s so sheer and fast absorbing despite containing both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (which often leave a strong white cast on skin). And because it’s noncomedogenic, it hasn’t caused any breakouts, even when I’m wearing it under my makeup.

Best natural sunscreen and moisturizer combination

In our roundup of the best moisturizers with SPF, this is our top-rated mineral option recommended by Dr. Rachel Westbay, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical. “It has a creamy texture that melts into skin without leaving it feeling greasy and, although it’s a mineral-based formula, it doesn’t leave behind a white cast,” she says. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this lotion contains many skin-care ingredients, such as niacinamide to soften fine lines, vitamin C to brighten, and an antioxidant blend to defend against environmental pollutants. As a Paula’s Choice devotee, I apply this to my face and neck each morning after cleansing and can attest to its weightless and nongreasy finish. Once it dries, my skin appears fresher and more awake, and I can easily layer my foundation on top.

Best natural sunscreen for body

This sunscreen is a favorite of dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar, who likes using it all over the body because it’s a “nongreasy SPF and will not leave oily residue all over your clothing.” Beyond that, Aguilar likes that it has powerful antioxidants like rose hip and green tea and moisturizing ingredients like avocado and jojoba oils. It rubs in sheer, plus it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free. And if you prefer a spray-on alternative, Babo Botanicals also makes a mineral mist that Tara Foley, founder and CEO of the natural beauty store Follain, recommends for easy application.

Best sweat-resistant natural sunscreen

Dermatologists have recommended liquid sunscreens from Australian brand Blue Lizard before — but when we spoke to experts about the best sweatproof sunscreen, this stick form was recommended by Dr. Hadley King. She told us mineral sunscreens in a solid formulation work better because they tend to apply thicker, meaning they “provide good coverage and don’t come off easily with sweat.” King likes that this one is water resistant for 80 minutes, goes on clear, and contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower-seed oil, and vitamin E to nourish the skin. Plus it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t contain parabens or fragrances.

Best tinted natural sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens were a no-go for Strategist contributor Mbiye Kasonga until she discovered this tinted formula from RMS Beauty. Kasonga says the coppery color and slight shimmer in the SuperNatural Radiance Serum are key to helping the zinc oxide blend into skin without a hint of white cast. “For me, the sunscreen looks best when I layer it over moisturizer as a final step in my morning skin-care routine,” she says, adding that it’s the first mineral sunscreen she can wear with confidence.

Best (less expensive) tinted natural sunscreen

Frank Ocean’s mom, Katonya Breaux, created this tinted mineral sunscreen with people of color in mind. It’s won over actress Nana Mensah, who told us she uses the medium-dark shade to prevent premature aging and other harmful effects of UV damage like skin cancer. “If I’m doing a Zoom or I’m being photographed in any way, sometimes the flash will bring out a little bit of a white cast, but then I just add a little bit of powder over it, and I’m good to go,” Mensah says. Strategist beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton says that while the consistency is a bit thicker than what she’s used to, once it’s fully absorbed, Unsun gives “one of the most hydrating and illuminating just-left-the-spa glows.” New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff also praises the formula, saying it even works for her very pale skin tone.

Best natural powder sunscreen

Colorescience’s brush-on formula can be used under or over makeup, which is why it’s our favorite powder in our roundup of the best sunscreens. Dr. Sonia Batra, a dermatologist and the co-host of The Doctors, keeps a tube in her car for reapplications to her face, décolletage, and the back of her hands. “I love that it can be brushed over your skin without making palms or fingertips messy,” she says. “It also helps reduce shine on a hot day.” Dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell says that, along with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, iron oxide (often found in tinted mineral sunscreen) helps further block harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s also one of the things Dr. Pimple Popper can’t live without because “it’s easy to put on and reapply throughout the day.” It’s available in four different shades — ranging from fair to deep — so you can choose one that best matches your skin tone.

Best natural sunscreen drops

Unlike the other natural sunscreens on this list, this is an SPF serum, meaning it provides broad-spectrum protection while also strengthening the skin barrier. The newly launched formula from Kora Organics, Miranda Kerr’s skin-care line, contains non-nano zinc oxide and skin-nourishing ingredients, including noni extract, rosehip oil, and chia-seed oil. I’ve been testing the Silky Sun Drops for over a month and love to apply them as the last step in my skin-care routine since the non-sticky formula goes on smoothly without any white cast. The handy dropper also makes it easy to dispense the perfect amount of coverage each time.

Best natural sunscreen for lips

When we spoke to dermatologists about the best lip balms with SPF, we named this formula from Vertra our top mineral-based pick. Founded by a group of Hawaiian surfers in 2004, the brand’s products are designed for active athletes, so they offer long-lasting coverage that’s gentle enough for everyday use. Our senior writer, Liza Corsillo, says the balm smells like summer, and though it “goes on kind of thick,” it easily spreads once you rub your lips together.

Best tinted natural sunscreen for lips

If you’d prefer a not-so-sheer lip balm, this tinted option contains zinc oxide and has SPF-30 protection. Denton-Hurst says the consistency is similar to a nourishing lipstick, which is reflected in its satiny finish. The spreadable texture comes from ingredients like peptides and shea butter, which soften and hydrate the lips. It’s available in four shades, and though it’s a small amount, Denton-Hurst says the colors are versatile and work well on a range of skin tones.

Best natural sunscreen for kids and babies

When we wrote about the best sunscreens for kids and babies, Lindsey Bordone, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Columbia University Medical Center, recommended this specific brand from Neutrogena, which is formulated for babies. It features a broad-spectrum SPF 50 shield against UVA and UVB rays, and is dermatologist tested, water resistant, and hypoallergenic. (And we have some expert-approved sun-protective clothing to be used in tandem.)

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

All the Best Natural Sunscreens (That We’ve Written About)