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Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen
Atwater Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
ProsQuick absorbingLeave no cast or residue Fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skinSmall size is great for travelAtwater is one of the best skincare brands for men going right now, so it’s no surprise that they’ve mastered the mineral sunscreen. This formula packs a powerful, natural trio of vitamin C to brighten skin, green tea to soothe redness or irritation, and pomegranate extract to combat free radicals, aka the harmful molecules brought about by UV rays that can damage your skin, to keep skin healthy and youthful. Of course, there is also a hefty dose of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to further build a defense against UV rays. The cream absorbs quickly into the skin in seconds and avoids the most common drawback of mineral sunscreens by leaving no white cast or greasy residue.
Gentle on skin without any irritating ingredients or fragrance, it’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin like mine. I’ve worn this on long, mid-day hikes, and it is truly sweat-resistant for 80 minutes. Plus, the sunscreen never smudged or ran into my eyes (the biggest nuisance of any SPF). It’s quite literally perfect for any activity under the sun. The only drawback is the 1.7 oz size, which is certainly on the smaller end of the spectrum, especially at this price point. However, this TSA-approved size and slim design (along with the versatile function) have made this sunscreen my go-to for travel.
Read More: Best Sunscreens
Key IngredientsVitamin C, green tea, pomegranate extractSPF Level50Water Resistant?Yes, 80 minutesBest Mineral Sunscreen for Sport
Freaks of Nature Peak Performance SPF 50
ProsFragrance-freeReef safe and compliant with Hawaii’s Reef Compliant Act 104Packaged in 100 percent recycled material Never runs or smudges ConsMay leave cast on darker skin tonesLeave it to a legendary surfer like Kelly Slater to create the best performing SPF for sport—waterbound or otherwise. His brand Freaks of Nature’s mineral sunscreen goes on thick but absorbs fast, delivering strong sun protection and minimal cast. Whenever I go for a jog, I reach for this. It never leaks down my face, despite my excessive sweating, and holds up in any weather or environment. This SPF is designed for active lifestyles, waterproof for up to 80 minutes, and sweatproof for 40. It’s gentle on skin and fragrance-free for those sensitive.
Plus, a little goes a long way, and you only need a dime-sized amount to cover your entire face. Also, if you lean mineral sunscreen for environmental reasons, this eco-conscious design will stand out among the rest. It’s reef safe, like most mineral options, and comes in 100 percent recycled plastic.
Read More: Best Sunscreens for Working Out
Key IngredientsNeossance vegan shark squalane, b-silk vegan spider silk proteinSPF Level50Water Resistant?Yes, 80 minutesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Oars and Alps Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
ProsLightweightLargest container on this list at 6 ozSulfate- and paraben-free ConsNot ideal for darker skin tones, will leave castIf you’re sensitive to any lingering residue or cast, Oars and Alps SPF 50 spray will be the mineral sunscreen for you. This is the lightest mineral-based SPF I’ve tested. Sure, part of that is the fact that it’s a spray and lighter by nature, but even by spray standards, this stuff sinks into the skin fast. Plus, the expansive spray allows you to reach large areas of your body at once, including harder-to-reach spots you might struggle to cover with cream sunscreen. As someone who can barely touch his toes without shaking, this is the only sunscreen I use to hit most of my back, shoulders, and other difficult-to-reach spots without straining.
Not to mention, it never feels sticky or oily, even when it’s somewhere I can’t reach to properly rub in. Add in hydrating vitamin E and moisturizing jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil, and there is no better mineral spray. That being said, it’s not ideal for those with darker skin tones and may leave a white cast if not thoroughly rubbed in.
Key IngredientsVitamin E, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oilSPF Level50Water Resistant?Yes, 80 minutesBest Anti-Aging Mineral Sunscreen
Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF 50
ProsSmooth application Non greasy Small container is great for travelConsOnly water resistant for 40 minutes, needs to be reapplied more often if in waterNearly $70 for 1.7 ozOne of the biggest reasons to wear sunscreen is the anti-aging benefits, or rather, avoiding the age-accelerating impact of UV rays. Unprotected sun exposure can result in a slew of skin aging consequences, including emerging dark spots, advancing wrinkles and fine lines, and uneven tone. This mineral option from Mural takes the anti-aging motivations to another level. In addition to classic mineral UV defenders zinc oxide and titanium oxide, the formula features a polymer matrix, which further boosts the barrier these ingredients create to block rays from penetrating skin.
In terms of application, this SPF feels more like a moisturizer or night cream than sunscreen with a smooth, silky consistency that soothes skin as well as it protects it. Of course, at nearly $70 for 1.7 ounces, Murad’s mineral sunscreen is certainly a luxury option. For a budget alternative, grab Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer SPF, as it’ll offer similar benefits at a fraction of the price.
Key IngredientsPolymer matrix, glycerinSPF Level50Water Resistant?Yes, 40 minutesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Value Mineral Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 70
ProsUnder $15High SPF level of 70Non-comedogenicDespite having the highest SPF on this list at 70, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer has the lowest price. Not to mention, outside of sprays like Oars and Alps SPF 50, this is the lightest mineral sunscreen available. Powered by skin-friendly antioxidants and hydrating vitamin E, it feels silky smooth going on and protects for hours. The formula is also non-comedogenic, so if you’re prone to acne, this is the mineral sunscreen for you.
I wear this whenever my skin’s acting up to avoid making the situation any worse, as sunscreen often does (because it can clog pores), and I’ve never experienced new pimples after. Mineral sunscreens are typically more expensive than chemical options, and at just under $15, you won’t find a more effective mineral SPF than Ultra Sheer.
Key IngredientsGlycerin, vitamin ESPF Level70Water Resistant?NoMost Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Malin and Goetz SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
ProsLong lastingGreat travel sizeSmooth application Cons$40 for 1.7 ozOnly water resistant for 40 minutes, needs to be reapplied more often if in waterIf there is one mineral sunscreen that can double as a daily moisturizer, it’s this offering from Malin and Goetz. It features common mineral ingredients like vitamin E to hydrate skin and zinc oxide for UV protection, but it also contains niacinamide to smooth and soften skin. I often wear this in lieu of my daily moisturizer on especially sunny days, and my skin looks and feels just as hydrated as when I use a standard cream. Sure, it has a smaller container (1.7 ounces) for its price, but this stuff is elastic. You could get weeks—and possibly longer—out of one tube.
Key IngredientsNiacinamide, vitamin ESPF Level30Water Resistant?Yes, 40 minutesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
ProsHypoallergenicFragrance freePackaged with at least 35 percent recycled materials Under $15ConsTube is prone to leakingAussies know the outdoors, so when they make sunscreen, they go all out. This mineral sunscreen is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, perfect for adventuring. But unlike other irritating SPFs, this offering from Blue Lizard is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. It’s specifically formulated to protect sensitive skin with gently soothing aloe vera for added moisture. As someone with sensitive and dry skin, I’ve never had any reaction when wearing this sunscreen, and the aloe does wonders to smooth out dryness. Plus, it’s packaged in a tube made of at least 35 percent recycled materials, so it’s gentle on skin and the earth.
Key IngredientsAloe veraSPF Level50Water Resistant?Yes, 80 minutes
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
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