14 Best Mineral Sunscreens (That Won’t Turn Your Face White)

Sunscreen is meant to be worn every day, regardless of the weather. But many of us find ourselves forgetting about sunscreen on the cold, darker days of winter when we’re concerned with staying warm and keeping dry, flaky skin at bay. Now that we’re officially into spring and the sun is getting stronger, it’s imperative that you have a good sunscreen in your beauty arsenal. If you have a bottle left over from last summer — toss it because it’s probably expired — and use this opportunity to give mineral sunscreen a try.

There are many mineral sunscreens for face on the market, from easy-to-apply sticks to loose powders that feel like you’re applying makeup to lotions that are reminiscent of your go-to sunblock. The benefit of a mineral sunscreen is that, like the name implies, it relies on minerals, like zinc and titanium oxide, to give you physical SPF protection without chemical sunscreen ingredients.

[ The Secret to Maximizing Your Sun Protection: Vitamin C ]

Celebrity dermatologist and KARYNG skin care line founder Dr. Karyn Grossman explains, “[Zinc and titanium oxide] are minerals that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect light/UV from the skin. Other sunscreen ingredients are chemical sunscreens. These get absorbed into the skin and they use chemical reactions to decrease the skin’s UV exposure.”

The benefit to using mineral sunscreen is that not only do you end up with a more natural product, it’s usually suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Grossman adds that mineral sunscreens are also less likely to cause breakouts. However, a common complaint about mineral sunscreens for face is the white cast they often leave behind. We searched high and low for the best lightweight mineral sunscreens for the face that won’t leave your skin looking pale and pasty. Just promise us you’ll wear it every day and reapply, OK?

[ Next: Before You Buy: The Best (and Worst!) Sunscreens for Every Budget ]