Best Mineral Sunscreens for Face & Body

Written By Mila Milosevic

2025 Guide: Clean, Non-Toxic, Acne Safe

 
 

What to expect from this post:

Summertime is upon us, which means we all start thinking more about sun protection. Although generally the advice is to wear sunscreen all year long, when UV levels go above 3, you should definitely consider wearing sunscreen if you are going to spend time outside. There’s a lot of sunscreens out there, and many pose as safe, clean and efficacious, but unfortunately finding a truly non-toxic sunscreen is not that easy. That’s why I’m very excited to share my Best Mineral Sunscreens 2025 blog post, so that you're ready and protected during peak UV exposure wherever you are. Get ready to meet your new favorite natural and clean beauty mineral sunscreens, as well as acne safe and sensitive skin friendly facial mineral sunscreens.

Sunscreen isn't just about preventing sunburn; it's a vital defense against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, such as premature aging and skin cancer. As someone with sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin, I understand the challenge of finding a sunscreen that's effective yet gentle, believe me. I spend a LOT of time researching and working on my SPF roundup post every year, so if you feel inclined and would like to support the blog, you can use my affiliate links and/or discount codes I've included with each product (but rest assured, none of this is sponsored, opinions are my own).

Why Mineral Sunscreens over Chemical Sunscreens?

The only active ingredients found in mineral/physical sunscreens are: zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They are physical blockers (hence the name physical sunscreen) and they reflect UVB and UVA rays, as opposed to absorbing them into the skin, like chemical sunscreens do. Chemical sunscreens’ active ingredients may contain a combination of these: oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone. Many of these active ingredients can potentially be endocrine disruptors AND some of them have been shown to contribute in destroying coral reefs. Chemical sunscreens can also cause irritation, so anyone with sensitive skin should beware. Mineral sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin and skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, and they’re also reef-safe.

Chemical Filters to watch in mineral sunscreens:

Butyloctyl Salicylate and Tridecyl Salicylate are two ingredients that are flying under the radar in many (read: most) mineral sunscreen formulas. These two ingredients (I’m quoting Andrea Dahr from the Switch Natural app here) “are endocrine receptor binders, and are chemically similar to octisilate, which is a chemical sunscreen that is absorbed by the body and may affect human sperm function. They can be found in “mineral-only” sunscreens in the inactive ingredients section and are added to boost the SPF of the product.” Some popular “clean” and mineral sunscreens like Ilia Skin Tint contain Butyloctyl Salicylate, but because of an FDA loophole, it is not required to be listed as an active ingredient. I would pay attention to where either of these two ingredients are in the ingredient list, because the further down the list they are, the smaller the concentration is and the less of a concern it is. There are some sunscreens below that contain Butyloctyl Salicylate, and I will put a “*” by them. I personally decided to remove some of my past favorites from this year’s blog, because of this unfortunately, but I still wanted to include some sunscreens with that ingredient, because they’ve caused no sensitivity and are excellent formulas. I want you to make your own decision whether you’re comfortable using an SPF that may have a small concentration of a chemical filter, that’s why education and transparency is key. With that, let's get into my clean mineral sunscreen favorites!

ACNE SAFE FACIAL SUNSCREENS

My skin is acne-prone, combo, and sensitive — so all of these have passed my ‘no breakout’ test!

 
 

Le Prunier PlumScreen SPF 31 PA +++ (sheer)

*best sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen*

 
 

Active Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide 4.7%. This sunscreen blew my mind a few years ago, and it still does. Let me tell you, this sunscreen is MAGICAL. Never in my life have I felt a mineral sunscreen go on my face this smoothly, just like a light moisturizer would. It gave me zero irritation, zero breakouts, and zero greasiness. It also has no pore clogging ingredients, so it’s a completely acne safe facial sunscreen. I personally skip my moisturizer and just use this instead, as it’s nourishing enough for my combo skin (this is very rare with a zinc based sunscreen!). “Le Prunier Plumscreen® combines broad spectrum sun protection with the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s cult-favorite Plum Beauty Oil” and it feels as luxurious as its price - $78! This is definitely an investment, however, if you’ve not found the right SPF after years of searching and have very finicky skin, give it a try by getting their travel size first! This SPF leaves no white cast whatsoever. Finally, I love that it comes in a recyclable aluminum tube. The ingredients are squeaky clean and Switch Natural App approved.

Clearstem YouAreSunshine SPF 50 (tinted)

*best sunscreen for the beach*

Active Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide 21%. This SPF offers some serious defense from UVA & UVB rays due to the high zinc oxide percentage in it. It’s designed to “protect all skin types (including sensitive skin) that are prone to scar damage, acne, rosacea, dryness, and discoloration. Formulated with green tea, gotu kola, and horse chestnut to calm the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce the look of scars and dark spots.” I find the tint to be slight however it cancels out the white cast and offers me some coverage and warmth to my skin tone. I love how light and easy it feels upon application, and that it dries down to a matte/satin finish. This is my favorite sunscreen for the beach, because of the high zinc content, the tint it offers, and because it’s not greasy. Rest assured, any product you buy from Clearstem Skincare will not contain any pore clogging ingredients and will be totally acne safe + promote face healing, even if it’s ever reformulated, which isn’t true for 99% of brands. You can save 15% off Clearstem anytime with my code GREENBOOTLIFE, which you can use as many times as you like. The ingredients are squeaky clean and Switch Natural App approved.

Clearstem SUNNYSIDEKICK Brush On SPF 30

*best sunscreen over makeup*

Active Ingredients: 24.5% Zinc Oxide, 23.0% Titanium Dioxide. If you struggle with reapplying your makeup throughout the day, this brush on sunscreen is going to be the PERFECT solution for you. It’s a tinted powder sunscreen that visibly blurs, controls shine, offers oil control AND keeps your makeup in place. The brush is removable and you can easily wash it, dry it and then plug it back in (I recommend washing the brush weekly at least, like with any makeup brush). Be mindful of inhaling though, as it does contain titanium dioxide. SUNNYSIDEKICK is compact and easy to just throw in your bag, and bring it as your on-the-go sunscreen. This powder sunscreen also contains green tea (calming), resveratrol (anti-oxidant), caffeine (anti-oxidant).

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen* (sheer)

*best sunscreen for sensitive skin*

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (17%). This is my favorite acne safe mineral sunscreen of the year! As soon as I apply this, my skin feels a wave of CALM, which hasn't happened with any other sunscreen I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried LOTS). Cica (Centella Asiatica) is the calming ingredient in this sunscreen, which makes it a perfect SPF for sensitive skin and rosacea. The Innisfree Daily UV Defense is a green-tinted mineral sunscreen with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, that helps neutralize redness without making the skin look white or ashy. It’s incredibly lightweight, applies easily and has ZERO greasiness. I’ve found this sunscreen also works super well as a makeup primer and has a satin to matte finish, without making my skin look dull.

NATURAL BODY SUNSCREENS

 
 

Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF 40+*

*best body sunscreen for the beach*

Active Ingredient: Non-nano Zinc Oxide 20.5%. Mad Hippie makes a truly awesome Ultra-Sheer Body SPF 40+, fragrance free and water resistant up to 80 minutes. This has been my go-to body sunscreen for years, and it’s truly fail-proof. The consistency of this sunscreen is my favorite part, because it’s super lightweight, lotion-like and spreads very easily, unlike many physical body sunscreens. It’s also fairly hydrating and doesn’t leave you sticky, so it’s great for everyday use! As for the “sheer” part, once you rub it in, the white cast will disappear with a little time, but I’d say it may leave somewhat of a white cast if you have a deeper complexion. This body SPF is reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and free of fragrance, petrochemicals, benzene, synthetic dyes, silicones, parabens & phthalates.

Suntegrity Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray SPF 50

*best lightweight body sunscreen*

Active Ingredients: Non-nano Titanium Dioxide 7.2 %, Non-nano Zinc Oxide 9.5%. This is a totally clean, non-streaky, fast absorbing mineral sunscreen that goes on smoothly without much of a white cast at all. This is not only one of the easiest sunscreens I’ve ever worked with, but it’s also super nourishing and wears beautifully.
Some of the key ingredients are: Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide (both non-nano) , Grape Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Karanja Oil, Squalane (from sugarcane), Mango & Papaya Extracts. It’s suitable for both the face and body, but I’ve only used it as a body sunscreen, since it it scented (and my rosacea doesn’t like that, lol). You have to make sure to spray this into your hand and not directly on your body though, as inhaling titanium dioxide (the other mineral filter next to zinc oxide in this formula) could be potentially harmful, when inhaled. I also love the aluminum bottle packaging, which is more eco friendly than plastic. This sunscreen is also Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Reef friendly and in a 100% recyclable aluminum bottle. I highly recommend it!

100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30*

*best body sunscreen mist *

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 12%. This is a really great & safe spray body sunscreen option for the whole family. I love that it has minimal ingredients and that it’s water resistant for 80 minutes. This does leave a slight white cast, so I recommend rubbing smaller amount into the skin to sheer it out, which has worked for me. The key ingredients are: Jojoba Oil, Safflower Oil and Yerba Mate. This sunscreen is vegan, cruelty free and gluten free.

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 18.5%. Do you want a glowy summer body? All you need is Solara’s Good Karma! This is a dry oil sunscreen that sheers out completely (no white cast whatsoever!) and leaves your body looking glowy and hydrated. I especially love wearing this body sunscreen on an everyday basis because it doesn’t dry out my skin like other body sunscreens can. It’s infused with antioxidant rich adaptogenic actives and nutrient rich botanicals. The ingredients are squeaky clean and Switch Natural App approved.

Active Ingredient: 14.7% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. This is hands down my favorite on-the-go sunscreen stick! It’s goes on smoothly and it’s truly SHEER, without any white cast, just GLOW. This is designed both for the face and body, but since it has pore clogging ingredients, so since I’ve very acne prone, I am only using this on my body (if you’re not acne prone at all, feel free to use it on your face as well!). Tulip Dew Shield & Glow is the perfect sunscreen for travel, as well, because it’s in stick form, TSA friendly and super lightweight. It is water resistant for 80 minutes, so you can take it to the beach or pool as well!

MINERAL LIP SUNSCREENS

I haven’t found perfectly clean lip sunscreens that also perform well, but these are some better options!

Hurraw Sun Protection Lip Balm SPF 15

*best budget friendly lip sunscreen*

Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 16%. The Sun Lip Balm from Hurraw has been a favorite of mine for years. It's quite difficult to find a hydrating, clean and mineral lip SPF that works. This one is a very moisturizing, non-nano zinc oxide based lip balm with a yummy scent, achieved by combining tangerine, vanilla and chamomile. It glides on really well, and I’ve noticed the sliiiiiightest white tint to it (due to the zinc - which is normal!), but if you mind that, you can always apply a tinted lip color over it. It’s formulated largely with organic ingredients, at 68%. It's also vegan, cruelty free, and non-gmo. And only $5?? Amazing.

Active Ingredient: 12% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. I wanted to include a tinted lip sunscreen option because there aren’t many cleaner ones out there. This is a very pretty lip oil formula that’s shimmery, glossy and not sticky. It does have Butyloctyl Salicylate and fragrance, so even though it passes Credo’s standards of clean, it’s not ideal. I reached out to Bloomeffects to ask about their fragrance in Tulipscreen, and they responded with “We believe in full fragrance transparency -top note: orange, bergamot and jasmine, middle note: coconut and pineapple, bottom note: musk and vanilla.” This lip sunscreen is such a stunning formula, and it has many amazing ingredients in it like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vegan squalane.

In conclusion…

I hope I offered a wide array of sunscreen choices for you, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to DM me on my Instagram. I will also be sharing more sunscreen and sun protection content on Instagram, so give me a follow while you’re there, I post daily. You can find my full acne safe and sensitive skin friendly morning skincare routine here, and evening skincare routine here.

Mila Milosevic
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