The 11 Best Mineral Sunscreens for All Skin Tones, According to Derms (2024)

Castilla says she’s partial to tinted mineral sunscreens like this one from Colorscience. “The iron oxide that creates the tint in these sunscreens also blocks visible light. Visible light does not cause skin cancer, but can cause hyperpigmentation or worsen conditions such as melasma. It is a helpful ingredient to maintain an even skin tone,” she says.

Shades: 4

What reviews are saying: “Yes it’s a little pricey but it’s worth the money. It doesn’t break me out and I have sensitive skin. The coverage is the best coverage I’ve seen in a tinted sunscreen. I use this as my foundation for a day-to-day look.” —Hailey O.

Castilla highly recommends this lightweight drugstore SPF from Neutrogena, which includes vitamin E to nourish skin while also protecting it. Plus, the formula is sheer enough to layer under makeup, or can be worn solo on no-makeup makeup days.

Shades: 4

What reviews are saying: “Most sunscreens meant for darker skin have a much lower percentage of active ingredients and I worry I am not getting anti-aging coverage, but this one really has everything a darker-skinned person could ask for. I recommend it to everyone with dark skin because not only is it an effective sunscreen, it also looks like a light foundation layer.” —May

La Roche-Posay makes one of the most beloved mineral sunscreens to date, and Castilla agrees its reputation is earned. The weightless formula is oil-free and has a matte finish, which is ideal for breakout-prone skin that tends to look oily with other SPFs. The formula also has antioxidants that add another level of protection from environmental damage.

Shades: 1

What reviews are saying: “Glides on smooth and so lightweight. Gives just the right tint in your skin to look like makeup coverage but sun protecting. Love!” —Alyssa L.

Rounding out Castilla’s top picks is this lightly tinted SPF that blends well into any skin tone without a visible cast. In it, you’ll also find plankton extract, which is known to increase skin’s resistance to the stress caused by UV rays and heat from the sun. It’s no wonder SkinCeuticals is such a popular brand with dermatologists.

What reviews are saying: “Very easy to put on and spread! No white cast and not greasy! Leaves a nice, satin-matte finish.” —Roxana Vel

Made especially for sensitive skin, this allantoin- and Centella asiatica–infused sunscreen keeps skin calm, breakout-free, and hydrated (thanks to moisturizing probiotics).

What reviews are saying: “As someone with sensitive skin, it’s really hard to find something that doesn’t burn my face after being out in the sun and sweating. This SPF is perfect for me and I appreciate that it is unscented.” —Katie

Supergoop!’s fan-favorite Unseen Sunscreen also comes in a mineral version with an SPF 40 and antioxidant protection by way of bamboo extract. Bazaar’s beauty editors love to wear this one in particular under makeup.

What reviews are saying: “As someone who has given up on sooo many mineral face sunscreens (always too heavy, too greasy, feel generally icky sitting on top of my skin) this stuff is incredible. It’s so lightweight and goes on insanely smooth—it has a silky, powder-like feel to it that slips right over my skin with zero effort.” —oliviasac

This gem from EltaMD might be one of the most dermatologist-recommended sunscreens to date. It comes in both tinted and non-tinted versions, but either option blends well into all skin tones. The SPF moisturizer is also fragrance-free and loaded with hyaluronic acid to leave skin plump and radiant.

Shades: 3

What reviews are saying: “It is very easy to spread on the face and dries quickly. Once dry, I did not feel it at all and it dried clear. I found that it was very moisturizing. Typically, I will also use a face oil but I did not need to with this product. I feel like it covered my face evenly and provided great sun coverage.” —SKLewis

The peach tint of this SPF helps eliminate any white cast left behind from the zinc—just give it a minute to absorb before moving on to makeup. The finish falls right in between dewy and matte, so it works well for both oily and drier skin types. Plus, the formula is infused with skin-nourishing sea fennel and Moringa seed extract.

Shades: 1

What reviews are saying: “This is absolutely the best mineral sunscreen I have used for my face. I have used so many, and I have finally found the one that blends in does not leave a white cast, and looks amazing with or without makeup I don’t break out I don’t feel chalky.” —Jax

Live Tinted’s Hueguard is one of the few options on this list that was designed to work head-to-toe. The multitasking face-and-body SPF 30 formula blocks harmful rays and blurs imperfections with its peach-tinted formula.

Shades: 1

What reviews are saying: “Super easy to use: no pilling, no streaks, no cast. Takes a minute to reveal the final finish, which is a beautiful, lit-from-within subtle glow.” —MA

This skincare-forward sunscreen contains peptides to help skin look more bouncy, hyaluronic acid to plump, allantoin to soothe sensitivity, and mineral SPF 40 to prevent sun damage. It works well paired with other fan favorites from Kosas, like the brand’s liquid skin tint and concealer.

Shades: 2

What reviews are saying: “Love love the way it goes on smooth and leaves my face with a luminous glow! It’s beautiful underneath makeup or alone for a light coverage day!” —panda1225

This thicker sunscreen is a great choice for skiers or anyone looking for a balmlike SPF to use in during cooler months. A blend of castor, lavender, and parsley oils seals moisture into the skin and soothes chapping.

What reviews are saying: “Doesn’t irritate my skin, feels hydrating and gentle. It’s not lightweight, but the texture is really luxurious and blends out to a soft moisturizing feel that is not overly greasy or matte. It’s unlike any sunscreen I’ve tried before, and it leaves no white film.” —Rachel

• Dr. Carmen Castilla is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist practicing at New York Dermatology Group.

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