Not all mineral sunscreens are chalky – here are 14 of the best formulas (tried, tested and reviewed) (2025)

I’ve been a stan of the OG Neutrogena Ultra Sheer formulas forever, so I was hella intrigued to see how they could turn that iconic cream into a mineral SPF. Turns out, these are a really thin consistency liquid – almost like sunscreen drops – that blend out into practically nothing as I keep rubbing it in. There is a slight white cast at first, but it eventually blends out and matches my skin. Because this is so lightweight, I wore it a ton at Coachella (Neutrogena is the SPF partner for both weekends, btw) because it was so hot outside.

✨ Try it if: You want a one-and-done moisturiser and SPF formula that helps nourish your skin while protecting.

Key ingredients: Peptides, squalane, niacinamide, sea buckthorn oil

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide (15%)

SPF level: 50+

White cast? None

Notes from the Cosmo team: “It performs as well as so many of my high-end favourites: feels lightweight as hell, protects my skin with a whopping SPF 70, and blends out without a strong white cast.”

"My makeup/morning routine changed for the better after I started using these Summer Fridays ShadeDrops," says former associate US shopping editor Daisy Maldonado.

It's basically a second defence against dry skin, considering how damn hydrating it is. We're talking squalane, shea butter, and vitamin E – all of which help lock in moisture, too, to prevent water loss. Because of this, it makes skin look very healthy and radiant, especially under makeup.

✨ Try it if: You like a moisturising, rich sunscreen that gives your skin a dewy finish.

Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E, shea butter, bisabolol

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide (9.4%)

SPF level: 30

White cast? Might have a slight cast on very deep skin tones, but has a slight, sheer tint to help counteract it on light to tan skin.

Notes from the Cosmo team: "The milky formula of this serum quickly became a fave of mine because of how well it melts into the skin with no white cast. Catch me wearing this on its own alllll summer."

This itsy-bitsy sunscreen stick is the GOAT for reapplying when you're gonna be outside all day. It doesn't tug at my skin as I'm rubbing it on (key, considering mineral formulas are usually not as glide-y), and once I rub it in, it just adds a sheen but no white cast or sticky residue. It's all thanks to a blend of argan oil, sunflower seed wax, and shea butter in the formula that makes it go on hella smooth. Easy-peazy, SPF stickzy. Or however the saying goes.

✨ Try it if: You need an easy method to reapply SPF throughout the day.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed wax, argan oil

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide (23.8%)

SPF level: 50

White cast? None on light to tan skin, but might need to be massaged in a bit on deep skin.

Notes from the Cosmo team: "I never, ever, ever thought I would find a mineral SPF stick that wouldn't be hard as hell to roll across my skin. But this proved me wrong. The stick just glides over my nose, cheekbones, forehead, shoulders – you name it – and doesn't even require any blending in."

The O.G. Unseen Sunscreen is a hero at Team Cosmo. So I was v intrigued when they launched this mineral version. This one has a cream, not gel, texture that looks white when I squeeze it out of the tube, but as I blend it in, the white dissipates into my skin. It still gives me that matte, blurred finish that I love under makeup so much, just in a slightly heavier texture. But IMO, the zinc-infused formula is actually fab for my oily, acne-prone skin, since zinc is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help regulate sebum production.

✨ Try it if: You like a matte, smooth finish from your sunscreen.

Key ingredients: Dimethicone, bamboo extract

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide (21%)

SPF Level: 40

White cast? Might have a slight cast on very-deep skin tones, but can be blended out for fair to tan skin.

Notes from the Cosmo team: "I'm actually not a huge fan of the original Unseen Sunscreen – I don't love that classic silicone-y texture – but I love the idea of an SPF that looks invisible once I put it on. This one is so much better for me, both because the mineral filters don't irritate my acne and because it's got a soft-matte finish that blurs my skin without feeling like I have anything on."

Truly, I have yet to meet one who didn't sing the praises of their gentle, effective formulas, including this new mineral option. It offers a sheer, universal tint to help even out some discolouration on your face, but still doesn't feel heavy or cakey.

✨ Try it if: You're all about a Cosmo editor/derm recommendation and/or love a lightweight, sheer tinted formula.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? Possibly on deep skin, since the tint only comes in one medium shade.

Notes from the Cosmo team: “This 4-in-1 formula has majorly streamlined my mornings. A few pumps provide antioxidant protection, thanks to vitamin C and E, hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid, and UV damage protection with zinc-based SPF."

Hello Sunday knows a thing or two about creating divine SPFs, and this is one that we'd happily slather on every day. It's really lightweight and provides a broad spectrum coverage of UVA and UVB rays without cakiness. The formula is also water resistant, so you don't have to reapply if you get caught in a short summer downpour.

✨ Try it if: You're all about a Cosmo editor/derm recommendation and/or love a lightweight, sheer tinted formula.

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, jojoba oil

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? Yes, but only on richly melanated skin.

Customers say: "Love the consistency, and applies smoothly and doesn't leave a greasy oily feel."

RiRi strikes again with her latest industry-approved skincare drop. The SPF 30 formula, which pumps out pink, is highly moisturising and offers more hydrating benefits thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list. Plus, it’s oil-free, so there’s none of that overly greasy residue. We love to see it.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 30

White cast? No

Customers say: "Wow this is unreal! Soaks in and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, a lovely base for my make up! Plus the SPF too 😍. New staple for me."

Those with rosacea are often told to opt for mineral sunscreens above all others (thanks to their anti-redness skills), but I must confess, I hate them. I'm as white as paper, and they still somehow leave a white cast on me, so those with darker skin tones will find it impossible. However, this silky SPF50 from Tatcha is one of the only ones I've found that not only doesn't leave my skin looking grey, but the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid-rich formula also does a great job at minimising pores and texture irregularities.

It's lightweight, glowy and doesn't leave my skin feeling like there's a cast over it (IYKYK). Did I mention it's also reef-safe? Talk about ideal.

✨ Try it if: You're looking for a skincare-SPF hybrid... oh, and are working with a bigger budget!

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid + niacinamide

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? No

Customers say: "The skin looks so good after using it , i love it cause its tinted and light weighted."

Balling on a budget? Same, friend, but that doesn't mean you can't invest in healthy skin because Bondi Sands' Face Fluid is super affordable, and a Cosmo Beauty Team fave. Plus, if you hate wearing SPF because of the thick, greasy feeling, fear not for this lightweight formula goes almost unrecognised.

✨ Try it if: You hate wearing SPF... no srsly, this will change your mind... and for only £9.99!

Active ingredient: Octocrylene

SPF Level: 50

White cast? Nope!

Customers say: "I put this on daily and its the only one that doesnt make my face greasy, goes really well under makeup too! would highly recommend."

When it comes to sunscreen, Vichy knows exactly what they're doing... Case in point: this anti-ageing facial SPF. Containing a mixture of Black Tea, vitamin C and the brand’s signature Mineralising Thermal Water, it helps soothe and protect the skin, all while defending against both UVA and UVB.

✨ Try it if: You've got a dry skin type.

Key ingredients: Black Tea, Vitamin C

Active ingredient: Titanium Dioxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? Yes

Customers say: "A lotion texture that absorbs quickly with no white residue to help Defend your complexion against the damaging, ageing effects of the sun"

There's nothing worse than an SPF that pills on the face. You've just finished your six-step skincare routine and are now buffing out your foundation when BAM! Little bits of SPF and rolling off your cheeks. Major face palm.

With this formula, however, pilling is a thing of the past... Thank God! Instead, it makes for the perfect makeup base, hydrating the skin, without making you look like a disco ball.

✨ Try it if: You're looking for an SPF that will sit well under makeup.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E and squalane

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? Yes

Customers say: "My favourite SPF for minimal makeup days. It evens out my skin enough so that I don't have to wear foundation/ skin tint, but only a bit of concealer. It stays a bit tacky throughout the day, so I like to layer a good lightweight powder on top and use a mattifying setting spray. It doesn't break out my acne-prone skin either. The only thing I dislike is the packaging - it's a bit messy."

Free from PEGs, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial colourants, Kopari's Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is a clean option for those mindful of their skincare ingredients. Not only that, but its sheer, hydrating finish makes it suitable for wearing alone or under makeup, providing a luminous base.

✨Try it if: A glow boost and radiant finish is on the agenda.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C and niacinamide

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? No

Customers say: "I wear tinted sunscreen every day. I have melasma and it's finally lighted up over the years (also recently started using Kopari's Vitamin C serum and LOVE it). I tried this sunscreen for the first time today and as soon as I applied it, I loved it. I also got a compliment about my skin today - specifically how bright and dewy my faced looked. This is going to become my go-to sunscreen. It's thin, blends in instantly and looks amazing."

Infused with tranexamic acid, Dr. Dennis Gross' All Physical Ultimate Defense is the perfect sunscreen for those looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the skin, preventing the dryness often associated with mineral sunscreens.

While those are standout factors, its selling point is its water- and sweat-resistant properties, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles.

✨Try it if: You're a sporty Queen.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 50

White cast? No

Customers say: "I like the Dr. Dennis Gross All Physical Ultimate Defense SPF 50, as it provides a high protection for the skin, is non-greasy as it is oil-free, and whilst away in a hot country, it helped keep my skin stay hydrated and it never felt exposed to the rays to burn or get dark spots. I'm only knocking a star off due to the high price."

SUPERGOOP! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 is considered one of the best mineral sunscreens for several reasons; it's lightweight, has a sheer texture, and is skin-friendly (aka fragrance-free, silicone-free, and non-comedogenic). Plus, its non-nano zinc oxide formulation means it doesn't penetrate the skin barrier, making it safer for sensitive skin and the environment.

✨ Try it if: You have super sensitive skin.

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

SPF Level: 30

White cast? Sliiiightly on darker complexions.

Customers say: "As a committed SPF wearer, this is my first Supergoop purchase. In readiness for a ski holiday, I was delighted to discover the formula features water resistant technology. Tested under makeup, I'm pleased to report no piling. Fingers crossed it tests well on the mountains &."

Mineral sunscreen isn't "better" than chemical sunscreen, per se, but it's more often recommended by dermatologists. Here's the deal: Mineral filters aren't absorbed into your skin like chemical ones, which neutralise and convert UV rays into heat before they're released from your body. “This process is usually problematic for those with sensitive skin, so opting for a completely mineral sunscreen is best,” says aesthetician Ivey Rogers. Instead, mineral formulas act as a physical block between your skin and those UV rays, which is much more gentle.

Not to mention, zinc-based sunscreens are actually soothing and anti-inflammatory on their own, making them so, so good for sensitive skin types. Plus, if you're all about green beauty, they're reef-safe, meaning they don't use the chemicals that are known to damage coral reefs.

But mineral sunscreens aren't all sunshine and rainbows, as they can reflect the light and give your skin a strong white cast, dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, previously explained to Cosmo. But! But! But! Not all hope is lost, as there are hella advanced mineral sunscreen formulations now that are made with transparent zinc or tinted versions to help counteract the white, ghostly look.

In general, though, "The best SPF is the one you'll actually wear every day all year round," says Dr. Kim. It all comes down to personal preference and what you're willing to use consistently.