These Dermatologist-Approved Mineral Sunscreens Are Ideal for Sensitive Skin

We updated this article in March 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Dermatologists are always talking about how crucial the best sunscreen is, but have you given much thought to how it protects you? Sunscreen can work one of two ways: It can use chemical filters to absorb harmful UV rays so that your skin doesn’t, or it can block the light from getting to your skin at all. Mineral (a.k.a. physical) sunscreen is the latter, the type that sits on top of your skin, almost like a layer of armor—and derms love it. (Learn more about physical vs. chemical sunscreen in our handy guide).

Because of how mineral sunscreen works, you may associate it with a thick white cast—like lifeguards with their bright-white noses. But many of today’s formulas are pretty close to sheer, even if you have darker skin and have struggled to blend inyour SPF. Plus, experts say mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin since they tend to cause less irritation.

Many experts also feel that mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical formulations, says Angela Casey, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at the Center for Surgical Dermatology in Ohio. Both types are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but last year, the FDA called for more research on specific chemical sunscreen ingredients. Mineral sunscreens don’t come with that same baggage.

Meet the experts: Angela Casey, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at the Center for Surgical Dermatology in Ohio, Jennifer David, D.O., founder of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology in Pennsylvania, Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai, Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York, Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in California, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Ellen Marmur M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis Skincare.

With that being said, there are a great variety of options on the market when it comes to mineral sunscreens, but fear not: we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you. After consulting several dermatologists and sifting through countless online reviews, we’ve found the best of the best for every skin type and tone.

Our top picks

Ready to find a safe, effective sunblock you’ll love to reapply all summer? Ahead, dermatologists share the best mineral sunscreens for both your face and body.