The 14 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens of 2024

Glow Safely: Mastering Sun Protection with the Top 14 Zinc Oxide Sunscreens 

In the quest for sun-kissed skin without the damage, the right sunscreen is your best ally. The spotlight shines on zinc oxide sunscreens, celebrated not only for their formidable shield against harmful rays but also for their skin-loving benefits. From serums that double as a makeup base to water-resistant formulas perfect for active days, we've rounded up the 14 best zinc oxide sunscreens that promise to protect, hydrate, and even enhance your skin. Whether you're seeking a barely-there feel, a hint of tint, or a formula that fights the signs of aging, our selection caters to every skin type and concern. 

1. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is not your average sunscreen. This award-winning formula provides a trifecta of skincare benefits: light coverage, potent skincare ingredients, and mineral SPF protection. It's designed with a dewy finish in mind, ensuring that your skin not only stays protected but also looks vibrantly alive. The formula is vegan, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin types, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their skincare game while getting effective sun protection.

• Vegan and non-comedogenic
• Clinically proven to improve skin appearance
• Formulated without fragrance, gluten, or silicone

2. Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF30 Tinted Sunscreen

Highly praised by Lulu, Kendra, and Julia, the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF30 Tinted Sunscreen is a game-changer. It boasts a lightweight and serum-like texture offering not just sun protection but also hydration and a beautiful, glowy finish. This tinted moisturizer is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a product that stays put all day while hydrating the skin without a greasy finish. The formula's coverage and durability make it a standout choice.

• Lightweight and hydrating
• Long-lasting coverage
• Ideal for a glowy finish

3. Protekt SPF30 Medium Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Protekt brings you a naturally tinted mineral sunscreen that perfectly blends across a wide range of skin tones. The Sunstick's convenient size makes reapplication a breeze, offering effective sun protection without any worry about irritation or stinging eyes. With non-nano zinc oxide as its only active ingredient, this product ensures a high level of safety for both your skin and the marine ecosystems.

• Safe for sensitive marine life
• Non-nano zinc oxide for superior protection
• Convenient for reapplication

4. Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

Endorsed by Christine, Lena, and Tate, the Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 offers a smooth primer-like application while providing effective sun protection. Its lightweight formula makes it an excellent choice for daily use, ensuring that your skin is shielded from harmful rays without the heavy feel often associated with sunscreen.

• Primer-like application
• Lightweight and effective
• Ideal for daily use

5. FRÉ Skincare PROTECT ME SPF 50

FRÉ Skincare's PROTECT ME is an innovative facial moisturizer that combines SPF 50 mineral sunscreen with weightless hydration. Its ultra-sheer formula does not leave any unsightly white cast and is water-resistant. Designed with an antioxidant-rich patent, this product caters to the toughest sun protection needs while ensuring your skin remains hydrated and strong.

• SPF 50 with weightless hydration
• Water-resistant and ultra-sheer formula
• Rich in antioxidants

6. Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral SPF 30 Primer

Described as a game-changer by Mary and Anne, the Live Tinted Hueguard SPF Moisturize + Primer offers multifunctional benefits. This 3-in-1 product not only provides sun protection but also hydrates and preps the skin for makeup application. Its fragrance-free formula with a natural tint finish makes it a staple in any makeup kit.

• 3-in-1 functionality
• Fragrance-free with a natural tint
• Moisturizing and makeup-prepping

7. Sandcloud Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Sandcloud's Everyday Mineral Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection in a lightweight formula that's ideal for daily wear. It's fragrance and paraben-free, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen not only protects but nourishes your skin.

• Antioxidant-rich and hydrating
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic

8. My Day Screen Tinted Drops SPF 30

Praised by Delaney, Myah, and the founder Susan Dudas, the My Day Screen Tinted Drops offer a lightweight and buildable coverage. This multifunctional product serves as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and tinted base, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. Its ability to block UV and blue light while providing a radiant complexion is truly impressive.

• Blocks UV and blue light
• Versatile and multifunctional
• Lightweight and buildable coverage

9. GoPure Beauty Glow Pure Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF

GoPure Beauty's Glow Pure Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF offers a universal tint that instantly moisturizes and illuminates the look of skin. Its glowy sunscreen formula is designed to match all skin tones, providing an effortless blend and protection. This product is perfect for those looking to protect their skin while achieving a luminous glow.

• Universal tint for all skin tones
• Instantly moisturizes and illuminates
• Offers sun protection with a glow

10. Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

Naked Sundays brings a unique formula to the table with its SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Sunscreen. Loved by Katie Inscore and Adri, this product combines sun protection with skincare benefits like plant-based collagen, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Its thicker texture and matte finish make it suitable even for oily skin types, offering a rich, dewy, and creamy feel without leaving a white cast.

• SPF50+ with plant-based collagen
• Suitable for oily skin with a matte finish
• Rich, dewy, and creamy feel

11. MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50+

Endorsed by Viviana Bennawan, Shannon, and Ariana, the MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50+ stands out with its fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula. It is incredibly soft, easy to apply, and hydrating for dry skin without leaving a white tint. The sunscreen's ability to blend seamlessly and protect against sun damage makes it a top choice.

• Hydrating and easy to apply
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
• No white tint

12. Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lt weight Sunscreen SPF30

Alondra and leslie rave about the Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lt weight Sunscreen SPF30. It not only prevents fine lines but also shields the skin from pollution and blue light. The sunscreen is non-greasy, providing beautiful glow and hydration. Its lightweight formula ensures that it works well under makeup, making it a versatile addition to your daily routine.

• Protects against pollution and blue light
• Non-greasy with a beautiful glow
• Lightweight and works well under makeup

13. Avene SolaireUV Mineral Multi-Defense SPF50

Ashley from Savagely Honest Reviews gives us an insightful look into Avene's SolaireUV Mineral Multi-Defense SPF50. Ideal for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, this sunscreen stands out for being fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. It's specially formulated as a serum, making it a perfect match for oily combination skin types. This mineral-based sunscreen, boasting SPF 50, promises strong protection and suitability under foundation, with plans to test this further. Ashley's positive initial experience hints at this product's promise for sensitive skin advocates.

• Fragrance-free and oil-free, ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Serum formulation suits oily combination skin.
• Mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 offers strong protection.

14. Inde Wild AM Sunscreen Glow Drops

Reviews by Melissa, Carol, and Adriana unanimously praise the Inde Wild AM Sunscreen Glow Drops for its unique approach to sun protection. Melissa, found at her review, loves the affordable luxury it presents, offering broad spectrum SPF 50 protection that's water and sweat-resistant, making it perfect even for acne-prone and cystic acne sufferers. Adriana's endorsement of its lightweight, non-irritating formula underscores its wearability, even around sensitive areas like the eyes. The consensus is clear: Inde Wild's offering is a standout, transforming sun protection into a seamless, enjoyable part of any skincare regimen.

• Offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection that's water and sweat-resistant.
• Lightweight formula with no white cast, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Enhances skin's appearance with a subtle shimmer and glow.

FAQ: Understanding Zinc Oxide Sunscreens

What is the difference between zinc oxide and regular sunscreen?

Zinc oxide sunscreens are a type of mineral (or physical) sunscreen that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Regular sunscreens, often referred to as chemical sunscreens, absorb into the skin and then absorb UV rays, convert the rays into heat, and release them from the body. The key difference lies in their mechanism of action and the active ingredients they use to protect the skin from sun damage.

What are the pros and cons of mineral sunscreen?

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum protection: Mineral sunscreens, including those with zinc oxide, offer effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Suitable for sensitive skin: They are less likely to cause skin irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin types.
• Immediate protection: Unlike chemical sunscreens, which require about 20 minutes to become effective, mineral sunscreens protect the skin as soon as they are applied.
• Reef-safe: Many mineral sunscreens are considered safer for marine ecosystems.

Cons:

• White cast: They can leave a white residue on the skin, although newer formulations have minimized this effect.
• May be thicker: Some users find mineral sunscreens to be thicker and harder to spread compared to chemical sunscreens.
• Reapplication: They can be rubbed off, sweated off, or rinsed off in water more easily, requiring more frequent reapplication.

Is zinc oxide safe to use every day?

Yes, zinc oxide is safe to use every day. It is a non-irritating, non-allergenic ingredient that provides effective sun protection, making it suitable for daily use, even for those with sensitive skin.

What percentage of zinc oxide is good for mineral sunscreen?

For effective broad-spectrum protection, look for mineral sunscreens with at least 10% to 20% zinc oxide. The exact percentage can vary depending on the formulation and whether it’s combined with other active ingredients.

What is the difference between nano and non-nano zinc oxide powder?

The difference lies in the size of the zinc oxide particles. Nano zinc oxide has smaller particles that are less visible on the skin, reducing the white cast effect. Non-nano zinc oxide contains larger particles that stay on the surface of the skin. Some prefer non-nano formulations due to environmental concerns and the potential for nano particles to be absorbed by the skin.

Does zinc oxide clog pores?

Zinc oxide is generally non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. However, the formulation of the sunscreen can influence its comedogenicity, so it’s important to choose products specifically labeled as non-comedogenic if you’re concerned about acne or clogged pores.

Does zinc oxide fade dark spots?

Zinc oxide itself does not directly fade dark spots. However, by providing broad-spectrum UV protection, it can prevent the sun from exacerbating hyperpigmentation and dark spots. For fading existing dark spots, look for sunscreens or skincare products that contain ingredients known for their brightening properties, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or hydroquinone, in addition to using zinc oxide sunscreen for protection. Remember, consistent sun protection is key to preventing further darkening of these spots and aiding in the effectiveness of any treatment for hyperpigmentation.