Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (5.8%), zinc oxide (2.4%), rice bran extract, rosemary extract, sunflower extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?
While chemical sunscreen features UV filters that absorb onto skin, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, physically reflecting and scattering “a wide range of UV wavelengths,” as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains. These wavelengths include UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns, and UVA rays, which cause longer-term issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and skin cancer.
According to Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City, “Chemical-free sunscreens should only contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients.” (It’s important to note hybrid formulas exist and contain the aforementioned ingredients plus chemical-based sunscreen compounds, so always triple-check the ingredients label.)
Who should use mineral sunscreen?
“Chemical sunscreens can be irritating and allergenic for some folks,” explains Dr. Mudgil. Some folks, according to board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, is a whopping “25% of all people,” he told Allure. If that statement rings true for you, it’s time to consider a physical sunscreen with non-chemical shields. They reduce the risk of irritation to practically zero, due to “organic, inert, and hypoallergenic” formulas, Dr. Mudgil explains. Incidentally, sunscreens that don’t contain chemical protectants are generally healthier for coral reefs. (In fact, Hawaii banned the sale of products with chemical filters oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether.) However, take the term “reef-safe” with a grain of salt, as it’s not regulated.
Meet the experts
- Morgan Rabach, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Anna Guanche, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Adeline Kikam, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in McAllen, Texas
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?