I tried over 10 mineral sunscreens – these were the winners
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer
- Key ingredients: Artemisia capillaris and olive-derived lipid.
- Texture: Fluid cream.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
Why we love it: “This is one of those SPFs that feels much more like a skin tint than a traditional sunscreen. The texture is very fluid, almost watery, so it glides on easily and feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin. It does dry down quite quickly, though, so I found I had to work fast and blend it in properly before it set.
“The Korean sunscreen is available in 12 shades, which is pretty impressive for a mineral SPF, as tinted mineral formulas don’t always offer that much choice. I went for MP200, which was slightly too dark for me and pulled a bit orange, so next time I’d definitely go one or two shades lighter. The coverage is sheer, but it gives enough of a tint to even things out and make skin look a little fresher.
“Formula-wise, it contains Artemisia capillaris, also known as mugwort, to help soothe, alongside olive-derived lipids for hydration. My main issue was how it layered. It didn’t sit perfectly over every serum and went slightly patchy in places, so I’d keep the skincare underneath quite simple with this one.”
Your mineral sunscreen questions, answered:
Meet the experts:
- Dr Lukian Radmila, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
- Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics,
- Dr Yuliya Krasnaya – Dermatologist at Evoclinic.
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics
Mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens – which sunscreen is better for your skin?
“The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light, and they don’t absorb into the skin,” shares Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, a dermatologist at Evoclinic.
“Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic.
“It’s important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences,” adds Dr Radmila.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens use UV filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate to sink into your skin and prevent harmful UV light from causing sun damage. That’s not to say that mineral sunscreens don’t offer optimal broad-spectrum protection. In fact, they do a fine job of deflecting blue light, UVB and UVA rays, the latter of which are responsible for pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen.
How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
The easiest way to tell the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is to check the ingredients label on the bottle. “Identifying whether a sunscreen is mineral or chemical can be determined by examining its list of active ingredients,” explains Dr Yuliya. “Mineral sunscreens contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting or scattering UV rays.”
“In contrast, chemical sunscreens feature organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat,” adds Dr Yuliya.
What are the cons of chemical sunscreens?
In the past, governing bodies such as the FDA have expressed some concerns regarding the long-term effects of (some, not all) chemical filters. Plus, chemical sunscreens may potentially irritate sensitive, acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin.
Why do I need to use sunscreen in the first place?
According to Dr Christine Hall, GMC-registered general practitioner in medical aesthetics, “90% of visible skin ageing comes from the sun and its UV rays.” In fact, Dr Christine told us that her best skincare-related advice to anyone is to “use SPF every single day, all year around.”
Using some form of daily SPF will also help prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce risk of skin cancer too. Even if you have a darker skin tone, ensuring that your skin is well protected is of the utmost importance. Make sure to grab something that’s at least SPF 30 – better yet, go for SPF 40 or SPF 50 for maximum protection.
READ MORE: The best sunscreens for dark skin.
What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?
Dr Radmila shares that “mineral SPF is more heat-resistant and tends to last longer than chemical sunscreen,” making it an excellent choice for a beachside holiday.
Mineral sunscreens are also generally considered safe for most people, including those who are pregnant or have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. However, Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, still recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatology expert before using any skincare product if you have a particular skin concern.
“When shopping for mineral sunscreens, look for those that are labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘hypoallergenic’, which are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.”
Looking for ways to improve your sun care and skincare routine to better protect yourself this summer? Check out our guide to SPF, plus the best sun creams for your body, the best sunscreen sticks, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. You can also take a look at our edits of the best body moisturisers and body lotions and best vitamin C serums.