When it comes to sun protection, there are two main types: Chemical and mineral. The word “natural” usually refers to mineral sunscreens, which use naturally-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that absorb sun’s rays. Mineral sunscreens are gaining popularity because they’re free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients like oxybenzone, and because, “in general, there’s been a movement toward natural and organic skincare,” says Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Not irritating, sticky or greasy
- Smooth texture works well with makeup
In GH Beauty Lab testing, this Sun Bum face sunscreen received a near-perfect score for not causing redness or irritation. It’s also non-tacky, non-oily and doesn’t interfere with makeup. “I absolutely loved this! The silky texture went in like a makeup primer and worked as such,”one tester says. Other testers rave that it is “silky” and “looks so natural.”
• SPF 30
• Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (2.4%), Titanium Dioxide (5.3%)
• Water resistance: 40 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$10.58
- Smooth and easy to apply
- Won’t dehydrate skin
- Great scent
- May feel greasy
The top-rated of all the mineral sunscreens in the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent body SPF test, coconut oil-infused Hawaiian Tropic was loved for its smooth application, transfer resistance and “deliciously tropical” scent. The light milky lotion was the least likely to stain or rub off on fabrics of any mineral SPF, effortless to apply, non-drying and rinsed off easily. Testers praised the pump bottle, though it was smaller than others; the formula also felt greasy to some testers. Many raved that the “scent was amazing” and “application process was clean.”
• SPF 50
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%)
• Water resistance: 80 minutes
• Price per ounce: ~$3.50
