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12 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens to Safely Protect Your Skin
So you can have some (safe) fun in the sun.
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When it comes to skincare, the fewer chemicals you use, the better. That same rule applies to sunscreen, which is why going with one of the best natural sunscreens is always a good choice. Not only are they the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, but they're also the safest for your face and body. In fact, there are only two sunscreen active ingredients that are considered safe and effective by the FDA: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "These ingredients are safer for you than those found in chemical sunscreens because they aren't absorbed into the body," explains Dr. Purvisha Patel, MD, a dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare. While choosing mineral sunscreens vs. chemical sunscreens may sound limiting, there are plenty of top-rated options in our roundup of the best zinc oxide sunscreens.
Our Top Picks
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Why zinc oxide specifically? While both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are naturally occurring minerals that sit on top of your skin to block and reflect the sun’s powerful UVA and UVB rays, zinc oxide has a slight edge when it comes to blocking long ultraviolet-A rays. Here you'll find options for the face and body, plus zinc oxide sunscreens that are ideal for babies or those with super sensitive skin. Read on to see our picks, and remember to slather 0n sunscreen every day, rain or shine! After all, it's the best accessory besides maybe a straw hat to go with your cute beach outfit. 😎
Coppertone Pure & Simple
This affordable pick is made from gentle, naturally sourced zinc oxide and free of parabens, dyes, and fragrances. It also contains nourishing, 100% natural botanicals like tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus extracts.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen
This drugstore brand is oil-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide plus ceramides which help restore the skin's natural barrier. Since it's not water-resistant, you should probably skip this option if you're going swimming.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | None |
Bare Republic Mineral Matte Sunscreen
This lightweight lotion gently melts into the skin for a sheer, matte finish, with no pesky white streaks. It's also infused with antioxidant-rich raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils that help fight free radicals.
| SPF | 30 |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes |
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Non-Tinted Face Lotion
This zinc-based facial sunscreen also acts as a primer, giving you a soft, matte finish with SPF 30 protection. Take your pick from tinted or non-tinted formulas.
| SPF | 30 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Help protect your baby's skin with this dermatologist-tested sunscreen featuring naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide. The tear-free formula is hypoallergenic and water resistant.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion
This lightweight mineral sunscreen uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide strong UV shielding. While this one is not fragrance-free, reviewers seem to love its subtle, sweet scent.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This super sheer sunscreen hydrates even the most sensitive skin. It features calendula and shea butter, which help the lotion glide on effortlessly while also locking in moisture.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
EltaMD Face and Body Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Set
EltaMD's sunscreen is specially designed to calm and protect the skin of people prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. This set includes both a facial sunscreen and full-body sunscreen for one-stop shopping.
| SPF | 46 and 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
This unscented mineral sunscreen is not only safe for you—it's also safe for the reefs. To help protect the ocean's delicate coral reefs, it contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Colorescience Sunforgettable Body Shield Sunscreen
This super soft lotion spreads on effortlessly and leaves a silky, powdery finish. It features 12% zinc oxide and hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen
Pipette is known for its gentle, nontoxic, and clean products for babies, but their beloved mineral sunscreen is great for the whole family, especially those with sensitive skin.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | None |
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick
A stick that glides on makes both application and transportation easier. Pop it in your suitcase or bag, and it's there for easy reapplication all day. This option is fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free and has vitamin E to nourish skin, too.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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