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10 Best Natural Sunscreens That Won't Leave White Streaks
Choose from sticks, sprays, lotions, and more. ☀️
By 
You may already take excellent care of your skin with the best facial cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams. But skincare doesn't stop at the sink. It's also important to protect your skin with one of the best natural sunscreens. (Just ask Ree Drummond, who's advocated for sun protection ever since she had a basal cell carcinoma removed from her neck when she was 30.)
While chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin's surface and absorb UV rays, natural sunscreens (including Ree's fave!) generally sit on top of the skin to completely block rays. This means they're less likely to irritate sensitive skin—plus they'll work right away, whereas you typically have to wait at least 30 minutes before catching some rays with the chemical kind. Check out this list of the best natural sunscreens to find the perfect one for you, whether it's a lotion, a clear-finish stick, or an easy-to-use spray.
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You'll probably notice that the most common active ingredients in natural sunscreen, also known as physical or mineral sunscreen, are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. When it comes to mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, "These ingredients are safer for you than those found in chemical sunscreens because they aren't absorbed into the body," says Dr. Purvisha Patel, MD, a Tennessee-based dermatologist. Even the FDA has proposed stricter regulations that would recognize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the only safe ingredients.
With all these things going for it, why isn't natural sunscreen more popular? Well, the same minerals that protect your skin can leave behind pesky white streaks. Thankfully, you won't have that problem with these top-rated natural sunscreens. Click through our gallery and add one to your beach bag today!
Blue Lizard Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
This paraben- and fragrance-free sunscreen is a dermatologist favorite. Designed to withstand the elements, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, but it makes a great choice for beach bums, too!
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 30 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Octocrylene (4%), Zinc Oxide (9.7%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion
This noncomedogenic formula is lightweight enough for your face, but it also doubles as a body sunscreen for sensitive skin. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 50 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (21.6%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion
Ree's fellow Food Network star Molly Yeh swears by this brand. The water- and sweat-resistant formula (It works for up to 80 minutes!) is made with sensitive skin in mind and won't leave you sticky.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 30 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Titanium Dioxide (2.3%), Zinc Oxide (17.9%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based dermatologist, likes this sunscreen developed for mature and sensitive skin. It's slightly tinted, so it can double as foundation.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 32 |
| Formulation: | Tinted cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Titanium Dioxide (5.0%), Zinc Oxide (6.0%) |
| Water Resistance: | None |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion
This paraben-free sunscreen has a matte, slightly tinted finish (No white residue here!), and it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It's good for more than just preventing a sunburn: Antioxidant-rich botanicals like eucalyptus and red algae have anti-aging properties.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 70 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Titanium Dioxide (3%), Zinc Oxide (3%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Citrus Oasis |
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen Stick
You can also buy Aveeno's sensitive skin sunscreen in stick form! This travel size is TSA-friendly. Don't worry about it leaving a white cast—it glides on with a clear finish.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 50 |
| Formulation: | Stick |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (21.6%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray
This water-resistant brand is a top-seller on Amazon for a reason: Its spray form makes it easy to apply all over, and the hypoallergenic formula is ideal for sensitive skin.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 30 |
| Formulation: | Spray |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (14.0%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Prefer lotion? Try this squeezable version of the mineral sunscreen. It's just as great with a lightweight and silky matte finish. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 50 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (20.0%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
This hypoallergenic sunscreen is sheer enough that you can layer it under makeup. It's also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 50 |
| Formulation: | Cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (21.6%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 80 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen
For a built-in skincare routine, use this tinted facial sunscreen. "It doubles as a primer and moisturizer and will protect the skin on a daily basis," says Dr. Patel.
| Type: | Mineral |
|---|---|
| SPF: | 41 |
| Formulation: | Tinted cream |
| Active Ingredients: | Zinc Oxide (9.0%), Titanium dioxide (7.0%) |
| Water Resistance: | Up to 40 minutes |
| Scent: | Unscented |
Audrey is the assistant editor at Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine.
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