All the Best Natural and Mineral Sunscreens (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)

To manage dryness while protecting skin from the sun’s harsh rays, Elizabeth Hand, an aesthetician and founder of Stalle Studios, recommends this sunscreen, which she uses daily. In our guide to the best facial sunscreens, Hand describes the formula as “next level” and adds that “Dr. Loretta spent part of her career working with the creator of the Fitzpatrick Scale, the universal classification system used to categorize human skin pigmentation and its response to UV-light exposure, so she knows a thing or two about SPF.”

If your skin tends to feel extra-shiny after applying sunscreen, Denton-Hurst recommends this ultralightweight formula from Jan Marini. It’s ideal for oily skin types because it contains “microscopic sponges” that help absorb excess oil. According to Kim Zimmerman, the director of e-commerce and marketing at Rescue Spa, the Jan Marini sunscreen is a hit among Rescue Spa aestheticians, who often recommend it to their clients with oily complexions. They appreciate that it has a slight tint and a matte finish that doesn’t leave skin looking greasy.

For a sensitive-skin-friendly product, consider Vanicream. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen that’s free of potential irritants, such as fragrances, dyes, parabens, and botanical extracts. Formulated with nourishing ceramides, it has an SPF factor of 30 and uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection.

If you’re looking for a more affordable sunscreen that can still combat signs of aging, look no further than Dune’s The Mineral Melt. The formula has brightening and firming capabilities thanks to ingredients such as peptides, known to stimulate the skin to make collagen, plus vitamin E to reduce the appearance of UV damage. When I tested this product, I loved how velvety and thin it felt, blending into my skin without any greasy or white residue. According to the brand, the lightweight formula uses micro-dispersion technology, which is the reason it’s so sheer and fast absorbing despite containing both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (which often leave a strong white cast on skin). And because it’s noncomedogenic, it hasn’t caused any breakouts, even when I’m wearing it under my makeup.

In our roundup of the best moisturizers with SPF, this is our top-rated mineral option recommended by Dr. Rachel Westbay, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical. “It has a creamy texture that melts into skin without leaving it feeling greasy and, although it’s a mineral-based formula, it doesn’t leave behind a white cast,” she says. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this lotion contains many skin-care ingredients, such as niacinamide to soften fine lines, vitamin C to brighten, and an antioxidant blend to defend against environmental pollutants. As a Paula’s Choice devotee, I apply this to my face and neck each morning after cleansing and can attest to its weightless and nongreasy finish. Once it dries, my skin appears fresher and more awake, and I can easily layer my foundation on top.

This sunscreen is a favorite of dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar, who likes using it all over the body because it’s a “nongreasy SPF and will not leave oily residue all over your clothing.” Beyond that, Aguilar likes that it has powerful antioxidants like rose hip and green tea and moisturizing ingredients like avocado and jojoba oils. It rubs in sheer, plus it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free. And if you prefer a spray-on alternative, Babo Botanicals also makes a mineral mist that Tara Foley, founder and CEO of the natural beauty store Follain, recommends for easy application.

Dermatologists have recommended liquid sunscreens from Australian brand Blue Lizard before — but when we spoke to experts about the best sweatproof sunscreen, this stick form was recommended by Dr. Hadley King. She told us mineral sunscreens in a solid formulation work better because they tend to apply thicker, meaning they “provide good coverage and don’t come off easily with sweat.” King likes that this one is water resistant for 80 minutes, goes on clear, and contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower-seed oil, and vitamin E to nourish the skin. Plus it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t contain parabens or fragrances.

Mineral sunscreens were a no-go for Strategist contributor Mbiye Kasonga until she discovered this tinted formula from RMS Beauty. Kasonga says the coppery color and slight shimmer in the SuperNatural Radiance Serum are key to helping the zinc oxide blend into skin without a hint of white cast. “For me, the sunscreen looks best when I layer it over moisturizer as a final step in my morning skin-care routine,” she says, adding that it’s the first mineral sunscreen she can wear with confidence.

Frank Ocean’s mom, Katonya Breaux, created this tinted mineral sunscreen with people of color in mind. It’s won over actress Nana Mensah, who told us she uses the medium-dark shade to prevent premature aging and other harmful effects of UV damage like skin cancer. “If I’m doing a Zoom or I’m being photographed in any way, sometimes the flash will bring out a little bit of a white cast, but then I just add a little bit of powder over it, and I’m good to go,” Mensah says. Strategist beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton says that while the consistency is a bit thicker than what she’s used to, once it’s fully absorbed, Unsun gives “one of the most hydrating and illuminating just-left-the-spa glows.” New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff also praises the formula, saying it even works for her very pale skin tone.

Unlike the other natural sunscreens on this list, this is an SPF serum, meaning it provides broad-spectrum protection while also strengthening the skin barrier. The newly launched formula from Kora Organics, Miranda Kerr’s skin-care line, contains non-nano zinc oxide and skin-nourishing ingredients, including noni extract, rosehip oil, and chia-seed oil. I’ve been testing the Silky Sun Drops for over a month and love to apply them as the last step in my skin-care routine since the non-sticky formula goes on smoothly without any white cast. The handy dropper also makes it easy to dispense the perfect amount of coverage each time.

When we spoke to dermatologists about the best lip balms with SPF, we named this formula from Vertra our top mineral-based pick. Founded by a group of Hawaiian surfers in 2004, the brand’s products are designed for active athletes, so they offer long-lasting coverage that’s gentle enough for everyday use. Our senior writer, Liza Corsillo, says the balm smells like summer, and though it “goes on kind of thick,” it easily spreads once you rub your lips together.

If you’d prefer a not-so-sheer lip balm, this tinted option contains zinc oxide and has SPF-30 protection. Denton-Hurst says the consistency is similar to a nourishing lipstick, which is reflected in its satiny finish. The spreadable texture comes from ingredients like peptides and shea butter, which soften and hydrate the lips. It’s available in four shades, and though it’s a small amount, Denton-Hurst says the colors are versatile and work well on a range of skin tones.

When we wrote about the best sunscreens for kids and babies, Lindsey Bordone, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Columbia University Medical Center, recommended this specific brand from Neutrogena, which is formulated for babies. It features a broad-spectrum SPF 50 shield against UVA and UVB rays, and is dermatologist tested, water resistant, and hypoallergenic. (And we have some expert-approved sun-protective clothing to be used in tandem.)