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UK Dermatologist Reviewed | 10 Best Mineral Sunscreens 2022

UK Dermatologist Reviewed | 10 Best Mineral Sunscreens 2022

No matter the time of year, you always need to keep on top of your suncare game! The winter sun can be just as damaging, if not more so, than in the summer as we tend to let our guard down around the cooler months. So whether you’re off on your jollies, spending time in your garden or just commuting to work, you’re going to need a good broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Many of us are choosing mineral sunscreens as a safer, environmentally-friendly alternative, and luckily there are a growing number available with brands like Neutrogena, Clinique and Badger getting in on the action. We’ve put together a guide to help you pick the best sunscreen for the face and body, alongside a ranking of our top products including tinted, silicone-free and non-nano options.

Last updated: 14-03-2022

Table of Contents

With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a final-year dermatology resident who is GMC-registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skincare and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

Compare the Best Mineral Sunscreens

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

Babo Botanicals - Clear Zinc Sunscreen for £15.77
Alba Botanica - Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen for £8.88
Badger - Unscented Mineral Sunscreen for £20.95
Derma E - Natural Mineral Sunscreen for £17.80
Avène - Tinted Mineral Fluid for £16.46

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of mineral sunscreen available and understand how our ranking was determined.

Image	1 Babo Botanicals	2 Alba Botanica	3 Badger	4 Derma E	5 Avène	6 Heliocare 360°	7 ThinkSport	8 Clinique	9 Blue Lizard	10 Neutrogena
Name	Clear Zinc Sunscreen	Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen	Unscented Mineral Sunscreen	Natural Mineral Sunscreen	Tinted Mineral Fluid	Mineral Fluid for Sensitive and Intolerant Skin	Mineral Sunscreen	Mineral Sunscreen for Face	Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen	Sheer Zinc Sunscreen for Face
Features	An Excellent-Value Natural Sunscreen for Children and Adults Alike	Naturally Soothing and Protective With Great Eco Credentials	A Family-Friendly Choice Made With Only 4 Natural Ingredients	A Quick-Absorbing, Vitamin-Enriched Sunscreen Designed for Mature Skin	Tinted Option for the Face With 50+ SPF and a Non-Comodegenic Formula	Vegan-Friendly and Ideal for Easily Irritated Skin	Perfect for Active Types Wanting High Protection	A Luxurious, Easy-to-Apply Facial Sunscreen From Clinique	Effective Sensitive Protection That's Kind to Marine Life	A High-Protection Facial Sunscreen for Oily or Sensitive Skin
Price	£15.77	£8.88	£20.59	£17.80	£16.46	£22.95	£10.95	£22.00	£24.90	£18.95
100% Mineral Filters	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano	Non-nano	Non-nano	Non-nano	Nano	Nano	Non-nano	Nano	Nano	Nano
SPF	30	30	30	30	50+	50	50+	50	30	50
Broad Spectrum	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water-Resistant	80 minutes	80 minutes	40 minutes	–	Yes	Yes	80 minutes	No	40 minutes	80 minutes
Oil-Free	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Silicone-Free	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Face/Body	Both	Both	Both	Body	Face	Face	Both	Face	Both	Face
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon View Boots	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon View Boots View John Lewis	View Amazon	View Amazon

About the Differences Between Mineral Sunscreen and Chemical Sunscreen

Mineral Sunscreen Creates a Physical Barrier Whereas Chemical Sunscreen Absorbs UVA and UVB Rays

The major differences between these two types of sunscreen are the core ingredients that create the protective barrier for your skin. Mineral sunscreen uses active mineral ingredients instead of chemicals to prevent the sun’s harmful rays from damaging your skin. The particular minerals that are used as filters in these sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Chemical sunscreens work by way of absorption into the skin (which soak up UVA and UVB rays), whereas mineral sunscreen remains on top of the skin to prevent the rays from reaching you in the first place. They are sometimes called 'physical' sunscreens due to this preventative barrier.

The Main Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen Include Protecting Nature

Some of us are concerned about the harmful effects of chemicals used in regular sunscreens from their absorption into the bloodstream, such as hormone disruption. The ingredients in chemical sunscreens can also be harmful to marine life and coral reefs when transferred from your skin to the ocean and can irritate children’s or sensitive skin.

Additionally, there has been some research to suggest that some chemical sunscreens aren’t actually as high an SPF as they claim, and contain too few active ingredients to block the full spectrum of UV rays. With a mineral sunscreen, the ingredients reflect the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching your skin at all.

How to Choose a Mineral Sunscreen in the UK

Key Points to Consider

Select From Well Formulated Ingredients and Know Which Chemicals to Avoid
Choose Between Nano or Non-Nano
Go for SPF 25 or Higher, Broad Spectrum Protection and Water Resistance
Breakout-Prone Skin Will Prefer Oil-Free and Silicone-Free Formulas

1. Choose A Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide for the Best Protection

The two minerals that make up a non-chemical sunscreen are titanium oxide and zinc oxide. Titanium oxide alone is not enough to completely protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so make sure that your mineral sunscreen contains either just zinc oxide or a combination of both as the active ingredients.

Looking for '100% mineral' sunscreens or those with only titanium and zinc oxide as the 'active ingredients' will ensure that you are buying a completely mineral sunscreen, as some products may market themselves as 'mineral-based' but actually include other chemical ingredients alongside a small number of minerals.

Some of the chemical filters common in traditional sunscreen – and therefore the ones to watch out for – are Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate and Avobenzone. There are guides available online with full lists of these ingredients if you want to do some extra research to avoid them completely.

Dermatologist

Felipe Partarrieu

2. Choose Between Nano or Non-Nano Depending on Your Need for Transparency and Health Concerns

The thick, white texture associated with some sunblocks is down to large particles of the zinc and titanium, which take longer to sink in than chemical versions and can leave us looking a little ghostly.

Zinc 'nano' particles are the smallest type, as the name implies, and are used in modern mineral sun protection to decrease the chalky qualities and provide a more natural appearance. Their small size does mean that they are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which may be of concern to some people, but these nano particle formulas are great for everyday application and those who wear makeup.

'Non-nano' on the other hand, have larger particles of the active minerals, so will not potentially enter the bloodstream. Current research shows there is no harm in these minerals doing so, but it’s up to you to decide if you don’t favour this. Non-nano formulas are great for day trips to the beach or other times where you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time.

Dermatologist

Felipe Partarrieu

3. For the Best Defence, Make Sure Your Daily Sunscreen Has SPF 25 or Higher With Broad Spectrum Protection and Water Resistance

Let’s break down the difference between the UVs for you: UVB rays are the ones that burn your skin, UVA rays cause ageing of the skin, and too much of either of them can lead to skin cancer.

UVA protection does not have a rating system, but we use SPF to determine UVB protection. Therefore, it is best to ensure your mineral sunscreen is 'broad spectrum', which means it shields you from both types of UV light.

Go for the highest protection you can for large amounts of sun exposure, especially if you're buying for babies and kids, and try to choose water-resistant sunscreens. Even if you aren’t swimming, they will ensure sweat-proof SPF protection. Most will state the minutes they are resistant for, so choose a high number for safer care.

Looking for more ways to protect yourself? How about sun hats or polarised sunglasses?

Dermatologist

Felipe Partarrieu

4. Opt for Oil-Free and Silicone-Free Formulas If You Have Breakout-Prone Skin

If your skin is prone to acne or breakouts, you will want to choose a sunscreen that is oil-free. They will sink in more quickly too, which is always appealing in a lotion. You could also seek out non-comedogenic products, which are formulated not to clog pores.

Although oils can be nourishing, you may want to choose oil-free if you suffer from prickly heat, as they can heat up the skin and leave those with sensitivities feeling uncomfortable.

Some sunscreens add silicones, a type of plastic, to make the skin feel smooth and resist water. They do this by forming a barrier on the skin, but this can block pores by trapping dirt, bacteria and sweat. Opt for silicone-free sunscreens if you’re spot-prone or simply prefer a plastic-free product.

Dermatologist

Felipe Partarrieu

10 Best Mineral Sunscreens in the UK 2021

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

amazon.co.uk

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen

89ml

£15.77

View product on Amazon

An Excellent-Value Natural Sunscreen for Children and Adults Alike

A wonderful choice for sensitive skins – or just to know you aren’t putting anything unsafe or unnatural on you or your little ones – this sunscreen ticks all the boxes. For starters, it's highly water- and sweat-resistant and has a good SPF of 30.

It also contains lots of gorgeous plant extracts such as shea butter, aloe vera and argan oil for nourishment and skin healing, but still manages to be less thick and greasy than some other natural products with added oils. Plus, it smells great and the price is reasonable for a sunscreen of this quality.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano
SPF	30
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	80 minutes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	Yes
Face/Body	Both

amazon.co.uk

Alba BotanicaSensitive Mineral Sunscreen

118ml

£8.88

View product on Amazon

Naturally Soothing and Protective With Great Eco Credentials

Enriched with vitamins and soothing plant extracts such as aloe vera and chamomile, this beautiful-smelling sunscreen is a biodegradable, marine-friendly option that's also plant-based and cruelty-free.

It is fairly rich so would suit drier skin types, but sensitive skins will find it non-irritating and calming. It scores top marks for a non-nano sunscreen in terms of application and white residue too, as it becomes transparent soon after application.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano
SPF	30
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	80 minutes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Both

amazon.co.uk

Badger Unscented Mineral Sunscreen

87ml

£20.59

View product on Amazon

A Family-Friendly Choice Made With Only 4 Natural Ingredients

Popular brand Badger has several sunscreens available, but we like that they have removed any added fragrances from this product making it family-friendly and non-irritating. It’s also biodegradable and reef-safe.

There are no chemical additives whatsoever, and the organic olive oil and cocoa butter make it gorgeous on drier skin whilst beeswax replaces silicone to form a protective moisture barrier. Those wanting a natural, nourishing cream will forgive the thicker texture.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano
SPF	30
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	40 minutes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	Yes
Face/Body	Both

amazon.co.uk

Derma ENatural Mineral Sunscreen

118ml

£17.80

View product on Amazon

A Quick-Absorbing, Vitamin-Enriched Sunscreen Designed for Mature Skin

This popular product would be fantastic for those with mature skin as it is enriched with green tea and vitamin E to reduce the signs of ageing and brighten and revive a tired complexion. As it is not water-resistant, this would be a better pick for non-swimmers or just for day-to-day use in the city.

Users love how it glides on smoothly and smells lovely without added irritating perfumes. They also rate that this sunscreen didn't give them a white cast nor did it cause any breakouts.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano
SPF	30
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	–
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	Yes
Face/Body	Body

amazon.co.uk

Avène Tinted Mineral Fluid

40ml

£16.46

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Nano
SPF	50+
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	Yes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Face

amazon.co.uk

Heliocare 360°Mineral Fluid for Sensitive and Intolerant Skin

50ml

£22.95

View product on Amazon

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Nano
SPF	50
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	Yes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Face

amazon.co.uk

ThinkSport Mineral Sunscreen

89ml

£10.95

View product on Amazon

Perfect for Active Types Wanting High Protection

Whether you’re out on the slopes or surfing the waves, this totally non-chemical and very effective sunscreen offers high 50+ SPF all day long. Suitable for all skin types and enriched with botanical extracts, it is safe for the whole family as well as our environment.

It is non-nano but doesn’t leave as much chalkiness behind as some other intensive sports sunblocks, which is always a plus. If you're looking for something that you know will give you full coverage and you can easily throw in your bag for a day of fun, this is a great option.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Non-nano
SPF	50+
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	80 minutes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Both

boots.com

CliniqueMineral Sunscreen for Face

30ml

£22.00

A Luxurious, Easy-to-Apply Facial Sunscreen From Clinique

It may be a bit of a splurge for a pocket-sized face cream, but this is absolutely worth the money. Unlike its competitors, this is a light sunscreen that glides on easily and would suit darker skin types too as it doesn’t leave behind a white residue.

It is oil-free and only uses zinc and titanium as the UV blockers, but there is a catch – it contains a large number of added silicones and chemicals. Something to bear in mind if you are acne-prone or you prefer your skincare not to include these ingredients.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Nano
SPF	50
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	No
Oil-Free	Yes
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Face

amazon.co.uk

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

148ml

£24.90

View product on Amazon

Effective Sensitive Protection That's Kind to Marine Life

Being an Aussie company, you can bet that Blue Lizard know a thing or two about sun protection. This reef-friendly formula won’t irritate sensitive skins of any age and even comes dermatologist-approved. Uniquely, the bottle also changes blue in harmful UV light so you know when it’s time to apply.

Although only a factor 30, reviewers rave about its protection for even the palest of skin types. It is a little thick and takes a while to sink in, so if you're short on time and applying it to the face, you may need to use a brush.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Nano
SPF	30
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	40 minutes
Oil-Free	No
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Both

amazon.co.uk

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen for Face

59ml

£18.95

View product on Amazon

A High-Protection Facial Sunscreen for Oily or Sensitive Skin

Sensitive, spot-prone and eczema-prone skin types will all find relief in this product. It has been specially formulated not to irritate or induce flare-ups as it is non-comedogenic and oil-free. It also has a high SPF of 50.

While this is a handy option to throw in your bag or take in a carry-on, it does have a high price point for its size. Also, although the name suggests otherwise, it has been known to leave a white cast after application. Perhaps this one is better worn under makeup unless you don't mind a few streaks.

100% Mineral Filters	Yes
Non-nano/Nano	Nano
SPF	50
Broad Spectrum	Yes
Water-Resistant	80 minutes
Oil-Free	Yes
Silicone-Free	No
Face/Body	Face

Tips for Applying Mineral Sunscreens

You’ve heard us talk about the potential for mineral sunscreens to leave a chalky or white residue on the skin due to the mineral ingredients, but there are some ways you can try to minimise this.

Firstly, bear in mind that you will need a lot less mineral sunscreen than you may be used to. Either dot on small blobs or take a pea-sized amount and rub it between the hands, then blot it over before rubbing in well. Work bit by bit on each area of your body to further reduce any whiteness from over-application.

You should also apply your mineral sunscreen around 15 minutes before you head outside due to the fact it may take a little longer to put on the skin. And of course, remember to re-apply after swimming and every couple of hours, just as you would a traditional sunscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mineral Sunscreens Reef-Safe?

'Reef-safe' is currently not a regulated term, so you must make sure to look at the 'active ingredients' used in the sunscreen. Generally, it is advised that you look for sunscreens with 'non-nano' zinc oxide or titanium oxide. It is also helpful to avoid single-use plastic packaging and opt for biodegradable alternatives.

Can You Mix Mineral Sunscreens With Moisturisers?

You shouldn’t be mixing your mineral sunscreens with your moisturisers as this will essentially be watering down their efficacy and potentially rendering the ingredients completely inactive. However, you can layer them by allowing your moisturiser to absorb into the skin first and then going on to apply your physical sunscreen.

Why not take a look at the best facial sunscreens too?

Can You Mix Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens?

On the whole, it is generally not advised that you mix and match your sunscreens as there is potential for ingredients to clash with one another. Nevertheless, if you have two products from the same brand with similar ingredients, then it may be okay to layer them throughout the day.