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In theory, I love mineral sunscreens. Since I’m prone to getting dark spots after pimples, I know that these types of formulas are better for my skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing UV rays in a way that can actually trigger hyperpigmentation, mineral blockers physically reflect light from the sun so that it never gets the chance to discolor your complexion. Unfortunately, though, I’ve historically found most mineral formulas to be wildly drying, which is something my already-dry skin doesn’t appreciate. But as more and more brands have started to create moisturizing mineral sunscreens that keep my complexion feeling nourished instead of chalky, it’s become increasingly easy to find a product I actually want to use 365 days a year.
Moisturizing mineral sunscreens comes in cream, serum, and spray form and use nourishing ingredients like squalane, beetroot extract, and vitamin E to keep skin soft and supple, while titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides work to defend against sun damage. Shop eight options below that will leave skin dewy and protected.
Odacité Mineral Drops SPF 50 — $48.00
I’ve been using this sunscreen nonstop since I got it. It goes on white but disappears when you rub it in, and leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated. It includes niacinamide to even skin tone, green tea to fight free radical damage, squalane to moisturize and plump, and chamomile and calendula to soothe and reduce redness.
Relevant One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40 — $38.00
New from Thirteen Lune founder Nyakio Greico, this sheer sunscreen is the best moisturizer-SPF combo out there—our senior beauty editor has been using it every day since it landed on her desk. It uses squalene, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to boost moisture and leave skin feeling smooth. You would never guess that it’s a mineral formula thanks to how hydrating it feels and how beautifully it blends, and it was designed with darker skin tones in mind so you can be sure that it will work on all complexions.
Biossance Squalane +Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen — $32.00 to $40.00
This lightweight yet deeply hydrating sunscreen from Biossance uses sugarcane-derived squalane to mimic the body’s natural hydrating oils. It’s also got water lily which cools and calms the skin—two things we could all use a little bit more of on these 85-degree days.
Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 — $26.00
Give even the most dehydrated skin a radiant boost with this subtly shimmery sunscreen from Kinship. It uses a blend of probiotics and turmeric to support and strengthen the skin barrier, so it’s a good sunscreen for sensitive skin. It also includes triglycerides, aloe juice, and raspberry leaf oil to leave your complexion soft and moisturized.
Murad Correct & Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 45| PA++++ — $69.00
This brightening sunscreen feels so good on the skin, and does a whole lot more than just defend against UV rays (though with SPF 45, it most certainly does that too). It amps up its protection with beetroot extract, and employs protective carotenoids reverse existing hyperpigmentation.
Undefined R&R Sun Serum SPF 50 — $28.00
This sunscreen blends niacinamide, tremella Mushroom, raspberry seed, jojoba, rosemary, vitamin E, and sunflower to hydrate and nourish skin while protecting against sun damage.
Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SF 30 — $38.00
Desert rose lends its deeply hydrating powers to this sunscreen, allowing it to provide long-lasting moisture. It’s also made with collagen-boosting hibiscus and claiming jasmine and chamomile. It has a slight tint, but leaves a nice dewy finish when you rub it in.
Everyday Humans Rose From Above Mineral Sunscreen Base - SPF 35 — $26.00
If you like a semi-matte finish that doesn’t feel drying, this is a great option. It’s made with squalane, five types of ceramides, and upcycled rose oil to moisturize the skin, and also has yucca root and desert extracts to soften your complexion and combat inflammation.
Malin +Goetz Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 — $36.00
Vitamin E keeps skin conditioned and hydrated while niacinamide and other antioxidants defend against environmental stressors, which means this formula will give your visage a one-two punch of moisture and protection.
Naturally Serious Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 — $36.00
Made with avocado oil, argan oil, and shea butter, this sunscreen will nourish and moisturize your skin. It also includes antioxidant-rich vitamin E, green tea, pomegranate, and goji berry to help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Get some inspo for adding SPF into your makeup routine:
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