How do they differ from chemical sunscreens & who are they best for? We asked skincare experts for the low-down on this popular type of SPF
Whether you’re in Barbados or Brighton, spend all day outside or most of your day al desko, the consensus among experts is that sun protection is a skincare staple.
Not sure which type of SPF to choose? It’s said that the most effective formula is the one that you actually enjoy using, but finding such a product can be a tricky task. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the world of SPF, UVA and UVB, rest assured that you’re not alone. A good starting point is swotting up on the different types of UV filters that sunscreens contain. They can be divided into two camps: chemical and mineral (also known as physical).
What’s the difference? Put simply: chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and dissipate heat from the skin, while mineral sunscreens reflect the sun's UV rays away from skin.
Relying on your foundation for SPF coverage? Here’s our guide to whether the SPFs in cosmetics protect your skin.
How do mineral & chemical SPFs work?
"Mineral sunscreens – which are sometimes referred to as sunblocks – use mineral-based active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that form a physical barrier and reflect UV rays away from the skin," explains Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
"Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain chemicals that include avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays, converting them to heat and releasing them from the body."
Although the mechanics differ, it’s worth noting that the two categories aren’t mutually exclusive – there are a number of sunscreens that use a combination of mineral and chemical filters to ward off UV damage in a variety of ways.
Who is mineral sunscreen best for?
Mineral-based sunscreens have wide-ranging appeal, but are generally considered gentler and may be particularly well-suited to sensitive skin types, according to Dr Borysiewicz. If you are reaction-prone though, do a patch test beforehand and see how your skin reacts over 48 hours.
Strides have also been made in mineral sunscreen tech to make them more undetectable. "Traditional mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast and can be visible on the skin, which can reduce their appeal," advises Dr Zainab Laftah (@drzainab.dermatology), consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for La Roche-Posay.
"Due to new, tinted formulations, many no longer have that associated ghostly effect and are suitable for all skin tones."
Already got SPF covered? Here are our tips on other ways to embrace summer from top to toe.
How to apply mineral sunscreen
For adults, the NHS recommends two teaspoons of sunscreen if you're just covering your head, arms and neck, and two tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen though, so a useful sun care mantra is: “too much is better than too little”. Choosing a higher SPF can also be helpful if you’re worried you might not be applying enough.
"It’s important to cover all areas of exposed skin – and don’t forget the backs of your knees, ears and feet, as they can also easily get burnt," says Dr Borysiewicz. "Ensure sunscreen is amply applied to your whole face – not just where the sun hits."
Don’t forget to top it up at regular intervals throughout the day, as the sun can dry it off skin. The NHS recommends reapplying it every two hours and straight after leaving the water if you’ve been swimming.
Whether you’re hunting for the best mineral sunscreen for the face, or the best mineral sunscreen with no white cast, discover our top picks below and find your perfect match today.
11 of the best mineral sunscreens at Boots
An all-rounder
Try: Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF50
• Size: 30ml
• Oil-free
• Ultra-lightweight
• Suitable for sensitive skin
This 100% mineral sunscreen for the face is light, comfortable, and practically invisible on any skin tone – you’ll barely even know it’s there! Gentle enough to use around the eyes, just add it to your daily routine for weightless sun defence you can rely on.
Do-it-all protection
Try: Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin
• Size: 40ml
• Fragrance-free
• Water-resistant
• Dermatologist recommended
If you struggle with sensitive skin, this 100% mineral sunscreen without white cast is just what you need. A light, fluid sun saviour that hydrates the upper layers of skin, it offers high protection plus high water-resistance. This SPF has it all!
Your multitasking hero
Try: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
• Fragrance-free
• Smooths the look of fine lines
Naked Sundays are giving you a primer, moisturiser, SPF50+ and collagen-booster all in one! Tinted for a subtle glow, and added watermelon extract for extra hydration, it effortlessly blends into skin, making it a real joy to wear.
For flawless skin
Try: Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Fragrance-free
• Non-greasy texture
Aussie level of protection, right this way! Ultra Violette’s velvety mineral skinscreen (skincare + sunscreen) does more than just shield against the sun – it blurs for a perfect soft matte finish. Leaving minimal white cast, it’s super-soothing, even on sensitive skin.
The glow-getter
Try: Hello Sunday The Mineral One - Lightweight Serum SPF50
• Size: 30ml
• Protects against harmful UV rays
• Fragrance-free
• Ultra-smooth and lightweight
• Vegan* and cruelty-free
If it’s a lit-from-within glow you’re seeking then look no further than these milky serum drops that are 100% mineral SPF. Not only do they provide SPF50 UV protection, but also a hydration boost thanks to a bevy of nourishing ingredients – we’re talking hyaluronic acid, soothing vitamin E and antioxidant-rich Kukui oil.
The mineral milk icon
Try: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk SPF30 Face
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
Uniquely formulated to protect and care for even the most sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen is fast-absorbing, silky-feeling and oh so easy to blend. Its iconic Hawaiian Tropic scent is sure to bring on holiday vibes, wherever you are.
Protection meets colour correction
Try: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
• Non-oily texture
• Protects against UVA & UVB rays
If you’re looking for an evened-out skin tone, this mineral sunscreen SPF50 protects and perfects by neutralising redness for a glowing, healthy look. Enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration, it’s light, soothing and fast-absorbing without that suncream stickiness.
A sheer shield
Try: Bubble Solar Mate Invisible Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Protects against UV rays
Why settle for sticky, chalky SPF when you can choose Solar Mate? A mineral sunscreen with no white cast, it’s light, easy to blend and disappears under make-up. Specially formulated for blemish-prone skin, you won’t even have to worry about breakouts. Easy to use and totally mess-free, you’ll love adding it to your routine.
For daily defence
Try: Supergoop! PLAY™ Mineral Lotion SPF 30
• Size: 30ml
• Water-resistant
• Protects against UVA & UVB rays
All about easy blending, PLAY™ Mineral Lotion has a gentle, feel-good formula that minimises white cast on most skin tones. The best part? It’s water and sweat resistant to keep your skin nourished and protected, whenever, wherever.
A sun care no-brainer
Try: Boots SPF+ Mineral Suncare Body Lotion SPF30
• Size: 100ml
• Vegan*
• Water-resistant
• Non-comedogenic
• Protects against UVA & UVB rays
• Tube is made from a minimum of 30% recycled plastic
Daily protection has never been simpler. Lovely and lightweight, and easily absorbed, you can always rely on this mineral body sunscreen to care for your skin. Not only is it made with zinc oxide to shield from UV rays, but it’s water-resistant and won’t block pores.
Sheer sun protection
Try: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer with Niacinamide + Kalahari Melon
• Size: 50ml
• Mineral SPF 30 protection that’s transparent on all skin tones
• Quick absorption and non-greasy
• Refillable
The hunt is over for a sheer mineral SPF moisturiser that loves make-up. This lightweight sunscreen works overtime to even skin tone, brighten the appearance of dark spots, refine pores and instantly give you some extra bounce while also boosting skin’s moisture barrier. The best bit? It's sheer on all skin tones – no chalkiness or flashback here. Not forgetting the finishing touch – a tropical fruit and fresh floral scent that you’ll love.
