Editor’s Picks: 11 of the Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens That Protect Your Skin With Little to No White Cast
If you’re concerned about sunburn, skin cancer and the signs of aging (and who isn’t?!), then a zinc oxide sunscreen is the best way to safeguard your skin. Here in North America, zinc oxide is the only active ingredient that gives you extensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays.[1]
As a mineral, it’s also very safe, since it remains on the surface of your skin instead of absorbing into blood and tissue—so it won’t cause hormonal disruption. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The only downside? Zinc oxide has a bad rep for giving your skin a chalky white cast.
But that’s changing, thanks to a new generation of zinc oxide sunscreens that virtually disappear on your skin. Here’s what to look for, and the best formulas I’ve found.
Editor’s Picks (At a Glance)
Best Transparent | |
Best for Acne-Prone Skin | Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32 |
Best for Sensitive Skin | First Aid Beauty Mineral Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
Best with Niacinamide | Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Sunscreen SPF 33 |
Best Non-Greasy | |
Best Brightening | Solara Suncare Fortune Teller Brightening Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 |
Best Priming | |
Best Protection | CyberDerm Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted Transparent Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 |
Best Water-Resistant | Love Sun Body Sheer Power Daily Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30 |
Best Budget |