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By now, you probably already know that wearing sunscreen every day is your best bet against aging. "Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the best anti-aging products we have on the market," says GH Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.
Broadly, there are two types of sunscreens you can buy: mineral and chemical. SPFs with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered mineral sunscreens, while those with avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene or homosalate are considered chemical. Unlike their chemical counterparts that work by absorbing the sun's UV rays, these mineral sunscreens protect you from the sun by sitting on top of skin and physically blocking or reflecting that radiation. No matter what sunscreen you use, remember to reapply, especially if you're sweating or getting wet at the beach or pool.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Beauty Lab scientists regularly test and evaluate all kinds of sunscreens, including sunscreens for kids and babies, natural sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin and more. Our pros know about the best formulas and latest ingredients and stay on top of the current regulations. When testing sunscreens, we send them out to real consumers to try — nearly 500 people in our most recent test — and after testers fill out a questionnaire, our pros sort through the data to find the best ones to recommend. Based on the GH Beauty Lab's extensive testing, these are the best zinc oxide sunscreens for face, body, lips and more.
Pros
- Doesn't irritate skin around the eyes or face
- Silky texture melts into skin
- Absorbs well and doesn't feel tacky
Cons
- Pricey
Colorescience's formula was the best pure zinc oxide option in the GH Beauty Lab's latest test on body sunscreens. A tester (who swears by zinc oxide sunscreen!) said this one “spread on a lot easier and did not have the thickness" of the traditional zinc oxide formulas. Others who tried the product praised its texture, saying it "melted into their skin" and that it had a "silky, powdery finish." However, this sunscreen is a pricey pick.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Pros
- Absorbs quickly into skin
- Can be worn under makeup
- Doesn't sting or irritate skin or eyes
Cons
- Runny/liquidy texture
Clearly, Colorescience knows how to make a good SPF, with two of its formulas earning stellar marks in our body and face sunscreen testing. It took the top spot amongst mineral SPFs in our Lab's latest face sunscreen test, proving to absorb quickly into skin and not leave any residue behind. You can also confidently wear this under makeup; it performed well for not interfering with makeup and not irritating or stinging the face or eyes.
A tester raved that it "went on easily, absorbed quickly and left no greasy feeling. Best face sunscreen I have ever used." Many others shared they'd continue to buy this product, but also noted that it can be a bit runny. It will appear white when you first apply the sunscreen, but the white cast completely disappears after rubbing in fully.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 40 minutes |
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Pros
- Lightweight milky texture
- Great scent
- Doesn't dry out skin
Cons
- Smaller-sized bottle
Smooth on Beauty Lab test winner Hawaiian Tropic's lightweight lotion that feels like a milky serum. Testers agreed that it's easy to apply, non-drying and rinses off easily at the end of the day. While they enjoyed the pump bottle style and product's tropical scent, they wish the size could be a bit larger, especially for a body sunscreen. "I loved that it had such a pleasant fragrance and didn't leave a white cast on my body," a tester shared.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Pros
- Doesn't run into eyes
- Won't interfere with makeup
- Can be used on sensitive or reactive skin
Cons
- May leave a white cast behind
Made with a mix of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreen actives, Sun Bum's formula won't irritate even those with reactive skin. It earned a near-perfect score in GH Beauty Lab testing for not causing redness or irritation, plus doesn't run into eyes or interfere with makeup. "Love how light and silky it is," a tester noted. "It made my skin look healthy and soft." However, it may leave a white cast on skin.
SPF | 30 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 40 minutes |
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Pros
- Hydrating lotion texture
- Doesn't leave skin looking oily
- Gives light coverage
Cons
- Can look dark on lighter skin tones upon initial application
At just around $15, Bubble's tinted SPF is not only a great bargain buy, but also a favorite in GH Beauty Lab evaluations. "The initial texture of the product is like a hydrating lotion and it absorbs quickly," Wnek shared. She especially likes it for combination or oily skin due to its matte radiant finish, though it can be used on any skin type. "The color coverage is sheer to light, and the finish is not oily," she added. "I was taken aback at how dark it is upon application, but the final shade is similar to my skin tone."
SPF | 40 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | None |
Pros
- Contains hydrating ingredients ideal for dry skin
- Makes skin feel soft and moisturized
- Doesn't leave chalky residue behind
Cons
- Cap doesn't secure well to the bottle
Prominent New York City dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross has his own skincare line, which includes this mineral SPF. In our latest Lab tests, it earned top scores for overall satisfaction and making skin feel hydrated, thanks to the inclusion of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe.
Some testers didn't even need to apply moisturizer with this sunscreen: "It made skin feel very soft," one said, while others added that the lotion melted in and made "dry skin feel like it was actually moisturized." It also won't leave a white cast, film or residue on the skin. However, double-check that you've secured the cap, as testers reported it doesn't attach well to the tube.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
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Pros
- Gentle and non-irritating on skin
- Doesn't feel tacky or sticky
- Matte, non-greasy finish
Cons
- Lotion may be non-uniform and too liquidy if you don't shake first
Though all mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin as they tend to be less irritating than chemical ones, reach for this Bare Republic formula in particular if you're particularly concerned about sensitivity. In Lab testing, it earned perfect scores for being gentle on skin and not irritating skin.
The affordable buy was loved by testers for its shine-free finish as well, with many noting it did not feel tacky or sticky on skin either. A tester said that it didn't make their face break out and "it doesn't dry out my face either," they added. Shake the bottle before use; otherwise the lotion can come out too liquidy.
SPF | 30 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 40 minutes |
Pros
- Light, clean scent
- Silky texture rubs into skin nicely
Cons
- Hard to remove sunscreen at the end of the day
Coming in at a great price, Ulta Beauty's mineral sunscreen is top-tested in our Beauty Lab. Earning top scores for its texture and "light, clean" scent, it delivers a silky feel that doesn't feel tacky or oily. The formula is difficult to rinse off at the end of the day, though, which some testers disliked but some weren't bothered by ("I'd rather have a sunscreen that stayed on," one said).
Multiple testers noted how nicely it absorbed: "I really liked the texture and how it absorbed into my skin. It felt more like a lotion than a typical sunscreen," one shared.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
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Pros
- Earned top scores for wearing well under makeup
- Doesn't feel greasy or sticky on skin
- Won't leave a shiny residue
Cons
- Expensive
- Testers found application directions unclear
Made of pure zinc oxide, Isdin's lightweight, silky formula was one of the winners in the GH Beauty Lab facial sunscreen tests. It earned high scores for effectively preventing sunburn and wearing well under makeup. Though expensive, the liquid didn't feel greasy or sticky on skin, and left it looking shine-free. Testers also found it was mild on skin and eyes. "It absorbed quickly and didn't leave a white cast or clumps on my face," one reported. The emulsion must be shaken before application, but testers found directions unclear.
SPF | 50+ |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 40 minutes |
10
Best with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Won't sting or irritate
- Doesn't stain or rub off on clothing
Cons
- Formula may separate
MDSolarSciences' sunscreen came out on top for best mineral formula in recent Beauty Lab testing, earning a perfect score for not causing any stinging or irritation and top scores for not staining or rubbing off on clothing. Made with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, "It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave a tacky 'sunscreen' texture on my skin," a tester reported. However, it tends to separate, so you'll need to give it a good shake.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
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Pros
- Rinses off skin easily
- Fragrance-free
- Testers forgot they even had sunscreen on
Cons
- Doesn't have the best scent
Worried about your zinc oxide sunscreen leaving a white cast or being difficult to remove from skin? Fear not, this sunscreen from Babo Botanicals addresses both of those classic issues. The Beauty Lab test winner earned the second highest score for rinsing off easily at the end of the day, while testers commented that it "leaves no white film" and "goes on easier than other zinc products."
It's also made with naturally-derived plant ingredients and doesn't contain fragrance. However, the downside is that testers did not love its natural, clay-like scent. One tester said it smells "like Play-Doh."
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Reviewers say the natural taste isn't off-putting
- Affordable
Cons
- Leaves white cast on lips
The lip balm counterpart to one of our top-tested mineral sunscreen lotions, swipe this compact zinc formula on lips all day long to maintain sun protection. Its small size makes it convenient for travel and on-the-go, and it contains vitamin E and shea butter to nourish lips. Although it may leave a white cast on lips, reviewers say it's not as stark as other mineral lip balms they've tried. "It goes on like a regular lip balm without the weird texture," wrote one reviewer. While it's not flavored, "it also doesn't have a weird taste like other ones tend to have," the reviewer added.
SPF | 30 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | None |
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Pros
- Doesn't cause breakouts or irritation
- Can be used on oily or acne-prone skin
- Leaves skin looking smooth and matte
Cons
- Not water-resistant
K-Beauty lovers, opt for this Dr. Jart mineral pick. The Lab test winner came out on top for providing a shine-free finish, not causing bumps or breakouts, and not causing visible redness or irritation; this makes it great for oily or acne-prone skin. Testers also loved the citrus scent of this sunscreen. "This product absorbed quickly, and I love that it left my face looking smooth and matte," one shared. Note that this sunscreen isn't water-resistant, though.
SPF | 50+ |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | None |
Pros
- Doesn't sting or irritate
- Non-greasy and non-drying
- Effectively protects skin from sunburn
Cons
- Slow-absorbing
- Leaves residue behind
While it's common to find a chemical sunscreen spray, it's much rarer to see a mineral option. This mineral spray was loved by GH Beauty Lab testers, who agreed that it's easy to apply and liked its vanilla coconut scent. According to Lab evaluations, it also scored well for not stinging or irritating skin, not feeling greasy or drying and protecting skin from sunburn. "It sprayed very evenly," one tester shared. Another said, "I did not get sunburned, despite spending hours in the strong Colorado sun!" Take note that users didn't find it fast-absorbing and felt it left a white residue on skin.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
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Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Won't sting or irritate
- Budget pick
Cons
- May feel greasy or tacky on skin
- Some testers feel that it doesn't absorb quickly
At under $15 per bottle, this affordable, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen from Coppertone uses pure zinc oxide as its active ingredient. All zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are reef safe, but thanks to its super simple formula that's free of dyes and fragrance, you'll feel extra safe using this at the beach.
A full 100% of GH Beauty Lab testers reported it didn't sting or irritate, and they also found it moisturizing and easy to apply. "Did not leave a white residue once it finally absorbed and dried," a tester reported. "Skin did not feel dried out like some sunscreens." However, some had some qualms with the SPF, including that it felt greasy or tacky and didn't absorb well.
SPF | 50 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide |
Water resistance | 80 minutes |
Pros
- Doesn't leave a white cast or film/residue
- Can be used as a primer under makeup
- Doesn't leave skin feeling oily, greasy or shiny
Cons
- Formula may be thick and hard to spread
A top-tested face sunscreen in our Lab, this SkinMedica mineral SPF performed very well all across the board. It earned the highest overall scores for not feeling oily or greasy on skin, not interfering with makeup, providing shine-free finish and not leaving a film or residue on skin. Testers found it didn't leave a white cast and could easily do their makeup after application, saying that "the white cast faded in a minute, leaving me free to do my makeup as usual fairly soon after." However, some testers found the formula a little thick and difficult to spread on skin.
SPF | 35 |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Water resistance | None |
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How we test zinc oxide sunscreens
The GH Beauty Lab has tested several body and face sunscreens, including many zinc oxide formulas. In their most recent sunscreen test, our Beauty Lab scientists analyzed nearly 300 chemical and mineral face sunscreens. They then narrowed the field to the top 21 sunscreens and enlisted more than 450 consumer testers to evaluate products. Over the course of a week, each tester applied the sunscreen, considering factors such as ease of use, performance and more. We curated this list based on SPFs that have performed well in various Lab tests.
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What to look for when shopping for zinc oxide sunscreens
✔️ Broad spectrum protection: Regardless of what formula or brand use, you want broad spectrum protection from your sunscreen to provide defense against both UVA and UVB rays. To be certain your sunscreen has this, look for the wording "broad spectrum protection" on the packaging.
✔️ Zinc oxide formula: Confirm your sunscreen contains zinc oxide in it. If you want a pure zinc oxide formula, that should be the only active ingredient listed. Note that some zinc oxide sunscreens may also contain titanium dioxide (another mineral active) or chemical actives.
✔️ SPF: Though the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher, GH Beauty Lab tests have shown that consumers only apply about one-third of the amount necessary to achieve the listed level of SPF. So, the Beauty Lab advises choosing at least SPF 50.
✔️ Water resistance: Especially if you're at the beach or pool or going to be sweating, it's important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. If your SPF is water-resistant, it will be indicated on the packaging. Regardless, remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Is zinc oxide the best sunscreen?
There are many benefits to using a zinc oxide sunscreen, including that zinc oxide is considered a safe ingredient for sunscreens and skincare by both the FDA and dermatologists. In fact, experts often recommend zinc oxide as an active ingredient for those with specific health concerns or skin issues. However, "after years of testing, we have found that the most effective sunscreen is one that you will enjoy using," says Wnek, whether that's a zinc oxide formula or not. You can also keep in mind these factors when considering a zinc oxide sunscreen:
✔️ It's safe for kids. "For consumers who are concerned about hormonal disruption, specifically for children, I recommend sunscreens with mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide," says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Dermatologic Oncology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital in Newport Beach, CA.
✔️ It may be a better choice for people with sensitive skin or eczema. "Mineral sunscreens generally don’t sting and can actually help soothe skin inflammation," says board-certified dermatologist Noelle Sherber, M.D., co-founder of Sherber+Rad in Washington, DC.
✔️ It's pretty rare that zinc oxide would cause side effects or reactions. If you notice a skin reaction while using zinc oxide, be sure to contact a board-certified dermatologist.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Tested byDanusia Wnek
Senior Chemist
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.