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Fun lil fact about me: I only use mineral sunscreens—specifically ones made with zinc oxide. No shade to chemical sunscreens—any SPF is better than no SPF—but zinc sunscreen is my preferred sunscreen for three important reasons: (1) Zinc is generally non-irritating and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin (hi, I'm blessed with both); (2) It protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, whereas the majority of chemical filters only do one or the other; and (3) Zinc is considered a "clean" sunscreen ingredient that's safe for both you and the environment. Basically, you have no reason to not slather yourself in a zinc sunscreen today. And to help you get started on your new SPF love, I rounded up the 15 best zinc sunscreens, below.
Found: The ultimate wear-everywhere zinc sunscreen. The universal formula can be used daily on all skin types—from dry to oily—thanks to its sheer, lightweight, and easy-to-blend formula. Apply it as the last step in your skincare routine before makeup for all-day UV protection.
Okay so I'm obsessed with all of Saie's products these days...but I especially love Sunvisor, their new zinc-based sunscreen. It's got SPF 35 to protect skin from UV damage, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate and plump skin, and a natural finish that blurs the look of redness, dark spots, and more.
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3
Best Oil-Free Zinc Sunscreen
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Oil-free, lightweight, and fast-absorbing, this is the perfect zinc sunscreen for summer when the weather is hot and humid. Apply it to your face each morning to prevent skin damage and signs of aging without clogging your pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.
4
Best Organic Zinc Sunscreen
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30
Ready to make the switch to an all-natural zinc sunscreen? Go ahead and add this top-rated option to your cart ASAP. It's made with organic ingredients (like moisturizing evening primrose oil and nourishing shea butter) and 12 percent non-nano zinc to give your skin the daily sun protection it needs.
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5
Best Zinc Sunscreen Serum
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
Until this innovate formula from tennis icon Venus Williams came to market, most sunscreen serums used chemical filters to protect skin from the sun. Unrivaled uses 25 percent zinc oxide to provide superior sun protection and plant-based extracts and oils to create a silky, serum-like texture your skin will love.
6
Best Zinc Sunscreen for Dull Skin
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow
Honestly, you really can't go wrong with any of Colorescience's sunscreens, but I always recommend Glow—the brand's mineral liquid SPF 50 that's made with 12 percent zinc oxide. It blocks UV light to prevent hyperpigmentation (like dark spots and melasma) and has a sheer, light-reflecting tint that creates the look of a sun-kissed glow.
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7
Best Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
Don't sleep on this sheer mineral sunscreen from Supergoop. The light-as-air lotion sinks into skin in seconds and uses 17.5 percent zinc oxide to give skin SPF 30 protection and even shield from the aging effects of blue light too.
8
Best Zinc Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
If you're hesitant to try a zinc sunscreen for fear of looking like an ashy ghost, pls allow me to introduce you to this invisible option from Dermalogica. It goes on practically clear (trust me: I've been using it for weeks now) and is made with calming mushroom extract to soothe sensitive or redness-prone skin.
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9
Best Zinc Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
In addition to zinc, this SPF 30 sunscreen from Biossance contains moisturizing squalane to soften dry, flaky skin. Use it every morning (on a clean face or over your serum of choice) to hydrate your skin and protect it from UV damage during the day.
10
Best Zinc Sunscreen for Oily Skin
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral SPF 30
True to its name, this liquid zinc sunscreen is legit weightless, making it total dream for anyone with oily or combination skin who hates the feeling of anything thick or heavy on their face. Even better: It has an ultra-sheer tint that blends into all skin tones without leaving behind any weird white cast.
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11
Best Zinc Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Ren Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30
IMO, anyone dealing with breakouts should exclusively be using a zinc-based sunscreen (zinc reduces inflammation, which is a precursor to acne)—specially this one from Ren. The non-comedogenic lotion won't clog pores and contains oil-absorbing rice starch to keep excess shine in check throughout the day.
12
Best Tinted Zinc Sunscreen
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Idk about you, but my skin/makeup routine these days is all about doing the least....which is why I'm obsessed with this multitasking sunscreen tint from Ilia. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid, brightens with niacinamide, protects with zinc-based SPF 40, and offers up lightweight, buildable coverage in 30 different shades.
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13
Best Water-Resistant Zinc Sunscreen
Badger Sport Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 35
Now 11% Off
Not only is this natural zinc sunscreen made with organic ingredients, it's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Use it when you're running outside or hanging at the pool or beach to protect your skin from premature aging, and more importantly, skin cancer.
14
Best Drugstore Zinc Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Now 43% Off
Proof that you don't need to spend a ton of $$$ to find a zinc sunscreen that doesn't feel like you're wearing a heavy-ass mask on your face? This drugstore option from Neutrogena. At only $11, it's the cheapest on the list—and also happens to be the one that's most loved by dermatologists too.
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15
Best Face and Body Zinc Sunscreen
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
This lightweight zinc sunscreen blends into skin like a butter, making it the perfect choice for slathering all over your face and body every damn day. The fast-absorbing, moisturizing lotion is infused with sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and aloe juice to give your skin a soft, silky feel.
Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.