10 Best Mineral Sunscreens 2023 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

Looking for '100% mineral' sunscreens or those with only titanium and zinc oxide as the 'active ingredients' will ensure that you are buying a completely mineral sunscreen, as some products may market themselves as 'mineral-based' but actually include other chemical ingredients alongside a small number of minerals.

Some of the chemical filters common in traditional sunscreen – and therefore the ones to watch out for – are Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate and Avobenzone. There are guides available online with full lists of these ingredients if you want to do some extra research to avoid them completely.

Zinc 'nano' particles are the smallest type, as the name implies, and are used in modern mineral sun protection to decrease the chalky qualities and provide a more natural appearance. Their small size does mean that they are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which may be of concern to some people, but these nano particle formulas are great for everyday application and those who wear makeup.

'Non-nano' on the other hand, have larger particles of the active minerals, so will not potentially enter the bloodstream. Current research shows there is no harm in these minerals doing so, but it’s up to you to decide if you don’t favour this. Non-nano formulas are great for day trips to the beach or other times where you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. 

UVA protection does not have a rating system, but we use SPF to determine UVB protection. Therefore, it is best to ensure your mineral sunscreen is 'broad spectrum', which means it shields you from both types of UV light.

Go for the highest protection you can for large amounts of sun exposure, especially if you're buying for babies and kids, and try to choose water-resistant sunscreens. Even if you aren’t swimming, they will ensure sweat-proof SPF protection. Most will state the minutes they are resistant for, so choose a high number for safer care.

Looking for more ways to protect yourself? How about sun hats or polarised sunglasses?

Although oils can be nourishing, you may want to choose oil-free if you suffer from prickly heat, as they can heat up the skin and leave those with sensitivities feeling uncomfortable.

Some sunscreens add silicones, a type of plastic, to make the skin feel smooth and resist water. They do this by forming a barrier on the skin, but this can block pores by trapping dirt, bacteria and sweat. Opt for silicone-free sunscreens if you’re spot-prone or simply prefer a plastic-free product.