Mineral Sunscreens With No White Cast Are All That You Need This Summer

A quick revision: Sunscreens come in two forms chemical, which is absorbed by the skin, and mineral (Also known as physical), which sits on the skin’s surface making it harder to rub in. Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on your skin’s surface and acting like microscopic mirrors to reflect harmful rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, which is then released by the skin.

Physical sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin as they are gentler. Also, mineral SPF doesn’t get absorbed by your skin, it’s less likely to clog pores. Compared to chemical SPF which takes around 20 – 30 minutes to work, mineral-based sunscreens since they are immediately effective against the sun’s rays. When it comes to ingredients physical sunscreens made only with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide win too. Their only downside is the white residue they leave on the skin which makes many of us go for the easier option; chemical sunscreens (which have a lot of bad ingredients) as they are easier to apply and don’t need reapplication. 

But things change and the beauty world offers us a plethora of new innovations that match our needs every day. What were once gloppy, greasy, heavy creams guaranteed to leave a chalky white cast are now just as sophisticated as their chemical counterparts. 

The Three Things You Should Look For In Any Mineral Sunscreen: 

Active Ingredients: The only two ingredients that will be listed are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The term “mineral-based,” means zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide has been mixed with chemical sunscreen, so be aware. 

Water Resistance: If water resistance is not stated clearly on the label, the sunscreen will most likely wash or sweat off.

Broad-Spectrum: This means that the SPF blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Our Favorite Clean Mineral Sunscreens: