10 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens That Are Totally Safe For Your Skin

Grab the goodness of gentle formulations and protect your skin from harmful sun rays.

Written by Oyendrila Kanjilal, MA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Eshna Das, BA, MSc  • 

If you want to maintain proper skin health, no matter what skincare routine you have, sunscreen is a must. According to the FDA, there are only two sunscreen ingredients considered safe: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide sunscreens are excellent and effective because dermatologists recommend them, and they are free from oxybenzone (a harmful chemical), commonly found in other sunscreen products. Sunscreen benefits go beyond sunburn prevention, providing crucial protection against harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of skin cancer. In this article, we have rounded up the best zinc oxide sunscreens available in the market right now. Keep reading to explore our top picks!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best For Rosacea:Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free:TIZO 3 Age Defying Fusion Facial Mineral SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Recommended By Skin Experts:MDSolarSciences Crème Broad Spectrum SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Pollution:Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad SpectrumPrice on Amazon
Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging:MAKE Cosmetics SPF 30 Face PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen CreamPrice on Amazon
Best Travel-Friendly:EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 SunscreenPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic:Cerave SunscreenPrice on Amazon

Top 10 Zinc Oxide Sunscreens Of 2023

1. Best Overall:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

4.3
Best Sunscreens In India - La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50 Image: Laroche-posay

The Ultra Light sunscreen from La Roche Posay is a 100% mineral-based formula that filters UV rays and protects your skin from the sun. It has a beautiful fluid texture that gives you a matte finish without leaving a white layer on the top of your skin. It is gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. The zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and antioxidants in this formula are mixed using Cell-Ox Shield® technology that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum protection is one of the key zinc oxide benefits that may prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of this dermatologist-recommended sunscreen based on the reviewer’s experience of using it.

Item Weight: 0.11 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 1.91 x 0.97 x 5.5 inches

Pros

  • Gentle on the skin
  • Does not leave behind a residue
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Allergy tested
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 663 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best For Rosacea:Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen

4.5
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Image: Neutrogena

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen is a naturally sourced and mineral-based sunscreen. Since it’s formulated for babies, it is perfect for anyone with ultra-sensitive skin. If you suffer from redness, inflammation, or rosacea, this is the perfect non-toxic sunscreen for daily use. If you want a detailed review of this clinically backed skincare product, make sure to take a look at this video. According to reviews, it is proven to deliver visible results.

Item Weight: 0.25 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 1.29 x 2.4 x 6 inches

Pros

  • Extremely light and gentle
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Water-resistant
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

None

protip_icon Quick Tip
When applying sunscreen during the day, always wash it off before night. It is crucial for good skin maintenance.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 136 rave reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Fragrance-Free:TIZO 3 Age Defying Fusion Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

4.6
TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer Image: Tizo3

If you think of sunscreen as this boring, white, thick paste you have to deal with, we have something that will prove you wrong. This TIZO 3 sunscreen with SPF 40 protection is a faintly tinted professional-grade lotion that protects you from harmful sun rays while being the subtle underdog beneath your primer. It is chemical- and fragrance-free.

Product Dimensions: 1.31 x 2.63 x 5.63 inches | Weight: 2.89 Ounces

Pros

  • Chemical-free
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Anti-aging effects

Cons

None

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Best Overall
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen
Best For Rosacea
TIZO 3 Age Defying Fusion Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Best Fragrance-Free
Weight 0.11 Pounds 0.25 Pounds-
Dimensions 1.91 x 0.97 x 5.5 inches 1.29 x 2.4 x 6 inches 1.31 x 2.63 x 5.63 inches
Weight-- 2.89 Ounces
Rating
Reviews6631361,000
Price$34.99$28.99$45

4. Best Recommended By Skin Experts:MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen

4.3
MDSolarSciences SPF 50 Mineral Creme-1.75 Oz (Package May Vary) Image: Mdsolarsciences

MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme Broad Spectrum Sunscreen was scientifically formulated by melanoma and skin cancer experts and is uniquely loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, green tea, and fruits extracts. It is the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin as it is an oil-free and light formula that almost disappears into your skin without clogging your pores. The product is not tested on animals.

Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.1 x 6.2 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces

Pros

  • Makes your skin feel soft and silky
  • Easily absorbed into the skin
  • Does not cause breakouts

Cons

  • Can dry out your skin and make it flaky

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 451 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

5. Best Anti-Pollution:Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield

For the longest time, the idea of sunscreen has been reduced to a thick paste that we need for sun protection. However, this one from Elizabeth Arden stands out because it brings together an anti-pollution shield technology and a DNA Enzyme complex that battle the effects of aging and stimulate your skin’s natural repair process.

Item Weight: 0.15 Pounds

Pros

  • Anti-pollution shield technology
  • Protects from free radicals

Cons

  • Expensive

6. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense Sunscreen

The SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense Sunscreen is ophthalmologist-tested and targets the area around your eyes that most sunscreens don’t focus on. It is light on the skin and does not spread or get into your eyes due to its waterless formula.

Skin Type: All | | Item Weight: 1.6 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.4 x 3.75 inches

Pros

  • Does not cause irritate your eyes
  • Evens out your skin tone
  • Specifically focuses on the skin around the eyes, unlike most sunscreens

Cons

  • A little greasy

7. Best Anti-Aging:MAKE Cosmetics SPF 30 Face Primer

The MAKE Cosmetics SPF 30 Face Primer doubles up as a sunscreen, evens out your skin tone, and works as a spot corrector. It not only protects your skin from UV rays but also repairs sun damage, smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines, and offers a velvety finish.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 1.1 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 1.6 Ounces.

Pros

  • Protects from sun damage
  • Lightweight
  • Not tested on animals
  • Evens out skin tone

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

protip_icon Quick Tip
Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or more frequently while swimming or sweating.

8. Best For All Skin Types:Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream

This is a natural sunscreen with just five ingredients and no added fragrances or colors. It is a hypoallergenic formula that suits all skin types. This water-resistant sunscreen is beneficial for most skin types – light skin, dark skin, and aging skin because it contains vitamin E. This organic sunscreen is made with 98% organic ingredients and is gentle on your skin.

Item Weight: 0.2 Pounds | Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • No added colors and fragrances

Cons

  • Leaves a white film on the skin’s surface

9. Best Travel-Friendly:EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Aero Sunscreen is the perfect companion to take with you on holiday. It comes in a spray bottle, which makes for easy application. It is useful for those hard-to-reach spots and is water-resistant too. If you are a sucker for spray sunscreen, you should go for this one.

Item Weight: 6 Ounces | Product Dimensions: 2.13 x 2.13 x 4 inches

Pros

  • Fragrance-, oil-, and paraben-free
  • Water-resistant
  • Dermatologist-recommended

Cons

  • The spray bottle is effective only for a few uses.

10. Best Non-Comedogenic:Cerave Sunscreen Face Lotion

3.8
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Image: Cera Ve

Cerave Sunscreen Face Lotion is formulated using InvisibleZinc Technology that makes it spread easily and gives you a clear finish. It is a physical sunscreen, which means it deflects the sun’s rays. Unlike most sunscreens, it does not clog your pores. It is recommended for daily use for its proven efficacy in providing safe and gentle skin care.

Number of Items: 1 | Product Dimensions: 1.34 x 2.52 x 6.58 inches | Weight: 3.74 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Allergy-tested

Cons

  • Thick consistency
  • Leaves a white residue behind

The Bottom Line

The key to maintaining proper skin health is using sunscreen every day, irrespective of the weather. Dermatologists recommend the best zinc oxide sunscreens, and they offer effective protection from both UVA and UVB rays. For a lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin, opt for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, while for broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, go for the MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen. The Cerave Sunscreen Face Lotion is a budget-friendly option that offers sun protection while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier with essential ceramides. These sunscreens sit on top of the skin and physically block or deflect harmful rays. They have a gentle, lightweight, and hypoallergenic formula that gets well absorbed into your skin after application. They do not contain any added colors or fragrances and are safe for all skin types.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for creating comprehensive beauty articles for her readers. She browsed various trusted online platforms to analyze user reviews and researched deeply about sunscreen products to provide you with the best zinc oxide sunscreen. The sunscreens listed above are oil-free, absorb quickly into the skin, and repair sun-damaged skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use zinc oxide sunscreen on your face?

Yes, use zinc oxide sunscreen on your face to prevent redness and inflammation. These sunscreens also treat sunburns and are ideal for people with rosacea.

Is zinc oxide alone enough for sun protection?

Yes, zinc oxide is one of the key ingredients in physical sunscreens. Zinc oxide protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Can I use zinc oxide on my face daily?

Yes, use zinc oxide as a part of your daily skin care routine. It treats skin infections, itching, and chapped skin.

Does zinc oxide brighten the skin?

Yes, zinc oxide brightens your skin, improves skin texture, and lightens dark spots or hyperpigmented areas.

Does zinc oxide sunscreen dry out the skin?

Yes, zinc oxide sunscreens may dry out your skin, especially in the summer.

Is zinc oxide the safest sunscreen?

Yes, zinc oxide is FDA-approved, safe, and does not irritate the skin.


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