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<p>But you may be confused as to how to pick the the best zinc-oxide sunscreens—all of which meet the criteria outlined by medical experts. So we did the work for you, polling derms and the <em>Women’s Health</em> beauty team for their favorite zinc oxide sunscreens. Here they are…</p>” />
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1
Best Overall
EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
1
Best Overall
EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Pros
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Only contains 9 percent zinc oxide
Dermatologists everywhere rave about EltaMD’s broad-spectrum sunscreen. The water-resistant formula (good for a full 80 minutes) is non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. Plus, you can buy it in a tube or a convenient pump. Just note: It doesn’t contain quite as much zinc oxide as other formulas, but it’s close—and because of this, it won’t leave as much of a white cast.
Tester review: “As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve always been cautious about the products I use, but I’ve been using this sunscreen for years and it has never disappointed me. The lotion goes on smoothly, leaving no white marks or greasy residue.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Octisalate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 Minutes |
2
Best Spray
COOLA Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
2
Best Spray
COOLA Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Can be hard to rub in
Sunscreens come in all different versions—creams, sticks, sprays—and if you like the convenience of the latter, this vegan and cruelty-free pick from COOLA is the product for you. Though it contains 70 percent organic ingredients, the broad spectrum formula is water-resistant for 80 minutes and boasts 14.2 percent zinc oxide.
Tester review: “I’ve tried a couple different mineral sunscreens and this is by far my favorite. Any mineral sunscreen is going to be hard to spread but this is the easiest I’ve found. It doesn’t have a terrible smell either!”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | 80 Minutes |
3
Best Tinted
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense
3
Best Tinted
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense
Pros
- 20 percent zinc oxide
- Doesn’t leave as much of a white cast
Cons
- Expensive
Tinted sunscreens can help reduce the white case zinc oxide leaves on skin, making this pick by Drunk Elephant ideal for those with darker skin tones. Still, it contains a whopping 20 percent zinc oxide for fantastic sun protection.
Tester review: “This product does not only not leave a white cast, it gives your skin the most gorgeous glow, making you look like you just came back from vacation.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | No |
4
Best Gentle
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
4
Best Gentle
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
Pros
- 23.4 percent zinc oxide
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
Cons
- Can be hard to spread
It may be formulated for babies, but the youngest set isn’t the only group that can benefit from this sunscreen. The SPF 50 formula is perfectly suitable for adults, and is a great pick for anyone with sensitive skin. It contains 23.4 percent zinc oxide, but is free from potentially harmful and irritating ingredients like parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, and more.
Tester review: “It’s a very thick, solid white cream that takes a good amount of rubbing to absorb, but once it’s on, you’re good for 2-3 hours before reapplying. I often use it while mowing or swimming, so it’s sweat resistant.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
5
Best Lightweight
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
5
Best Lightweight
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Pros
- Easy to spread
- Won’t leave as much of a white cast
Cons
- Expensive
Because they act as a physical barrier on skin, zinc oxide sunscreen can feel thick and heavy. Not this one. Ideal for faces, this formula is ultra-lightweight, so it’s easy to spread and won’t leave as much of a white cast on skin. Still, it contains 11 percent zinc oxide—more than the minimum recommended amount.
Tester review: “Surprisingly, it’s so easy to blend. Also, its not greasy compared to other physical sunblocks. It has a good smell too.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes |
6
Best Stick
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
6
Best Stick
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Pros
- Convenient for on-the-go application
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Very small, so doesn’t last as long as others
Sticks are super convenient—toss them in your bag to make on-the-go touchups a breeze. This water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with SPF 30, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is gentle on skin. In fact, it’s infused with cocoa butter to help keep skin hydrated, plus glide on more easily.
Tester review: “It’s easy to apply on the go, fits in your purse or pocket, and glides on with no sticky pancake face since it blends right in.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
7
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
HERO COSMETICS Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
7
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
HERO COSMETICS Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- 17.53 percent zinc oxide
Cons
- Scent isn’t as pleasing as others
If you struggle with acne, it’s hard to find daily defense against the sun—so many formulas cause pores, leading to flare-ups. But this one, by Hero Cosmetics, is fully non-comedogenic, so it’s gentler on sensitive, acne-prone skin. Still, the reef-safe SPF 30 sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and more than 17 percent zinc oxide.
Tester review: “This sunscreen is ideal for those who have oily skin and acne and don’t like the heaviness or white cast left by other sunscreens.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | No |
8
Best for Sensitive Skin
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
8
Best for Sensitive Skin
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Clean formula
- Color-changing bottle
Cons
- Hard to rub in
This formula is about as clean as you can get—the reef-safe product doesn’t contain any chemical-based active ingredients, fragrances, or parabens. What is does have: 50+ SPF broad spectrum protection powered by 10 percent zinc oxide and 8 percent titanium dioxide. It also has another unique claim to fame: a color-changing bottle that alerts you when harmful UV rays are present.
Tester review: “I’ve worn this during prolonged sun exposure and have not gotten any color. It rubs into my skin very evenly with no noticeable white cast: I’m able to put a sufficient amount of it on my face without looking like I’m performing kabuki theater.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
9
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
9
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
Now 15% Off
Pros
- 21.6 percent zinc oxide
- Hypoallergenic and oil-free
Cons
- Can be hard to spread
For a drugstore formula, this pick sure does contain a lot of zinc oxide. At 21.6 percent, this is one of the hardest-working formulas out there—especially considering the price point. It’s also hypoallergenic and oil-free, making the SPF 50 pick a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Tester review: “At first when I applied it, it felt thick and hard to rub in. But once I got it on my face, I loved how it looked. There’s a very subtle white tint that makes my skin look really nice without it looking unnatural.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
10
Best Reef-Safe
Ethical Zinc Mineral Sport Sunscreen
10
Best Reef-Safe
Ethical Zinc Mineral Sport Sunscreen
Pros
- Water-resistant up to four hours
- Goes on clear
Cons
- Not widely available
Always forgetting to reapply? This formula won’t hurt the environment—it’s reef- and ocean-safe—but offers up to four hours of water resistance. It’s also billed as clear, so you’re less likely to get that familiar white cast.
Tester review: “This sunscreen works well and has a vanilla smell to it. It’s very easy to apply as it’s very creamy but not too thick. It also dries down very nicely.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
11
Best Powder
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder
11
Best Powder
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder
Pros
- Comes in four shades
- 22.5 percent zinc oxide
Cons
- Expensive
Powder sunscreens are great for the scalp, since you can brush them on without leaving your strands a greasy mess. And they can be just as effective. This one boasts 22.5 percent zinc oxide and 22.5 titanium dioxide for maximum sun protection. Plus, it comes in four colors to suit your shade.
Tester review: “I love not having sticky sunscreen on my face, and this one makes it easier to protect the area close to my eyes.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
12
Best Water-Resistant
Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
12
Best Water-Resistant
Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Hydrating
- 18.75 percent zinc oxide
Cons
- Hard to squeeze out
It may be made with just five simple 98 percent organic ingredients, but this reef-friendly formula also offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, 18.75 percent zinc oxide, and water-resistance for up to 40 minutes. It also contains vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize skin.
Tester review; “I got two tubes for a seven-day cruise to Bermuda and it kept us protected great. It stayed on even after going into the ocean 3+ times.
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes |
Pros
- Comes in a variety of great scents
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not widely available
Native is known for their clean, yet sweet-smelling deodorants, and their sunscreen boasts the same claim to fame. The 20 percent zinc oxide-based formula is suitable for sensitive skin, goes on easily, absorbs quickly, and offers SPF 30 protection. And while it does come in an unscented version, fragrance-lovers will appreciate unique options like sweet peach and nectar and coconut and pineapple.
Tester review: “The pineapple scent smells like summer, so I was super excited to see they added a rose scent. The fragrance is so light—will buy again.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Water Resistance | No |
14
Best With High SPF
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen & Sunblock Face Lotion
14
Best With High SPF
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen & Sunblock Face Lotion
Pros
- 15.8 percent zinc oxide
- SPF 70
Cons
- Not widely available
Although no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of the sun’s rays, experts say higher-number SPFs do block more of the sun’s UVB rays. This one boasts an SPF 70, plus is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes to give you as much of a shield as possible. Still, it’s oil-free and sheer—a claim to fame a lot of other zinc oxide formulas don’t have.
Tester review: “This sunscreen is awesome! It checks all the boxes: Non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin, cruelty-free, a fair price, smells great, and is spreads easily.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 70 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
15
Best For Everyday
LE PRUNIER Plumscreen SPF 31
15
Best For Everyday
LE PRUNIER Plumscreen SPF 31
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Blends in easily
- Contains antioxidants for another layer of protection
Cons
- Pricey
This super-sheer formula goes on like a dream—perhaps that’s why it’s an all-time favorite of Women’s Health beauty director, Brian Underwood.”It gets the job done in terms of protection, without leaving even the faintest white cast,” Underwood says. “And in addition to the SPF, it’s blended with Le Prunier’s patented plum antioxidant complex, so it will improve the health of your skin over time, too.”
Tester review: “This is super-lightweight and blends easily—you can literally be one-and-done and out the door with this product, which I love.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 31 |
| Water Resistance | No |
16
Best Serum Sunscreen
Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Serum
16
Best Serum Sunscreen
Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Serum
Pros
- Lightweight and hydrating
- Water resistant so good for swimming and sweating
Cons
- Tint can transfer to clothing
Serum sunscreens—fluid-y formulas that seep into skin seamlessly—are all the rage right now. And with good reason, they make wearing SPF something you’ll actually want to do. This one—from Black-owned brand Undefined Beauty—was specifically designed to flatter all skin tones. That’s why it’s another favorite of our beauty director’s: “This mineral formula is great for daily use or on days when you hit the beach or pool,” Underwood says. “Just be sure to let it set before you put a top on though; the tint can sometimes transfer onto clothing if you’re not careful.”
Tester review: “There is just enough color in this formula to even out my complexion, so I actually feel like the sunscreen plus a little setting powder works as a substitute to foundation.”
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes |
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.
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