A little bit of fun in the sun can be a good thing. Sunshine helps our bodies make vitamin D and improves our emotional well-being. But too much exposure can have damaging effects, ranging from the immediate, like painful sunburns, to the long-term, like premature aging and skin cancer.

Most of us know we’re supposed to protect our skin from the sun. But since avoiding the outdoors and sunny windows isn’t realistic (or healthy), regularly applying a generous layer of zinc sunscreen is the next best thing. Why should you look for this ingredient in your daily dose of sun protection? Keep reading.

What’s in a Zinc Sunscreen?

Zinc oxide is a powdery compound that forms when zinc and oxygen are chemically combined. It’s great at treating and preventing several skin reactions, like diaper rash, warts, allergies, and, you guessed it, sunburns.

The best mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide contains zinc oxide because it creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. This means they offer broad-spectrum protection, which is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), along with being water-resistant and having a minimum SPF of 30.

In addition to preventing sunburn, the benefits of using a zinc sunscreen include:

• Not absorbed into the skin – They sit on the skin’s surface, which is especially beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Photostability – When used correctly and as directed, the sun will not break down your sunscreen’s efficacy.
• Strengthening chemical sunscreens – If you choose to use a non-mineral formulation, certain chemical sunscreens may not offer broad-spectrum protection or aren’t photostable. Zinc oxide helps fill that gap.
• It’s Generally Regarded As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA – Along with titanium dioxide (which is also GRASE), sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two physical sunscreens that are well-tolerated by most adults and children and are often combined in mineral formulas for premium protection.

Don’t Choose Just Any Zinc Sunscreen

One rather notorious result of using zinc sunscreen is the dreaded white cast. No one wants to look ashen for the sake of saving their skin, which is why it’s best to go with high-quality sunscreens that are specially formulated to counter those ghostly effects. You’ll also enjoy skincare benefits like:

• Sheer pigmented tints for even skin tone
• Antioxidant protection
• Hydrating emollients
• Noncomedogenic defense against the sun that won’t clog pores

Fairer skin tones can choose non-tinted sunscreens, while medium to dark skin tones can enjoy tinted sunscreens that disappear into the skin or add a beautiful bronzing effect. If you need help figuring out where to start, we’ve got you covered with six of the best mineral-based, zinc oxide sunscreens.

Non-Tinted Zinc Sunscreens

1. Your daily sunscreen should do a little bit of everything, right? It should comply with AAD recommendations, moisturize, protect, and be easy to wear. TiZO Ultra Zinc Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 40 checks everything on the list.

It has a 20% zinc oxide concentration that shields and calms skin, and vitamins C and E fight oxidation that causes cell damage. This vegan formula is surprisingly sheer, so feel free to apply it liberally and go forth with confidence.

2. Okay, this one’s cool. TiZOhas made applying sunscreen over large areas a breeze with their patented SheerFoam™ Body & Face Non-tinted SPF 30. You read that correctly; it’s a mousse-like sunscreen that glides deliciously over skin for even coverage.

You’ll feel super secure that you’ve reached every nook and cranny versus a spray that can miss spots that you won’t notice until it’s too late. Plus, this zinc and titanium oxide blend lives up to TiZO’s high standards that are friendly to coral reefs and gentle on sensitive skin.

Tinted Zinc Sunscreens

3. A tinted zinc sunscreen is an excellent option for people with warmer and darker skin tones that want a mineral formula without worrying about the white cast. Peter Thomas Roth’s Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 has a universally-flattering tint that disappears into the skin and helps balance redness.

This award-winning sunscreen is excellent for those with sensitive, dry, or combination skin to use daily. It has antioxidants and safflower extract to nourish skin, and it uniquely incorporates diamond powder for a glow that will have you regularly looking like a million bucks. 

4. Want to set yourself up for an effortless makeup application? Try the TIZO3 Facial Primer Tinted SPF 40. It has a sheer tint that can be worn alone for an even tone or used as a mattifying skin prep for makeup foundation.

Pro tip – use this one as a primer for powder foundation, blush, and bronzer for a smooth, creamy finish. And feel maximum, noncomedogenic sun protection from a zinc and titanium oxide blend without harmful ingredients.

5. If you want ultimate UV and environmental protection and a bronzing effect that just won’t quit, then Colorescience’s Sunforgettable^® Total Protection^™ Face Shield Bronze SPF 50 is for you. Whether you’re going on vacation or want to fake a tropical holiday, your skin will love how this lightweight, 12% zinc sunscreen melts into your face and body.

It’s made with niacinamide, mushroom, and plant extracts to even skin and defend against environmental stressors like pollution and radiation. Apply it after moisturizer and before makeup to give lighter skin tones a deep warmth or darker tones a lit-from-within radiance.

6. Last up is another excellent all-purpose sunscreen that’s great for particularly parched skin. Elta MD’s UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is a favorite of beauty experts and dermatologists alike.

It has hyaluronic acid that helps skin draw and retain moisture and vitamin C esters to fight free radical damage. Dry to oily skin types can use this moisturizing sunscreen for broad-spectrum protection and a natural, plumped finish.

Whichever zinc sunscreen you choose, it’s crucial to remember how to properly apply and reapply it for the best prevention. Skincare experts recommend slathering 1-2 ounces of sunscreen on your face and body. The more skin that sees the sun, the more you need, and remember to reapply every two hours during direct exposure.

If you’re ever unsure of what to do, just follow your bottle’s instructions, and you’ll be good to go. And if you want to be ready for anything with the best beauty advice and recommendations, head to our Beauty Resource Center now. Spend some time searching your favorite topics, and stay informed!