July 8, 2025, 11:35 am | Read time: 7 minutes

Mineral sunscreens are currently all the rage—and rightfully so. They are considered skin-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and more people are opting for this gentle alternative to chemical filters. But how do these products actually differ? And what should you look for when buying them? We’ve gathered the most important facts for you—and also show you the most popular mineral sunscreens on Amazon, based on star ratings and the number of reviews.

How Does Mineral Sunscreen Differ from Chemical Sunscreen?  

Mineral sunscreens are based on mineral pigments that form a protective layer and act like tiny mirrors on the skin’s surface. They reflect both UVA and UVB rays instead of absorbing them and converting them into heat, as chemical UV filters do. The big advantage: Physical UV filters do not penetrate the skin but remain on the surface, making them particularly well-tolerated.  

Those prone to allergies, eczema, or sensitive skin particularly benefit from mineral protection. Since mineral UV filters do not penetrate the skin, irritations are less common, making them suitable for babies and children. 

Zinc Oxide as the Main Ingredient

Mineral sunscreens rely on zinc and titanium oxide. Zinc oxide provides reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it especially suitable for sensitive skin. Titanium dioxide is primarily effective against UVB rays and forms the reflective protective film on the skin’s surface. Mineral sunscreens often avoid other concerning ingredients such as parabens, silicones, or microplastics and are often vegan, cruelty-free, and natural. 

Another advantage: While chemical sunscreens require about 20 minutes to take effect, mineral sunscreen protects immediately after application.  

Additionally, conventional sunscreens use chemical UV filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. However, these are suspected of having hormonal effects and significantly damaging coral reefs. Some vacation destinations, such as Hawaii, have already banned products containing these substances. And drugstores have quickly responded by replacing these ingredients in their sunscreens with more sustainable alternatives.

Disadvantages of Mineral Sunscreen 

A common criticism is the whitish, visible film on the skin, which particularly very rich and older products often leave behind. Newer formulations have already significantly minimized this problem. Additionally, mineral creams are often thicker, absorb less easily, and are somewhat harder to spread. 

Is Mineral Sunscreen Suitable for Sports? 

Although mineral filters tend to sit on the skin’s surface rather than penetrate the upper skin layer like chemical filters, they are generally formulated to withstand strong friction or sweat. Surfers, for example, have been using the highly zinc-based variant for years.

Can I Wear Mineral Sunscreen Under Makeup? 

Due to the texture and sometimes whitish film, some products are not ideal as a makeup base. However, many mineral sunscreens are specifically formulated for facial skin, offering light, mattifying protection, and they can be worn under makeup without issue. If you have oily skin or are prone to blemishes, you should opt for non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) variants. 

What to Consider When Applying 

Mineral sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Products with a very light formulation help avoid a white film on the skin. Also, look for specific labels like “water-resistant” or “vegan,” depending on what you value. 

Is Mineral Sunscreen Automatically a Natural Cosmetic? 

While many natural cosmetic brands use mineral filters, not every mineral sunscreen is certified as a natural cosmetic. To be sure, look for well-known seals like “Ecocert” or “COSMOS.” 

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The 7 Best Mineral Sunscreens 

For Sensitive Skin: Derma Enzinger Heliocare Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50 

This hypoallergenic sunscreen has an extra silky texture and is ideal for sensitive skin prone to allergies or eczema. The fragrance-free formula repairs sun damage, is super easy to apply, and leaves no whitish film on the skin.   

• Price/Amount: approx. €25 / 50 ml 

• Advantages: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic, no whitening 

• Disadvantages: Not water-resistant 

For Particularly Sensitive Skin: Avène Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 

This cream is specially designed for hypersensitive or atopic (prone to eczema) skin. The strong antioxidant Pro-Tocopherol reliably protects cells from oxidative stress, and the included Avène thermal water soothes the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation.  

• Price/Amount: approx. €18 / 50 ml 

• Advantages: Highly tolerable, suitable for problem skin 

• Disadvantages: Only water-repellent 

For the Whole Family: boep Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50 

This sunscreen, made in the Allgäu region, is fragrance-free, vegan, and certified as a natural cosmetic, making it ideal for particularly sensitive skin, babies, children, and pregnant women. The formula is coral-friendly, dermatologically rated “very good,” and free from concerning ingredients like synthetic UV filters, parabens, or plasticizers. 

• Price/Amount: approx. €13 / 50 ml 

• Advantages: Suitable for all ages and skin types, natural cosmetics 

• Disadvantages: Leaves a slight whitening 

With Anti-Aging Effect: lavera Anti-UV Fluid SPF 30 

The light, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly and provides moisture through natural hyaluronic acids. Antioxidant vitamin E additionally protects against free radicals and prevents premature, sun-induced skin aging, such as wrinkles and pigmentation spots. The fluid is suitable for all skin types and meets the standards of certified natural cosmetics.  

• Price/Amount: approx. €10 / 30 ml 

• Advantages: Anti-aging effect, natural cosmetics, invisible finish 

• Disadvantages: Slightly lower sun protection factor 

Ideal Makeup Base: Jean & Len Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

This waterproof sunscreen was specially developed for sensitive facial skin and provides immediate, reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays as well as premature skin aging. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture lies like an invisible veil on the skin, without a white film. This makes it the ideal makeup base. The fragrance-free care formula is vegan, coral-friendly, and free from concerning ingredients.  

• Price/Amount: approx. €8.50 / 50 ml 

• Advantages: Price-performance, nano-free, vegan, makeup base 

• Disadvantages: Hardly any scent 

Tinted Sun Care for the Face: i+m Sun Protect SPF 30 tinted 

The ideal combination of sun protection and light tinting. The cream is waterproof, fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The mattifying texture leaves no white residue and serves as a perfect base for makeup. With nourishing organic extracts like sunflower seed oil and vitamin E, it offers intensive care and protection against premature skin aging and pigmentation spots. The vegan, nano-free natural cosmetic is coral-friendly, making it a skin- and environmentally-conscious choice. 

• Price/Amount: approx. €19.90 / 50 ml 

• Advantages: Tinted, mattifying, pleasant scent 

• Disadvantages: Available in only one shade 

For Sports and Outdoor: Suntribe Organic Sunscreen Sport SPF 50 

This 100% natural sunscreen combines effective protection with environmental awareness. Packaged in a climate-positive tube made from sugarcane, it offers long-lasting, very water- and sweat-resistant protection during sports activities, even in water. Nourishing organic ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile make the vegan cream particularly gentle and suitable for sensitive skin and children.  

• Price/Amount: €27 / 100 ml 

• Advantages: Extremely water- and sweat-resistant, nano-free, reef-friendly 

• Disadvantages: Slight white film