Exactly 12 months ago to this date, I published this blog Zinc Oxide 101 (USA edition) – everything you need to know:
This blog, definitively goes through absolutely everything you need to know about Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, as sunscreen filters….
To reiterate….
- “Mineral” sunscreens just refer to a sunscreen that contains one or both Zinc Oxide (“ZnO“) and Titanium Dioxide (“TiO2“). It is rare to find just a TiO2 sunscreen.
- Mineral sunscreens are most popular in the USA because of the limited number of UVA filters that are permitted in the USA (see blog above). I estimate about 10%-15% of American sunscreens are mineral.
- The US FDA (the pertinent regulatory body) says this about both ZnO and TiO2:
My other observations
Does Zinc Oxide provide protection against BLUE LIGHT??
Today’s blog….
I’ve listed out absolutely all the mineral sunscreens that I have looked at in the past couple of years in descending order of preference. In doing so, I’ve ignored price (which ok I shouldn’t do..)!
HAPPILY BUY
prevage hydrating shield SPF 50 PA++++
Hands down this is the best mineral sunscreen I have ever used. If I could use this all the time I would. But the price is eyewatering at US$ 68. The filters are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
REN Mineral SPF 30 (Zinc oxide)
This is not the cheapest sunscreen at GBP 32, and nor does it blend in super-well. But its 22% Zinc Oxide, does not smell like chalk and is great for working from home.
CVS Health Zinc Face Sheer Lotion SPF 50
Zinc Oxide at 21.6%
This sunscreen has a thick consistency, and takes a long time to rub in. However, it leaves no white chalky residue, doesn’t dry out your skin and, has a much-needed faint fragrance to it, masking the chalkiness of Zinc Oxide.
SunBum Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50
Zinc Oxide is 20%. This sunscreen is one of the few Zinc Oxide sunscreens that I could use every day.It has a faint coconut fragrance and even though it has Zinc Oxide at 20% its moisturising and does not leave a white cast.
Inkey List SPF 30 sunscreen
Zinc Oxide at 22%
I would begrudgingly use this sunscreen because I cannot stand the chalky smell. But some folks don’t want fragrance and this is perfect for them.
Clinique mineral sunscreen
Clinique revised its Titanium Dioxide only sunscreen to include Zinc Oxide at 4% and Titanium Dioxide at 6.3%.
This is a vast improvement in the level of UVA protection and there is no reason for me not to use this sunscreen.
JUST NOT FOR ME
Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30
Titanium Dioxide at 5.25% and Zinc Oxide at 6.12%.
Just too oily for me preventing reapplication. However, full of anti-oxidants and blends in beautifully. Doesn’t provide the best protection against UV radiation as quantity of filters is low
Available for sale HERE
dermalogica super sensitive shield SPF 30
This has both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide – the main problem is the high price, because you are paying for this to be a moisturiser, when honestly what you need is just a sunscreen.
OTHER MINERAL SUNSCREENS I HAVE NOT TRIED
Aveeno Positively Mineral (sensitive skin) sunscreen SPF 50
Zinc Oxide at 21.6%
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Zinc Oxide at 20%
ABSOLUTELY NOT FOR ME
Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
I am not at all persuaded that a 15% Titanium Dioxide sunscreen provides me with the protection that I want in the UVA region. TO remind you that most of photoaging is caused by UVA radiation and quite honestly, Titanium Dioxide does not have this reputation of providing formidable UVA protection. Sorry, its just not for me.
Bioderma COVER Touch SPF 50+
Tinted sunscreen that is like chalk and a nightmare to get out.
As this is a Made in the EU sunscreen there is no legal requirement to declare the % quantity of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
The Organic Pharmacy SPF 50 mineral sunscreen
Zinc Oxide at 14.5% and Titanium Dioxide at 1%
My mum uses this sunscreen which at £39 for 100ml is not cheap. The main problem with this product is it does not spread easily AND it feels as if you have applied a layer of wet chalk on your face.
Kama Ayurveda SPF 21 sunscreen
This sunscreen contains Zinc Oxide at an unknown quantity. Apart from being just an SPF 21 there is the problem that this is like spreading wet, thick white paint.
Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry Touch SPF 50
This is a 21.6% Zinc Oxide formulation, that honestly is quite drying. It also has an identical formulation (if you live in the USA) to the CVS pharmacy version. But of course, the CVS pharmacy version is cheaper.
Please note that I checked the ingredient list back in September 2019 and as I live outside the USA I cannot recheck ingredient labels.
Coppertone Pure & Simple sunscreen SPF 50
This may have been discontinued – I can’t check till at least the summer.
The Zinc Oxide concentration contained in this is 24.08%. This product first smelt like paint, which converted to that school chalk smell of my childhood (yes, I am that old). Its also the most drying formulation – probably because of the higher concentration of Zinc Oxide.
See also My Top 5 sunscreen recommendations