The Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens That Won't Make You Feel Greasy

If you're looking for a sunscreen with only zinc oxide, you've come to the right place.

Lots of people seek out mineral-based sunscreens, whether for environmental reasons or because of the FDA's findings that chemicals in traditional sunscreens absorb into users' bloodstreams. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — the two main sun-blocking ingredients used in mineral sunscreens — both provide excellent UVA and UVB protection, so sunscreens containing both ingredients are solid choices.

However, zinc oxide is thought to have a slight edge when it comes to UVA protection, which is why a subset of mineral sunscreen lovers look for a formula that lists zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. (Refresher: UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply than UVB rays and are the main cause of photoaging. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.)

In the past, that meant settling for a thick cream that's impossible to rub in, but now, those who prefer a suncreen with only zinc oxide no longer have to settle. "Mineral sunscreens have come a long way," says Deanne Robinson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut. "Many options are pretty lightweight and apply smoothly without the chalky white finish," she adds. Bless.

Convinced? Here are the best zinc oxide sunscreens to add to your skin-care routine.