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

By Renee Cherry
June 05, 2019
These zinc oxide sunblocks don't contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, or titanium dioxide. Bonus: They won't leave your skin with white streaks.
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Zinc Oxide Sunblocks

Melpomenem/Getty images

Lots of people seek out mineral-based sunscreens, whether for environmental reasons or because of the FDA's recent 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 zinc and titanium 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 users 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 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 zinc oxide sunscreen no longer have to settle. "Mineral sunscreens have come a long way," says Deanne Robinson, M.D., dermatologist at Modern Dermatology of Connecticut. "Many options are pretty lightweight and apply smoothly without the chalky white finish." Convinced? Here are the best zinc oxide sunscreens to add to your skin-care routine.

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Ren Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Sephora
Buy It, $36

Few things are worse than applying sunscreen and feeling like an oil spill, so this SPF that's designed to mattify skin is a godsend. It has passion fruit seed extract which might fight the effects of aging caused by UV rays.

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Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50

Target
Buy It, $10

Like many of Aveeno's products, this sunscreen for sensitive skin contains oats, a soothing ingredient that relieves skin of itchiness and irritation.

Related: These Natural Sunscreen Options Will Make You Forget About Chemical Sunblocks

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Coola Mineral Sun Silk Crème SPF 30

Sephora
Buy It, $42

This zinc sunscreen is designed to defend your skin from multiple aggressors. In addition to zinc oxide, it has a combination of antioxidants targeted to minimize damage from pollution and blue light exposure. (ICMI, blue light is emitted from smartphones and other LED screens and might contribute to aging.)

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Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Target
Buy It, $15

A cruelty-free and vegan option, this lotion has coconut oil and shea butter, two of the most hydrating ingredients.

Related: The Best Sunscreens Money Can Buy, According to Dermatologists

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Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face

Target
Buy It, $9

Fans of Neutrogena's Dry-Touch sunscreen line can try this completely zinc-based face sunblock. It's oil-free, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum SPF 50.

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Mychelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Liquid Non-Tinted SPF 50 - Non-Tinted

Mychelle
Buy It, $24

This sunscreen doubles as a mattifying primer, so you can use it to prep your face for makeup when it's sweltering out. It contains clay, which soaks up excess oil.

Related: Does Natural Sunscreen Hold Up Against Regular Sunscreen?

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Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte

Sephora
Buy It, $36

For a tinted zinc oxide sunscreen option, try Drunk Elephant's Umbra Tinte. It contains marula and jojoba oils which are both loaded with antioxidants and vitamin E.

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Coppertone Pure and Simple Botanicals Faces Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Target
Buy It, $5

It might not come in Coppertone's iconic pink bottle, but this face lotion from the brand's Pure and Simple line offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection for $5. EWG rated it #1 (on a scale of one through 10) for its UVA/UVB protection and the safety potential of its ingredients.

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By Renee Cherry