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5 Mineral Sunscreens That Protect Your Skin and Are Good for the Environment

Formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; these options are great for sensitive, acne-prone skin and the environment

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(Photo: L to R: Bee-Och; Raw Elements; La Roche-Posay; Design by Ayana Underwood/Canva)

Regardless of the time of year, sunscreen is a must. Options fall into two categories: chemical or mineral (also referred to as , ). Chemical sunscreens protect your skin by absorbing UVA/UVB rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect rays away from the skin. The main active ingredients that you’ll find in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Products with mineral ingredients may be less likely to irritate the skin or cause breakouts when compared to chemical options. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which require waiting for them to absorb into the skin before they take effect, natural sunscreens begin working immediately because they sit on top of the skin. Some evidence suggests that the primary ingredients in chemical sunscreens, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, can  because when you swim or shower, these chemicals can ooze off the skin and make their way into the ocean.

If you’re leaning toward buying a mineral sunscreen, here are six options—listed in order from least to most expensive—made with skin-friendly and reef-friendly ingredients. With these, you can feel good knowing you’re protecting yourself and the environment.

1. Badger Active Sunscreen Cream ($17.99)

• Active ingredient: zinc oxide
• Protection: SPF 30

Badger is a family-owned company that utilizes plant extracts, exotic oils, beeswax, and minerals to craft safe and effective skincare products. The brand’s is the perfect all-over sunscreen enhanced with vitamin E to hydrate and soothe your skin.

2. Bee-Och Organics Mineral Sunscreen Stick ($20)

• Active ingredient: zinc oxide
• Protection: SPF 30

Colorado-based company is a woman-owned, small-batch-crafted, and vegan natural skincare company. They created the perfect skin-soothing and easy-to-apply sunscreen stick for both face and body—made with just seven ingredients. The stick features organic pumpkin seed oil and vitamin E to soften the skin. Additionally, the beeswax used in the sunscreen repels water, making it ideal for your most sweaty days.

3. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray ($20.49)

• Active ingredient: zinc oxide
• Protection: SPF 30

offers a range of sunscreens to protect your skin on any adventure. But our favorite product is arguably the most convenient: the mineral sunscreen spray. This all-natural sunscreen allows for a quick and easy application from head to toe and doesn’t leave a residue. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and formulated for sensitive skin as it is free of fragrances. (Sun Bum also offers an excellent SPF lip balm.)

4. Raw Elements Face & Body Lotion Tube ($21.49)

• Active ingredient: zinc oxide
• Protection: SPF 30

was founded on the realization that traditional chemical sunscreens are harmful to both our health and the oceans. This high-performance, reef-safe sunscreen was crafted with our health and the Earth in mind. It is great for both your face and body, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is suitable for all ages and activities. Rather than plastic, the bio-resin tube the product comes in is formulated from sugarcane waste. Vitamin E, cocoa butter, and sunflower oil keep the skin soft, supple, and moisturized.

5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen ($42.99)

• Active ingredient: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
• Protection: SPF 50

keeps science at the forefront and ensures that its products are dermatologist-approved. Not only does this contain two minerals, it’s also formulated with vitamin E, which nourishes the skin, silica, an oil-absorbing powder, and spring water (sourced from the city of La Roche-Posay in France) to soothe the skin barrier. This formula is an excellent option for people with sensitive or oily skin (it provides a matte finish). As a bonus: it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

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