The best mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin that won’t leave a ghostly white cast (2025)

We know, we know. We’ve heard all the excuses before. “Sunscreens break me out” or “They make my eyes sting” or even “I can’t add another step to my morning routine”. Well, meet Merit’s latest launch, The Uniform. As the name suggests, it’s designed for everyday wear. It’s lightweight, doesn’t cause a white cast or leave darker skin tones looking ashy, but instead delivers a silky, perfect-level-of-pigment glow. It also helps to balance out redness or hide tired eyes, while still delivering Merit’s signature dewy finish.

The broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection means it guards against wrinkles and pigmentation (UVA) and that dreaded sunburn (UVB). Florence, the GHI’s senior beauty writer, recommends this to all her SPF-resistant friends and already has a clan of converts.

“I’d never found an SPF that didn’t break me out before, until I found this,” one told her. For extra points, it’s notoriously tricky to achieve SPF50 for darker skin tones in tinted SPFs (while keeping the shade well matched, anyway) but Merit’s clever lab team has managed it.

Key specs

This is serious suncare that feels and acts like a luxurious body cream, leaving skin with an addictively silky feel and no residue, thanks to the ultra-fine zinc oxide shield. Like the brand’s whole range, it’s refillable, too.

GHI lifestyle writer, Maddie, says she always steals this one from her mum on holiday as it feels so much nicer to apply than her own, but it doesn’t come cheap.

Key specifications

If you like your natural mineral SPF with a tint to subtly even out skin tone and reduce the telltale white cast, turn to La Roche-Posay, a GH beauty editor favourite.

It’s an everyday go-to for the GHI’s head of content, Alison, who praises its "featherlight feel" and says it's "very gentle on skin." One drawback is that although the formula now comes in three additional shades (medium, medium deep and deep), the SPF level of those formulas is 40 rather than 50.

Key specifications

If you’re after a mineral SPF for the face that offers full broad-spectrum coverage, while acting as a primer for a full makeup look, this could be the one.

Many people associate sensitive skin with dry complexions, but oily skin types need sun protection too. This is perfect for those who prefer to keep the shine at bay, as well as protecting from the sun’s rays.

Key specifications

Made with 20% mineral zinc oxide and naturally derived plant ingredients, the Babo Botanicals cream SPF is a winner for eliminating white cast, rubbing onto skin and rinsing off easily.

The formula, which can be used on adults, children and babies, doesn’t transfer onto fabrics or feel oily or drying. Note that some of the team find it a little thick, and the bottle is smaller than others on this list for the price.

Key specifications

If you're looking to protect your face from the sun, turn to SkinMedica's formula. It’s noticeably less oily or greasy on skin than other options, doesn’t interfere with makeup, provides a shine-free finish and doesn’t leave a film or residue.

You do get a white cast with this one on first application, but it fades in a minute, leaving you free to do your makeup as usual fairly quickly afterwards. It adds a bit of a primer effect but needs to be worked in a little more than others on the list.

Key specifications

These illuminating SPF drops are infused with sheer mineral pigments that blend into the skin like a dream, leaving you with a lit-from-within glow, all while diffusing imperfections.

And with a clinical-grade 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide formula, you can trust that your skin will be protected. Our beauty director, Lynne, chucks a bottle of these drops in her suitcase wherever she goes.

Key specifications

Smooth on Dr. Dennis Gross’s mineral face sunscreen, which contains moisturising hyaluronic acid to soften and protect skin while it shields.

This melts into skin to soften and hydrate instantly, and our senior food & drink editor, Stacey, tells us she never has to wear an additional moisturiser on top. How’s that for multitasking magic? The only niggles are the higher price point, and the cap doesn't stay attached to the tube very well.

Key specifications

Hawaiian Tropic’s coconut-infused mineral milk is loved for its smooth application and transfer resistance. The light milky lotion is effortless to apply, non-drying and rinses off easily, but doesn’t stain or rub off on fabrics.

We love the pump bottle and the low price point, plus if you’re into a fragranced SPF, this has a deliciously tropical scent. The clue’s in the name.

Key specifications

Are chemical sunscreens bad for us?

“The idea that sunscreen is harmful is based on misinformation, and it’s concerning to see these myths gaining traction,” explains Dr Ejikeme. “The reality is that UV exposure is a well-established cause of skin cancer, and sunscreen is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing it.

“Some of the fear around SPF comes from misunderstandings about sunscreen ingredients, but extensive research has shown that regulated sunscreens are both safe and necessary for protecting the skin.

“It’s important to remember the world of SPF has evolved significantly, with new innovations making sun protection easier and more effective than ever. We’re seeing ultra-lightweight formulations, multi-tasking products that combine skincare benefits with UV defence, and more inclusive options that work across all skin tones.

“Many products have added ingredients over and above UV protection, and that’s becoming industry standard.”

What SPF factor is best?

“A higher SPF reduces the amount of UV exposure your skin receives, which means less tanning,” says Dr Ejikeme. “However, it’s important to understand that a tan is a sign of sun damage, not a marker of skin health.

“Even an SPF50 doesn’t block 100 percent of UV rays, but it significantly reduces damage. If your goal is to protect your skin while maintaining a glow, a bronzing SPF or a tinted sunscreen can be a safer option rather than relying on UV exposure for a tan.

“Daily SPF is the most effective anti-ageing product you’ll ever use. It protects against premature fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and long-term sun damage while reducing the risk of skin cancer. The best part? With so many innovative formulas available today, there is an SPF for every skin type and concern.”

Is mineral sunscreen better for you than chemical sunscreen?

"Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which for the most part sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV radiation,” Dr Ejikeme tells us. “This makes them a good option for sensitive or reactive skin, as they’re less likely to cause irritation. Ultimately the best SPF is the one you'll use.”

Mineral Sunscreen

Chemical Sunscreen