Best Mineral Sunscreen of 2024 [CNET]

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Keeping your skin safe during the summer (and all year) is essential. If you prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical sunscreens, this guide will help you choose the best option for you. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are free of chemicals that may be harmful to your skin — especially if your skin is sensitive or irritable. Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide to create a physical barrier on the skin. For this reason, experts find that mineral sunscreens may be more effective in protecting your skin from sun damage. 

While the zinc oxide in mineral sunscreen has been found by the US Food and Drug Administration to be safe and effective, recent studies have raised concerns about ingredients found in chemical sunscreen: oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene. These studies, however, take into account large amounts of these ingredients, while chemical sunscreens use only small amounts. Regardless, if you’re concerned about the differences between mineral versus chemical sunscreens, or you don’t want chemicals in your sunscreen at all, finding the best mineral sunscreen (with the ideal SPF) is the way to go.   

Here are our picks for the best mineral sunscreens for your face and body.