by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

The 12 Best Mineral Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a White Cast

Mineral sunscreens have been growing in popularity recently—and rightfully so. Not only are they reef-safe, but they tend to be gentler on the skin as compared to chemical sunscreens, which can be irritating and allergenic for some. And because mineral sunscreens are photostable, you don’t have to reapply as frequently as chemical sunscreens.

New to the sunscreen game? Chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter the UV rays, while mineral sunscreens create a barrier on the skin that filter out UV rays using mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s also important to note that there are some formulas that contain the aforementioned ingredients, plus chemical-based sunscreen compounds, so always double-check the ingredients list before making your purchase.

Bonus: If your sunscreen contains the active ingredient zinc oxide, it can even help soothe your skin from irritation and help fight maskne. Zinc oxide actually has some skin-soothing benefits, which is why it’s used for babies as a diaper cream.

That said, the typically opaque, white consistency of mineral sunscreens can make them difficult to fully blend into all skin tones, which can lead to an unflattering white cast on the skin, especially in photos with flash or under harsh lights. But, thankfully, science has finally caught up with the problem and more sophisticated formulations are coming out by what seems like the day. 

Below, check out 12 SPFs that are easy to wear, easy to blend and recommended for spending time at the beach, the park, or just in front of your laptop.

NUORI Mineral Defence Sunscreen

NUORI’s Mineral Defence Sunscreen is top of our list because it’s got everything. It’s an all-natural formula with broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays; uses a new generation of transparent, non-nano zinc oxide to ensure a sheer, non-sticky finish; and it has antioxidant benefits to protect against pollutants and maintain a healthy skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like French maritime pine extract, vitamin E and carrot seed oil.

And if you want a formulation that you can use for your face and body, the brand has another excellent formulation: the Mineral Defence Face and Body SPF 30 (SGD102), a non-irritable mineral sunscreen that is gentle enough for babies.

NUORI’s Mineral Defence Sunscreen, SGD90

Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen SPF 30

What we love most about this Supergoop sunscreen: Its whipped texture that blends seamlessly into the skin, creating the perfect base for makeup. Thanks to its innovative SheerMatrix Technology that suspends the sunscreen actives in a matrix, the formula instantly blends to a smooth, sheer finish, without compromising efficacy.

Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen SPF 30, SGD52

Sigi Skin Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen

This lightweight sunscreen from local brand Sigi Skin is hydrating enough to double up as a moisturiser for those with oily skin. Not only does it provide sun protection, but superfood ingredients like avocado and acai extracts help fight free radical damage and soothe inflammation.

Sigi Skin Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen, SGD64

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

With an impressive 20% concentration of zinc oxide, you’d think that it might leave your complexion just a little chalky, but this formula gets it just right. It has a sheer texture that melts beautifully into the skin, even on darker skin tones.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, SGD48

Skinlycious Multi Protection Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Formulated with olive leaf extract (a natural antioxidant), this lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen from local acne treatment brand Skinlycious helps to calm skin’s irritation and protect the skin from environmental stresses and sun damage.

Skinlycious Multi Protection Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, SGD62

REN Clean Skincare’s Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30

If you’ve been avoiding sunscreen because it leaves your skin feeling greasy, well, you’ve found your match. This mattifier-sunscreen hybrid uses natural rice starch to absorb oil, control sebum production and minimise the appearance of pores. The ingredient also soothes irritation too, which is great if you’re dealing with breakouts.

REN Clean Skincare’s Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30, SGD58

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30

Sensitive skin types, rejoice because this lightweight formula is spiked with nourishing green tea and soothing mushroom to keep your skin happy and redness at bay.

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30, SGD95

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

We love the sheer, fragrance-free formula of this Skinceuticals’ SPF that blends in smoothly. Plus, it contains translucent colour spheres that adapt to all skin tones. It’s a one-stop product that’ll make getting ready in the morning so much quicker, leaving your complexion looking radiant and totally protected against UV rays.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, SGD69

Farmacy Green Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

Apart from SPF30 protection, Farmacy’s sunscreen guards against blue light—emitted from our screens—with the addition of marigold and black chokeberry extracts, which form a weightless shield of protection. Another bonus: it plays spectacularly under makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast on deep skin tones.

Farmacy Green Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 30, SGD49

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF 30

This K-beauty product looks and feels more like a luminous primer than a sunscreen. We love its multi-tasking formula, which has hydrating shea butter and brightening niacinamide, and glides easily on the skin.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF 30, SGD32

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

This mineral SPF from Versed has been our editor’s personal favourite for some time now—it hydrates, blends in smoothly, and never feels sticky. Plus, we love that it has moringa seed extract and sea fennel for added protection against pollution and blue light.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Still not convinced that you need to apply sunscreen every day? Maybe this will persuade you: Rihanna says so. This 2-in-1 moisturiser and sunscreen from the celebrity’s skincare line combines reef-friendly SPF 30 with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe. Did we also mention it’s refillable? Applause all around.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, SGD54

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