What is a mineral sunscreen?

One whose active ingredients are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both, per the AAD.

Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

The AAD says dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen for people with sensitive skin.

How often should I reapply mineral sunscreen?

At least every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying as the label directs.

How do I avoid a white cast?

The AAD says a tinted sunscreen can help you avoid a white residue or cast.

Can babies use mineral sunscreen?

The AAD advises using it from 6 months; for younger babies, keep them in the shade and ask a doctor.

Home / Skin care

Mineral sunscreen

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerA mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as its active ingredients. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) calls these physical sunscreens and says dermatologists recommend them for people with sensitive skin. Pick one labeled broad spectrum with SPF 30 or higher, apply it liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating as the label directs. A tinted formula can help avoid the white cast some mineral sunscreens leave.

Our picks at a glance

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Best for: Sensitive skin, body and outdoor days. See options on Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint. Best for: Daily face use with less white cast. See options on Amazon
Mineral sunscreen for kids. Best for: Children 6 months and older. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

What makes a sunscreen mineral

The AAD explains that if the active ingredient in your sunscreen is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both, you have a physical sunscreen, also called a mineral sunscreen. If it contains neither, it is a chemical sunscreen. In addition to absorbing the sun's rays, the AAD says physical sunscreens reflect them.

Check the Drug Facts label: the active ingredients section lists each filter and its percentage.

Two mineral sunscreens compared

Detail	Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50	CeraVe Hydrating Mineral SPF 30 Sheer Tint
Active ingredients	Titanium dioxide 8%, zinc oxide 10%	Titanium dioxide 5.5%, zinc oxide 10%
Water resistance	Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating	Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating
Notable inactive ingredients	Aloe	Ceramides NP, AP and EOP; iron oxides (tint)
Other label notes	Shake well; may stain some fabrics	Tinted

Details are from the DailyMed Drug Facts labels for each product.

Read the Uses line, too. Blue Lizard's label lists its use as helps prevent sunburn. CeraVe's adds that, when used as directed with other sun protection measures, it decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. Both labels say that spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, and recommend regularly using a Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen along with other sun protection measures.

How to choose

Broad spectrum. The AAD says broad spectrum means protection from both types of harmful UV rays.
SPF 30 or higher. The AAD recommends SPF 30 or higher.
Water resistant if you swim or sweat. The AAD says water resistant sunscreen stays effective for 40 minutes in the water, and very water resistant for 80 minutes.
Tinted if white cast bothers you. The AAD says tinted sunscreen can help you avoid a white residue or cast.
Sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen for people with sensitive skin, per the AAD.

For daily face use, see our facial moisturizer guide, which includes an SPF 30 moisturizer.

How to apply mineral sunscreen

The AAD says sunscreen should be applied liberally and often. Both labels say to apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and to reapply at least every 2 hours. Blue Lizard adds: reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying, and shake well before use. The AAD notes you need to reapply every 2 hours even if your skin stays dry while using a water-resistant sunscreen.

The labels also advise other sun protection measures: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses.

Children and babies

For children 6 months and older, the AAD says to use a sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. For babies younger than 6 months, it advises keeping them in the shade and, if possible, avoiding sunscreen. Both product labels say to ask a doctor for children under 6 months.

Keep sunscreen out of reach of children; the labels say to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away if it is swallowed.

Label warnings and storage

For external use only, and do not use on damaged or broken skin.
Keep out of eyes, and rinse with water to remove.
Stop use and ask a doctor if a rash occurs.
Protect the product from excessive heat and direct sun.

If you do get sunburned, see our aloe vera gel guide. For a vitamin C serum under sunscreen, see our vitamin C serum guide.

What to look for when you buy

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Best for: Sensitive skin, body and outdoor days

Its label lists titanium dioxide 8% and zinc oxide 10%, with reapplication after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Watch out: May stain some fabrics, per the label.

See options on Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint

Best for: Daily face use with less white cast

Its label lists titanium dioxide 5.5% and zinc oxide 10%, with ceramides and a tint.

Watch out: Choose a water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating, as the label notes.

See options on Amazon