Best Mineral Sunscreens Compared on the Label (2026)
Three zinc-based sunscreens, compared on their FDA Drug Facts labels. We have not tested them.
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All three use only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Blue Lizard and Neutrogena are 80-minute water-resistant body formulas. CeraVe is a face lotion.
Quick picks
- Best two-mineral body pickSensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50Check price
- Best zinc-only pickSheer Zinc Dry-Touch SPF 50Check price
- Best for the faceHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face LotionCheck price
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Top pickBlue LizardSensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | NeutrogenaSheer Zinc Dry-Touch SPF 50 | CeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Water and sweat | Zinc-only protection | Mineral-only actives on a budget |
| Labeled SPFhigher is better | 50 ★ Best50 | 50 ★ Best50 | 30 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | Not water resistant (per brand directions) |
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide 112 mg/mL, titanium dioxide 89.6 mg/mL (label) | Zinc oxide 21.6% (label) | Titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5% |
| Use | Body | Body | Face |
| Reapply | See label directions; at least every 2 hours | After 80 min swimming or sweating, after towel drying, at least every 2 hours | At least every 2 hours, after towel drying |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.
The picks
★Best two-mineral body pick
Blue LizardSensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Best for: Water and sweat
A zinc oxide and titanium dioxide body sunscreen, SPF 50, water resistant for 80 minutes.
What we like
- 80-minute water resistance
- Two mineral filters
Watch out for
- Body formula; not labeled for face only
The SPF 50 label lists zinc oxide 112 mg/mL and titanium dioxide 89.6 mg/mL, with 80-minute water resistance.
★Best zinc-only pick
NeutrogenaSheer Zinc Dry-Touch SPF 50
Best for: Zinc-only protection
A 100% zinc oxide sunscreen (21.6%), SPF 50, water resistant for 80 minutes, with the NEA Seal.
What we like
- Zinc oxide only
- NEA Seal
Watch out for
- May stain some fabrics (label)
Neutrogena’s label lists zinc oxide 21.6% alone, 80-minute water resistance and a note that it may stain fabrics.
★Best for the face
CeraVeHydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Best for: Mineral-only actives on a budget
A broad spectrum SPF 30 face lotion with titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5%. CeraVe says to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
What we like
- Mineral actives only
- Lowest list price here ($15.99 on CeraVe.com)
Watch out for
- Mineral filters can leave a white cast, CeraVe notes
- Not for swimming
CeraVe lists titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5% at SPF 30 for the face. It is not labeled water resistant.
How to choose
- AAD suggests SPF 30+, broad spectrum, water resistant.
- Use enough. See how to apply sunscreen.
- Check the water-resistance time. See water-resistant sunscreen explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mineral sunscreen?
One whose active ingredients are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. Check the Active ingredients line on the Drug Facts label.
Are mineral sunscreens waterproof?
No sunscreen is. FDA says water-resistant labels must state 40 or 80 minutes.
