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We tested dozens of sunscreens ourselves, too.
Byrdie / Brian Kopinski
Even yourscalp needs sunscreen.
One of the most commonly used minerals in sunscreen is zinc oxide.
But its not like the thick, goopy, white stuff that lifeguards slather on their noses.
PHOTO: Amazon
The latest iterations are more cosmetically elegant and feel like a dewy layer of moisture.
When it comes to choosing sunscreen, some criteria are really important.
We could also feel firsthand how they sat on the skin and how quickly they absorbed.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
Zinc oxide sunscreens are mineral-based.
As it is anemulsion, verify to give it a good shake before applying.
It feels super lightweight and has anti-inflammatoryniacinamideadded into the formula, as well, he says.
New York City board-certified dermatologistDr.
It’s a go-to for every day as it goes on clear and doesnt streak or run.
And since it’s also non-comedogenic, it’s possible for you to trust thatclogged poreswont be an issue.
During testing, we found it absorbed super quickly into the skin.
While it did leave a slight white cast, this disappeared within minutes.
It also left a healthy glow on our testers skin and didnt settle into creases.
The added hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture throughout the day while creating a great base for makeup.
That said, people with especially reactive skin might want to avoid the ingredient.
This one’s made with 100% zinc oxide and won’t clog your pores.
Its so gentle that its even earned theNational Eczema Associations seal of approval.
But whether your skin is sensitive or not, the non-greasy, powder-dry finish is a universal crowd-pleaser.
When we tried it we found it absorbed nicely and left a healthy glow across the skin.
Its also water-resistant so its ideal for wearing in the city on humid days or vacations.
This option isn’t best for full body coverage but will work really well for light touch-ups.
It’llnourish dry skinthanks to soothingaloe leaf,coconut, andsunflower seed oil.
That can seem like a lofty goal, but this powder makes it surprisingly attainable.
It’s available in four shades so you could most likely blend it in with your makeup.
And of course, there’s no white cast with this one.
However, spray sunscreens have been entirely chemical formulas until recently.
Enter this mineral option, which uses, you guessed it, zinc oxide.
You get the easy-to-use benefits of a spray and added antioxidant protection.
Its also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a good choice for beach or pool days.
Light and airy, the oil-free sunscreen looks and feels completely undetectable.
We just wish we got more product for the price tag.
Best Sheer
Supergoop!
The brand’s Mineral Sheerscreen instantly blends into the skin, transforming into a virtually invisible finish.
We do wish it was water-resistant though so we could hop in the pool with it.
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(No surprise given that weve previously awarded our Best Facial Sunscreen).
This worked especially well for our tester with oily skin.
We also loved that it didnt pill, streak, or run and felt almost invisible beneath makeup.
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This sunscreen has many skincare benefits, too.
Its enriched with vitamins, soothingchamomile, and antioxidants to keep your skin soft, protected, and hydrated.
It blended beautifully into the skin, absorbing quickly and easily without too much rubbing.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Emma Phelps
After a few minutes, the sunscreen also felt undetectable, like an invisible shield.
First, it provides high SPF50+ protection against UV rays and doesnt contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.
We also love its great value price coming in under $20.
If your skin is particularly finicky, reach forsunscreen for acne-prone skin.
These are non-comedogenic to ensure they wont clog your pores or further exacerbate an existing breakout.
Many of the options on this list are ones shes used before or is currently using.
2021;20(2):532-537.
Clinical evaluation of an antioxidant cream containing resveratrol, ferulic acid, and vitoptin on photodamaged skin.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2011;64(2):AB21.
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