The Best Non-Toxic Mineral Sunscreen For Your Face

I’m sharing the best non-toxic mineral sunscreen brands of 2024 for your face that nourish your skin and protect from sun damage. This guide reviews non-toxic mineral zinc oxide sunscreen brands for your face, with some top picks that won’t leave a white cast.

woman lounging in the sun

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I’ve been on the search for a non-toxic and clean (free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, endocrine disruptors) sunscreen with zero white cast after application, not too shiny and one that feels natural on my skin. Although a few of my tops picks are on the pricey side, this year I updated the post to add some budget-friendly picks that I love.

Why Should I Use Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen is a great choice for acne-prone skin since both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Mineral sunscreen is less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, and is less irritating and more suitable for sensitive skin. 

Zinc oxide is one of the most effective sun protectors available, blocking out both short and long wave UVA rays and all UVB rays. Microfine zinc oxide is also photostable and does not degrade when exposed to sunlight.

Titanium dioxide is extremely effective at blocking short-wave UVA and UVB. Including zinc oxide as an active ingredient in your physical sunscreen will ensure broad spectrum protection. Some sunscreen brands, like Supergoop, use a combination of non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide to boost sun protection factor.

At this time, the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration of the USA) recognizes Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as the only safe and effective active ingredients in sunscreen. 

Why should I Choose Non-Toxic Sunscreen?

The active sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate are established endocrine disruptors. Hormones play an important role in the way the body properly functions, and any disruption to the endocrine system or to hormone production, distribution or signaling can cause a wide range of health issues. Some of these health issues include: reproductive abnormalities, increased risk of developing cancer, obesity, attention and behavioral problems in children, asthma, reproductive/fertility problems, diabetes, autoimmune disorders.

I recommend using a non-toxic sunscreen with no fragrance or other hormone disrupting chemicals in it.

Beyond using non-toxic mineral sunscreen for the face when you’re outdoors, I recommend using lip balm with mineral SPF and mineral sunscreen for the body too. If you have acne-prone skin, try these 13 acne-safe non-toxic mineral sunscreen brands.

Look below for 12 of the best mineral, non-toxic sunscreen brands for the face. I’ve thoroughly checked ingredients for toxicants and for the proper UV protection.

Non-Toxic Mineral Face Sunscreen

Le Prunier Plumscreen
Cost: $78 for 2 oz ($39 per ounce)
Active Ingredients: 4.7% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: Le Prunier Plumscreen combines broad spectrum sun protection with the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s cult-favorite Plum Beauty Oil. Antioxidant-rich Plum Superfruit Complex shelters skin and protects collagen from pollution, blue light and UV damage while shielding from DNA-damaging free radicals. The silky sheer, non-nano zinc oxide formula means less white residue — zero harm to coral reefs.
My Thoughts: This sunscreen is more of an errand-running, around-the-house sunscreen than one I would wear to the beach. It has a thin consistency that rubs in very easily, and there is the faintest tint that does not look like tint once it’s applied to the face. It has the loveliest light almond scent. I am in love with this sunscreen for basic, everyday wear. It’s packed with antioxidants and makes my skin glow (I’ve gotten compliments from several people). The only downsides are the price and the packaging. The tube is aluminum, similar to Davide’s toothpaste brand, and it can tear and leak out the side if you don’t dispense it properly (by squeezing from the bottom). Out of all the sunscreens I have at home, this one feels the best on my skin and I seriously can’t live without it!
Shop: Le Prunier Plumscreen

RMS Beauty Supernatural Radiance Serum SPF30
Cost: $43.20 for 1 oz ($43.20 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 20.4% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: A tinted skin nourishing, mineral-based daily sunscreen serum and soft focus radiant complexion corrector with natural-looking illumination and SPF 30 broad spectrum protection. Formulated with complexion correcting soft-focus technology and powered by GlowPlex™, a complex of natural peptides such as Quinoa Seed Extract, Niacinamide and Pea Extract, this unique lightweight formula smoothes skin and boosts radiance instantly and over time. Comes in Light Aura, Medium Aura and Rich Aura.
My Thoughts: I really like this sunscreen and I use it when I’m going to be outdoors for more than an hour since it has a higher zinc oxide percentage than my favorite everyday sunscreen (Le Prunier Plumscreen). I do wish they had a tint that was in between the lightest and medium colors- I can see an ever so faint hint of sunscreen after applying this one. It also has a kind of shiny tint and I prefer a matte sunscreen, but overall I think this is a really good sunscreen.
Shop: RMS Beauty Supernatural Radiance Serum SPF30

Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral SPF
Cost: $32 for 1.7 oz ($18.82 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 18.23% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This innovative daily mineral SPF 30, moisturizer, and primer protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and blue light. With a non-nano zinc, weightless formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, giving it a natural glow with no white cast on all skin tones and types.
My Thoughts: This sunscreen has an orange tint, but you’d never know once it’s rubbed in. It rubs in super easily, has no white cast, and has a non-greasy yet moisturizing finish. I love that it contains sea buckthorn oil and beta carotene for an antioxidant boost. Although this sunscreen is fragrance-free, it does have a beta carotene-like smell when you apply it, but that dissipates quickly. This sunscreen doesn’t feel heavy, is so easy to apply and is relatively affordable.
Shop: Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral SPF

Earth Harbor Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $25 for 1 oz ($25 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 18.8% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This lightweight, clean, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen lotion helps protect skin against sunburn, skin damage, early aging, and environmental stress. Eclipse Sunscreen is reef-safe, non-nano, and 100% mineral-based with Zinc Oxide, Macroalgae, and Green Tea Extract to protect skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and pollution damage.
My Thoughts: This sunscreen is easy to rub in, is lightweight and leaves no white cast. I love that it has green tea extract in it!
Shop: Earth Harbor Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Cocokind Daily Sunscreen SPF32
Cost: $25 for 1.7 fl oz ($14.71 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 21% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: Cocokind Daily Sunscreen SPF32 is a lightweight, non-irritating mineral-based daily sunscreen lotion that uses non-nano zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton, and microalgae to protect skin against everyday stressors such as: UVA rays (aging) and UVB rays (burning), pollution, blue light. In doing so, it helps prevent signs of premature aging, such as dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles while protecting skin against sunburn. This formula is fragrance-free and leaves skin with a soft, satin finish – never greasy.
My Thoughts: I’m really impressed by this affordable sunscreen. It rubs in easily and I don’t notice any white cast on my skin. It’s also a fairly matte formula and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Shop: Cocokind Daily Sunscreen SPF32

Solara Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum SPF30
Cost: $64 for 1.7 oz ($37.65 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 22% Non-Nano, Non-Coated Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This silky, protective gel-to-milk sunscreen serum hydrates and visibly brightens with each use. This sun protective serum infuses nourishing, skin-changing actives curated to help protect against inflammatory environmental elements and future damage such as hyperpigmentation and premature skin aging.
My Thoughts: I haven’t tried this one yet, but it gets great reviews and it’s on my list to try!
Shop: Solara Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum SPF30

True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF30
Cost: $65 for 1.7 oz ($38.24 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 19% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: Protect your skin without the breakouts with this mineral sunscreen and anti-aging skincare product in one that’s clinically proven to be ideal for oily and blemish prone skin.
My Thoughts: I really like this sunscreen for going out in the sun for longer periods of time given the high percentage of zinc oxide. This sunscreen rubs in clear, although it does have a slight tint to it, and didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The consistency was slightly chalky, and I usually prefer a more moisturizing formula, but this seemed to work well with my skin every time I used it. I really like this one, although I don’t use it daily.
Shop: True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF30

Mara Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum
Cost: $52 for 1 oz ($52 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 13.2% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
Highlights: This sunscreen Serum protects and hydrates skin thanks to a lightweight formula consisting of algae, zinc, blue sea kale and hemp seed. Maritime botanicals work to calm skin and improve the appearance of redness, while protecting from blue light, and raspberry seed oil helps naturally boost environmental protection- with a dewy finish and zero white cast.
My thoughts: I haven’t tried this one yet, but it sounds amazing and it is on the top of my list to get.
Shop: Mara Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum

Fitglow Vita Shield Plum Hyaluronic Primer SPF30
Cost: $44 for 1.7 oz ($25.88 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 14% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
From the Fitglow website: Powerhouse environmental-defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 glides on to skin effortlessly for a weightless ultra-sheer finish. This multitasking sunscreen primer is enriched with a plant active blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Plum, Birch, Cloudberry and Green Tea. Skin-replenishing formula works to simultaneously protect from UVA/UVB sun damage while locking in complete hydration, supple and bounce to skin.
My Thoughts: I love that this sunscreen contains plum oil and green tea to fight free radicals. This sunscreen goes on clear and matte, and it is one of my favorites. It is slightly drying, so I’m sticking with Le Prunier, since it feels more hydrating on my skin, but this is definitely up there as a great mineral face sunscreen.
Shop: Fitglow Vita Shield Plum Hyaluronic Primer SPF30

Ursa Major Force Field SPF30 Moisturizer
Cost: $58 for 1.7 oz ($34.12 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 14.95% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? No
From the Fitglow website: This moisturizing, mineral-based SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection UVA & UVB rays, blue light, and environmental pollution. It’s year-round, all-season skin protection you’ll never skip. Infused with proven, clean actives like sodium hyaluronate, squalane, elfdoc flower, and lingonberry stem cells to help boost skin′s moisture retention, firmness and elasticity.
My Thoughts: This is a great sunscreen- it rubs in easily and has no white cast. I prefer less of a shine with my sunscreen and this one is shinier than I typically like.
Shop: Ursa Major Force Field SPF30 Moisturizer

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50
Cost: $21.50 for 1.7 oz ($12.65 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 20.6% clear zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
Highlights: This sunscreen features an exceptionally lightweight zinc oxide formula that provides daily broad spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. This golden-hued liquid lotion blends in seamlessly with minimal whitening on most skin tones, while offering added blue light protection. Works great under makeup. If you don’t care for tinted sunscreen, try the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50 with no tint.
My Thoughts: This is a really economical mineral sunscreen, and I love that it rubs in clear. I’m definitely impressed by this new fluid formula.
Shop: Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50

Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum SPF30
Cost: $15.06 for 1.02 oz ($14.76 per ounce)
Active Ingredients: 12.7% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
Highlights: This protective daily serum hydrates & nourishes your skin with buriti oil, hyaluronic acid & sodium PCA, while antioxidants, resveratrol, and vitamins C & E, work to curb oxidative stress. This is a clear mineral SPF 30+ w/ 80 min water resistance, that keeps your skin protected, hydrated, and healthy!
My thoughts: This economical sunscreen is lightweight, slightly runny, and goes on clear. It has a slight shiny glow to it- a really nice sunscreen for the face!
Shop: Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum SPF30

Kosas DreamBeam SPF40
Cost: $40 for 1 oz ($40 per ounce)
Active Ingredient: 21.7% non-nano zinc oxide
Does This Sunscreen Contain Butyloctyl Salicylate*? Yes
Highlights: This clean, silicone-free, comfy mineral sunscreen is packed with ceramides and peptides to moisturize, visibly smooth and brighten, and create the dreamiest makeup base. Comes in Golden Glow and Radiant Finish.
My thoughts: I find this sunscreen to be similar to the RMS Beauty sunscreen. I really like it, but it’s a little shiny, and I prefer a matte sunscreen. Overall, I think this is a really good sunscreen.
Shop: Kosas DreamBeam SPF40

A Note About Sunscreen And Citrus Based Essential Oils

When I started testing natural sunscreen, I wasn’t aware that citrus based essential oils can cause pigmentation to your skin if exposed to sunlight. Some of the sunscreen brands I reviewed do contain citrus based essential oil, and I’ve noted which ones do (this did not change any of my favorites). According to dermatologist Sharyn Laughlin, “Never use a product that contains lime or any citrus based essential oil during the day on sun exposed skin. Dermatologists frequently see what is called photodermatitis- the sudden appearance of brown streaks or spots when lime juice or extract on the skin is exposed to sun light. This pigmentation can take a long time to fade.”

In one study, oxypeucedanin, a compound found in lemon, lime and bitter orange oil, caused photopigmentation on colored-guinea-pig skin without preceding visible erythema.

What is Butyloctyl Salicylate?

Butyloctyl salicylate is a chemical sunscreen booster that is not registered as an active sunscreen ingredient, but is used to boost the SPF rating of a sunscreen. Butyloctyl salicylate is very closely related to octisalate (aka ethylhexyl salicylate), which is a chemical sunscreen active ingredient. Chemical sunscreen active ingredients undergo stringent regulations. Since Butyloctyl salicylate is not registered as an active sunscreen ingredient, there is no maximum percentage limit of Butyloctyl salicylate that can be used in the inactive ingredient formulation. The sunscreen you buy may have a very large percentage of Butyloctyl salicylate as an inactive ingredient, and this can cause the sunscreen to be more biased toward protecting against UVB rays and may be less effective at blocking UVA rays. If Butyloctyl salicylate is in your mineral sunscreen formula, you are not getting a truly 100% mineral sunscreen. For now I’m labeling all sunscreen on my website with Butyloctyl salicylate so you as a consumer can decide if you want this ingredient in your sunscreen.

One of my readers said she will still buy Babo Botanicals sunscreen because the Butyloctyl salicylate makes it so the sunscreen does not have a white cast on the skin.

Is Butyloctyl salicylate safe? The EWG has a rating of 1-3- This ingredient’s score is higher if used in products that may not meet industry safety guidelines or U.S. and international government requirements and may have contamination concerns from toxic impurities. The score will be lower if used in products that do meet these safety guidelines and requirements and EWG’s contamination restrictions.

The Best Mineral Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin

The three sunscreen brands below all have clean ingredients, plus none of the ingredients will clog your pores.

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