8 Best Mineral Body Sunscreens for Gentle All-Over Protection

31.08.2025, 15:32 allure.com

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We all know sunscreen doesn't stop at the face, and for those who want extra gentle formulas, we can't recommend the best mineral body sunscreens enough. “Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin all over your body,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He adds that mineral body sunscreens may even be better options than their chemical counterparts. “I’m partial to mineral sunscreens because they are environmentally friendly and are incapable of causing allergies,” Dr. Hartman says. And because mineral sunscreens provide physical barriers against UV rays, Dr. Hartman says they’re more effective at reflecting the sun’s rays. Not to mention, he adds that they’re ideal for skin types prone to hyperpigmentation.

“They use UV filters that block both UVA and UVB rays from being absorbed by the skin,” Dr. Hartman explains. “Chemical sunscreens use filters that turn the sun’s rays into heat within the skin, which can trigger hyperpigmentation.” And while Dr. Hartman acknowledges that mineral sunscreens have not been as elegantly formulated as chemical sunscreens—especially for people of color—he sees promising advances in the niche. “Now, there are mineral sunscreens for darker skin types that don't leave a white or iridescent cast on the skin,” he says.

So, which mineral body sunscreen is best for you? Read on for the picks that dermatologists most recommend, ranging from drugstore gems to French-pharmacy classics and a Best of Beauty award-winning sunscreen that smells like sunbaked sand and coconut milk. In short, there’s a mineral pick for everyone under the sun.

Vacation

Amazon

Nordstrom

Dermstore

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30

Why we love it: When a brand's all about sun care—that hydrates and soothes, to boot—you know Allure editors will flock to it like birds of a feather. Just one of many editor faves, Vacation's Mineral Lotion SPF 30 pairs zinc oxide with hydrating ingredients that soothe the skin during (and after) sun exposure, such as allantoin and cucumber. Shea butter and niacinamide join in to lock in moisture until the sun goes down. Plus, the application is easy-breezy, perfect for vacations or poolside lounging days. “This formula is smooth and lightweight, blending into the skin easily,” Dr. Hartman attests.

Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

“This is not your typical mineral sunscreen; this is an elegant lotion that happens to have SPF 30! It goes on oh-so smooth, like an expensive moisturizer—no dragging, pilling, or goopiness. I've been using mineral sunscreens (formulas that are far more utilitarian than this one) for years, and while this lotion does leave an immediate whitecast, in just a few minutes it fades away to a very minimal cast on my medium-tan skin. At the beach, the formula is thin and silky enough that sand doesn't get caught up in it like the usual hyper-thick mineral sunscreens—it's such a subtle but lovely plus of using this product.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

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Sol de Janeiro

Amazon

Allure content director Kara McGrath applying Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

Why we love it: A 2024 Best of Beauty award winner, Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Sunscreen quickly won over Allure editors with its beach-day-in-Brazil-like scent—but it’s not just notes of warm sand, ylang ylang, and coconut milk that make the sunscreen a standout. The glow-boosting lotion—infused with mica to leave the skin with a luxe, out-of-office glimmer—also protects the skin with 20% zinc oxide, an SPF of 50, and antioxidant-packed pongamia seed extract. Oh, and that soft-to-the-touch finish? There's capuaçu butter to thank.

Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath

"Yes, this is a great mineral sunscreen that rubs in pretty easily and doesn't leave too much of a white cast. But more importantly, it smells so good that I get multiple compliments on the scent anytime I wear it to the beach." —Kara McGrath, content director

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EltaMD

Amazon

Dermstore

Bluemercury

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Why we love it: We typically don't recommend spray sunscreens as a primary option for the face, but let's be real: “Spray sunscreens are easy to apply on the body, and I like EltaMD UV AOX Mist for that reason,” says Dr. Hartman. “The lightweight mist applies all over with a 360-degree spray—just make sure you rub the mist into the skin to ensure full coverage.” (Do you sometimes miss that spot between your shoulder blades? This is the solution.) Another Best of Beauty Award winner, the misty sun protection blends zinc oxide with coconut fruit extract, glycerin, and aloe vera for a soothing and hydrating feel. What’s more, the sunscreen lotion can be used on the face and the body, and it has vitamins C and E to defend against signs of premature aging.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Body sunscreen is somewhere on my imaginary list of ‘things I don’t enjoy putting on my body.’ And as much as I like lounging around indoors, I can’t always avoid my limbs soaking up the sun. (I’m not a beach girlie but park picnics? I’m there.) Now that we’ve set the stage for my discontent, EltaMD’s mist is promising. It doesn’t leave as strong of a white cast as others I’ve tried and it feels super hydrating. Post-application, I look dewy but not greasy—it’s a fine line! While it takes a good amount to rub in my hefty spritzes (one downside of mists), I find that I don’t mind the experience, since the formula itself is top-notch.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Blue Lizard

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: A budget-friendly option from Down Under, “Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a great drugstore option for anyone looking for a lotion versus a cream sunscreen,” Dr. Hartman says. In his experience, the Australian product can leave a slight white cast on some skin types. But in general, “It applies easily and absorbs into the skin,” he says. Justine Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, praises the product’s versatility. “I highly recommend this product for all skin types and all ages,” she says. “It is all-mineral and economical, as well as highly protective with SPF 50.”

Tester Ffedback from Shipin

“The MVP of my summers. This sunscreen can be used by everyone in my family: me with my dry skin, my daughters with their eczema-prone skin, and my husband with his extremely oily skin. It smooths over your body like a lotion, with some nice emollients and a ribbony feel‚ not like a typical chalky mineral sunscreen that you have to squeeze out of the bottle and rub into skin. Be warned: It will leave a white cast. That's not something I care about, and honestly, it alerts me to spots I've missed on myself or my kids, but it could be a dealbreaker for some people. Something I haven't loved is their rebrand—it's had no impact on the product performance, of course! But it's a bit stuffy-looking, and I preferred the playful and bright packaging of yore. The sunscreen is so good that I'll simply have to live with it, though!” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

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Eau Thermale Avène

Amazon

Revolve

Ulta Beauty

Allure director of social media Kassidy Silva applying Eau Thermale Avène’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Why we love it: “This is a good one for sensitive skin types,” Dr. Park says of Eau Thermale Avène’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Avène incorporates its trademark thermal water in the formula, which provides calming properties.” Indeed, the French pharmacy classic is pleine de (full of) minerals and antioxidants that soothe and protect the skin. With a seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation, the SPF 50 sunscreen also has tocopherol for antioxidant protection and niacinamide to help even out the skin tone.

Tester feedback from director of social media Kassidy Silva

“I picked up the Avene Mineral Suncreen SPF 50 while on the beach in Cannes and it’s been a staple ever since. It blends easily into the skin, feels weightless for hours and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.” —Kassidy Silva, director of social media

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Supergoop

Nordstrom

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: “Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50 offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a non-nano zinc oxide, making it gentle on both skin and the environment,” Dr. Hartman says. “The formula is water and sweat-resistant, which makes it ideal as a body sunscreen while swimming or sweating.” He adds that the lotion has a lightweight texture that blends easily into skin with no trace of a heavy or greasy feel.

More to know

La Roche-Posay

Amazon

Dermstore

Why we love it: “I’ve always been a fan of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen line, which has antioxidant technology that helps protect skin from free radical damage,” Dr. Hartman says. (He’s referring to the brand’s Cel-Ox Shield Technology, which combines antioxidants with photostable UVA/UVB filters.) “La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 has a smooth formula that applies easily and absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy,” Dr. Hartman says. He adds that it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and stands up to sweating and swimming.

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Volition

Amazon

Volition

Why we love it: Enriched with moisturizing sweet almond and jojoba oils that leave the skin supple and aglow, it’s no wonder Volition’s tropical-scented physical sunscreen leaves your skin, well, supple and aglow. The lightweight, lightly tinted sunscreen has a silky feel on the skin and a dose of vitamin E to help protect the skin barrier. The sunsc