The Best Chemical & Mineral SPFs
Tinted, lightweight and ultra-hydrating? Gone are the days of sticky, heavy and greasy sunscreens that leave the skin with an all too dreaded purple or white cast.
We’ve rounded up some of the best chemical and mineral SPFs to shield your skin all year round.
So what do chemical and mineral even mean?
Chemical vs Mineral
You may have noticed that sunscreens are often categorised into two groups: chemical and mineral. In essence, chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens are quick, easy to apply and have an invisible finish making them the perfect choice for all skin tones.
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV radiation from the sun. Sitting on top of your skin rather than penetrating it, mineral sunscreens are a great option for even the most sensitive of skin. Mineral sunscreens are usually thicker in consistency and tend to leave a white cast on deeper skin tones.
The Best Chemical SPFs
Hello Sunday The One That’s a Serum Face Sunscreen SPF 45
Searching for a lightweight vegan formula? Look no further than The Hello Sunday The One That’s a Serum Face Sunscreen, a quick absorbing serum for easy reapplication throughout the day. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added skin brightening benefits, this non-sticky sunscreen effortlessly melts into all skin tones leaving behind a fresh and radiant finish.
Infused with mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid, the Supergoop! Glowscreen leaves skin dewy, plump, and radiant for perfect makeup application. This sheer and skin-perfecting formula primes and protects skin from the sun giving you the ultimate glow-from-within.
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50
The La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50 is a cult favourite and for good reason, the super lightweight formula blends into the skin seamlessly with a non-greasy finish - a winner for warm sunny days.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen SPF 50+
The Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen is the ultimate SPF to hydrate and protect normal to dry skin types. Boasting a generous SPF 50+, this lightweight yet moisturising serum sunscreen leaves behind a delightfully dewy finish perfect for makeup and non-makeup days alike.
The Best Mineral SPFs
REN Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30
This clean, vegan and cruelty free mineral sunscreen features zinc oxide and rice starch to mattify skin and reduce the appearance of pores for a beautiful complexion, all in zero-waste packaging. The REN Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 soundly shields the skin from the sun’s UVA, UVB and blue light filters with a minimal white cast.
Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50
The Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a true mineral gem. Formulated with colour-corrective technology, this mineral sunscreen provides the ultimate sun protection - all without the hint of a white cast. Packed full of nourishing plant oils, this featherlight formula leaves skin dewy, radiant and well-hydrated for comfortable all-day wear.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This lightweight and deeply hydrating mineral sunscreen features zinc oxide and sugarcane-derived squalane to cool stressed skin as it shields from the sun. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that leaves behind an invisible yet dewy finish without feeling heavy on the skin.
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
The Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen is a silky, sheer mineral sunscreen that smooths and protects the skin without leaving behind a white cast thanks to its soft brown tint. A matte and pore blurring finish, this Bliss sunscreen is perfect for oily and combination skin types no matter the weather.