These 17 Zinc Oxide Sunscreens Are Dermatologist-Approved (2025)

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you at this point that you need to wear sunscreen when you're outside. Not only does it prevent you from getting a sunburn, but sunscreen can also hold off premature aging caused by UV rays and, most importantly, prevent skin cancer. Men of all ages, and young men in particular, are at a high risk of both contracting and dying from skin cancer, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sunscreen is the best tool we have in the fight against it. So before you head outside for your first shirtless run of the season, make sure your back is (literally) covered.

You may have noticed that there’s a lot of conversation about chemical versus mineral sunscreens right now. Chemical sunscreens use chemicals that sink into your skin to absorb and disperse harmful UV rays, while mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically reflect rays away from your skin. For the record, whether these chemical sunscreens are harmful to our bodies is still being investigated (though we do know some of them are harmful to coral reefs and marine life).

The word “chemical” may sound scary and you could assume that zinc oxide sunscreen is better, but that’s not necessarily the case, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “The best sunscreen is the one that you are actually putting on your skin,” he says. “If it’s not on your skin, it won’t protect you.” Generally, for adequate protection, the AAD recommends a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and is labeled broad spectrum (which means it protects against both UVA and UVB light). Anything above that is “personal preference,” says Dr. Zeichner.

While both chemical and mineral sunscreens are effective, there may be a reason to choose one over the other. Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are ideal for people with sensitive skin or conditions, like rosacea or eczema, because “they’re less likely to cause irritation,” according to Dr. Zeichner. He also recommends wearing a zinc oxide sunscreen under a face mask, because the zinc forms a physical barrier on the skin and it can offer additional protection against potential irritation.

The downside of mineral sunscreens, most of which use zinc oxide, is that because they form a physical barrier, some can leave your skin looking chalky, greasy, or grayish white—or at least, that used to be the case. Now, there are plenty of dermatologist-recommended sunscreens with zinc that give you mineral protection without the side effects. Here are the 17 best zinc oxide sunscreens to use this summer, including options with titanium dioxide.

Read more: Best Sunscreens for Men

People with sensitive skin might want to stay away from chemical sunscreens to minimize the risk of irritation or reaction, which for the record, could come from other ingredients as well, not just the sunscreens. This 100% mineral formula is free from chemical, as well as other potentially-irritating dyes, alcohols, and fragrances.

Okay, yes, this is a sunscreen for babies but hear us out. If you have sensitive skin, the last thing you want to do is slather it with ingredients that could potentially irritate it. This zinc-packed sunscreen is formulated to be gentle enough for a literal baby’s skin, so it is definitely gentle enough for yours. It also include moisturizing squalane to not only help it glide on and sink into your skin without leaving a film, but adds moisturizing factors as well.

While this sunscreen uses only zinc oxide to provide protection from the sun, it won’t dry out your skin like some others. That’s because the formula also contains ceramide to help strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture. There’s also niacinamide in there as well to help even skin tone and further protect against sun damage. It smooths in easily, but if you’re especially concerned about a white cast, there is also a tinted version.

Buy this one for the zinc oxide sunscreen that rubs in clear without a greasy or white residue, but keep using it for the antioxidant benefits, like sebum-reducing green tea and the redness and irritation-reducing mushroom complex (not to mention a healthy dose of hydrating hyaluronic acid).

The big criticism of mineral sunscreens, for both face and body, is that they can be hard to rub in and can leave a weird-looking and uncomfortable cast on your skin. This genius lotion rubs in completely clear to avoid that ghost vibe, but still offers the physical protection you need from an effective sunscreen with zinc oxide.

Dermatologists like Dr. Zeichner often recommend sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine to make sure you get adequate protection (many moisturizers with SPF don’t contain a high enough amount). But if you’re not into the idea of layers of product, this moisturizer-sunscreen combo has the SPF you need, as well as niacinamide and antioxidants to keep skin healthy.

You’ll often see mineral sunscreens in lotion form, but lots of people like sprays because they’re easy to apply. This one is the best of both worlds—zinc oxide mineral protection from UV rays in an easy-to-use spray formula. Just remember that even if you use a zinc oxide sunscreen spray, you still have to make sure to rub it in to avoid missing spots, says Dr. Zeichner.

This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with zinc is a go-to for thousands of experts because it checks all the boxes: a non-greasy mineral screen that’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Like your favorite moisturizer, it’s also packed with antioxidants and niacinamide to help with overall skin health. Plus, this sunscreen comes in tinted and non-tinted formulas, depending on your preference.

A combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad spectrum sun protection in this sunscreen formula that’s specifically designed for and by people with dark skin tones. There is a slight tint to it, which makes it easier to run into skin and won’t leave any sort of film or cast on even the darkest tones.

This one is a bit of a splurge at $60, but if you’re going to wear sunscreen every day, this one is worth the money. It’s an emulsion, which means it’s more watery than your typical lotion and rubs into your skin fast without leaving any trace behind. Dermatologists love it because not only does it protect from the sun, but it also contains antioxidants and ingredients that actually work to reverse sun damage that you may already have.

Sun protection is important for literally everyone, but if you have tattoos, it’s especially essential. Nothing fades tattoo ink faster than unprotected sun exposure. This mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide is tailor-made for tattoos because it also includes skin hydrating and protecting ingredients, like aloe vera, argan oil, and cocoa butter, so your ink stays looking its best in and out of the sun.

Anyone who burns easily or has fair skin knows that the higher the SPF, the harder it is to rub into your skin, especially when you’re using a mineral sunscreen. This zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreen formula is thicker than others, so be prepared for some white cast. However, if you want strong protection, you’ll be hard to fine a lotion that’s more comfortable to wear.

There are a lot of reasons to love this daily facial sunscreen—moisturizing benefits from squalene and aloe, the broad spectrum sun protection that zinc oxide provides—but the best part is the whipped texture that’s lightweight on your face and rubs into skin invisibly.