The Best Mineral Sunscreens For Sensitive, Oily Skin

If there’s one skincare step that’s unskippable, it’s lathering up on SPF. For the health-conscious, sunscreen is essential for its health benefits like cancer prevention and preventing skin damage. For the vain, it prevents wrinkles and aging, maintaining an even and healthy-looking glow.

Cue the big question: which sunscreen is best for you? The short answer is: it depends on your skin concerns. Between gel, tinted, spray, and even powdered, there are plenty of forms that SPF comes in now. That said, for those who are just looking for a staple in their skincare routine: typical liquid SPF is the way to go. Although, I would strongly suggest mineral sunscreens, especially for those with oily skin like me.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Both are going to give you sun and UV protection. The main difference is how. According to dermatologists and healthcare professionals, mineral sunscreens use minerals (usually zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens use chemical filters that absorb UV radiation and convert them into heat, then releasing them from the skin.

For those with an oily skin type like me, we might usually opt for mineral sunscreens to reduce excess oiliness and shine.

Our Top 6 Mineral Sunscreens For To Try Now

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF50 sunscreen, $105, Sephora

If you want a sunscreen that’s smooth and velvety, this is worth a try. Some mineral sunscreens I’ve tried have felt heavy, almost suffocating. Tatcha’s mineral sunscreen feels like nothing. Bonus points for Tatcha: this sunscreen layers amazingly under makeup. Personally, I even use it as a primer for special occasions (after all, it’s pretty pricey).

Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 sunscreen, $34.20, Natio

For those who love the outdoors, but also want a lightweight and reliable sunscreen, this one’s for you. From the Australian brand, Natio, their mineral sunscreen offers UV and sun protection and nourishment with coconut and Vitamin E infused in their formula. A plus for the adventurer with sensitive skin: their mineral sunscreen is also water resistant and reef-friendly.

Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 sunscreen, $59, www.paulauschoice.sg

Under their Calm collection, this mineral sunscreen from Paula’s Choice is a great choice for those with sensitive skin. While it’s super lightweight, it’s juiced up with both mineral UV filters, and calming ingredients to soothe the skin and support your skin barrier.

Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF40 sunscreen, $27, www.beautyofjoseon.com

If you’re a #kbeauty regular on TikTok, you might’ve already heard Beauty of Joseon. While the brand’s claim to fame was their sunscreen, the brand upped the ante by launching a tinted mineral sunscreen in February 2025. With 12 shades, this provides a great my-skin-but-better look with a natural soft matte finish. It’s breathable, lightweight, with enough coverage to even our your skin tone.

DreamBeam SPF 40PA+++ sunscreen, $53, www.kosas.com

For those who prefer a glowy finish, Kosas’ mineral sunscreen might be a better fit. It promises to be water-resistant and hypoallergenic, meaning it will stay on and won’t break you out. Plus, with hyaluronic acid and allantoin, it’ll hydrate and sooth your skin. That said, they’ve only got two shades so far, so I’m manifesting for an expanded range.

Anthelios Uvmune 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ sunscreen, $54.90, Watsons

For those whose primary concern is their oiliness and sheen, this sunscreen might be worth trying. Other than offering protection from the sun and UV rays, this La Roche-Posay sunscreen’s primary goal is oil control. With little to no white cast, it’s fast-drying, easy to apply, and perfect for those who hate their oily sheen.

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