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When shopping for food and other products, many of us prioritize items labeled as “natural” and “organic.” But what about sunscreens? The world of SPF can be just as nuanced, with “natural” typically referring to mineral sunscreens. These formulas use naturally-sourced minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV light and convert it to heat.
The appeal of mineral SPF is growing, largely due to its exclusion of controversial chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. According to Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, there has been a notable shift towards natural and organic skincare overall.
The term “organic” on sunscreen packaging indicates that the product contains organically-produced ingredients. However, it’s important to note that the SPF active ingredients themselves, whether mineral or chemical, cannot be organic as they are not derived from living matter.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab, we regularly test a variety of body and face sunscreens on different skin types, tones, and ages. Our tests cover everything from sunscreens for oily skin to those for sensitive skin, as well as sunscreens for kids and babies. We stay current with sunscreen regulations and recently began our testing process by surveying 2,319 consumers on their sun protection habits.
Our rigorous testing includes evaluating sunscreens for their sun protection efficacy and cosmetic properties. This includes assessing factors like texture, scent, application, and the overall look and feel of the skin during wear. Our goal is to find the formulas that excel in all aspects.
Here, we’ve compiled our top-tested picks for the best natural and organic sunscreens, which include sprays and tinted SPFs. Be sure to check out our guides to the best “reef-safe” sunscreens and pregnancy-safe sunscreens for more expert recommendations.
In the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab’s most recent body SPF test, the coconut oil-infused Hawaiian Tropic emerged as the top-rated among all the mineral sunscreens. It garnered praise for its smooth application, resistance to transferring, and its “deliciously tropical” scent.
This light, milky lotion stood out as the least likely to stain or rub off on fabrics compared to other mineral SPFs. Testers found it effortless to apply, non-drying, and easy to rinse off.
While testers appreciated the pump bottle, some noted that it was smaller than expected. Additionally, a few testers found the formula to be oily. However, many testers raved about the amazing scent and clean application process.
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (4.9%), Zinc Oxide (6.7%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$4.85 |
Mineral sunscreens can offer a luxurious experience comparable to chemical formulas. A standout example is the milky Colorescience liquid, which emerged as a winner in the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab’s recent face sunscreen test. Living up to its name, this sunscreen proved to be “no-show,” earning top marks for not leaving a film on the skin or interfering with makeup. It applies easily and does not cause skin irritation.
Although it is priced above average, testers enthusiastically praised its performance. One fan declared, “Absolutely loved this sunscreen and will be a customer for life.” Another tester mentioned, “It became a seamless part of my beauty routine and left my melanated skin looking natural instead of pale or cakey.”
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (10%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$25.15 |
For those who prefer a natural mineral SPF with a tint to subtly even out skin tone and reduce the white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens, La Roche-Posay is a standout choice and a favorite among Good Housekeeping beauty editors. GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn describes it as her “everyday go-to,” while GH’s beauty director appreciates its “featherlight feel” and how it’s “very gentle on skin.”
One drawback, however, is that the formula currently only comes in one shade. While this shade blends into many skin tones, it may be too light for those with darker skin tones.
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (11%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$17.88 |
In testing conducted by the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab, Sun Bum’s natural mineral face sunscreen proved to be gentle and wore almost flawlessly on the skin. It received a near-perfect score for not causing redness or irritation, and it ranked highly for not feeling tacky or oily, interfering with makeup, or running into the eyes.
Testers were enthusiastic about this product, with one stating, “I absolutely loved this! The silky texture went on like a makeup primer and worked as such.” Others raved that it is “silky” and “looks so natural.”
However, it’s worth noting that this sunscreen can leave a white film and be drying on the skin.
| SPF | 30 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (2.4%), Titanium Dioxide (5.3%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$10.58 |
Dr. Dennis Gross’s mineral face sunscreen with moisturizing hyaluronic acid sounds like a great product, especially for those looking for both sun protection and hydration. It’s impressive that it performed well in GH Beauty Lab testing, receiving high marks for its hydrating properties and ease of application.
The feedback from testers is particularly helpful, highlighting that it melts into the skin, provides protection, and actually moisturizes, eliminating the need for an additional moisturizer in some cases. However, the higher price point and the issue with the cap not staying attached may be considerations for potential buyers.
It’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and preferences when choosing a sunscreen.
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (18%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$24.71 |
People with breakout-prone skin can confidently use this Dr. Jart lotion, which excelled in GH Beauty Lab’s SPF testing for addressing acne-related concerns. Testers praised its ability to prevent breakouts and redness, as well as its non-greasy finish, although it may leave a white residue on certain skin tones. They also appreciated its pleasant citrus scent, which lacked the typical sunscreen odor. One user remarked, “It left my skin looking smooth and matte.”
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Titanium Dioxide (4.1%), Zinc Oxide (11.5%) |
| Water resistance | None |
| Price per ounce | ~$23.66 |
Australian Gold’s budget-friendly SPF, a GH Beauty Lab winner, performed admirably across various criteria, including sun protection, skin feel, and overall experience. It was particularly praised for its non-greasy finish and its ability to avoid irritating the eyes or surrounding skin. A remarkable 95% of testers enjoyed its pleasant scent, and it received top marks for preventing sunburn and its smooth texture.
However, some users noted that it could leave a residue that was challenging to remove and could stain clothing. One tester commented, “The product went on smoothly and had a nice scent without being oily. It held up well against sweat and salt water.”
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (4%), Titanium Dioxide (4%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$3.19 |
Isdin’s pure zinc oxide formula stood out in GH Beauty Lab’s facial sunscreen testing as a top performer. Its matte finish makes it ideal for oily skin, as testers reported that it did not leave a greasy or tacky feeling and provided a shine-free appearance. Despite being a bit of a splurge, this liquid SPF was gentle on the skin and did not irritate the eyes. “I liked that it did not feel greasy or oily and also that it had a matte finish to it,” one tester remarked.
GH Beauty Lab notes that it’s important to shake the bottle before dispensing to ensure the formula is well mixed.
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide (11%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$17.64 |
Bare Republic, a unique sunscreen spray featuring naturally-derived mineral active ingredients, impressed testers with its ease of application during GH Beauty Lab evaluations. It received high marks for its delightful vanilla coconut scent, non-irritating and non-greasy formula, and its ability to protect the skin from sunburn.
However, users noted that it was not fast-absorbing and left a white residue on the skin. Despite this, many testers praised its effortless application, with one noting, “It sprayed very evenly.” Another tester mentioned, “I did not get sunburned, despite spending hours in the strong Colorado sun!”
| SPF | 50 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (15%), Titanium Dioxide (4.3%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$2.42 |
GH Beauty Lab testers awarded this Bare Republic face sunscreen a perfect score for its gentle nature on the skin. They also noted that it provided a matte finish and did not feel sticky upon application. It’s important to shake this emulsion formula before applying to ensure it dispenses uniformly.
“I liked the milky texture of this product, and it melded with my skin in just a few minutes,” one tester reported. Another said, “It was a gentle product; I did not experience any irritation, stinging, or bumps after using it.”
| SPF | 30 |
| Active type | Mineral |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (2.5%), Titanium Dioxide (5.2%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes |
| Price per ounce | ~$11.17 |
Sunbum is perfect for my littles! Love the pro vs con list!
I tried the LA Roche Posay and it was great!