If chemical-based sunscreens don’t suit your sensitive skin, switch over to these zinc-based skin savers. They reflect or absorb the sun’s rays to protect your skin. What can’t penetrate your cells can’t damage them.
Our top picks of physical sunscreens are also filled with further ingredients that bring moisture, calm and other benefits to your skin.
3.4 of 3 reviews
Effective on all skin types, Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ is particularly beneficial to oily or sensitive skin. The sunscreen won't clog pores or heat up the skin, making it ideal for skin prone to redness and acne. This super-lightweight formula will absorb quickly and fully into the skin without leaving a chalky residue.
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the active ingredients in Medik8’s chemical-free broad-spectrum sunscreen. These two minerals literally come between your skin and the sun to reflect the radiation back where it came from. Delivering an SPF of 30, Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an easy sell to add to your morning skin ritual.
We all know that sun protection prevents premature ageing of the skin. Medik8 Physical Sunscreen adds anti-pollution and anti-A.G.E technology (that means loads of lovely antioxidants) to boost protection against the elements, also working their magic to correct lines and wrinkles.
4.5 of 105 reviews
As far as physical sunscreen brands go, Aussie-made Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30 Skinscreen Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen stands out for several reasons. It's been formulated to complement your makeup choices rather than fight with them. You can mix this product straight into your moisturiser or foundation to create a multilayered protector. And this facial sunscreen has a mattifying effect, so it won’t inject unwanted shine.
With Zinc Oxide creating the physical barrier, Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30 Skinscreen brings additional soothing elements into the mix too. Cucumber and organic Green Tea ease breakouts, eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. So, if you’re using a skin condition as an excuse to skip sunscreen, you can now cover up daily without creating a complexion crisis. This mineral sunscreen is an excellent solution for combination to oily skin types too, as Pentavitin helps lock in hydration without clogging pores.
Along with this critical daily job, Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 has been formulated with an UltraCalming Complex, laced with Oats and botanical actives to soothe irritated skin. Your skin’s barrier is also often compromised when in a sensitive state, and this lovely ‘shield’ helps to reinforce the protective natural lipids. Stronger skin is less likely to overreact and send you into a red-faced meltdown. Remember to apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before you hit the outdoors so it has time to absorb fully.
Whether you’ve recently undergone a skin resurfacing treatment or simply have sensitive skin, Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 is one of the best physical sunscreens for your highly reactive complexion. Like all natural mineral sunscreens, Dermalogica’s version helps shield skin against UV exposure and photodamage.
4.1 of 41 reviews
Hunter Lab SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen also offers 2 hours of water resistance, so you can use it when you hit the beach. This sunscreen stick gets bonus points because it doesn’t contain oxybenzone, which is known to damage coral reefs. The texture of this sunscreen stick also earns bragging rights. It feels lightweight and velvety on the skin. That's because it's designed to leave skin fully breathable. And Vitamin E soothes your skin as it faces the solar rays.
Here’s one for you if you love spending time outdoors. The high UVA and UVB protection is recommended if you want to protect your skin thoroughly, so Hunter Lab SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen ticks this box. Preparing to travel or simply looking for convenience? You’ll love the smooth-on application that keeps things from getting messy.
3.7 of 31 reviews
You can use Eco Tan Natural Rose Hip Sunscreen SPF30 on your face or body. This godsend product won’t leave the telltale white film that’s sometimes associated with Zinc-based sun creams. Coming in with a healthy SPF 30 protection, Eco Tan’s physical sunscreen also offers 3 hours of water resistance. This one’s a winner if you’re looking for an organic sun care product you can share amongst the whole family.
Keeping it natural all the way, Eco Tan's physical sunscreen solution is vegetarian-friendly and untinted—including that annoying white cast. Eco Tan Natural Rose Hip Sunscreen SPF30 is infused with Rosehip, Green Tea, and Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin. It's also free of oxybenzone, synthetic ingredients, and toxic chemicals.
4.5 of 31 reviews
There’s a lot more to love about this high-protection mineral sunscreen than the fun, bold packaging. If your priority is high-SPF, broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, Ella Baché Sunguard SPF 40 has you covered thanks to Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. But can you believe this product is a foundation and moisturiser too?
Enriched with superfruit antioxidants, this physical sunscreen also protects the skin from other things that hammer it outdoors, such as pollution. Suitable for all skin types, Ella Baché Sunguard SPF 40 comes in a variety of shades to cover up skin imperfections.
Reactive skins may Rejoice: dryness, skin tightness, and congestion aren’t invited to this skin party. That’s because Zinc also helps protect the skin’s natural hydration barrier, absorb impurities, and bring down redness via its anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, Lanolin sorts you out with all-day hydration.
Find out more about keeping your skin protected from harmful UV rays in our Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen.
Looking for a child-safe SPF? Discover some of the best sunscreens for babies and young children in our guide Best Sunscreen for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids
Discover the best makeup and accessories to travel with - The 8 Best Travel Makeup for a Flawless Face
How to do a facial at home for sensitive skin & The Best Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Reading this a bit late and dealing with sunburn? Find out how Skinstitut Laser Aid can help!
Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30 50ml
Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
This article has been updated on 12/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Amelia from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.
