In This Story:
Research suggests that sunscreen is non-negotiable. But which one to buy? If you’re almost nonchalant while shopping for SPF formulations, it’s high time you take the task more seriously. For the uninitiated, sunscreen comes in two variants: chemical and mineral or physical. While chemical sunscreens absorb and dissipate ultraviolet rays, mineral forms act as a physical barrier, blocking, deflecting, and scattering them. Left to me, it’s a pretty easy choice to make; let me tell you why.
Mineral > Chemical: Why It’s Better For You & Our Planet
Unlike its chemical-laden counterpart, mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – both of which don’t harm aquatic ecosystems. Besides being reef-free and boasting the only two FDA-certified ‘Generally Recognised As Safe & Effective’ ingredients, they’re less irritating on the skin and potentially offer more effective sun protection since they don’t allow the penetration of UV rays. Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens are best suited for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Chemical-free, ocean- and environment-friendly, and incapable of causing allergies – what more do you desire in a formulation? Peruse the best ones below.
The Best Mineral Sunscreens In India
Pollution Defence
I’ve restocked the oil-free La Shield Sunscreen Gel umpteen times, and this variant is just as good. Offering optimal protection against UVA and UVB rays, this high-performance product goes beyond the call of duty to shield your skin from pollutants. Forming a protective layer on the skin to deflect sun rays, this broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen boosts moisture and is the best mineral sunscreen for Indian skin.
Ease Of Reapplication
Often on-the-go? Reapply sunscreen hassle-free with The Derma Co.’s Mattifying Mineral Powder Sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++++. It delivers a matte finish sans any white cast and allows for ease of reapplication, even over makeup. As it’s a mattifying formulation, it’s ideal for oily skin; although, it has been designed by dermatologists for all skin types. So, just slip this safe and effective sunscreen into your carry-on as you step out.
Skin Barrier Strengthening
Meet another dermatologically tested sunscreen that boasts vitamin E and ceramides to soothe the skin, prompt brightening, and fortify your epidermal barrier. Safe for children and expectant mothers, Moody’s non-comedogenic SPF 50 PA+++ formula enhances skin barrier function while lending a sheer finish for a natural appearance. Pick this product if you have reactive, sensitive skin or pigmentation.
Dermatologist-Recommended
Ideal for oily, sensitive skin types, Cetaphil’s lightweight SPF 30 sunscreen is the best mineral sunscreen for combination skin, as it effectively scatters UVA and UVB rays while fighting free radicals. Water-resistant and free of nasty additives, this award-winning brand boasts superior formulations for sensitive skin, making it the #1 dermatologist recommended in India.
A Hint Of Tint
Invite this 3-in-1 protector-cum-primer-cum-moisturiser into your vanity. Featuring a silky-smooth, weightless texture that melts onto your skin, Pink Foundry’s broad-spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, delivering a sheer tint that blends perfectly with Indian complexions. This formula is specifically designed to brave Indian climatic conditions.
Sweat-And Water-Resistant
SunScoop’s non-comedogenic formula lends the goodness of carrot seed oil and raspberry extract to stall premature ageing and retain skin moisture – making it the best mineral sunscreen for the face. Guarding against blue light, UVA and UVB rays, the broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen contains 100% mineral filters and is vegan and cruelty-free, too – take note, conscious consumers.
Photoaging Prevention
Prepared with 79% post-consumer recycled plastic, The Versed broad-spectrum SPF 35 sunscreen offers a ‘my skin but better’ finish along with combating environmental and electronic damage. Besides, a medley of non-nano zinc oxide, sea fennel, and moringa seed extract repels pollution particles from your skin while boosting collagen and helping even discolouration.
Ultra-Moisturising
Deconstruct’s tinted formula is water-resistant, leaves no white cast, and prevents transepidermal moisture loss. In simpler terms, expect to find your skin super soft and supple upon application of this sunscreen. The pH-balanced product offering SPF 55 PA+++ protection is ideal for those who don’t want to spend big bucks.
Sunscreen For Every Age
All those who fall ages 8 to 80 can safely use this SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen. A family-friendly offering, Thank You Farmer’s anti-pollutant, anti-wrinkle formula improves skin vitality and soothes the epidermis without leaving any greasy residue. Non-irritating for sensitive types, added niacinamide helps boost skin luminosity.
Clean & Conscious
Enriched with Chaga mushrooms, SKOG’s SPF 25 sunscreen is known to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays while repairing sun damage. The 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free formulation can be used by men and women, coating the surface of your skin for optimal protection and skin brightening.
Crowd-Pleaser
One of the best mineral sunscreens for Indian skin, Dr Sheth’s Mineral Sunscreen is formulated with 25% zinc oxide and 2% glycerin for optimal UV protection and moisture retention. This non-sticky product absorbs within five minutes, leaves no white cast, and doesn’t pill, offering broad-spectrum protection for sensitive skin types.
Gentle Protection
This broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula diffuses wrinkles and fine lines while giving your skin a silky-smooth feel. It’s non-greasy, lightweight, and super easy to apply. Along with zinc oxide, this Earth Rhythm Phyto Shield Matte Mineral Sunscreen also features avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut alkanes, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Hydrate & Illuminate
Made with tender coconut water, fresh basil leaves, and cooling aloe vera, Forest Essentials’ Sun Fluid SPF 50 PA++ shields the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Meanwhile, Yashada bhasma increases the intensity of sun protection, thereby shielding your skin from early signs of ageing and further oxidative damage.
Mineral All The Way
Made with 100% mineral sun filters, it blends into the skin with no white cast. It’s packed with superfoods such as gooseberry, Indian winter cherry, ashwagandha, and oats to boost radiance, increase collagen production, reduce skin pigmentation, retain hydration, and control breakouts.
Protect On-The-Go
Meet India’s first powder sunscreen that’s infused with caffeine and lasts all day. It’s an oil-free formula that’s great for reapplication. Made with coffee, kaolin clay, almond oil, and vitamin E, this sunscreen powder is crafted to safeguard your skin from UVA and UVB rays for up to 8 hours.
How To Apply Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen at least 15–20 minutes before you step out of the house. Take two fingers worth of the product and spread it evenly on your face and neck; don’t forget your décolletage region! Slather the product in an upward direction and continue till absorbed into the skin.
Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours, this makes sure you stay protected all day long, and if you have makeup on, we’ve got you covered, check out this article on how to reapply sunscreen over makeup.
How To Choose Mineral Sunscreen
There are multiple factors to consider before investing in a mineral sunscreen. While mineral sunscreen often contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, check the packaging for more information to suit your specific skin needs.
Skin Type
Scan the label for the words gentle, non-comedogenic, or mattifying. Products that make such claims are specially formulated for sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin. Investing in such formulations will help protect your epidermis from UV damage, among other skin issues.
Spectrum
Check if the product offers broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum refers to sunscreens that shield you from UVA, UVB, and blue light rays. Such formulations provide comprehensive care against harmful sun rays. Look for sunscreens with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or above, we recommend SPF 50 for ultimate protection. Additionally, also be on the lookout for a high PA (Protection Grade of UVA) level, ideally, your sunscreen needs to have an average of PA++++.
Speciality
Many sunscreens have other special features – they are water-resistant, sweat-resistant, quick-absorbant, etc., which will help you make an informed decision before buying. Furthermore, there are also multiple options available for ease of application, such as sunscreen creams, gels, sticks, sprays, and powder.
When studies suggest the importance of sunscreen, one ought to hear it out and apply it daily. If you are already sold on the idea of sunscreen, give mineral sunscreens a try, they are good for you and the planet.
