While some reviewers have called Bliss Block Star’s vegan mineral sunscreen overrated, I have yet to find a similar product that tops it. The formula is silky and spreads evenly across my face, and after letting it sit for a few moments, the color matches my skin and gives it a glowy, smooth appearance. The matte finish is what keeps me coming back — it never looks shiny. Plus, it sinks in quickly and doesn’t irritate my skin or give me acne.

The biggest downside to Bliss Block Star’s sunscreen is that it leaves a white cast on darker skin — even though the brand claims that the product leaves no cast for any skin tone. Some buyers note that the type of moisturizer you use underneath will also increase the strength of the white cast (a heavy face cream will make the white cast stronger, for example). Plus, the formula transfers onto clothing and contains lavender oil, which may cause irritation. This sunscreen can be drying without moisturizer underneath.

Sun Bum’s traditional mineral sunscreen leaves a significant white cast, but the tinted version is a great improvement. This vegan, reef-friendly formula spreads easily across the skin and has a clean, matte finish that cancels out natural shine or grease. It makes an excellent “primer” before applying a foundation, concealer or both, and it doesn’t pill.

The downsides: This sunscreen’s slight tint helps it blend easily into fair, medium and brown skin tones, but it does not blend as well on Black skin tones. In addition, reviewers found that the product felt slightly “silicone-y” or “plastic-y,” meaning most of the ingredients tend to sit on top of the skin.

Want the best bang for your buck? Cetaphil’s lightweight, liquid-y, mineral sunscreen applies like a moisturizer and sits well under makeup. Don’t be fooled by the shock of white color when you first apply: After a few moments, it sinks into the skin and matches light to medium skin tones. Reviewers love that it is lightweight, making it excellent for daily wear.

Though most mineral sunscreens are naturally drying, buyers note that this formula is a little more drying than most. Even those with oily skin found that they still needed a moisturizer underneath the sunscreen to prevent a dry, tight sensation. In addition, the white cast of this product gets exacerbated during reapplication. The formula may also clash with certain moisturizers and cause pilling.

As with all Supergoop products, the Mineral Sheerscreen provides high-quality, broad spectrum sun protection. (Check out Supergoop’s independent testing process next to each product if you want to be sure.) It features “sheer-matrix technology,” which Supergoop claims helps the product blend effortlessly into dark skin without the help of a tint.

In practice, however, reviewers with light to dark skin have found that Mineral Sheerscreen still leaves a white cast that looks purple on skin with warm undertones. (Learn more about undertones here.) Giving the sunscreen time to set does reduce the cast. For some buyers, the white cast is not an issue because this sunscreen pairs well with makeup. Positive reviews also note that Sheerscreen has a silky feel and a natural finish.

It’s not easy to find a mineral sunscreen for mature skin, because many formulas settle into fine lines and wrinkles in an unflattering way. Fortunately, CōTZ has a silky feel that blends beautifully into both young and mature skin — I tried it on myself and my 62-year old mom!

Though I found the finish a bit too shiny (I would likely add a mattifying makeup powder on top), my mom loved the natural appearance and how lightweight the product felt. Reviewers with brown to Black skin also greatly enjoy this formula and note that any white cast diminishes after about 15 minutes. Keep in mind that this product may still leave a slight white cast on very dark skin tones.

Though many mineral sunscreens are excellent for acne-prone skin, some can still clog pores or create irritation that leads to acne. The Clinique Mineral Sunscreen is a great pick because its formula is non-irritating and breathable, so your pores won’t get clogged. With an SPF of 50, this product’s lightweight feel is impressive. It also has a slightly yellow undertone, making it a great pick for skin with a warm undertone.

While some reviewers with dark skin love that this product leaves no white cast, others argue that it does. Most agree that the formula works well on both oily and dry skin, and sits well under makeup.

Most mineral sunscreens have decent ingredient lists, but Pipette’s Mineral Sunscreen stands out above the rest. It has a great balance of moisturizing and mattifying ingredients, including zinc (naturally oil-reducing) and squalane (an all-natural moisturizer). As a result, this product works well for oily to dry skin types.

Though this formula wins in the baby-safe department, it doesn’t in terms of white cast; it tends to leave a white hue on medium to dark skin tones. Some reviewers also complain that it is oily. Still, many buyers are willing to forgive the white cast and the oily texture for the excellent ingredient list and affordable price.

When I first applied TiZO’s Mineral Sun Defense, the first thing I noticed was the smooth, creamy formula that spread easily across my whole face. The white cast melted away after about five minutes, and then I was left with a glowy finish. I loved the appearance and wore this sunscreen all day long without issue.

Toward the end of the day, however, I noticed that the sunscreen appeared caked on, almost like a heavy foundation. After washing it off and going to sleep, I discovered some irritation and acne forming in places where I don’t normally get acne. Keep in mind that acne is caused by a wide variety of factors, so other issues (like diet) could have been at play. Other reviewers note that this formula never causes irritation for them.

TiZO’s tinted Primer/Sunscreen may be the most mattifying sunscreen I’ve ever tried. The formula is thick and mousse-like but blends easily into my skin and pairs well with moisturizer underneath. The tint is well-suited for tan to medium skin tones and may appear orange on fair skin. In addition, TiZO 3’s Primer Sunscreen is certified PA+++, an excellent rating that means it protects against UVA rays.

While the consistency makes this sunscreen an excellent makeup primer, some people may dislike the silicone-y feeling. Indeed, silicones make up five of the first six ingredients. Some reviewers also dislike the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in this product. However, Skincarisma — an online analyzer tool for cosmetic and skincare ingredients — marks this ingredient as safe if used as intended.

If the CōTZ Flawless Complexion Lightly Tinted Sunscreen leaves a white cast on your skin, the richly tinted version is an excellent alternative. Reviewers love that the rich tint makes this product more inclusive for Black skin while still providing the same sun protection. Keep in mind that this formula works best for dry skin. It may also work for oily skin if it is applied without a moisturizer underneath.

Of course, a richly tinted sunscreen has its drawbacks. This formula transfers if you accidentally touch your face, and you may find streaks of it on your light-colored shirts. It’s also not water-resistant, so make sure you reapply if you start to sweat.

Hailed by influencers as a top pick for brown skin tones, the Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Sunscreen is a great option for dry skin. The formula is lightweight and moisturizing without being oily, so it melts into skin quickly. Reviewers also note that it creates a glowy finish.

A potential downside: This product contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative that prevents the formula from going bad, and fragrance, both of which may be irritating. In addition, it contains coconut oil derivatives which are soothing and hydrating for some, but may cause acne for others.

Though I prefer a tinted mineral sunscreen to offset any white cast, the CōTZ non-tinted sunscreen is a smart choice for buyers who don’t want to deal with a formula that transfers. This product has a lovely consistency that melts into my skin and doesn't leave it feeling tacky or dry. The white cast also disappears after about five minutes.

Of course, my skin is fair, and reviewers with darker skin tones have found that this product leaves a slight white cast. The dewy, shiny nature of this formula is also hard to hide under mattifying makeup, especially if you apply serums and moisturizers first.

Hate when your sunscreen transfers onto your hands or your shirt? Your best bet is to opt for a mattifying, non-tinted formula like MDSolarSciences. With an SPF of 50, this product is impressive in that it doesn’t feel chalky or cakey and leaves a minimal white cast. Plus, it contains great ingredients for mature skin, like vitamin C and antioxidants to counteract sun damage.

As with nearly all non-tinted mineral sunscreens, this sunscreen leaves a white cast on brown to Black skin tones. It’s also one of our more expensive products in this guide and may be drying if applied without a moisturizer underneath.

Sun Bum’s Non-Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is easy on sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle formula. It contains only zinc oxide, which is less irritating than titanium dioxide. In addition, it’s fragrance-free, affordable and smooth to apply.

Though people with light skin love that this product leaves no white cast once it sinks in, those with medium to dark skin find that it still leaves a white cast. Some reviewers also note that the sunscreen has a chalky feel once it dries.

If you travel a lot, a sun stick like the CōTZ Mineral Sun Stick makes a lot of sense. It doesn’t count as a liquid on planes, and it isn’t as messy to apply as lotions. Personally, I found this tinted formula flattering for my skintone. It was also smooth and easy to apply, though I would recommend rubbing it in with your hand after using the stick. It does have a slight smell that reminds me of sesame oil, but that doesn’t bother me.

This product does feel like it sits on your face — and that feeling doesn’t go away. Reviewers noted a similar sensation, though most agree that it’s still a great option as far as sun sticks go. This formula may leave a white cast on brown to Black skin tones.

Versed Guards Up was one of the first sunscreens I tried when I discovered the world of mineral sunscreens, and it’s always been lightweight and reliable with excellent ingredients. The finish is dewy but never shiny, and the scent is gentle and “green” like a fresh plant. This product is made with 79% post consumer recycled plastic and the bottle can be recycled. In addition, its carbon emissions and waste impact are below average.

A potential downside: If I’ve used a retinol or a chemical peel the night before, this formula tingles and burns slightly upon application in the morning. Still, most users note that the formula is excellent for sensitive skin. Those with light to medium skin tones aren’t likely to experience a white cast, but people with brown to Black skin tones may experience a slight white cast.