Unlike chemical formulations, which take around 20 minutes to become effective, mineral sunscreens also get to work as soon as you apply them.

Discover nine of our favourite mineral sunscreens here at H&B, as well as a little more information to help you decide if they could be a good choice for you in this article. Skip to: verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ It's important to note that both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective at protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays, but some people may prefer one type over the other based on their skin type or personal preferences," adds Dr Ludmila. What are the benefits of using a mineral sunscreen? Ultimately, the best sunscreens are the ones you will actually use on a regular basis. Dermatologists from the British Skin Foundation claim:

The final say

There’s no doubt that sunscreen and sun creams are absolutely essential for healthy skin; however, it can be hard work finding a sunscreen you’re totally satisfied with. Lamellar technology uses a Lamellar gel structure that is specifically made to work in harmony with your skin. This unique technology helps the formulation bind and work in harmony with your skin, offering longer lasting UV protection that is fully water-resistant whilst helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier. Our sunscreens are manufactured following the strictest GMP and ISO accredited standards. We are happy to share these reports with anyone who requests them. As we've not been able to validate Which?'s findings, we firmly believe they are incorrect.'

Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens differ in the way they protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun,” shares Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin expert at Lucia Clinic. “Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.” They’re sometimes referred to as a physical sunscreens and work by absorbing and then deflecting or scattering the UV radiation, as well as absorbing the UV light and releasing it as heat. 1 While chemical formulas tend to be a popular choice because they’re typically lighter in texture and easier to apply, mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog pores, making them better for sensitive, irritated and blemish-prone skin types.

The best mineral sunscreens to buy in 2023

Although underrated, mineral sunscreens (or mineral SPFs) are often applauded for their ability to shield our skin from the harmful UV rays, and deservedly so. Compared to their chemical counterparts, mineral sunscreens tend tend to feature a much more gentle formula, making it perfectly suitable for sensitive complexions. Not to mention, they also offer broad spectrum protection, aimed to deflect blue light, UVB and UVA rays (which may cause pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen). If you’ve struggled to find your SPF soulmate with traditional chemical-based sunscreens, mineral sunscreens could be worth a try.

They can also be a great choice for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they sit on the surface of the skin rather than get absorbed. However, mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave whitish ‘casts’ on the skin, so may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones (even though this is much less common now).

Ultrasun Mineral Sunscreen 

Clinique told us it has conducted external standard testing which supports its SPF claims and meets EU guidelines for UVA: ‘All our products are subjected to rigorous testing - we guarantee our claims are clinically valid. Our evaluation and inspection process means we have full confidence in the integrity and efficacy of all ingredients and formulas.'