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13 Dermatologist-Approved Natural Sunscreens for Every Skin Concern

From acne-prone skin to sunburns.

By Chloe Hall, Ariana Yaptangco and Margaux Anbouba
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Jerry Cooke

It’s time to invest in natural sunscreen. Apart from saving the coral reefs, you could also be protecting your skin. Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon from Art of Skin, explained that with chemical sunscreens, the product is essentially changing light into heat energy, which can negatively affect the skin. “Heat causes inflammation on the skin, which can cause deleterious effects on the skin and premature aging changes,” explains Palm.

Needless to say, choosing the right sunscreen matters. There are so many options these days, from powder SPFs, to tinted sunscreens, to SPFs that you can buy at the drugstore. Natural sunscreens, also called “physical sunscreens” by the FDA, consist of two types of mineral-based formulas: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens work by reflecting the sun rather than using energy conversion like other chemical-based sunscreens.

Some of the best sunscreens out there now combine the best of natural sunscreen elements with the power of anti-inflammatory agents and/or anti-oxidants. Palm advises looking for active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on the labels to check. We’ve also taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect natural sunscreens for you with these 13 dermatologist- and editor-approved picks.

BB Cream Dupe

UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
BB Cream Dupe

UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

$29 at thirteenlune.com
Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Black-owned brand
  • Primer, color corrector, and SPF
  • Slightly tinted
  • Semi-matte finish
Cons
  • Not ideal for paler complexions

This tinted 100% mineral SPF also doubles as a color-correcting formula. There are two different shades (Light/Medium and Medium/Dark) to optimize blendability, too.

ThirteenLune star rating: 4.8/5

What ThirteenLune reviewers are saying: "This dreamy matte sunscreen lotion is now my standard replacement for my BB cream! I would love it if it had a little bit of a stronger tint, but it holds my powder so well that it hardly matters. Light as air!"

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Glowy Formula

Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Glowy Formula

Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Formulated with ceramides and peptides
  • Slightly tinted
Cons
  • Pricey

Instant facial glow in a bottle—this silky serum SPF has a peachy tint to offset the typical complaints around mineral SPF and the ceramides and peptides in the formula help soften skin over time.

Sephora star rating: 4.4/5

What Sephora reviewers are saying: "I've been using the Supergoop glow screen for years and wanted to try this out. I mix the Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops with this, and it turns out stunning will be purchasing again!"

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Sustainable Pick

Le Prunier Plumscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 31

Plumscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 31
Sustainable Pick

Le Prunier Plumscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 31

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Formulated with the brand's Plum Superfruit Complex
  • Protects against UV and blue wavelengths
  • Sustainable packaging
Cons
  • Pricey

Made with upcycled plum seeds and the brand's proprietary Plum Superfruit Complex, this silky SPF feels more like a luxurious moisturizer than a mineral-based sunscreen.

Le Prunier star rating: 4.9/5

What Le Prunier reviewers are saying: "I hate sunscreen. It's gloopy and greasy and too white, and it clogs my skin. But I love LePrunier plum oil, so when I found out Le Prunier made sunscreen, I had to try it. I ordered a small bottle. I'm sold! This sunscreen is unlike any you've tried. Trust me; I've tried them all. It's like a dewy moisturizer. It does not discolor your skin, and it's not at all goopy. I just ordered the larger bottle for the coming summer. Thank you, Le Prunier. I think your product is worth the price."

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Best of Amazon

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44

UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44
Best of Amazon

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Slightly tinted
  • Made with hyaluronic and vitamin C
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free
Cons
  • May be drying
  • Pump may malfunction

"This line is an absolute favorite amongst dermatologists, approaching almost cult-favorite status," Palm says. Along with being a tinted sunscreen, "the formulation features not only moisturizers (hyaluronic acid) to increase skin hydration but antioxidant protection (vitamin C) to protect from visible/infrared light exposure and free radical protection." Perfect for those with sensitive skin, "it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and gluten-free."

Amazon star rating
: 4.7/5

What Amazon reviewers are saying:
"This is an excellent product protecting against UVA UVB, as well as infrared. It is 100% mineral based, so you don't have to worry about chemicals being absorbed into the skin, and it is reef-safe. It does have a nice subtle tint, so there is no white cast."

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Great for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Great for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Super moisturizing
Cons
  • Requires rubbing in

The sun-repelling zinc oxide is micronized and goes on smoothly without making you look pasty. The product is also free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, and harsh chemicals, so it’s gentle on the most sensitive skin.

Target star rating: 4.1/5 stars

What Target reviewers are saying: “This feels great on my face, almost like a moisturizer. As a matter of fact, I’ve been omitting my moisturizer lately because this works just as well. This has zinc which is highly suggested. Been using this daily and have no negative side effects, no breakouts, no rash, nothing. I highly recommend this for your face. Does it leave a white residue, yes, but I’m not complaining. It works wonders.”

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Made for Acne-Prone Skin

ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof Face Serum SPF 50

Megashade Breakout-Proof Face Serum SPF 50
Made for Acne-Prone Skin

ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof Face Serum SPF 50

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Serum texture
  • Non-comedogneic
Cons
  • May be too greasy for some

One of the biggest complaints about sunscreen is it causes breakouts, so the acne brand ZitSticka was formulated with that in mind.

Target star rating: 4.3/5

What Target reviewers are saying: “The thing I love the most about this product is the glow it gives my face. I have really dry skin and this product truly gives you that ‘glazed donut’ look on top. I don’t think it causes any acne for me, so that’s always a plus. It’s really easy to blend into the skin too.”

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Best for Blue Light Protection

Coola Mineral Silk Crème SPF30

Mineral Silk Crème SPF30
Best for Blue Light Protection

Coola Mineral Silk Crème SPF30

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Vegan
  • Sustainable glass packaging
  • Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Leaves faint white cast
  • Doesn't work as well on mature skin

A sunscreen that goes above and beyond. Not only does it prevent damage from UV rays, but it also has the added benefit of protecting your precious skin from blue light, aka the rays from your computer or phone.

Ulta star rating: 4.3/5 stars

What Ulta reviewers are saying: "I have sensitive skin and am acne-prone, but this sunscreen has never caused me to break out. It goes on nice and smooth. My only complaint making me give it 4 stars is that it leaves a faint white residue if you don't thoroughly massage it onto your face. Great protection, though!"

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Best Splurge

ISDIN PHOTO Eryfotona Actinica

Eryfotona Actinica
Best Splurge

ISDIN PHOTO Eryfotona Actinica

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Formulated with vitamin E
  • Slightly tinted
Cons
  • May cause breakouts

If you’re willing to spend more, look no further than ISDIN’s superior formula for “daily protection and addressing previous sun damage.” “It’s 100% mineral-based sunscreen and has a lightweight consistency that won’t leave you feeling greasy,” adds Dr. Ellen Marmur.

ISDIN star rating:
4.7/5

What ISDIN reviewers are saying:
“This sunscreen not only lasts a long time, but it helps my skin with the use of my tretinoin and it doesn’t inflame or irritate. I’ve gone back to it after trying different things, because nothing makes my skin glow.”

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Two-In-One

Relevant One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40

One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40
Two-In-One

Relevant One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Black-owned brand
  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and 2% niacinamide
  • Super hydrating
Cons
  • Packaging pump can be hard to use

Your daily moisturizer meets a creamy SPF 40 formula that will keep your skin protected and hydrated.

ThirteenLune Star Rating: 4.7/5

What reviewers are saying: "I recently tried the Relevant: Your Skin Seen - One and Done Everyday cream with SPF 40. It is a great product! It is light feeling, not heavy at all as a moisturizer. It is not heavily scented and it is not greasy at all. In addition, it provided good coverage as sunblock. Overall this is a great product and I would highly recommend it."

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Best for Babies

Pipette Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Best for Babies

Pipette Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Hypoallergenic
Cons
  • Small amount in bottle

Made for baby (but you can use it, too!), this creamy formula is perfect for a family vacation. It was formulated with pediatricians and is completely hypoallergenic.

Target star rating: 4.3/5

What Target reviewers are saying: "This is the BEST sunscreen for kids (and adults with sensitive skin)! It goes on smooth, does not leave a white cast, doesn't irritate skin or eyes, and doesn't appear oily. My 3 kids and I use it, so we quickly go through the 4 oz bottles. I like to limit my plastic use, so I'd really like to see a large family-size pump bottle."

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Best Hypoallergenic Formula

Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best Hypoallergenic Formula

Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Made with tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus extracts
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
  • Chalky residue

Iconic family vacation brand Coppertone (who can forget that little girl and her dog!) now has a clean sunscreen. This 100% mineral formula is hypoallergenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Target star formula: 4.6/5

What reviewers are saying: “This is the only sunscreen that works well for my very sensitive skin. If you’re like me, reapply just like any other sunscreen if out on the beach, and you will be protected. The product is not sticky, easy to apply, and leaves no residue. Please come out with a spray version too!”

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Super-techy Formula

Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42

Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42
Super-techy Formula

Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42

Now 15% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Very lightweight
  • Dewy texture
Cons
  • Pricey for size

Iconic Japanese brand Shiseido is known for its incredible sunscreen formulations, including this dreamy smooth mineral version.

Nordstrom Star Rating: 4.3/5

What Nordstrom reviewers are saying: "This face sunscreen is amazing. It's a thinner consistency, which means less is more and it absorbs into the skin quickly. There is a bit of stickiness when it’s absorbing, but once it’s dry and absorbed it feels like there’s nothing on my skin.

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Best for Sunburns

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Best for Sunburns

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Now 11% Off
Credit: Courtesy of Brand
Pros
  • Formulated with ceramides
  • Wears well under makeup
  • Formulated with sunburns
Cons
  • Wears better on lighter skin tones

Already burnt? Marmur recommends CeraVe’s nourishing sunscreen with “a trio of natural ceramides which help to restore your skin and keep moisture locked in.” “Keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated is key with burns,” she explains.

Amazon Star Rating:
3.9/5

What reviewers are saying:
“It does leave a strong white cast, but it works great under makeup! Didn’t make it run or rub off at all.”

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Meet the Experts

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Hearst Owned

Dr. Melanie Palm is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon from Art of Skin.

Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan.

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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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Hearst Owned

Margaux Anbouba: As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She’s not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it’s worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

Headshot of Chloe Hall
Chloe Hall
Beauty Director

Chloe Hall oversees all beauty coverage at ELLE.com. She knew she wanted to get into beauty the moment Donna Summer came on her screen and she's been chasing the perfect disco shadows ever since. Her sweet spot is the intersections of beauty with current culture, whether it's music, movies, or social media. You can find her in Brooklyn with her pug or in Rihanna's comment section.

Headshot of Ariana Yaptangco
Social Media & Beauty Editor

Ariana Yaptangco oversees all #content across ELLE's social media platforms and covers beauty news. When she isn't staring at a screen, you can find her drinking tea, trying new skincare products, or yelling about the New York Mets. 

Headshot of Margaux Anbouba
Beauty Editor

As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.

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