mineral sunscreen india
Skincare,  What To Buy

12 Best Mineral Sunscreens in India To Protect Your Skin

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

Are you looking for the best mineral based sunscreen in India? This post is for you.

Sunscreens are the new necessity in everyone’s morning skincare routine. So I often have readers asking for recommendations for the best mineral sunscreen for the face in India.

 Mineral Vs Chemical: Which Sunscreen is Best?

Lately, there have been a lot of concerns over the safety of ingredients used in some old chemical/organic filters. Hence, more and more women want to use physical aka mineral sunscreens, and stay on the side of caution.

These physical sunscreens are made with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which are considered to be safer UV filters as they are less irritating. If you are pregnant or have sensitive or acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens are the best choice for your skin.

Mineral sunscreens are also recommended for kids as they are they have sensitive skin which is likely to get irritated with chemical filters.

However, finding a good physical sunscreen is often harder than finding a perfect foundation match. If you have a wheatish or dark skin tone, some physical sunscreens will leave a white cast on your face making your skin look ashy. It’s best to use tinted mineral sunscreen in such a situation to avoid white cast.

best mineral sunscreen india

Also Read: Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens For Oily Skin

How To Identify Real Mineral Sunscreens in India

There are only two mineral sun filters that can be present in a true physical sunscreen – titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

These two ingredients form a physical layer on your skin that reflects UV rays from the sun (hence the name “physical” sunscreen). All other sun filters are called chemical or organic sun filters.

There are many sunscreen formulas that have both chemical and mineral sun filters. However, only the mineral filter is mentioned in the description to mislead customers into thinking they are buying a mineral sunscreen.

So if you are looking for true 100% mineral sunscreen- here are some chemical UV filters that should not be present in the ingredient list.-

  • avobenzone
  • octocrylene
  • oxybenzone
  • benzophenone-3
  • octyl methoxycinnamate
  • ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
  • octisalate
  • octinoxate
  • homosalate

Sometimes the brand may also use a trade name like ‘Suncat DE’ which is a blend of chemical sun filters.

So always read the ingredient list carefully while shopping for mineral-based sunscreens in India. The options I have listed below are 100% real mineral sunscreens and have no chemical filters.

Also Read: Best Hydrating Sunscreens In India For Dry Skin

Best Mineral Sunscreen in India For All Skin Types

Here are the best broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens available in India that will help protect your skin from sun damage. There are tinted and non-tinted options so you have plenty to choose from. So pick one that suits your skin type and budget and you are good to go.

deconstrcut mineral sunscreen

1. Deconstruct Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 55 PA++++
  • Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
  • Universal tint
  • Water-resistant
  • No white cast
  • Matte finish
  • Vegan
  • No added fragrance

This tinted mineral sunscreen from Deconstruct works for all skin types and has a universal peach tint to ensure there is no white cast on your face. It offers broadspectrum SPF 55 PA++++ protection and has a water-resistant formula making it suitable for daily use.

The sunscreen gets quickly absorbed into the skin and has a comfortable, matte finish. It is formulated with photostable ingredients and is free of silicone, fragrances, essential oils, or alcohol. Plus, there is niacinamide to reduce pigmentation and age spots as well.

2. Earth Rhythm PhytoShield Matte Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 50
  • Zinc oxide and titanium oxide
  • Matte finish
  • No white cast
  • Waterproof
  • No added fragrance

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need a water-resistant sunscreen to ensure it doesn’t get wiped away by sweat. And this matte mineral Sunscreen with SPF 50 from Earth Rhythm is a great pick.

It is a silicone-based sunscreen that leaves no white cast and has a lightweight, velvety matte finish that is comfortable to wear outdoors, even in this heatwave!

The mineral filters used are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. There is no added fragrance so if you are looking for fragrance-free mineral sunscreen in India, this is a great pick.

Read my full review here.

Also Read: How To Remove Suntan Naturally At Home

qurez mineral sunscreen

3. Qurez Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 30 PA+++
  • Non-nano zinc oxide and micronized Titanium oxide
  • Matte finish
  • No white cast
  • Water-resistant
  • Acne-friendly
  • No added fragrance

Qurez’s mattifying mineral sunscreen is a crowd favourite since it is quite affordable. It has SPF 30 PA+++ broad-spectrum protection and contains aloe vera, vitamin E, seabuckthorn extract, and matcha tea, all great for nourishing your skin.

The sunscreen has a nice matte finish and doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin. So if you have dark skin, definitely try this out. I think oily-skinned people will love this as it is matte and doesn’t make skin greasy, even on reapplication. My top pick! Read the full review here.

4. Daughter Earth Sunnydip Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 35 PA+++
  • Zinc oxide
  • Vegan
  • No white cast
  • No added fragrance

This mineral sunscreen from Daughter Earth, a conscious vegan skincare brand in India is a great pick for all skin types. It has SPF 35 PA+++ protection which is excellent for everyday use.

The formula is silicone-free and has a creamy consistency which spreads easily on the skin. It has a blend of botanicals like chamomile, babassu, mulberry, carrot, etc. that soothe and protect the skin while the amino acid complex improves hydration.

5. Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 50 PA+++
  • Zinc oxide
  • No white cast
  • Universal tint
  • Water-resistant
  • No added fragrance
  • Matte finish

Re’equil tinted matte sunscreen is silicone-based with an SPF 50 PA+++ rating. It is waterproof and has undergone in-vitro testing for sunscreen ratings.

It has a universal orange tint that suits most Indian skin types. But take care as it is known to leave stains on white clothes. If you are looking for an affordable tinted mineral sunscreen with a matte finish that suits all skin types, this is a good choice.

6. The Moms Co. Natural Daily Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 45+ PA++++
  • Zinc oxide
  • No white cast
  • Dewy finish
  • Made Safe approved

The Moms Co. baby sunscreen left a terrible white cast. But this adult mineral sunscreen fares much better in that department. It takes time to blend in but has no white cast and offers SPF 45+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection.

It has a thick lotion-like consistency and settles into a dewy finish. Along with zinc oxide as a sun filter, it has chamomile, licorice, and calendula extract to soothe the skin.

It is not waterproof so this won’t be a good option if you are swimming or sweating a lot. Best reserve this one for winter or indoor use.

Also Read: Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens In India For Oily Skin.

7. Harkoi Mineral Matte Sunscreen

  • SPF 35 PA++++
  • Zinc oxide
  • No added fragrance
  • 8 tint options
  • No white cast
  • Matte finish

If you are looking for the best-tinted mineral sunscreen in India, then Harkoi Life Mineral Matte sunscreen is a great choice. They have launched India’s first tinted mineral sunscreen that has 8 diverse shades to suit all skin types. And it has SPF 35 too.

So you don’t have to worry about looking like a ghost with this one. It also has Vitamin E and squalane to moisturize your skin. If you don’t mind silicones, this is a great option as it works as a makeup primer too.

8. YBP Sun Salve

  • SPF 25 PA+++
  • Non-Nano Zinc oxide
  • No added fragrance
  • Universal Tint
  • Dewy Finish

YBP sun salve is a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic sunscreen made with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients. It gently moisturises your skin while the universal tint ensures there is no white-cast left on your skin.

The YBP Sun Salve offers SPF 25 PA+++ protection and leaves a dewy finish on your face. It is infused with jojoba and carrot extract to protect skin from environmental aggressors. it is also reef-safe and made to both protect your skin and our oceans.

9. Mamaearth Mineral-Based Sunscreen

  • SPF 20+
  • Zinc oxide
  • Kid-friendly
  • Antioxidants for enhanced protection
  • Matte Finish

This is a physical sunscreen primarily designed for kids. But has that ever stopped us from using it? The ingredients list has a lot of natural emollients and occlusives so the formulation will best suit dry/sensitive skin types.

It has SPF 20 and you can also use this on your body since it is quite affordable. It also has Vitamin E which enhances sun protection. Pick up the trial-sized version and test it out before investing in a larger bottle.

Also Read: Summer Skincare Routine For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

10. Rustic Art Mineral Sunscreen

  • SPF 30+
  • Titanium oxide and Zinc oxide
  • Vegan
  • Dewy matte finish

Made with a blend of titanium and zinc oxides, this vegan physical sunscreen from Rustic Art is a waterless formula with SPF 30+. So the consistency is thicker and it will best suit people with normal to dry skin types.

the sunscreen has natural antioxidant-rich ingredients like raspberry oil, Vitamin C, and vitamin E which enhance sun protection by minimizing free radical damage. It is also priced affordably so pick it you want a pure physical sunscreen with natural ingredients for your face and body.

11. FCL Chemfree Physical Sunscreen

  • SPF 50 PA+++
  • Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
  • Water-resistant
  • No white cast

The dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is made with non-nano filters and is suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. The oil-free sunscreen is dermatologically tested and water-resistant making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Its gentle, non-comedogenic formula also has skin-loving ingredients like ectoin, squalane, golden seaweed, Vitamin E and niacinamide to soothe and hydrate skin while protecting it from free radical damage. And with SPF 50 and PA +++ ratings, it provides broad-spectrum UV protection to keep your skin safe from the sun.

12. Beplain Clean Ocean Nonnano Mild Sunscreen

  • SPF 50 PA++++
  • Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
  • Water-resistant
  • No white cast
  • Semi-Matte finish
  • No added fragrance

This Korean sunscreen is a daily-use physical sunscreen with a nanoparticle-free formula. It has a cream texture that deeply moisturises skin, and blends easily with no white cast. The SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum sunscreen has a semi-matte, powdery finish that absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue on application.

With SPF 50+ PA++++ it provides high UVA and UVB protection. Formulated with Chamomile Flower and Centella Asiatica extract, the anti-oxidant sunscreen also soothes sensitive skin. It also Niacinamide and Spirulina to control sebum, brighten your skin, and protect it against sun damage.

Also Read: Breeze Through Summers With These Amazing Skincare Tips

So, which of these mineral sunscreen options from India are you planning to pick?

Mineral Sunscreen FAQs

How often should mineral sunscreen be reapplied?

It’s best to reapply mineral sunscreens every 2-3 hours, or more frequently if you are swimming, and sweating profusely. This helps maintain effective sun protection throughout the day.

Can mineral sunscreens be used on children?

Yes, mineral sunscreens are generally safe for use on children, and they are often recommended for those with sensitive skin. However, always check the product label for any age restrictions and consult with a paediatrician if needed.

What is the significance of SPF and PA ratings in mineral sunscreens?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates protection against UVB rays, while PA ratings signify protection against UVA rays. Higher numbers correspond to greater protection provided by the sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with atleast SPF 30 PA++ rating for daily use.

Are mineral sunscreens better for the environment?

Mineral sunscreens are often considered more environmentally friendly as they typically don’t contain certain ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs. Look for sunscreens labelled as “reef-safe” for a more eco-friendly choice.

Can I wear mineral sunscreens for water activities or sports?

Yes, many mineral sunscreens are water-resistant, making them suitable for water activities and outdoor sports. However, you do need to reapply them after swimming or excessive sweating for prolonged protection.

Do mineral sunscreens leave a white cast on the skin?

Many brands are formulating mineral sunscreens to minimize the white cast effect. Look for products with micronized particles for a more transparent application. Even tinted mineral sunscreens are a good choice to minimize white residue.

Are mineral sunscreens suitable for all skin types?

Yes, mineral sunscreens are generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. They are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to some chemical sunscreens. However, its best to conduct a patch test while trying a new formulation to see if suits your skin.

* This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using the link, I will earn a small amount (at no extra cost to you!) The amount helps me maintain website costs and bring more and better content to you.

best mineral susncreen india

Rutu Desai is a seasoned beauty writer and expert with over five years of experience working with beauty brands across the globe. With an aim to help people look and feel confident, Rutu shares her expert insights and tips to achieve healthy skin and hair.

One Comment

  • Mitana Mukherjee

    Highly enjoyed reading the piece. I had heard about Deconstruct, but its good to know other brands as well. As per my skin type, Deconstruct tops as No. 1! Keep up the good work.

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