With the increasing awareness of the harmful effects of sun exposure, finding the right sunscreen has become an essential part of our daily skincare regimen. Physical sunscreens, known for containing active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide a protective barrier that deflects the sun's rays. Amongst the multitude of options available, several brands have stood out for their effectiveness and quality. If you're on a quest for the best in physical sunscreens, check out our comprehensive list of top brands below.
Illustration of physical sunscreen
Best brands of physical sunscreen in 2025
EltaMD
EltaMD is renowned as the #1 dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand, trusted for over 30 years for its safe and effective products. Their UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, containing 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate, is highly praised for its lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic formula, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin and rosacea. This sunscreen is enriched with 5% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to improve skin tone and retain moisture. It is favored by dermatologists and users alike for its smooth application and lack of white cast. EltaMD's products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and designed to protect, heal, and renew skin.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is renowned for its high-quality sunscreens, particularly its Anthelios range, which often combines both physical and chemical UV actives to achieve maximum broad-spectrum efficacy. Recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay's sunscreens are dermatologically tested to ensure maximum tolerance for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. In 2022, the brand was the fastest-growing skincare brand, with a 46% increase in dollar sales and a 48% increase in unit sales compared to 2021. Their products, such as the Anthelios UV Correct Daily Anti-aging Face Sunscreen, offer lightweight, non-greasy textures and are free from oxybenzone, fragrance, and parabens, making them ideal for daily wear. For more information, visit their official website.
ISDIN
ISDIN is a renowned brand in the sunscreen market, particularly acclaimed for its high-quality physical sunscreens. The Eryfotona Actinica, for example, is an ultralight mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+, containing 11% zinc oxide and innovative DNA Repairsomes® derived from plankton to repair existing sun damage. This product is dermatologist-recommended, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and free of parabens, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. ISDIN has seen significant success, especially in China's market, where it has become Tmall's number one sunscreen product, with sales scaling nearly 100 times since its entry in 2015. The brand's products are designed to provide broad-spectrum protection and are suitable for all skin types.
Supergoop!
Supergoop is a leading brand in the physical sunscreen market, known for its innovative and effective products that provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Founded in 2005, the brand has experienced rapid growth, with sales increasing from $20 million in 2017 to $250 million in 2022. Supergoop!'s products, such as the Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40, combine mineral sunscreen with skincare benefits, addressing multiple consumer needs. The brand's commitment to education and encouraging daily SPF use has contributed to its strong market presence and consumer loyalty. With a focus on cruelty-free and vegan-friendly formulations, Supergoop continues to innovate and expand its product line. For more details, visit their official website.
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant is renowned for its high-quality physical sunscreens, such as the Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, which features 20% Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This sunscreen is oxybenzone-free, non-toxic to marine life, and enriched with antioxidants like astaxanthin and grape juice extracts. In 2019, Drunk Elephant achieved global net sales of $120 million, with a 118% compound annual growth rate between 2016 and 2019. The brand is cruelty-free and highly regarded, ranking as the No. 1 or No. 2 skincare brand at its retail partners. The Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 offers a non-sticky, lightweight formula, although some users note a light white cast.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena is a leading brand in the physical sunscreen market, known for its high-quality and dermatologist-recommended products. The company is part of the larger market valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2033. Neutrogena's products, such as the Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, are popular for their immediate protection and gentle formulation. The brand is one of the prominent players in the market, alongside other major companies like Johnson & Johnson and L'Oreal Group. Neutrogena's commitment to innovation and consumer preference for natural skincare options contribute to its strong market presence. For more information, visit Neutrogena's website.
Coola
Coola is renowned for its high-quality physical sunscreens, leveraging plant cell actives and naturally effective, sustainably-sourced ingredients to nourish and protect the skin. Founded in 2007, Coola has expanded its product line beyond sun care to include traditional skin care products, with a focus on protecting the skin barrier against modern environmental aggressors like blue light damage. Their sunscreens are free from toxic chemicals such as oxybenzone, ensuring safe and effective sun protection. Coola's products are available through their direct-to-consumer site, as well as retail partners like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom. The brand's commitment to sustainability and skin health has made it a trusted name in the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Blue Lizard
Blue Lizard is a renowned brand in the sunscreen industry, celebrated for its high-quality, mineral-based sunscreens that have been dermatologist-recommended for over 20 years. Known for its reef-friendly formulations, Blue Lizard sunscreens are free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, making them a safe choice for both consumers and the environment. The brand's innovative Smart Bottle and Smart Cap Technology changes color in harmful UV light, serving as a visual reminder to reapply sunscreen. Blue Lizard's products, such as the Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, have won prestigious awards like the Allure 2024 "Best of Beauty" Award and offer broad spectrum protection against UV rays. With a strong growth trajectory, Blue Lizard has seen revenues increase significantly, reflecting its growing market presence.
Bare Republic
Bare Republic is a standout producer of physical sunscreens, known for its mineral-based formulas that offer worry-free, adventure-proof protection. Their sunscreens are free of parabens, phthalates, Oxybenzone, and Octinoxate, and are compliant with Hawaii's coral reef Act 104. The brand's ClearScreen® line is particularly praised for leaving no white cast and being non-sticky. Bare Republic's products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and dermatologist-tested, ensuring safe and effective sun protection. With a focus on environmental sustainability, their packaging is made from recyclable or post-consumer recycled materials.
Murad
Murad is renowned as one of the best producers of physical sunscreens, offering products like the City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which provides 100% mineral protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light damage. This sunscreen, containing 10.0% Zinc Oxide and 2.7% Titanium Dioxide, shields skin from 96% of pollution and 89% of blue light from screens, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving an ashy residue and features a soft peach tint for color correction. Murad's products are backed by science and patented technologies, ensuring effective and sustainable sun protection. With its advanced ingredients and clinically tested results, Murad stands out in the skincare industry.
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