In recent years, the awareness surrounding skin protection has grown exponentially, leading to an increased interest in zinc oxide sunscreens due to their natural and broad-spectrum protection capabilities. These sunscreens are celebrated for their ability to create a physical barrier on the skin, effectively reflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays. With numerous brands entering the market, each offering unique formulations and added benefits, choosing the best zinc oxide sunscreen can be overwhelming. Below, we explore some of the top-rated brands that have garnered positive reviews from consumers and dermatologists alike.
Illustration of zinc oxide sunscreen
Best brands of zinc oxide sunscreen in 2025
EltaMD
EltaMD, a leading dermatologist-recommended brand for over 25 years, is renowned for its high-quality sunscreens, utilizing mineral-based zinc oxide, like the UV Clear SPF 46 with 9% transparent zinc oxide, to provide superior broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. They also offer other formulas such as UV Physical SPF 41 with 9% zinc oxide and 7% titanium dioxide. Additionally, their sunscreens are fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and non-comedogenic. You can explore a wide range of EltaMD products on their website.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a top-tier brand known for its effective zinc oxide sunscreens, particularly the Anthelios Mineral line, which uses 100% mineral filters, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. These sunscreens are formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology, offering antioxidants and a fast-absorbing, non-whitening texture with a matte finish. The products are rigorously tested for sensitive skin and are water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Many of their sunscreens contain 5% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide, and they are developed with dermatologists' input.
CeraVe
CeraVe is a top producer of zinc oxide sunscreens, offering various products with mineral-based protection, including their Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which uses 100% mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin, and some formulations have a zinc oxide percentage as high as 21.7%, providing broad-spectrum defense against UVA and UVB rays, while also incorporating ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to hydrate and calm the skin; Additionally, CeraVe offers tinted options like their Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with a sheer tint for those desiring a bit of coverage, and various of their sunscreens are fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, making them suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Blue Lizard
Blue Lizard, established in 1995, is a trusted brand that originated in Australia and is now known for producing high-quality mineral sunscreens, with their Sensitive line containing 10% zinc oxide and 8% titanium dioxide, offering broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection and 80 minutes of water resistance, while also being reef-friendly by excluding oxybenzone and octinoxate; their products, recommended by dermatologists, use mineral-based formulas to protect from 97% of the sun's harmful rays.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena is a top producer of zinc oxide sunscreens, with their Sheer Zinc line utilizing 100% naturally-sourced zinc oxide, typically at a 21.6% concentration, to provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays. Featuring a non-greasy, dry-touch formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this mineral sunscreen is dermatologist-tested, and free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Neutrogena's sunscreens, known for their Purescreen technology, ensure a sheer finish and are available in both face and body lotions.
Aveeno
Aveeno is a leading brand for zinc oxide sunscreens, offering mineral-based formulas with 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide, often at a concentration of 21.6%, that provide broad spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays, and are gentle enough for sensitive skin, including babies. The sunscreens are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and are formulated with skin-soothing oat, ensuring they are free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances. You can find their baby mineral sunscreen lotion for enhanced UV protection and skin comfort.
Badger
Badger is a top producer of zinc oxide sunscreens, offering a range of products with non-nano zinc oxide percentages between 10% and 25%. Known for using high-quality, mostly organic ingredients, often with 98% certified organic content, these sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection and water resistance for up to 80 minutes, making them a reef-safe option since their founding in 1995. You can explore their products on their website.
Thinkbaby
Thinkbaby, founded in 2006, is a leading brand producing safe sunscreens, particularly known for their zinc oxide based products, with a 20% non-nano zinc oxide formulation for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance up to 80 minutes, earning top ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) since 2010 and numerous awards; their products are free of harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates and are dermatologist and pediatrician recommended, making it a popular choice for babies and individuals with sensitive skin.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum, established in 2010, is a leading brand known for its high-quality zinc oxide sunscreens, with some formulations using 14.7% or 20% zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Many of their products are reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free. They offer a range of products, including lotions and face sticks with SPF 30 and SPF 50, designed to be non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin. These formulations often incorporate ingredients like aloe and vitamin E for added skin benefits and are compliant with Hawaii Act 104.
Babo Botanicals
Babo Botanicals is a trusted brand, offering a variety of zinc oxide sunscreens, with some formulations using 16% or 19% zinc oxide for effective sun protection. Many of their products, like the Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, while also being reef-safe and vegan. Their SPF 30 tinted sunscreen contains 6% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide, as per the 2009 FDA monograph. Babo Botanicals' products often include other beneficial ingredients like aloe vera, avocado, and jojoba oil, and are designed to be lightweight and not leave a white cast, with many users finding them suitable for the whole family, including babies.
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