Mineral sunscreen, also called physical sunscreen, uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to protect skin. These mineral filters sit on the surface and reflect and scatter UV light, rather than absorbing it the way chemical filters do.

Mineral sunscreen reflects UV at the skin surface using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and works immediately. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and converts UV to heat. Mineral formulas tend to be gentler on sensitive and reactive skin.

Neither is universally better. Mineral is often preferred for sensitive, rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin and works instantly, while chemical formulas can feel lighter and more invisible. The best sunscreen is the one you will wear every day.

Yes. Because mineral filters sit on top of the skin and rarely sting, they are usually the best-tolerated option for sensitive, rosacea-prone, allergy-prone and post-procedure skin. Look for fragrance-free zinc oxide formulas.

Untinted mineral sunscreen can leave a slight white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. Tinted mineral formulas and modern micronized zinc options blend in far better while keeping the same mineral protection.

Often yes. Tinted mineral sunscreens contain iron oxides that help shield against visible light, a known trigger for melasma and hyperpigmentation that standard sunscreen does not block. They are a smart choice for pigment-prone skin.

Reapply every two hours during sun exposure, and sooner after sweating, swimming or towel drying. Brush-on or stick mineral formats make midday reapplication over makeup much easier.

Both are effective mineral filters. Zinc oxide offers slightly broader UVA protection and is very gentle, while titanium dioxide is excellent for UVB. Many formulas combine the two for complete broad-spectrum coverage.

Yes. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which are often recommended to be applied around 15 minutes before sun exposure, mineral sunscreen reflects UV immediately, so it protects as soon as it is applied.

Yes. Apply mineral sunscreen as the final step of skincare and let it set before makeup. Tinted formulas can even replace foundation, and powder or brush-on mineral SPF is ideal for topping up over makeup.

Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas are a popular reef-conscious choice. If reef impact matters to you, look for products labelled non-nano and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Buying from an authorized retailer like SkinCrew guarantees fresh, authentic, properly stored product, so your mineral SPF delivers the full broad-spectrum protection the brand formulated it to provide.