Mineral Sunscreens SPF List

Scientific data on mineral (physical) sunscreen ingredients, compiled from peer-reviewed research on zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide formulations

SPF Recommendation
60+ Neutrogena Sensitive Skin
50+ Thinkbaby for Baby Vegan
50 Neutrogena Sheer Zinc
50 CeraVe Mineral
50 Australian Gold Botanical Tinted
47 EltaMD UV Pure
41 EltaMD UV Physical Tinted
35 Badger Sport Stick
30+ Blue Lizard Australian
30 Raw Elements Face + Body
10.4 Z-Cote HP1 (BASF) - 25% coated zinc oxide

This SPF chart is compiled from research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Mineral sunscreens work as physical blockers, reflecting and scattering UV radiation. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen ingredients recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA.

Mineral Sunscreens Overview

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are inorganic physical sun blockers that provide broad-spectrum protection. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation, mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect harmful rays.

Protection characteristics vary by particle size, coating, and concentration. Titanium dioxide is more effective in the UVB range, while zinc oxide provides superior UVA protection. The combination of both minerals ensures comprehensive broad-spectrum coverage.

FDA GRASE status sets mineral sunscreens apart. In 2021, the FDA confirmed that among 16 reviewed sunscreen ingredients, only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are "generally recognized as safe and effective" based on available scientific evidence.

Titanium Dioxide - Highest SPF Mineral

According to comparative studies, titanium dioxide provides significantly higher SPF values than zinc oxide. Research shows that coated titanium dioxide (with alumina and stearic acid coatings) can achieve SPF 38 at 25% concentration, while zinc oxide reaches a maximum SPF of only 10 at the same concentration.

Titanium dioxide was thus seen to be much more effective than zinc oxide; indeed no commercial form of zinc oxide tested can give a sun protection factor (SPF) higher than 10 at its maximum dose of use, unlike titanium dioxide which in its coated form gives a SPF of 38

From Mineral filters in sunscreen products--comparison of the efficacy of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide by in vitro method (2008)

Titanium dioxide excels in UVB protection, making it ideal for preventing sunburn. However, it provides less UVA coverage compared to zinc oxide, which is why many formulations combine both minerals.

Zinc Oxide - Broad Spectrum Protection

Zinc oxide offers the broadest UV spectrum coverage of any single sunscreen ingredient, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. While its maximum SPF is limited to 10 at 25% concentration, zinc oxide is particularly valued for its superior UVA protection.

Recent studies have shown that the in vitro SPF measurements of zinc oxide-containing sunscreens are consistently lower than their in vivo (on human skin) values, suggesting that zinc oxide may perform better in real-world applications than laboratory tests indicate.

Combination Formulations

The combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide leverages the strengths of both minerals. As titanium dioxide is more effective in UVB and zinc oxide in the UVA range, formulations containing both particles ensure optimal broad-band UV protection.

High SPF mineral sunscreens (SPF 30-50+) typically combine both minerals at optimized ratios, often with additional ingredients like iron oxides for visible light protection.

Nanoparticle Technology

To address the cosmetic challenge of traditional mineral sunscreens' white cast, manufacturers have developed nanoparticle formulations with particles smaller than 100nm. These nano-sized minerals maintain their protective properties while appearing more transparent on the skin.

Safety studies, including research by FDA scientists and European researchers, have concluded that neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide nanoparticles penetrate beyond the skin's surface layer, even on damaged skin.

Iron Oxide and Visible Light

Iron oxides provide protection against visible light, complementing the UV protection of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While not providing traditional SPF values, iron oxides at 1-3% concentration can significantly reduce visible light transmission, helping prevent melasma and hyperpigmentation.

Interestingly, research has shown that formulations with lower concentrations of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but containing iron oxides can provide better visible light protection than higher SPF formulations without iron oxides.

Recommendation based on scientific data

For optimal sun protection, we recommend broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens containing both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at appropriate concentrations for your desired SPF level, ideally with added iron oxides for comprehensive light protection.

Detailed Mineral Sunscreen Research Pages

Learn more about each mineral sunscreen ingredient's properties, research, and effectiveness: