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If there’s one beauty rule that sticks with us, it’s always remember to apply your SPF. Your skin needs a daily dose of protection, even when it’s cloudy out, to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Luckily, after years of sounding the alarm, beauty enthusiasts of all ages know the importance of caring for your complexion year-round instead of just on beach days. Plus, it’s easier than ever to ensure your skin is protected since you don’t have to use a glob of thick formulas that barely absorb into your skin. Now, we have the best powder sunscreens that are so seamless and lightweight on the skin.
The Best Powder Sunscreens at a Glance
Best overall:Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $69
Most popular powder sunscreen:Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 35, $35
Best tinted powder sunscreen:iS CLINICAL PerfecTint Powder SPF 40, $82
Best drugstore powder sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush SPF 30, $20
Best powder sunscreen for hydration:ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45, $65
Best derm-approved powder sunscreen:ISDIN Mineral Brush SPF 50, $60
Best compact powder sunscreen:Clinique Almost Powder Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 18 Foundation, $40
Best powder sunscreen with the highest SPF:Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact, $65
Best powder sunscreen for mature skin:Eminence Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30, $58
Best powder sunscreen for sensitive skin:Azi MD Skincare UV Clear SPF 40 Powder, $60
Best gentle powder sunscreen:Derma-E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30, $35
Powder sunscreens commonly come in brush form, while others are packaged in compacts for quick applications. Regardless of your preference, experts recommend looking for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVA and UVB rays. To help find the best powder sunscreens, we consulted with a dermatologist to understand the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens and what makes an excellent SPF add to your routine.
What to Look for in a Powder Sunscreen
Ingredients:Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, says to look for mineral filters, specifically zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, since these ingredients provide optimal broad-spectrum protection. Look for powder sunscreens that offer antioxidants like vitamin E, niacinamide, or green tea extract to “enhance protection by fighting free radical damage, while iron oxides offer additional defense against blue light and visible light-induced pigmentation,” Dr. Rambhia explains. Also, silica helps improve the powder’s spreadability and absorption of excess oil. Most importantly, the formula should be talc-free and non-comedogenic to ensure it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
SPF level: Dermatologists recommend selecting a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection from the sun. Those with fair skin should aim for a pick that includes SPF 50. This rule applies to anyone who spends extensive time outdoors and those at high risk for skin cancers. Since these SPFs are loose powders, make sure you’re reapplying them throughout the day so your skin receives the optional protection levels.
Packaging: Most powder sunscreens come packaged in brushes that are easy to apply, but you can also find exceptional forms in compacts. Brushes quickly dispense the powder evenly on your skin, but some are messy and hard to travel with. A compact is best if you’re always around and about. It keeps the powder in one spot and cuts down on the mess. Most compacts include a sponge to apply the formula, which takes a few more minutes than a brush.
How to Make Sure Your Powder Sunscreen Gives You Full Coverage
One of the top concerns about applying a powder sunscreen is that it’s challenging to cover your face thoroughly. Powders are translucent (unless you opt for a tinted version), making it tough to judge how much you’ve applied and if it’s setting evenly on your skin.
“For optimal protection with powder sunscreen, apply a generous amount using two to three swirls of the brush in sweeping circular motions, starting from the center of your face and working outward,” Dr. Rambhia explains. Pay special attention to commonly missed areas like the nose, under-eyes, hairline, ears, jawline, and neck. “While powder sunscreen is excellent for touch-ups over existing liquid or cream sunscreen, it shouldn’t be your sole protection for extended sun exposure,” she adds. Dr. Rambhia also notes that for the best results, use gentle, overlapping strokes rather than pressing too hard, which can lead to uneven coverage.
Without sounding like a broken record, it’s key to reapply every two hours or more frequently when sweating or after touching your face.
Keep scrolling to shop the powder derm-approved powder sunscreens from Colorescience, Supergoop!, and more.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Colorescience is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
I’m not exaggerating when I say I have one of these handy brush-on sunscreens everywhere — in my everyday bag, on my vanity, and in my car. I discovered Colorescience’s mineral SPF by complete accident. While on vacation, I needed to re-apply and did not have my traditional product on hand, so a friend offered me to try this one. Since then, the Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 has been an unforgettable part of my skincare routine.
I appreciate that the powder is a breeze to use. It has an on-the-go brush that glides across the skin, which doesn’t leave a white cast or dry feeling behind. It’s so smooth you can wear it on its own or under your makeup! The daily SPF 50 protection is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and also protects skin against blue light (HEV), pollution, and infrared defense that can lead to premature signs of aging.
If you’re new to the magic of Colorescience, you can save 15% off your first order of $75+ with code CS15OFF75 at checkout!
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 50
Key/active ingredients: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Pros:
Dermatologist-tested
Suitable for sensitive skin
Easy to apply
Cons:
Pricey
Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 35
This powder sunscreen from Supergoop is specifically crafted for your face. Not only does it protect against harmful rays from the sun, but it also works similarly to a setting powder. The formula reduces shine and locks makeup in place via the soft-bristled brush. Speaking of formulas, this one is packed with ceramides and olive glycerides to seal moisture into the skin and SPF 35.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 35
Key/active ingredients: 100% mineral zinc oxide, ceramides, olive glycerides, coated silica
Pros:
Offers oil control
Doubles as a setting powder
Cons:
Can be difficult to dispense
iS CLINICAL PerfecTint Powder SPF 40
Consider the iS CLINICAL PerfecTint Powder SPF 40 if you prefer a powder sunscreen that offers some coverage. Its formula feels silky smooth on the skin, conceals the appearance of the pores, and absorbs surface oil, all while protecting your skin. The SPF 40 includes zinc oxide, its active ingredient, and features the brand’s botanical antioxidant Extremozyme technology, which also protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 40
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Pros:
Diminishes the look of pores
Leaves a silky finish
Cons:
Not many shades
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush SPF 30
Shoppers praise the Hawaiian Tropic’s Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush since it boasts a translucent and lightweight finish. The 100% mineral-based SPF is crafted with sea minerals to absorb excess oil on your skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, so the sunscreen never clogs pores. It’s important to note that this formula has a light tropical scent.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 30
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Pros:
Affordable
Blends into most skin tones
Cons:
Easily spills
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
This powder sunscreen from Zo Skin offers optional protection powered by triple-spectrum protection and the proprietary ZO antioxidant technology “to deliver superior skin defense with a hint of advanced color pigments,” the brand says. Additionally, the formula goes on top of hydrating while absorbing surface oil to minimize shine. Don’t forget to apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 45
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide, fractionated melanin, ZOX¹² complex
Pros:
Provides buildable coverage
Can apply over makeup
Cons:
Densely packed which some shoppers don’t prefer
ISDIN Mineral Brush SPF 50
The ISDIN Mineral Brush is “formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection, plus iron oxidesto defend against blue light and vitamin E for antioxidant benefits,” Dr. Rambhia explains. “Its ultra-fine powder and patented Flow-Through brush ensure even application, while the transparent finish works across all skin tones.” The portable designmakes reapplication easy, and the packaging helps preserve ingredient efficacy by protecting against light and moisture.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 50
Key/active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, and iron oxides
Pros:
Protects against blue light damage
No white cast left on all skin tones
Cons:
Brush occasionally gets clogged
Clinique Almost Powder Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 18 Foundation
This compact from Clinique should do it for those who don’t prefer a sunscreen brush. Even though it’s technically a foundation, the mineral-pressed powder offers sheer coverage and SPF 18 to protect the skin. Thanks to its matte finish, it’s incredibly lightweight and provides the perfect no-makeup look.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 18
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Pros:
Easy to transport
Long-wear formula
Cons:
Not a high SPF content
Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact contains a high SPF level to protect and shield skin. It’s racked up numerous awards for a good reason: Its formula includes tone-adapting technology to match your skin tone instantly. The blendable formula provides sheer coverage you can apply under makeup past a primer.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 68
Key/active ingredients: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Pros:
Recommended by the skin cancer foundation
Gives blendable cover
Acts as a primer under makeup
Cons:
Available at limited retailers
Eminence Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30
Mature skin needs ingredients that won’t dry out the skin, so many reach for this powder sunscreen from Eminence. The Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 offers natural materials that are non-pore-clogging. “Just a dust of this makes skin look smooth and glowing,” a shopper wrote.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 30
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Pros:
Unscented
Darker shades double as a bronzer
Cons:
Some say it feels heavy on the skin
Azi MD Skincare UV Clear SPF 40 Powder
Azi MD Skincare’s powder sunscreen is packed with zinc oxide to protect against harmful UVA/UVB radiation, sericite which blurs imperfections, silica to absorb oil, and mica which helps even skin tone. The translucent formula gives a mess-free application, making it best for quick re-applications.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 40
Key/active ingredients: Zinc oxide
Pros:
Enough product for 60 days
Minimizes shine
Cons:
Hard to tell if the product is works, according to shoppers
Derma-E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
Now that I have relocated to a beach town from a big city, I’m more diligent about applying my SPF every two hours. Thanks to its convenient applicator, the Derma-E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 makes it easy to get another dose to my skin. It lightly dusts your face, neck, and décolleté area with a an abundant amount of mineral sunscreen. I also love the formula — it’s super hydrating thanks to the combination of green tea and chamomile, which protects against aging and reduces inflammation.
Type of SPF: Mineral
SPF: 30
Key/active ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
Pros:
Hydrating
Soothing
Cons:
Not completely translucent
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