10 Best Drugstore Mineral SPFs for Affordable Sun Protection

Every dermatologist I’ve ever talked to (and I’ve talked to a lot—an occupational hazard) has given me the exact same skincare advice: wearing sunscreen every single day is the number one way to prevent premature aging. They’ve all also told me I have sensitive skin and have thus pointed me toward mineral SPF formulas. Board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, backs that sentiment, previously telling MC that they’re great “for all skin types and concerns,” especially for reactive or acne-prone skin because zinc oxide is “inherently calming.”

Mineral, also known as physical, sunscreens, get their name due to their active ingredients. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals that provide a sun protection factor, and they work by forming a physical barrier on the skin to deflect and scatter rays. Because the aforementioned ingredients are fairly accessible, you can get great mineral SPFs at some pretty affordable prices—at the drugstore, even.