Popsugar Beauty Beauty Shopping Sunscreens With Zinc Oxide 10 Zinc-Based Sunscreens That Won't Leave a White, Chalky Mess Behind June 21, 2018 by Wendy Gould As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. There are two primary types of sunscreen: some work by chemical protection (absorbing the sun's harmful rays) and others work by physical protection (reflecting instead of absorbing). Physical sunscreens often contain zinc oxide, which, well, physically blocks the sun's UV rays as they hit your skin. Though zinc oxide is often more high maintenance and can leave a white and chalky residue on your skin — it's the same white compound lifeguards of the past used to sport on their noses — many people prefer the ingredient because it's often said to be safer, as your body doesn't absorb it into skin in the same way it does some chemical-based sunscreens, like oxybenzone. (Either way, the Skin Care Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology agree that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.) It also tends to be better for sensitive and acne-prone skin types since it's less likely to cause irritation and breakouts. If you're in the market, check out this list of our favorite physical, zinc-based sunscreens. Related: 7 Things Women of Color Need to Know About Skin Cancer CeraVe Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50 CeraVe is known for its incredibly gentle formulations ideal for sensitive, reactive skin types. Its Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50 ($15) was developed with dermatologists and formulated to protect against the sun, restore your skin's barrier function, and improve overall texture. Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50 $15 from ulta.com Buy Now Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 In addition to the 20 percent zinc oxide, Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($34) is formulated with algae, sunflower sprout, and grape juice extracts to soothe your skin and defend it against free radicals. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF $34 from sephora.com Buy Now Goddess Garden Everyday Natural Sunscreen Continuous Spray The Goddess Garden brand prides itself in simplified, natural ingredient lists. The easy-to-use Everyday Natural Sunscreen Continuous Spray ($18) is no exception. Everyday Natural Sunscreen Continuous Spray $18 from goddessgarden.com Buy Now ILIA Flow-Thru Radiant Transclucent Powder SPF 20 For a powder-based zinc oxide sunscreen, try ILIA Flow-Thru Radiant Transclucent Powder SPF 20 ($34). It's ideal for hard-to-apply places, like your scalp, ears, and shoe cutouts. You can also use it on your face, as it imparts a pearly finish that gives you a nice glow. ILIA Flow-Thru Radiant Transclucent Powder SPF 20 $34 from sephora.com Buy Now Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen The Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ($55) isn't just pretty to look at — it's super effective. It utilizes 17.1 percent zinc oxide, but also contains 7.5 percent chemical sunscreen octinoxate to protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays. Skip it if you're trying to stick only to physical sunscreens. Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen $55 from sephora.com Buy Now Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 You may be familiar with Neutrogena's cult favorite Dry Touch sunscreen, but did you know they make a zinc oxide version, too? The Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen ($11) boasts a whopping SPF 50. Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen $11 from target.com Buy Now Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Farmacy's got your back — literally — with their Green Screen Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen ($36). It's made with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, black chokeberry extract, marigold extract, and echninacea GreenEnvy to tone and protect your skin. Green Screen Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen $36 from sephora.com Buy Now MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 40 UVA-UVB Sunscreen MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick ($18) is a great one to throw into your beach bag or keep in your purse. It's spill proof, easy to apply, and, most importantly, it works. MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick $18 from sephora.com Buy Now Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Calm your skin and block those harsh UV rays with Supergoop! Skin soothing Mineral Sunscreen ($28). It works really well layered underneath your go-to foundation or BB cream, too! Supergoop! Skin soothing Mineral Sunscreen $28 from sephora.com Buy Now Honest Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Get those hard-to-reach places (like your back, thighs, and all those bathing suit cutouts) with a great spray sunscreen. Honest Mineral Sunscreen Spray ($14) is a great option, and we love that it's formulated with sensitive skin types in mind. Honest Mineral Sunscreen Spray $14 from honest.com Buy Now Beauty ShoppingSummer BeautySkin CareSunscreen