The 10 Best Powder Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

Best Overall

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield

$69 at Amazon $40 at Walmart $24 at Walmart

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.21 oz

We’ve talked about Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 before, but we’re here to sing its praises once again. Not only is this powder protector perfect for travel (no spills here!), but it also makes reapplication every two hours an incredibly easy task. Plus, dermatologists love it. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D. previously told Byrdie that the formula is doubly effective at protecting against UVA and UVB rays, in addition to pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. “This is a great option for those looking for a mineral sunscreen; it contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, plus the brand's patented Enviroscreen technology to protect the skin,” she explains. Best of all, it can be seamlessly applied over makeup (or bare skin). 

Best Compact

Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50

View on Aveneusa.com $42 at Amazon $34 at Ulta

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 35 | Size: 0.15 oz

If you prefer a compact, you’ll love this option from Avene. The light, nongreasy cream-to-powder tinted sunscreen boasts 100% mineral filters (in the form of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) plus pre-tocopheryl (a photostable form of vitamin E), which provides powerful antioxidant protection. The compact fits easily into any pocket or bag and even comes with a mirror for easy, on-the-go reapplication. We love that it’s noncomedogenic, nonirritating, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Best Budget

Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Powder

$17 at Amazon $20 at Target $23 at Walgreens

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.15 oz

Another mineral formula, Hawaiian Tropic’s Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder Brush has an impressively lightweight feel that, as the name suggests, leaves behind an undetectable translucent finish. Those with acne-prone skin will benefit from the fact that it’s noncomedogenic, and we love that it can be used anywhere on the body, including your scalp. The dispenser can be finicky at times (you might have to tap it against a hard surface a few times), but the pocket-sized powder is great for keeping on hand when on the go. 

Best Tinted

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40

$78 at Amazon $78 at Dermstore View on Isclinical.com

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.15 oz

The PerfecTint from iS Clinical is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for something that has a little more coverage. The silky-smooth finish hides the look of pores, blemishes, and more while absorbing surface oil, and protecting the skin from the sun with SPF 40. The formula features the brand’s botanical antioxidant Extremozyme technology, which helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors and imparts a flawless finish. No matter which of the five shades you choose, you’ll love how nicely it applies on the face, neck, décolleté, scalp, and anywhere else you might need a little tinted coverage. 

Best Mattifying

Supergoop! Mineral Setting Powder

$39 at Amazon $35 at Sephora $35 at Ulta

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 35 | Size: 0.15 oz

We tested a bunch of setting powders—and rated them based on absorbency, overall look, and whether or not each had a lightweight feel—and this one from Supergoop! impressed us quite a bit. Not only does the sunscreen-infused setting powder make it easy to reapply SPF throughout the day, but we were also pleasantly surprised to find that it absorbs oil and controls shine, too. Despite having a finicky applicator brush, a little bit goes a long way to ensure skin (and makeup) looks visibly smoother and is well protected with SPF 35. 

Best Water-Resistant

DERMA E DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30

$30 at Amazon $36 at Walmart $85 at Newegg.com

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.14 oz

Admittedly, powder sunscreens aren’t the most water-resistant by nature, but this one from Derma E outperforms the rest in this category. What’s more, it’s entirely translucent and can be worn either on its own or over makeup for a flawless finish. Thanks to ingredients such as green tea, chamomile flower extract, and vitamin E, this product soothes the skin and delivers the vital antioxidants it needs. 

Best Lightweight

ISDIN Mineral Brush

$60 at Amazon $60 at Walmart View on Isdin.com

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.14 oz

Hate the feeling of cakiness on your skin? Look to this brush-on powder sunscreen from ISDIN. The mineral formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering SPF 50 sun protection. It’s a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche, M.D., who explains that it’s a great option for those with oily skin. “ISDIN utilizes a combination of physical blockers that protect the skin from UV and infrared ray radiation,” she explains. “It mattifies the skin and is easy to take with you in your purse.” Just beware that it can wash off if you go for a swim—so be sure to reapply afterward (or after two hours have gone by). 

Best for Sensitive Skin

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

$55 at Amazon $55 at Nordstrom $55 at Dermstore

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.18 oz

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian Mack, M.D., previously keyed us into this product (when talking about scalp sunscreens) as an option that’s not only great for your makeup, but it feels better than a sticky lotion or oily spray. The product offers SPF 30 sun protection and won’t irritate sensitive skin—thanks to the fact that the brand skips out on fragrances and sulfates but leans on a whole slew of ingredients like pomegranate fruit and eastern pine bark extract instead. No matter which of the four shades you choose, you’ll appreciate how the barely there powder disappears onto the skin (or in hair, if you’d prefer to use it on your scalp!). Plus, we love that this formulation earned the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval. 

Best Multiuse

Brush-On Block Brush-On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder

$34 at Amazon $58 at Walmart View on Brushonblock.com

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.18 oz

Consider this your reminder that you should be slathering on SPF every single day, head to toe—including your scalp. Your hair does provide some protection, but unfortunately, it won’t spare your scalp from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Enter: Brush On Block, a mineral sunscreen powder safe for use hair, skin, and every other area of your body. In addition to being a nongreasy formula, this product contains a high percentage of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—two great physical UV blockers. Plus, the product feels weightless and even sops up excess oil on your scalp and face. Commerce writer and coauthor Caitlyn Martyn has used this formula for years, ever since her aesthetician recommended she use it for touch-ups on her makeup or bare skin. 

Best for Under-Eyes

BareMinerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20

View on Amazon $27 at Sephora $27 at Target

Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 20 | Size: 0.07 oz

The skin under your eyes is super delicate and just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of your face. Our suggestion: Protect the area with this under-eye concealer that contains SPF 20. It’s clean, vegan, and works overtime to reduce the look of puffiness, fatigue, and dark circles for a wide-awake look. Just be sure to apply an eye cream so it doesn’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.