What can you mix with zinc oxide (mineral sunscreen)?
- Zinc oxide sits happily next to vitamin C.
What it does
Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter. It reflects, scatters and absorbs ultraviolet light and is stronger than most single filters in the UVA range, which is why it is often the backbone of broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens, sometimes with titanium dioxide.[1]
Strengths
- It covers UVB and much of UVA; combined with titanium dioxide it gives broad protection.[1]
- Nanoparticle forms reduce the white cast, and current evidence finds they stay in the outer skin layers.[2]
- Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin.[2]
Who it suits
Everyone who needs daily sun protection, especially sensitive, reactive or post-procedure skin and people who react to chemical filters.
Who should skip
Nothing specific; a white cast can bother deeper skin tones, so try tinted formulas.[2]
How to start
Apply as the last step of your morning routine, after serums and moisturizer, using enough to cover all exposed skin; the AAD advises broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
Do not mix it with serums in your palm, because diluting sunscreen lowers its protection. Antioxidant serums such as vitamin C go underneath.
Tinted versions with iron oxides help even out the cast and add visible-light protection. Common questions: Is zinc oxide better than chemical sunscreen?
Both protect when used properly; mineral is often better tolerated. Is nano zinc safe?
Reviews find it stays in the outer skin layers. Does it work right away?
Yes.
What we recommend
We haven't found a product that passes our check yet.
Pairing grid
In tracked products
5 of the 144 products we track list zinc oxide as a key active; In their ingredient lists it sits at a median position of #2, from #1 in UV Clear SPF 46 to #3 in Mineral UV Filters SPF 30; It is among the first five ingredients in 5 of them, meaning a main ingredient rather than a trace; The actives it most often shares a bottle with: sunscreen (5); Water is the first ingredient in 1 of them; the rest are oil, silicone or solvent-based. Product by product: UV Clear SPF 46 lists it first of 2; Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ lists it first of 30; Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 lists it at #2 of 2; Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 lists it at #2 of 2; Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 lists it at #3 of 62.
All tracked products with zinc oxide
Sources
Products with zinc oxide, in pairs
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic + EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Yes