Mineral SPFs are having a moment, so if you’ve got sensitive skin or prefer a chemical-free formula, here are the best new ones to try according to our head of beauty
After what’s felt like years of darkness, the sunshine has finally deciding to show up, meaning it’s time we all started thinking about the ‘S’ word: sun protection. It doesn’t have to be swelteringly hot for UV rays to harm skin, so if you’re heading outside, you need to layer up in a high factor (30 or 50) cream to stop burns and signs of UV-related ageing.
High factor, however, doesn’t have to mean sticky or pasty. These days, sunscreens are more advanced than ever, blending skincare ingredients with quick-to-absorb, serum-like textures. Even mineral suncreams, which have had a bad name in the past for turning even pale skin ashy, are launching by their dozen – each product offering a fresh take on what used to be a product we all dreaded applying.
Here, we’re going to take you through the top new mineral SPF launches for spring/summer 2025, so you can find the very best formula for your skin’s needs…
First, how does a mineral SPF differ from a chemical one?
Mineral (or physical) sunscreens differ from chemical sunscreens in that they use minerals to reflect UV rays, creating a physical barrier, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Active ingredients in a chemical SPF include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, while a mineral SPF contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Because the mineral ingredients sit on the skin rather than getting absorbed into the skin (like the ingredients in a chemical SPF does), they’re considered less likely to cause irritation – especially for those who with reactive skin or sensitivity ti certain chemical ingredients.
Mineral sunscreens are naturally broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. These days, chemical SPFs are mostly broad range as well, but it’s always best to check their labels to be sure. Also ensure to reapply both types of sunscreen every few hours as they both do rub and sweat off.
Head of beauty Zoe tests out three new mineral SPFs
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sensitive Skin Mineral Face Cream SPF50
Shop it from Lookfantastic for £27
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The product promises:
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Calms and soothes – A sunsicalm complex helps reduce redness and comfort the skin
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Repairs and protects – The sun repair system supports skin recovery from sun-induced damage
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Sweat-resistant – Enhanced with sweat control technology for long-lasting wear
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Deep hydration – Provides up to six hours of moisture
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Soft, velvety finish – No white cast, just a smooth and comfortable feel
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Gentle on skin – Allergen-free solar fragrance, specially designed for sensitive skin
Zoe says: “This is specifically developed for sensitive or reactive skin, so I was immediately interested. I can’t use most checmical SPFs because they set my eczema off, so I’m always nervous about wearing a new product for an extended amount of time. I knew the second I applied this one that I’d love it. First of all, it has no real smell – perfect for those of us who can’t tolerate fragrance. It also feels more like a chemical rather than a mineral in the fact that the white cream blends out to a near-invisible layer on my skin. It makes the perfect base for a CC cream, and makes my skin look the perfect level of glowy without any sweaty-looking shine. It’s become my new go-to every morning since I wore it on holiday (almost every day.)”
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen
Shop it from SpaceNK for £38
The product promises:
- Light in texture– with an invisible, non-chalky finish
- Helps to brighten the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone
- Improves skin texture and minimises the appearance of pores
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Multi-skin friendly – Ideal for combination, oily, or sensitive skin types
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Hydrating and soothing – Enriched with skin-loving ingredients like squalene and vitamin E
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Broad-spectrum protection – SPF 50+ UVA/UVB shield for all-day defence
Zoe says: “I really, really like this, which isn’t something I say lightly about an SPF. It’s the perfect balance of hydration and blur, giving my skin a really natural, glowy finish. I was honestly expecting it to feel heavy or chalky, but it’s the complete opposite—it’s so lightweight that I forget I even have it on. It melts right in, no weird white cast, just smooth, healthy-looking skin. If I hadn’t discovered Lancaster a day or two earlier, this might have been a go-to for me. My only critique is that it feels a tad oily and I do think it leaves a bit of residue.”
Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
Shop it from Cultbeauty for £39
The product promises:
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High-performance protection – 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA & UVB defence
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No white cast – Delivers powerful sun protection without a chalky finish
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Blurring & illuminating – Sheer mineral pigments blend seamlessly for a radiant, even-toned look
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Skin-loving formula – Non-comedogenic and infused with ectoin to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier
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More than just SPF – Protects against environmental damage while keeping skin healthy and happy
Zoe says: “I really wanted to like this, because I’m such a Kate Somerville superfan, but I was a little disappointed. I fully appreciate that a mineral SPF can never be fully see-through due to the zinc it uses, but I found this one gave my skin a slightly blue-ish tinge. I love how it’s got such a skincare-boosted formula, though – I did feel like my skin felt really healthy while I was wearing it. I also didn’t burn once on the days I applied this, even on my nose where I tend to burn regardless of my diligent SPF application. It’s definitely worth a try if you’re big into skincare or you want an SPF that feels very light and looks more sheer rather than matte.”
