10 Best Powder Sunscreen Picks To Save Your Skin
If you want to protect yourself from the sun without feeling like you’re wearing a heavy mask, then powder sunscreen is the way to go!
With great all-day protection and its compact size, it is easy to carry and apply, and it also has the added benefit of mattifying the skin and looks incredibly natural.
Additionally, there are a variety of unique forms to choose from, so everyone can find the perfect fit for their needs.
Gently tap a small amount of the powder onto your palm or a makeup brush, then apply it evenly over your face and other exposed areas. Make sure to reapply the powder every two hours or after sweating or swimming for the ultimate lightweight, non-greasy protection.
In this guide, we will show you our top 10 picks for the best powder sunscreens on the market today so that you can enjoy full SPF protection while looking your best.
Powder Sticks
Best Overall: Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder is a 100% mineral, a non-nano mineral setting powder that sets makeup, mattifies shine, and provides SPF 35 coverage with every application. Perfect for the most sensitive of skin types, the formula also boasts ceramides and olive glycerides that help seal in moisture.
It is mess-free through an innovative twist-lock brush that allows you to dispense an exact amount of sheer powder and then turn off the flow after use. Choose from translucent or three bestselling shades to ensure you look polished with every application. If you're looking for a high-quality sunscreen powder, then give this Supergoop! Mineral Sunscreen powder a shot!
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include ceramides, olive glycerides, and coated silica.
This product is made vegan and reef-friendly without phthalates, parabens, octinoxate, oxybenzone, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Best Budget-Friendly: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder provides 100% mineral SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection that’s perfect for everyday sun protection. This convenient travel-size sunscreen brush provides easy coverage, and the lightweight formula is made with naturally sourced sea minerals and keeps your skin matte and looking fresh throughout the day. Plus, it won’t clog pores!
This dermatologist-tested formula has a light tropical scent and is perfect for applying under makeup, over makeup as a finishing step, or on its own. If you're looking for a high-quality product that's easier on the budget, then this product needs to be in your cart!
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include island botanicals.
This product is made dermatologist-tested, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, oxybenzone-free, and octinoxate-free.
Best Vitamin-Infused: DERMA E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Derma E's Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 merges makeup and sun protection together into one convenient application. This powder sunscreen has SPF 30 which provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage to shield your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
It is also packed full of natural antioxidants. Vitamin E helps to improve skin’s moisture and texture while green tea works to protect against environmental stressors, and chamomile flower extract helps soothe sun-exposed skin for a beautiful glow. If you're searching for a vitamin-rich sunscreen powder that will make your skin glow, then this is the one for you!
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Vitamin E, Green Tea and Chamomile Extract.
This product is made vegan and cruelty-free without any parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, gluten, soy, or GMOs.
Best Water-Resistant: Brush On Block Translucent Mineral Sunscreen Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder is a lightweight powder designed for easy application. It goes on smoothly without affecting your natural skin tone, and it's waterproof and sweat-proof, so you can stay confidently protected no matter what activities you're doing. Best of all, this product has been carefully dermatologist-tested to ensure safety for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
And with its unique twist-open feature, it assures that the powder only flows through the brush when you need it - just close the container, and you're good to go! If you're looking for a sunscreen powder perfect for sensitive skin types, try this powder sunscreen today!
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Safflower Seed Oil, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, and chamomile extract.
This product is made reef-friendly, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and without any parabens, PABA, and Phthalates.
Best Hypoallergenic: Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense, SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense is a transparent, mineral sunscreen powder that applies seamlessly to help shield your skin from sunburn. Plus, its highly versatile design work well on all skin tones. The added Sea Kelp offers antioxidant protection while the broad spectrum SPF 30 protects against sun damage from UVA and UVB rays.
This brush-on sunscreen helps you achieve that perfect look while keeping your skin safe from any further damage. It is also the perfect sunscreen powder for anyone with allergies to certain makeup ingredients since this product is certified hypoallergenic!
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Sea Kelp Extract.
This product is made hypoallergenic, leaping bunny certified, and vegetarian without parabens, gluten, artificial colors, phthalates, and other harsh ingredients.
Best Lux Protection: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Why We Are Passionate About It
Keep your skin safe and sun-kissed with Colorscience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield! Recommended by dermatologists, this lightweight mineral powder offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage alone or as the perfect finishing touch to your makeup routine. This formula contains ingredients ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin, so you can feel good while you look good. Plus, it's always 100% free of chemical sunscreen actives and is packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients to keep your skin nourished.
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Grape Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oak Wood Extract, and Sunflower Sprout Extract.
This product is made vegan and cruelty-free.
Loose Powder
Best Full Body Powder: Nature's Apothecary Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Nature's Apothecary Sunscreen Powder is an incredible powder that offers SPF 30 protection against UV damage and is highly water-resistant. For anyone with sensitive skin, Nature's Apothecary Sunscreen Powder comes to the rescue - it is hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, and non-greasy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any harsh chemical runoff into your environment as it breaks down naturally and is reef-safe. So go ahead and enjoy your sunny days knowing that you’re being safe and responsible at the same time with Nature's Apothecary Sunscreen Powder!
What's In It? How's It Made?
Key ingredients used include non-nano zinc oxide.
This product is made river and reef-friendly without any oxybenzone, octinoxate, mineral oil, 4-mbc, parabens, and triclosan.
Pressed Powders
Best Translucent: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 Translucent
Why We Are Passionate About It
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder is crafted using ultra-fine mineral powder. No matter what your skin type, the pressed powder provides impeccable coverage and produces an airbrushed finish that'll free you of the worries that come along with skin insecurities. Rest easy knowing it will help to reduce the appearance of visible wrinkles, pores, sun damage, and fine lines.
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ginseng Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, and Safflower Seed Oil.
This product is made hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, talc-free, dermatologist-tested, skin cancer foundation-approved, gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Best Buildable Coverage: PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder Foundation
Why We Are Passionate About It
PÜR 4-in-1 pressed mineral powder foundation with SPF 15 is one powerhouse of a product designed to make your life sun-protected while you achieve smoother and brighter-looking skin. This amazing formula works as both foundation and concealer, providing medium coverage with a natural finish that won't settle in.
This lightweight product contains a wide range of shades for all skin tones, including darker skin tones while reducing the appearance of dark circles, redness, fine lines & wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, guaranteeing visibly healthier and glowing skin after each use.
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include Waltheria Extract, Shea Butter, PÜR’s proprietary Ceretin Complex, Retinol, and Vitamin E.
Best Semi-Matte Coverage: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
Why We Are Passionate About It
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation is a lightweight formula carefully crafted to provide medium-to-full coverage with a skin-like, semi-matte finish for a look that blurs lines and just melts into your complexion – all without caking or drying out skin!
Their unique micronized mineral pigments lay flat on the skin, binding together while still allowing your skin to breathe. You’ll also get powerful antioxidant protection from each application, thanks to clarifying and balancing ingredients. Last but not least, the soothing sea minerals nourish all skin types and act as anti-irritants so you’re always comfortable in your skin.
Ingredients & Make
Key ingredients used include titanium and zinc oxide, pomegranate extract, and pine bark extract.
This product is made Reef-safe, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Sunscreen Powder FAQs
Don't let the summer heat get you down - we all want to stay safe from the sun's harmful rays. But a lot of people are unsure about sunscreen powder and how it works.
Traditional sunscreens can be greasy, heavy, and difficult to apply. And not knowing how well the sunscreen powder does its job can make it seem like your efforts are going to waste.
Read through these sunscreen powder FAQs to answer these questions and more! After you've finished, you'll be applying sunscreen powder with confidence.
How long does powdered sunscreen last?
Generally speaking, powdered sunscreen has a shelf life of about two years. Of course, this can vary depending on the brand and specific product. It's important to always check expiration dates and use products within their recommended time frame to ensure they provide adequate protection.
Additionally, it's important to remember that sweating, swimming, and other activities can impact the effectiveness of sunscreen, so it should be reapplied often, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
Can I reapply sunscreen over powder?
The good news is that it's definitely possible! However, it's important to be gentle and use a light touch to avoid disturbing your makeup. Start by blotting your skin with a tissue to remove any excess oil or sweat, then use a spray-on or brush-on sunscreen powder to avoid smearing your makeup. Try finding an SPF powder to absorb excess oil. Remember, reapplying sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, so don't be afraid to touch it up throughout the day.
What goes first moisturizer or sunscreen?
While the right order may vary according to individual needs, the general rule of thumb is to apply moisturizer before sunscreen. Moisturizer hydrates the skin and creates a barrier between your skin and external aggressors, such as pollution or dirt. Sunscreen, on the other hand, protects your skin from harmful UV rays. By applying moisturizer first, you allow it to be fully absorbed into the skin before applying sunscreen, ensuring you receive maximum protection.
Is sunscreen spray or powder better?
While both have their benefits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and skin type. If you want a quick and easy option that doesn't weigh you down, then a spray might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you have dry skin and need a little extra hydration, then a lotion may be the way to go. For touch-ups throughout the day, a powder sunscreen can be a great option – just be sure to use a brush to apply it evenly. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you find a sunscreen that works for your skin and you use it regularly to keep your skin healthy and protected.
Best Powder Sunscreen - What We Recommend
In conclusion, powder sunscreen is another way to protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun and keep your skin healthy and looking great. Wearing SPF every day is essential to preventing a host of negative outcomes, such as premature skin aging, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
We hope this article has helped you find the best sunscreen powder that fits your needs and lifestyle. Remember to always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any new skin care regimen.
But more importantly, don’t forget to apply (and reapply) sunscreen every single day even if it’s just sunscreen power - it’s vital for protecting your health and your skin! Review this article, and others on our site, to learn more about SPF protection.
What To Keep In Mind
Compliment Not Replacement
While sunscreen powder serves as a great on-the-go product, it is not a replacement for traditional lotions or sprays but rather a complimentary addition to them.
Other Benefits
Remember, applying any form of sunscreen is important in protecting your skin from sun damage, which can cause premature aging, redness, irritation, and skin cancer.
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best powder sunscreen on the market with many different ingredients from titanium dioxide to aloe vera extract. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super oily skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option, like clinical PerfecTint powder SPF, or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
Next Up: 7 Best Types of Scalp Sunscreen for the Ultimate Protection
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