This post is mainly for those who are looking for a Mineral or Physical Sunscreen in India. Why do most people go for physical sunscreens? Because they are a boon for Sensitive Skin Types. When most sunscreens burn or cause allergic reactions, physical sunscreens can be a blessing. They are relatively non-irritating and safer when used in proper formulations. But the bad thing with them, is they leave a white cast and can also be hard to blend due to the minerals in them. Practically you cannot fully avoid a white cast while picking up a physical sunscreen even when it is combined with a chemical filter. The goal is to choose a physical sunscreen with a minimal cast or pick one which is tinted. Let’s get to the list of the mineral/physical sunscreens in India. Note that all of them aren’t completely chemical-free, but are physical sunscreens, that is, free of chemical UV filters. I hope you get what I mean.
Table of Contents
List of Physical Sunscreen in India
Pharmacy Mineral Sunscreens in India
1. Suncros Matte Finish Soft SPF 50+ PA+++
Suncros is a popular sunscreen recommended by Dermatologists in India. Earlier when it was under Ranbaxy, it was available mostly by prescription but now you can get it OTC at your pharmacy or even easier online. Suncros Sunscreen comes in two variants – aqua lotion (sensitive skin) and matte finish gel (all skin types).
The Matte Gel one is a physical sunscreen with a water-resistant formula. This sunscreen is formulated with micro-ionized zinc oxide in a silicone base. Hence it feels slippery upon application, just like a primer. It also has a synthetic scent that may not be liked by all. Nevertheless, this wins when it comes to sun protection and it has an oil-free matte finish, making it the best bet for oily skin ladies.
2. Z-Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel SPF 58
The product name clearly tells us that this is purely a zinc oxide-based sunscreen. Looking at the ingredient list, just like Sunscros, this has a silicone base as well. The sunscreen has a gel-cream texture that applies easily and gives a velvety soft finish. But above all, the surprise factor of this sunscreen, it has a negligible white cast. How?! They claim to have a patented Index Match Technology that ensures transparency and no whitening effect on the skin. It also contains Zinclear IM which is an EcoCert-approved cosmetic ingredient.
The product is 100% free of chemical filters, paraben-free, petrolatum-free, non-comedogenic, and not tested on animals. Z-Block is also water-resistant and is perfect for swimming for up to 80 minutes.
3. SunKage 100% Physical Sunscreen
SunKage 100% Physical Sunscreen is a medical-grade sunscreen recommended by dermatologists. Formulated with 25% micro ionized zinc oxide, it is also enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Safflower Oil. Its water-resistant and long-lasting SPF provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and IRR, Critical wavelength 380. It’s a very lightweight sunscreen that gives a matte finish and leaves no white cast. Someone with oily skin will love this. It’s also mom comedogenic hence acne-prone and skin-friendly. Besides, the sunscreen is fragrance-free and Paraben-free as well.
4. Alkem Sunheal Pure SPF 50+ PA+++
Alkem Sunheal Pure is an effective, 100% mineral sunscreen made with the active physical sunscreen ingredient Zinc Oxide (micro ionized). It’s a broad spectrum UVA & UVB blocker with SPF 50+ PA+++. The sunscreen effectively protects against sunburns, premature skin aging, and photodermatitis. Above all, Sunheal Pure is water-resistant, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic and Dermatologically tested.
5. La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++
From the house Glenmark, La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel is one of the best physical sunscreens in India recommended by dermatologists. It offers SPF 50 PA+++ providing broad-spectrum protection against UV rays. The chemical filter-free sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 8 hours. Besides being a fragrance-free sunscreen, it is also free of irritants and preservatives. This sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin types.
6. Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa+++
Re’equil, a very popular brand famous for its oxybenzone-free and dry touch sunscreens, recently launched this 100% mineral sunscreen. Made with 25% micro ionized zinc oxide, it does not penetrate into the skin. This is tinted sunscreen and blends with every skin tone universally without leaving any white cast. It offers broad-spectrum UVA, UVB, and IR protection and protects the skin from oxidative free radicals. In addition to being free of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil, the Re’equil Sheer Zinc Sunscreen is completely fragrance-free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Herbal Mineral Sunscreen Formulations
7. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF 21 PA++
Kama Ayurveda is an ayurvedic skincare brand wherein the inactive used in some products are hidden from us, consumers. But we could find the full ingredient list of this sunscreen on the product packaging and hence made it to this list. This sunscreen is clearly physical with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide and no chemical filters.
It also has some natural ingredients and calls itself a 99.3% Natural Sunscreen. Having used a sample of this sunscreen, I find this more suitable for normal & combination skin types. It has a balm-like feel on the skin which sets to a non-greasy finish. It is meant to have a gentle formula and hence suitable for children above 3 years of age.
8. Aroma Magic Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 PA++
Aroma Magic is quite popular in this category as they are budget-friendly compared to many others. They have three other variants, Carrot (SPF 15), Aloe Vera (SPF 20), and Cucumber (SPF 30), apart from this one. This variant, Aroma Magic Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 PA++, is the only one with PA++ protecting efficiently against UVA/UVB rays.
This Sunblock has clean ingredients and is free of parabens, alcohol, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrance. It is perfect for oily, very oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin as it is oil-free, shine-free, and mattifying. Precisely, this has the look and feel of applying Lacto Calamine Lotion with added sun protection and other skin-soothing benefits of Green Tea and Aloe Vera Gel.
9. Lotus Organics+ Mineral Sunscreens
Lotus Organics+ has three Mineral Sunscreens formulated with Natural Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, providing protection against 98% harmful UV rays. They are sweatproof and waterproof with a lightweight texture. Each variant is enriched with certified organic ingredients targeted for each skin type.
- Hydrating Gel SPF 30 PA+++ (Contains Organic Frangipani Flower Extract to calm and hydrate the skin).
- Tinted Ultra Matte SPF 40 PA+++ (Contains Organic Cranberry Extracts that have antioxidant properties).
- Sheer Brightening SPF 50 PA+++ (Contains Organic White Peony Extracts to reduce dullness and brighten the skin).
The sunscreens are free of artificial fragrance, parabens, and preservatives. It’s also cruelty-free.
10. Qurez Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen
Looking for an affordable matte sunscreen, this is a great option to consider. Formulated with Clear Zinc Oxide and Microionized Titanium Dioxide, the Qurez Mineral Sunscreen has added skin benefits of Aloe Vera Extract, Matcha Green Tea, and Sea Buckthorn. It offers SPF 30 PA+++ sun protection and is free of artificial fragrance, parabens, and, phthalates. Qurez is Vegan and Cruelty-Free as well.
11. Sandiva One and Done Tinted Sunblock
Specializing in Sandalwood Based Products, Sandiva aims at bringing the age-old benefits of sandalwood to skincare. This Tinted Sunblock is one of a kind natural sunscreen that’s formulated with 24% Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxide, and Sandalwood.
What we love the most is that it’s not available in one but four shades that would suit major Indian skin tones. It offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 35+ PA++++. The creamy sunscreen lotion is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and suits all skin types including acne-prone. It’s a one-and-done product that you’ll need every morning.
12. Harkoi Tinted Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF 35 PA++++
Harkoi Tinted Mineral Matte Sunscreen is a reel-safe, mineral sunscreen with no chemical filters. What would make you buy this sunscreen is its wide shade range which includes deeper skin tones. The creamy mousse texture is a delight to use. It gives a poreless smooth finish with a mattifying effect making it a great sunscreen for oily skin. It’s made with 20% Zinc Oxide to protect against sun rays effectively. The sunscreen being paraben-free and fragrance-free is an added bonus.
13. Tvakh Sun Guard Silky Matte Gel
Tvakh, a “Natural Skincare” Brand offers a couple of sunscreens, both physical and chemical ones. The Tvakh Colloidal Oats and Carrotseed Broad Spectrum Sun Guard Gel is a physical Sunblock Infused with Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Colloidal Oats, and CarrotSeed Oil as its key ingredients.
Tvakh Guard is a tinted gel that conceals the white cast. This is perfect as every day all-in one product acts as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and BB cream. But the only thing that bugs me, is they haven’t specified the SPF. Their team says that this sun guard will give sun protection for 2 to 4 hours depending upon the porosity of one’s skin.
Mineral Sunscreen in India from International Brands
14. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Don’t get confused, this is not the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen that is widely popular. This is the newly launched zinc version. Neutrogena has three physical sunscreens, out of which, this variant is the one that is meant for facial skin, the other two are body sunscreens. This sunscreen has a rating of 1 on EWG which means it is relatively very safe.
Neutrogena Zinc Sunscreen has about 21.6% zinc oxide and the other inactive used (a long list) is mentioned on the packaging. This sunscreen is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, and phthalates and doesn’t sting eyes due to its gentle formulation. It performs excellently by blocking both UVA and UVB. It is also non-greasy, non-stretchy, non-comedogenic, and waterproof.
15. Clinique SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
This sunscreen from Clinique has got really great reviews from its consumers. It has nothing one would not like about this product. It is a mineral sunscreen, has an easy to work with a runny consistency, blends and absorbs quickly, has no visible white cast, natural glowy finish, is mildly hydrating, non-greasy, lightweight, comfortable on the skin, has high SPF, above all it doesn’t have any fragrance. Is there anything more we need in sunscreen?
The sunscreen can be used by all skin types including acne-prone as it does not clog pores. It protects the skin even when you sweat, so it’s great for exercising in outdoor activities, and in the scorching heat.
16. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Coming from the French Pharma Brand, sunscreen has raved among allergy-prone sensitive skin ladies. The sunscreen has both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide offering broad-spectrum UVA UVB coverage. It is tinted enough to not leave a white cast and gives an even-toned natural-looking skin. It also contains Cell-Ox Shield, a powerful antioxidant complex that prevents free radical damage and prevents premature aging. The sunscreen is Paraben-free, Fragrance-Free, and Water Resistant for up to 40 minutes.
17. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen
If you are for a splurge, then the Kiehl’s Mineral Sunscreen makes the cut. It’s a lightly tinted, fluid sunscreen that delivers powerful broad-spectrum protection. The sunscreen is Titanium Dioxide Based and is rich in Antioxidants and Emollients. It’s gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Above all, it’s free of alcohol, parabens, fragrance, and essential oils.
Korean Mineral Sunscreens in India
18. Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen
Innisfree makes some great skincare products. This Triple Care Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. In addition to this, it has got a lot of skin-beneficial ingredients including Niacinamide which brightens up the skin, and Hyaluronic Acid which plumps up the skin. It efficiently protects the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines with its SPF 50+ PA++++. It’s alcohol-free and water-resistant as well.
19. Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
If you are looking for sunscreen with good oil control and a sweat-free finish, this is highly recommended. Coming from the reputed Etude House, this is one of the much-raved Korean Mineral Sunscreens. It’s a light, milky sunscreen that gives a non-sticky matte finish. It’s a great sunscreen for very oily & oily skin types and humid weather. The Etude House Sunscreen has 20 kinds of vegetable ingredients to protect against UV rays and also provide nutrition to the skin.
20. Rovectin Aqua Soothing UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++
Made with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, this highly effective sunscreen from Rovectin not only defends the skin against free radical damage from sun rays but also protects the skin from dust and pollution with its patented anti-pollution ingredient Pollustop. Its advanced hypoallergenic formula keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day. The sunscreen is free of chemical filters, parabens, mineral oil, artificial color, fragrances, and steroids.
That’s all we have, for now, I hope you find this post on Physical Sunscreens in India helpful. There are a lot of posts on the internet talking about Chemical and Physical Sunscreens. Their benefits, pros, cons, and whatnot. In my opinion, either of them has its own advantages & disadvantages.
I do believe that most chemical filters can be harmful, but at the same time, a few physical sunblocks can be harmful too. Zinc Oxide with Nano-Particles can be as toxic as Oxybenzone, a common chemical filter that is an endocrine disruptor. On the other side, there are natural sunscreens blooming in the market which contain natural sun protection ingredients like Carrot Seed Oil, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, and are hence safe. But, there aren’t any solid studies that they provide sufficient sun protection against harmful rays. I feel they would be a good option when you aren’t exposed to much sunlight. But certainly not enough for a beach vacation.
At the end of the day, choosing the right and safest option is solely in our hands. I would say do the groundwork, analyze the ingredients (you could check EWG, Cosdna, Skincarisma), read some reviews, and then make a call. You could also look at labmuffin.com for more detailed information on how to pick sunscreens.
Do leave us your comments, questions, and suggestions in the comments section below.
Nice and useful compilation of physical sunscreens. I didn’t know Soap Works had a sunscreen lotion bar. Will check it out…
This was the most useful article on mineral sunscreens in India. Much appreciated !
Thank you so much 🙂