Searching for the best physical and mineral sunscreens? We’ve done the legwork for you and have rounded up the greatest natural SPF products available to shop in Australia right now. Plus, we chat to beauty and skincare experts to find out exactly how ‘natural’ sunscreen works and why you might consider trying one.
READ: 12 Of The Best Face Sunscreens And SPF Moisturisers
The best physical sunscreens in Australia
A natural SPF in recycled packaging:
Little Urchin Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+
With sensitive skin-friendly non-nano zinc oxide and loads of antioxidants, this fragrance-free, non-greasy sunscreen is an absolute treat to use. Plus it’s four hours water resistant and packaged in a tube made from recycled plastic.
Best for: All skin types including sensitive
Shop now: Little Urchin Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF50+, $29.95
A sensitive skin-friendly cream that’s great under makeup:
Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30 Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen
This cult-favourite beauty brand is renowned for their sunscreens. Their physical sunscreen features soothing natural ingredients like cucumber and organic green tea combined with zinc oxide, which makes for an effective sun protection option for anyone with skin concerns like breakouts, eczema, rosacea or dermatitis. The mattifying formula is also stellar under makeup.
Best for: Skin prone to congestion, dryness or irritation
Shop now: Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30 Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen, $47
A tinted sunscreen that provides coverage:
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Moisturiser SPF 50
Invisible Zinc are the OG when it comes to mineral sunscreen in Australia. The formula is lightweight and easily absorbed, with tinted options (in light and medium) for extra coverage as well as body and sports-ready products.
Best for: Sheer coverage, all skin types
Shop now: Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Moisturiser SPF 50, $34
An anti-ageing formula that also shields from pollution:
Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+
Aside from it’s sun protection properties, Medik8’s physical sunscreen formula is fortified with anti-pollution and anti-A.G.E technology to help combat environmental aggressors and reduce lines and wrinkles.
Best for: Anti-ageing, all skin types
Shop now: Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+, $74
READ: The 8 Best Anti-Ageing Products On The Market Right Now
An antioxidant-enriched, lightweight sunscreen:
Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Untinted Facial Sunscreen
Sukin’s sheer physical sunscreen is non-greasy and easily absorbed, perfect for daily use. The zinc-based formula also includes an antioxidant-rich blend of rosehip oil, green tea and cucumber to moisturise your skin.
Best for: All skin types
Shop now: Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Untinted Facial Sunscreen, $25
An ethically-made, reef-friendly SPF:
Ocean Australia SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen
Reef-friendly, ethically produced and Aussie made – Ocean Australia’s SPF 50+ range has easily absorbed and richly hydrating options for your face, body and the kids.
Best for: All skin types and vegans
Shop now: Ocean Australia SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen, $19.99
A ‘no nasties’ product with added hydration:
Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Free from man-made synthetics, artificial fragrances, parabens and sulphates, Natural Instinct’s sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin types. It’s also chock full of jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E helps to moisturise deeply.
Best for: All skin types
Shop now: Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, $21.99
An eczema-friendly essential:
Moo Goo Natural Sunscreen SPF 40
Moo Goo is a favourite of those with sensitive skin and complaints like eczema and prides itself on the moisturising yet non-greasy nature of its natural sunscreen. This natural sunscreen can be used on your face and body, but does the formula takes a little longer to soak in.
Best for: Sensitive skin
Shop now: Moo Goo Natural Sunscreen SPF 40, $21.90
A yummy-smelling moisturiser with SPF30+:
O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+
O Cosmedics Mineral Pro is a delicious smelling daily moisturiser that’s lightweight, fast absorbing and dries clear, so it’s perfect to wear under makeup. It’s a natural, physical sunscreen that also contains resveratrol – an antioxidant which has anti-ageing properties.
Best for: Any skin type
Shop now: O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+, $49
A wallet-friendly pick for those with sensitive skin:
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Lotion SPF50
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Lotion is a super affordable physical sunscreen that’s backed by the Eczema Association of Australasia.
Best for: Sensitive skin types
Shop now: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Lotion SPF50, $20.49
A certified-organic formula with aloe vera:
Wotnot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Wotnot’s natural sunscreen has a super moisturising formula with certified organic ingredients including aloe vera, jojoba oil and shea butter.
Best for: The whole family including kids
Shop now: Wotnot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, $29.99
A cult-favourite physical sunscreen that adds radiance:
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+
Naked Sundays’ bestselling Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ is a physical sun protectant packed with vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants. The fragrance-free, translucent-finish formula is a cinch to apply with the brand’s SPF BFF brush.
Best for: Anyone looking for a natural glow
Shop now: Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+, $39.95
An all-natural zinc SPF with added healing benefits:
The Kind Sunscreen
Made with just nine ingredients, The Kind Sunscreen is simple yet effective. The all-natural zinc formula promotes skin healing and hydration while providing SPF30 protection. It’s an excellent option for babies, breastfeeding mums, those with allergies and really anyone looking for a solid natural ‘screen.
Best for: All skin types including those with allergies and sensitivities
Shop now: The Kind Sunscreen, $29
A premium SPF you’ll actually look forward to using:
Liberty Belle Superstar Body & Face SPF50+ Sunscreen
For an ultra-luxe pick, we can’t go past Liberty Belle Superstar Body & Face SPF50+ Sunscreen. The zinc-based SPF50+ cream is four hours water-resistant, reef safe and provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB exposure.
Best for: Suitable for sensitive skin and children
Shop now: Liberty Belle Superstar Body & Face SPF50+ Sunscreen, $65
A handy travel-sized sunscreen for SPF-on-demand:
Standard procedure SPF 50+ 60mL
Gone are the days of forgetting your sunscreen. Simply attach this portable tube to your bag or key chain and you’ll never be caught off guard again. The Australian-made formula is charged with antioxidant-rich superfruit extracts plus vitamins A, B and C. Oh, and when the tube is empty, grab a Standard Procedure SPF 50+ 500mL pump to refill.
Best for: Anyone who’s ever forgotten their SPF (????)
Shop now: Standard procedure SPF 50+ 60mL, $16
A mineral sunscreen made just for babies:
We Are Feel Good Inc. Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Designed with delicate skin in mind, this dermatologically-tested, zinc-based sunscreen is perfect for little ones. Thanks to the product’s new micronised zinc oxide technology, it boasts an impressive SPF50+. It’s also lightweight, rubs in clear and is really just a treat to apply.
Best for: Babies from 6 months of age and children, or anyone with sensitive skin
Shop now: We Are Feel Good Inc. Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, $29.95
Natural, mineral and physical SPF, your questions answered
“Natural sunscreens usually refer to mineral sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that offer excellent physical protection from harmful UV radiation. When using this type of sunscreen, always ensure it is at least SPF30 or SPF 50 for adequate protection,” Dr Leona says.
“However, beware of ‘natural sunscreen’ products that actually refer to and use plant extracts and essential oils as their active sunscreen ingredient. Many of these do not meet Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) standards or meet the recommended minimum SPF30 needed in Australia to adequately protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.”
“Physical sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin, whereas chemical sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing UV, before converting it to heat and releasing it from the skin,” Women’s Health Beauty Editor Erin Docherty explains. “Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (you might also hear them being referred to as ‘natural’ sunscreens), whereas chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based substances such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and ecamsule.”
“One is not necessarily better than the other, however different formulas might work best for different skin types,” Erin says. “For example, if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or dermatitis, you’re probably better going with a physical sunscreen, as chemical filters can commonly cause irritation and redness. If you find your sunscreen tends to make you break out, it’s probably more about the base of the sunscreen as opposed to the actual ingredients. Opt for a lighter formula like a spray and look for formulas that are ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic.’”
“One advantage of physical sunscreens over chemical sunscreens is their additional protection against visible light,” dermatologist Dr Leona adds. “Excessive skin exposure to visible light causes skin DNA damage that leads to premature skin ageing.”
When using any SPF product, always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk.
