No white cast, no greasy feel, and great under makeup or on their own.
When I am looking for a facial sunscreen, that is the whole checklist. Natural, physical sunscreens have come a long way over the years and these six all tick every box. They are all natural, made with zinc oxide and botanicals, and I have included tinted and non-tinted options.
1. Mukti Solar Veil SPF30
The Mukti Solar Veil SPF30 is technically a certified organic moisturiser with added SPF, which means it feels more like skincare than sunscreen. It is a silky mineral formula with a soft tint that blends easily into the skin with no visible white cast, leaving a sheer, dewy finish. It is enriched with Kakadu plum, green tea and desert lime extracts to provide antioxidant support. It is also COSMOS certified organic and reef safe.
2. Little Urchin Natural Face Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
The Little Urchin Natural Face Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+ is designed to feel like an everyday moisturiser with very high SPF 50+ protection. It rubs in clear and wears comfortably on its own or under makeup. It contains non-nano zinc oxide alongside natural ceramides to support the skin barrier, and pink algae to help calm the skin. It is fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin.
3. MooGoo Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream
The MooGoo Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream provides broad-spectrum coverage while helping to even out the appearance of skin tone. It uses zinc oxide as a physical UV filter and includes natural moisturising oils for hydration, plus iron oxides for a natural, tan-coloured tint. It is a gentle option for easily irritated skin.
4. INIKA Organic Natural Sunscreen SPF50+
A lightweight option for sensitive skin. The formula is 22.75% zinc oxide with jojoba, coconut and castor oils plus vitamin E, and it blends smoothly into the skin without leaving a white cast. It is broad spectrum, water resistant for up to two hours, fragrance free and made in Australia, and there is a tinted version if you want a hint of coverage in the same tube.
5. Antipodes Supernatural SPF 50+ Ceramide Silk Sunscreen
The Antipodes Supernatural SPF 50+ Ceramide Silk Sunscreen gives broad-spectrum protection with a silky, luminous feel. The fragrance-free, non-greasy formula absorbs well with no visible white cast. It contains Ceramide III and nourishing plant oils to help keep the skin hydrated, and comes in a glass bottle.
6. MotherSPF Tinted Base SPF50 Face Sunscreen
The MotherSPF Tinted Base SPF50 Face Sunscreen is a skincare-infused mineral cream with 25.5% non-nano zinc oxide and an adaptive tint that minimises the white cast without adding coverage. It is broad spectrum and 99.15% naturally derived, with niacinamide, jojoba, aloe vera and upcycled organic apple extract in the formula, plus iron oxides for blue light protection. It is dermatologically approved for sensitive skin and light enough to replace your moisturiser. Worth knowing: it is not water resistant, so keep it for everyday wear and pick a water resistant option for swim days.
How Do I Apply a Facial Sunscreen?
Step 1: Make it the last skincare step. Sunscreen goes on after moisturiser and before makeup, at least 20 minutes before you head out.
Step 2: Use enough. Around a quarter of a teaspoon covers the face and neck.
Step 3: Reapply. Often and always after swimming or sweating.
And if makeup is going over the top, I have covered my favourite natural makeup for skin over 40 too.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, wear protective clothing, seek shade, avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply frequently.
About the Author ~ Irene Falcone
Irene Falcone is a clean beauty writer and co-host of a wellness podcast. She has spent more than 15 years reading the back of beauty labels, and is a Telstra Business Women's Awards winner and a judge for the Clean + Conscious Awards.
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