The Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens, Starting at Just $4

We carefully reviewed this article in April 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock, available and reflected accurate prices. We also added several new tested and editor-loved sunscreens to the list.

An important note on sunscreen safety: The FDA has proposed changes to sunscreen regulations, as some active ingredients can enter the bloodstream. Until it can reach a more robust conclusion on safety, the FDA — and the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab — urges Americans to continue using mineral and chemical sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

You've probably heard the term "zinc oxide" a lot recently, and it's for a good reason. SPFs with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered mineral sunscreens, a popular alternative to chemical formulas. Currently, the FDA has concluded that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen actives that are safe and effective. The FDA is continuing to evaluate chemical actives and has not reached a conclusion on their safety yet. Unlike their chemical counterparts that work by absorbing the sun's harmful UV rays, these mineral sunscreens protect you from the sun by sitting on top of skin and physically blocking or reflecting that radiation. No matter if you use a mineral or chemical sunscreen, remember to reapply, especially if you're sweating or getting wet at the beach or pool.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Beauty Lab scientists regularly test and evaluate all kinds of sunscreens, including sunscreens for kids and babies, natural sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin and more. Our pros know about the best formulas and latest ingredients and stay on top of the current regulations. When testing sunscreens, we send them out to real consumers to try — nearly 1,200 people in our most recent test — and after testers fill out an extensive questionnaire, our pros sort through the data to find the best ones to recommend. Based on the GH Beauty Lab's extensive testing, these are the best zinc oxide sunscreens for face and body to buy in 2023.

You can read more about how we evaluate sunscreens in our Lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for the best zinc oxide options — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to protect yourself from the sun? Check out our guides to the best sunscreen sticks and the best sunscreens for dark skin for your money.