9 Best Physical Sunscreen In India | Chemical Free Mineral Sunscreen

15 Best Physical Sunscreen In India | Non Toxic, Natural Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen actives gets absorbed in to the blood stream and may disrupt hormones. The parabens, Octyl methoxycinnamate and fragrance present in chemical sunscreens may cause not only acne but also, skin irritations.

If you are interested, Check out my compilation on these –  20 Fragrance Free Sunscreens of 2022 and the Best 15 Sunscreens For Oily Skin In India.

We are moving towards clean beauty which is basically products that contain safe minimal ingredients that are gentle on our skin, body and also, the environment.

• Most waterproof/sweat proof Physical sunscreen has to be removed with makeup remover/Oil cleanser else, it could clog pores. Been there and I learnt it the hard way.😞

Is Mineral Sunscreen Safe?

Yes, The main ingredients of a mineral sun block are Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide.

Both of these sit on top of our skin and deflect the harmful UV rays of the sun. They do not enter the blood stream not do they cause hormone disruptions.

In short, they are super safe. 🙂

Which Is Better Mineral Or Chemical Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen’s provide far more benefits in the long run.

They are much safer when compared to chemical sunscreens.

Does Mineral Sunscreen Suit Everybody?

Unfortunately that is not the case. 😣

Reason – Consistency and White cast

Physical sunscreens have a white cast (Not all of them) because of zinc oxide in it and hence, it may not work well for deeper skin tones. Reapplying is a hassle because of the white cast and obviously, it’s consistency. And therefore, the cakey finish.

Don’t lose hope now, There are some very good mineral sunscreens that are light on the skin, and does not leave a white cast.

Here are the best mineral sunscreens available in India. In terms of texture and consistency, touch down, nothing can beat Korean sunscreens But, I do wish they were reasonable priced.😣

The ranking is from the BEST sunscreens to the NOT-So-Good Ok-Ok Ones.

Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream

PRICE – ₹1650 | Sale – ₹1320
Mineral UV protection filter gently covers delicate skin and protects from external factors. Witch hazel and skin moisturizing ingredients provide moisture and nourishment.

PROS

Light weight
Creamy texture
Non oily and non sticky
Pleasant rosemary scent
Does not sting eyes
Mild white cast which fades away
Gets absorbed quickly
Non breakouts or skin irritations
Fragrance free

CONS

Expensive
Contains rosemary essential oil
Does not suit dusky skin tones as there is a mild white cast

📌The sunscreen stick from the same brand has a matte finish and is non sticky. It does have a mild white cast if you use it as a primary sunscreen. It is pretty light weight and does not cause breakouts.

Qurez Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen SPF30+++

PRICE, 450rs for 50ML(GOOD👍)

PROS

Creamy consistency

Easy to spread and blend

Mild white cast which fades away in less than 15 minutes tops

Fragrance free

Prevents sun tan

No breakouts or skin irritations

Affordable

CONS

None

AXIS-Y COMPLETE NO-STRESS PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN

A Mug wort based sunscreen featuring 2% Niacinamide and Squalene that protects skin from UVA and UVB damage while providing the healing properties of skin-loving ingredients for an every day, no-stress life.

SPF 50+ PA ++++ | ISO Internationally certified |*Contains no artificial fragrance; allergen-free

50ml – ₹1450 | Sale price – ₹1015

PROS

Mineral sunscreen
Contains niacinamide & squalene
Hydrating sunscreen
Brightens the skin
Semi Matte finish
Non greasy
Medicinal fragrance
Zero white cast
Does not cause breakouts
No skin irritations either
Sits well under makeup

CONS

Price is high

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Sun Cream

Price – 1250/- for 50ML (Loved it!!!!)

You can get this from BeautyBarn website. 🙂

A non nano 100% physical sunscreen that provides a broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Mineral sunscreen with soothing ingredients like Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid extracted from Centella Asiatica soothes and strengthens irritated, sensitive skin.

Recommended for Acne prone, oily skin types.

PROS

• Lotion like consistency
• Light weight
• Fragrance free
• Smells like tea tree oil
• Non greasy
• Semi matte finish
• Mildest white cast
• No stinging sensation or breakouts
• Works well with makeup
• Hydrating and Calming
• Suits oily, acne prone skin

CONS

• Have a tendency to pill(ball up) so prep your skin properly.
• Contains essential oils
• It has a mild white cast
• Expensive

This might be THE BEST among all the physical sunscreen currently available.

Innisfree Tone Up Sunscreen

Price – 900/- for 50ML (Buy Now) 

This chemical free sunscreen reduces the appearance of wrinkles, brightens the skin, shields out sunlight and features a soft and mattifying finish with zero stickiness.

Anti-pollution formula to block out fine dust.

PROS

• Waterproof sunscreen
• Cream like consistency
• Contains antioxidants
• Matte finish
• Brightens the skin
• Provides anti-aging benefits
• Non oily and non greasy
• Prevents sun tan
• Does not leave your face oily even after hours of application
• No breakouts or irritations

CONS

• Have to blend quickly as it dries faster
• Can be drying on dry-mature skin so, moisturise properly
• Has a white cast
• Not suitable for darker skin tones 😭

Suntique IM SAFE Sunscreen

PRICE 50ML – 1290 (Loved it !!!)

• Suntique IM SAFE Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++ – For Sensitive Skin,
• Suntique I’M PURE Perfect Cica SPF 50+ pa++++, 50ML

The formula gives skin a matte finish and leaves behind no scent.

PROS

• Available in SPF 35 and SPF 50
• Thin watery consistency
• Dewy to shiny finish
• Does not irritate eyes
• Gets absorbed quickly
• Not greasy at all for normal-dry skin
• Fragrance free but has a mild floral scent
• Easily washable   (Easy cleansing with a soap or mild cleanser)
• Zero chemicals
• No white cast 🙂
• Hydrates and cools skin
• Lightweight
• Free from silicones, PABA, avobenzone, oxybenzone, fragrance, phthalate, paraben, and chemical UV filters

CONS

• Not waterproof
• Price is on the higher side
• Have a tendency to pill

Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+/PA+++

PRICE – 950/- for 55ML

Available On Beautybarn Only as of 2021.

A 100% mineral based mild ingredient sunscreen for sensitive skin, with a non-sticky, no greasy and a smooth finish.

• Dwarf ground sedge extract & Sunflower seeds for UV protection
• Acai berry & Acerola to reinforce vitality of skin
• Portulaca oleracea, Centella asiatica, & Mistletoe leaves to relax skin
• Aloe vera, Cactus, & Hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin

PROS

• Watery lotion like consistency
• Extremely light on the skin
• 20 vegetable ingredients present
• No white cast
• Matte finish
• Does not pill or ball up
• Gets absorbed easily
• No irritation or breakouts
• Non oily and non sticky
• Contains plant extracts like Tiger Grass and Purslane to soothe and prevent inflammation
• Does not burn/sting my eyes
• Can be layered with makeup
• Lightens and brightens skin tone

CONS

• Not water or sweat resistant
• Contains alcohol, lemon peel oil and fragrance
• Strong Eucalyptus scent maybe irritating to some
• Accentuates dry patches
• Extremely mattifying (Drying on the skin) so suitable for oily skin only

Dr. Sheth’s Basic Brightening Daily Sunscreen

Price – 950/- for 50ML (Buy Now) (Good :))

Specially formulated for Indian skin, this chemical free sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. It works to hydrate and de-pigment and has an extreme matte finish which absorbs instantly with minimal white cast.

PROS

• Broad spectrum Vegan sunscreen
• Does not clog pores
• Gets absorbed easily
• Comparatively milder white cast
• Pleasant fragrance
• Can be layered with makeup
• Brightens the skin
• Non sticky and non greasy
• Matte finish but not drying
• No breakouts or skin irritations caused
• Does not cause profuse sweating
• Paraben Free
• Non Toxic
• Pregnancy Safe
• Sulphate Free

CONS

• Not waterproof or sweat proof
• Not really suitable for summer season
• It has a mild white cast

Z-Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel, SPF 58

Price – 699/- for 50ML (Buy Now)

Z-Block contains Zinclear IM- The most transparent and effective zinc oxide in the world and also approved as organic cosmetic ingredient by Ecocert.

It provides silky-smooth, non oily, matt finish and velvety feel sunscreen experience.(Review)

Ingredient list not disclosed.

PROS

• No white cast
• Free from chemical actives and artificial fragrance
• Broad spectrum sunscreen protection against both UVB and UVA rays
• No white cast and excessive sweating
• Provides brightness and glow on my skin due to its velvety finish
• Prevents tanning
• Suits normal, combination and sensitive skin
• No skin irritation or dullness
• Water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes
• No animal testing
• Paraben free
• Suits normal-dry skin

CONS

• Refrigerate as it tends to melt (Unstable formula :()
• Full ingredients not disclosed
• The company itself does not recommend this sunscreen for oily, acne prone skin.

Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen Spf 50 Pa+++

Price – 795/- for 50 gm (Buy Now) (Good !!!)

Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ is a 100% mineral sunscreen with 25% zinc as the only sunscreen filter.

It comes with a universal tint that blends with every skin tone with absolutely zero white cast.

PROS

• Water resistant
• Matte finish
• Non oily and non greasy
• 100% mineral sunscreen
• Easy to blend
• Does not pill
• No irritation or breakouts
• Mousse like texture
• Sits nicely under makeup
• Protects against sun tan
• Hides mild skin textures
• No white cast
• Acts as a primer
• No artificial fragrance

CONS

• May dry out your skin so moisturise properly before applying this sunscreen.
• Cakey finish when reapplying. So, take your time and blend it well.
• May leave an orange tint on fairer skin tones.

From here onwards, we are moving on to the Not-So-Good Sunscreens. 🙁 These 4 sunscreens have lot of room for improvement starting from their texture and consistency.

Check recent reviews of the below, some companies improve their texture with each batch.😇

La Shield Fisico SPF 50+ & Pa+++ Transparent Sunscreen Gel

Price – 630/- for 50ML (Buy Now)

It is dermatologically tested and safe for use in individuals with sensitive skin and those allergic to chemical sunscreens.
This physical sunscreen offers long-lasting protection from UV induced skin damage such as sunburn, redness, tanning, pigmentation, ageing, inflammation.

PROS

• Does not clog pores
• Sweat and water resistant
• Easy to blend
• Dewy finish
• Easily available online
• Does not cause breakouts
• Does not feel heavy on the skin
• Fragrance free
• Mild white cast which goes away once massaged
• Water resistant up to 8 hours

CONS

• Weird chemical smell which fades in 5 minutes
• Bit drying for dry/mature skin, accentuates dry patches.
• Not suitable for summer season.
• Causes irritation and stinging sensation on sensitive skin

Suncros Matte Soft Gel

Price – 720/- for 50ML (Buy Now)

Suncros Matte Finish Gel is suitable for all ages above 6 months. It acts in skin protection from sunrays, protecting from UV A, UV B. It is good with SPF 50+, PA+++.

Full ingredient list not disclosed.

Isostearic acid (Fungal acne trigger)

PROS

• Smooth texture
• SPF 50+++ prevents tanning
• No breakouts or skin irritation
• Suits all skin types
• Dewy Finish
• Fragrance free
• Does not dry out the skin
• Best for winter season
• Sweat proof and Water proof

CONS

• Not in gel form and finish is not matte.
• It could make you sweat.
• Slightly heavy on the skin.
• Leaves a white cast on deeper skin tones.
• Smells medicinal

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen

Price – 850 for 80ML (Buy Now) (Worst :()

Formulated with a pure screen technology that uses zinc oxide only to provide a superior photos table physical screen barrier on skin

• Glyceryl Behenate (Fungal acne trigger)
• Phenoxyethanol (Fragrance, preservative)

PROS

• Prevents sun tan
• Does not aggravate acne
• Not greasy but has a shiny finish
• Suits fair skin well
• Does not melt off in hot summers
• It does not sting or cause skin bumps on sensitive skin
• Sweat and water resistant (80 minutes)
• Fragrance free, oil-free, Paba free
• Hypoallergenic and non comedogenic

CONS

• Gritty texture
• Heavy on the skin
• Terrible white cast
• Difficult to blend without pulling the skin
• Does not sit well with makeup
• Smells weirdly chemical
• Cannot reapply without washing your face
• Burns my eyes
• Not suitable for sensitive skin or brown skin beauties

Sunban Soft Nano Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen Spf 50

Price – 849/- for 50ML (Buy Now) (Worst :()

Sunban soft cream is a unique anhydrous matte finish moisturising physical sunscreen gel, which is non-greasy and non-comedogenic.

It is hypoallergenic, water/sweat resistant and protects from tanning, pre-mature ageing and helps to maintain original skin colour and texture.

Full ingredient list not disclosed.

PROS

• Protects from sun tan
• Waterproof and sweat proof

CONS

• Contains fragrance
• Crystalline particles and a gritty texture 🙁
• Transfers easily

Skip this one, Not worth the money

CONCLUSION

These are some of the Best Physical Sunscreen In India | Chemical Free Sunscreen available for your choice.

Few other you can consider are,

SunKage SPF 50, 100% Physical Sunscreen Natural Zinc Oxide Shield Sunscreen Lotion(full ingredients not disclosed)

The Derma Co Pure Zinc Matte Sunscreen Gel with SPF 30 (Contains fragrance)

I could not find more details or an ingredient list for these two products.