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Byrdie / David Hattan
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sunscreen is an absolute must. And, thankfully, it’s evolved past the goopy, sticky, greasy, ultra-white iterations of years past. Plenty of options—spanning tinted creams, foundations with SPF, and sunscreen-filled blushes and bronzers—make it easy to wear (and reapply SPF) every single day. One of our favorite innovations as of late is powder sunscreen—a form of sunscreen that mimics the texture of setting powder.
Most powder formulas come with a built-in brush for mindless reapplication and portability, but others come in compact form. To help you narrow down the best powder sunscreen options, we did a deep dive into the topic and tapped a few knowledgeable experts for their thoughts. We considered types of sunscreens—either mineral (aka physical) or chemical—as well as the level of SPF protection, whether or not the formulas are tinted, and what size each comes in. The result: a list of the best powder sunscreens money can buy.
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Amazon
SPF 50 sun protection
Comes in a few shades
Provides pollution and blue light protection
Can cling to dry patches
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.21 oz
We’ve talked about Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 before, but we’re here to sing its praises once again. Not only is this powder protector perfect for travel (no spills here!), but it also makes reapplication every two hours an incredibly easy task. Plus, dermatologists love it. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D. previously told Byrdie that the formula is doubly effective at protecting against UVA and UVB rays, in addition to pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. “This is a great option for those looking for a mineral sunscreen; it contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, plus the brand's patented Enviroscreen technology to protect the skin,” she explains. Best of all, it can be seamlessly applied over makeup (or bare skin).
Best Compact
Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50
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Amazon
Nongreasy cream-to-powder
Noncomedogenic and nonirritating
Contains vitamin E
Only comes in 2 shades
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 35 | Size: 0.15 oz
If you prefer a compact, you’ll love this option from Avene. The light, nongreasy cream-to-powder tinted sunscreen boasts 100% mineral filters (in the form of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) plus pre-tocopheryl (a photostable form of vitamin E), which provides powerful antioxidant protection. The compact fits easily into any pocket or bag and even comes with a mirror for easy, on-the-go reapplication. We love that it’s noncomedogenic, nonirritating, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Best Budget
Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Powder
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Amazon
Translucent finish
Lightweight
Noncomedogenic
Packaging makes product harder to dispense
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.15 oz
Another mineral formula, Hawaiian Tropic’s Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder Brush has an impressively lightweight feel that, as the name suggests, leaves behind an undetectable translucent finish. Those with acne-prone skin will benefit from the fact that it’s noncomedogenic, and we love that it can be used anywhere on the body, including your scalp. The dispenser can be finicky at times (you might have to tap it against a hard surface a few times), but the pocket-sized powder is great for keeping on hand when on the go.
Best Tinted
iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40
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Dermstore
Tinted formulation
Diminishes the look of pores
Silky-smooth finish
We wish the shade range was more expansive
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.15 oz
The PerfecTint from iS Clinical is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for something that has a little more coverage. The silky-smooth finish hides the look of pores, blemishes, and more while absorbing surface oil, and protecting the skin from the sun with SPF 40. The formula features the brand’s botanical antioxidant Extremozyme technology, which helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors and imparts a flawless finish. No matter which of the five shades you choose, you’ll love how nicely it applies on the face, neck, décolleté, scalp, and anywhere else you might need a little tinted coverage.
Best Mattifying
Supergoop! Mineral Setting Powder
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Amazon
Controls shine
Excellent absorbency
Good for touch-ups
Finicky applicator
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 35 | Size: 0.15 oz
We tested a bunch of setting powders—and rated them based on absorbency, overall look, and whether or not each had a lightweight feel—and this one from Supergoop! impressed us quite a bit. Not only does the sunscreen-infused setting powder make it easy to reapply SPF throughout the day, but we were also pleasantly surprised to find that it absorbs oil and controls shine, too. Despite having a finicky applicator brush, a little bit goes a long way to ensure skin (and makeup) looks visibly smoother and is well protected with SPF 35.
Best Water-Resistant
DERMA E DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
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Ulta
Withstands contact with sweat and water
Contains calming ingredients
Translucent
Applicator is rough
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.14 oz
Admittedly, powder sunscreens aren’t the most water-resistant by nature, but this one from Derma E outperforms the rest in this category. What’s more, it’s entirely translucent and can be worn either on its own or over makeup for a flawless finish. Thanks to ingredients such as green tea, chamomile flower extract, and vitamin E, this product soothes the skin and delivers the vital antioxidants it needs.
Best Lightweight
ISDIN Mineral Brush
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Amazon
Mattifying
Natural finish
Combination of protection
Not the most waterproof option
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.14 oz
Hate the feeling of cakiness on your skin? Look to this brush-on powder sunscreen from ISDIN. The mineral formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering SPF 50 sun protection. It’s a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche, M.D., who explains that it’s a great option for those with oily skin. “ISDIN utilizes a combination of physical blockers that protect the skin from UV and infrared ray radiation,” she explains. “It mattifies the skin and is easy to take with you in your purse.” Just beware that it can wash off if you go for a swim—so be sure to reapply afterward (or after two hours have gone by).
Best for Sensitive Skin
Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen
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Ulta
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Comes in four shades
Broad-spectrum coverage
Product can be tricky to dispense
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.18 oz
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian Mack, M.D., previously keyed us into this product (when talking about scalp sunscreens) as an option that’s not only great for your makeup, but it feels better than a sticky lotion or oily spray. The product offers SPF 30 sun protection and won’t irritate sensitive skin—thanks to the fact that the brand skips out on fragrances and sulfates but leans on a whole slew of ingredients like pomegranate fruit and eastern pine bark extract instead. No matter which of the four shades you choose, you’ll appreciate how the barely there powder disappears onto the skin (or in hair, if you’d prefer to use it on your scalp!). Plus, we love that this formulation earned the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval.
Best Multiuse
Brush-On Block Brush-On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder
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Amazon
Works well on scalp, hair, skin, and more
Secure applicator
Dermatologist and aesthetician recommended
Too much can look obvious
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.18 oz
Consider this your reminder that you should be slathering on SPF every single day, head to toe—including your scalp. Your hair does provide some protection, but unfortunately, it won’t spare your scalp from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Enter: Brush On Block, a mineral sunscreen powder safe for use hair, skin, and every other area of your body. In addition to being a nongreasy formula, this product contains a high percentage of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—two great physical UV blockers. Plus, the product feels weightless and even sops up excess oil on your scalp and face. Commerce writer and coauthor Caitlyn Martyn has used this formula for years, ever since her aesthetician recommended she use it for touch-ups on her makeup or bare skin.
Best for Under-Eyes
BareMinerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20
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Ulta
Made specifically for the delicate eye area
Luminous finish
Can stick to dry patches and deep lines
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 20 | Size: 0.07 oz
The skin under your eyes is super delicate and just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of your face. Our suggestion: Protect the area with this under-eye concealer that contains SPF 20. It’s clean, vegan, and works overtime to reduce the look of puffiness, fatigue, and dark circles for a wide-awake look. Just be sure to apply an eye cream so it doesn’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.
What to Look for in Powder Sunscreen
- SPF level: As with any sunscreen, you’ll want to make sure it has a sufficient amount of SPF. Most dermatologists recommend choosing SPF 30 or higher for an adequate amount of protection from the sun. Since you’ll most likely be using a sunscreen powder to reapply throughout the day, we recommend picking an SPF level that matches the traditional sunscreen you use before leaving the house.
- Packaging and formulation: The majority of picks on this list come as a loose powder formula with a catchall brush applicator or as a compact. The former can be easier to use on the go, but the loose powder can get messy depending on where you are. Consider where you’d usually be applying and reapplying your sunscreen to help you decide which formula works best for you.
- Shade range: Most sunscreen powders have a somewhat limited range—as powders can usually blend easily to fit multiple skin tones—but you still want to make sure that you see a shade that would work well for you before purchasing. If you have specific undertones or are a very light or very dark shade, it might be best to swatch the product in person instead of buying online.
Why Trust Byrdie
Shannon Stubbs is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers beauty. To write this article, she consulted skin care professionals and researched dozens of products to find the best the market has to offer.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She has oily, sensitive skin prone to sunburn and has tried countless brush-on powder sunscreens over the years.
Team Byrdie consulted with four dermatologists for this story, including:
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. She specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology, having experience with Mohs surgery, laser, and more. She is currently the Director of Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in general medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Cornell where she teaches residents about reviewing the latest dermatology literature.
- Dr. Anna Guanche, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas.
- Dr. Lian Mack, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Westchester, New York. She is the founder of Glam Derm.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough powder sunscreens from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
