The mineral sunscreens I've tried, from holy grail to total flop

Finding a good mineral SPF, one that doesn't look like a white mask and doesn't dry you out, is a constant battle for me. So I put together a list of every one I've tried, ranked from favourite to total flop. I hope it saves someone with a fair or neutral complexion a bit of money and nerves.

1. Laboratorios Babé Super Fluid Sunscreen Color SPF 50 (mineral version)

What the brand claims: an ultra-light texture that absorbs quickly, enriched with prebiotic ingredients that strengthen the natural barrier and protect the skin microbiome.

My experience: holy grail. By far the best mineral SPF I've tried. It spreads beautifully and doesn't sting my eyes at all, which is a huge plus for me. The only downside is that the tinted version isn't for us very fair girls. So I mix it with the regular, untinted version from the same line and get the perfect shade.

Tip: I order it from the Spanish site Care to Beauty because it's much cheaper there than in our pharmacies.

2. Paula's Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

What the brand claims: a tinted moisturiser with zinc oxide that leaves a matte finish and calms redness.

My experience: a cosmetically very elegant product. It spreads nicely and leaves no classic white sheen, but the coverage is very, very light, just enough to even out the skin tone. The biggest minus is the price, it's too expensive. After a full day it can also dry out my face and cling to dry patches.

3. Bioderma Photoderm Nude Touch SPF 50+ (shade Claire/Light)

What the brand claims: 100 % mineral filters, shine control for up to 8 hours and a formula that evens out the complexion.

My experience: sadly this one just doesn't suit me. The shade Claire isn't warm, it leans pink-neutral. I don't like the texture either: it's quite hard to spread and stays patchy on the face, applying unevenly.

4. Avène Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF 50+

What the brand claims: high protection for intolerant skin, with a golden tint that evens out the complexion.

My experience: far, far too dark. Even for girls who aren't especially fair this will be too much. It's also hard to spread. You really need a deeper skin tone or an existing tan for this one.

5. Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ (untinted)

What the brand claims: 100 % mineral filters, photostable protection without chemical filters or fragrance.

My experience: literally white paint, with no extra caring ingredients. I only kept it because it's a good, safe choice after stronger treatments such as microneedling, when the skin needs protection that sits on the surface. For everyday wear under make-up, forget it.

6. Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+ (untinted)

What the brand claims: maximum effectiveness against UVB and UVA rays for skin allergic to chemical filters.

My experience: a total disaster. The whitest thing I've ever put on my face. The problem is that the white transfers horribly: everything I touched was stained and wouldn't wash off. The car seat, my make-up bag, even the front door. It went in the bin. And the cherry on top: the packaging leaks everywhere.

Conclusion

If you have fair, sensitive skin prone to redness and you're looking for an everyday mineral SPF, my answer is Babé Super Fluid Color, mixed with the untinted version if needed. Paula's Choice is a lovely but expensive alternative if you only need light evening-out of the skin tone.

What do you use? If you can recommend a good mineral SPF that doesn't leave a white cast on everything you touch, let me know.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mineral SPF for sensitive skin with rosacea?

Of the six mineral sunscreens I've tried, my favourite is Laboratorios Babé Super Fluid Sunscreen Color SPF 50 (mineral version). It spreads beautifully and doesn't sting my eyes.

Which mineral SPF leaves no white cast?

Babé Super Fluid Sunscreen Color and Paula's Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 leave no white cast on me. Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+ left the most, and it also transferred onto clothes and objects.

Is tinted Babé SPF good for very fair skin?

The tinted version is too dark for very fair skin. That's why I mix it with the untinted version from the same line to get the right shade.

Where can I buy Babé SPF for less?

I order it from the Spanish pharmacy site Care to Beauty, where it's much cheaper than in Croatian pharmacies.

When should I use the untinted Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+?

I keep it for after stronger treatments like microneedling, when the skin needs protection that sits on the surface. For everyday wear under make-up it's far too white.