Comparing 3 “Clean Beauty” Brands in the Mineral Sunscreen Category

The “Clean” Shield: The Quest for a Mineral Sunscreen That Feels Good

For many “clean beauty” enthusiasts, mineral (or physical) sunscreens are the top choice due to their gentle and safe formulations. But for years, that choice came with a major trade-off: a thick, heavy texture that left a chalky, white cast on the skin. Thankfully, modern clean beauty brands have revolutionized the mineral sunscreen, creating formulas that are as elegant to wear as they are effective.

But which brand has truly perfected the art of a mineral sunscreen that is both effective and cosmetically beautiful?

We’re putting three of the most popular and innovative mineral sunscreens from leading “clean beauty” brands—Drunk Elephant, Supergoop!, and Ilia Beauty—to the test to help you find your perfect clean shield.

The Science in Brief: How Mineral Sunscreens Work

Mineral sunscreens use two key mineral ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Unlike their chemical counterparts which absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, these mineral particles sit on the surface of your skin. They act like millions of tiny mirrors, creating a physical shield that reflects and scatters harmful UV rays away from your skin. The innovation in modern formulas lies in the use of nanotechnology to minimize the visible particle size, which is often gentler and better tolerated by sensitive skin types.

The Head-to-Head Comparison: Drunk Elephant vs. Supergoop! vs. Ilia

#1 The Skincare Powerhouse: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

• The Vibe: A rich, antioxidant-packed skin treatment that also provides sun protection.
• Key Ingredients: 20% Zinc Oxide, a potent antioxidant blend (Astaxanthin, Grape Juice & Sunflower Shoot Extracts).
• The Experience & Finish: This is a thick and deeply moisturizing cream that is fantastic for dry skin types. Instead of leaving a white cast, it imparts a dewy, luminous sheen that might be too glowy for very oily skin, but gives a beautiful, healthy radiance to those who need the moisture.
• The Verdict: Best for normal to dry skin that wants a mineral sunscreen that feels and acts like a rich, nourishing moisturizer.

#2 The Invisible Mattifier: Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

• The Vibe: A high-tech mineral sunscreen designed to be completely invisible.
• Why We Love It: Supergoop! solved the white cast problem with this innovative formula. It has a lightweight, almost whipped texture that smooths over the skin and dries down to a natural, satin-matte finish. It’s fantastic for wearing under makeup, acting as a smoothing primer that helps to blur the look of pores.
• The Verdict: Best for normal, combination, and oily skin types who have previously disliked mineral sunscreens for being heavy or greasy.

#3 The “Skincare-in-Makeup” Innovator: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

• The Vibe: A serum, a light-coverage foundation, and a mineral sunscreen all in one bottle.
• Why We Love It: This product redefines multitasking. It’s a lightweight serum tint that provides beautiful, sheer coverage while being packed with skincare ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, plant-based Squalane, and Niacinamide to improve your skin over time. The SPF protection is entirely mineral-based, and it leaves an ultra-dewy, “glass skin” finish.
• The Verdict: Best for fans of a minimal routine who want light coverage, active skincare, and sun protection in one quick, easy step.

The At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Pro-Tips for a Flawless Mineral Sunscreen Application

• Tip 1: Warm It Up. Dispense the product onto your fingertips and warm it up slightly. This helps it spread more evenly.
• Tip 2: Press, Don’t Rub. Gently press and pat the sunscreen into your skin, rather than rubbing it aggressively. This helps to prevent a white cast from forming.
• Tip 3: Give It a Minute. Allow your sunscreen to set on your skin for a minute or two before applying makeup on top.

The Verdict: “Clean” Protection Has Never Looked Better

The days of heavy, chalky mineral sunscreens are over. Modern “clean beauty” brands are delivering sophisticated formulas that not only protect your skin but also enhance its look and feel.

Whether you’re looking for a rich moisturizer, a mattifying primer, or a multitasking serum, there is a clean mineral sunscreen that fits perfectly into your skincare routine and suits your skin type. It’s the key to getting powerful protection without compromising on your skin’s health or appearance.