I’ve been searching for a sport-friendly SPF that doesn’t sweat off half a mile into my hike. Truth, I haven’t been that successful on the sweat-free front but I have found some mineral formulas I like. Turns out SPF formulas with chemicals can mess with hormones and hyperpigmentation. No thank you. I’m late reading up on the differences between mineral and synthetic formulated SPFs. Now that I have, I’m a convert. Or I’m trying to be.

While I continue to test-drive sweat-proof formulas, here are 8 lightweight SPF products that I can recommend with full confidence. First are 5 mineral SPF formulas in no particular order:

1. CŌTZ FACE PRIME & PROTECT SPF 40

CŌTZ stands for Contains Only Titanium & Zinc. This sheer primer applies with a silky matte finish. It’s a light airy, tinted cream formula that I’ve worn both alone and under makeup. If you like a tinted formula that’s reef-friendlier and preservative-free, try it!

2. SUPERGOOP MINERAL SHEERSCREEN SPF 30

It’s true, I like EVERYTHING Supergoop makes … even the CC Cream that I bought in the wrong color. While Glowscreen is still my ride-or-die product, Sheerscreen is amazing. It’s great alone or as a foundation primer. Plus it helps block out blue light, which is useful for those of us clocking hours and hours of screen time every day.

3. BLOOMEFFECTS TULIP DEW SERUM VITAMINS & MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 50

I’ve been wearing this Tulip Dew Serum a lot lately. It’s packed with vitamins and is a serum so it hydrates as it shields from pollution, UVA/UVB rays, blue light and free radicals. There’s no white cast either. I’ve tossed many sunscreens because of a white cast looks even worse with sweat.This SPF serum leaves a gorgeous dewy finish, similar to Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint but with less pigment.

4. CERAVE TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30

The Cerave mineral sunscreen is the most wallet friendly. It applies just like a moisturizer and has a dewy tint. The color isn’t perfect on me but it blends easily enough with blush. Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and essential ceramides keep skin looking healthy, plus it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. A great bargain for a tinted mineral formula!

5. TULA MINERAL MAGIC OIL-FREE MINERAL SUNSCREEN

The sun and my face have a love-hate relationship. I’ve got some hyperpigmentation as a result. This Tula brightening formula is said to help counteract sun damage with pre/probiotics that help balance the skin microbiome. It protects from UVA/UVB, blue light and pollution too. I like using this SPF on hormonal days when my skin is irritable and more blemish prone.

Here are 3 hybrid SPF formulas with both chemical and natural ingredients worth considering:

1. CLARINS UV PLUS ANTI-POLLUTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 TINTED SUNSCREEN MULTI-PROTECTION

I’ve been wearing this Clarins tinted oil-free sunscreen for years. It feels absolutely weightless, comes in a few shades, and is more comfortable on skin than any tinted SPF I’ve tried. When I’m outdoors on a hot day, I want my SPF as undetectable as possible — especially when there’s tint involved! This is an easy go-to formula that’s great for city living where unhealthy air and environmental stressors can wreak havoc on aging skin.

2. PURITO DAILY GO-TO SUNSCREEN SPF 50+

Purito‘s hybrid chemical/mineral (“physical”) formula has a cult following. It’s favored among skin care enthusiasts and experts around the globe. It’s super lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, is highly moisturizing and provides incomparable sun protection. Also fragrance-free if that matters to you. The only downside is that this particular formula is overseas so count on at least a few weeks for delivery.

3. ISNTREE HYALURONIC ACID WATERY SUN GEL SPF 50+

Like the Purito formula mentioned above, this Isntree sun gel is a huge favorite in skin care pro circles. It locks in moisture with Hyaluronic Acid, plus cools & soothes skin as it protects. If your skin is easily irritated or prone to breakouts, this HA SPF formula might be perfect for you. This also needs to be ordered from overseas. I find Stylevana the easiest option and they often send deals via email.

Let me know if you try any of the above or have some favorites readers should check out.

Stay sun safe!

xo