How does powder sunscreen work?

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman , M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist, powder sunscreens work precisely the same as a traditional mineral sunscreen—usually containing ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block UV rays. The only true difference is the texture and application.

Are powder sunscreens as effective as lotion formulas?

“Although powder sunscreens work in the same way as liquid sunscreen, I often say that they are not as effective because it’s more difficult to ensure full coverage,” says Dr. Engelman. She recommends applying them to smaller areas, such as the scalp or face instead of the body, and using them as a method of reapplication.

How often should powder sunscreen be applied?

Dr. Engelman recommends applying and reapplying every two hours, but even more frequently if you’re sweating or spending time in the water. Luckily, many powder sunscreens are completely portable, usually coming with a small brush for easy application.

The 10 Best Powder Sunscreens of 2026, Tested and Approved

A person applying powder sunscreen to their face with a closeup of a sunscreen brush shown beside them — Byrdie

TL;DR

Best Overall: Our favorite powder sunscreen is Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. We love that it provides SPF 50 in a lightweight, absorbing powder.
Best Budget: For a budget-friendly version, we recommend the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush SPF 30.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sunscreen is an absolute must. 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 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, tapped a few experts, and tested different formulas. 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.

Top Picks

Best Overall:

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield at Amazon $69

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

SALE

Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Powder at Amazon ~~$20~~ $16

Jump to Review

Best Mattifying:

SALE

Supergoop! (Re)setting Mineral Setting Powder at Amazon ~~$35~~ $30

Jump to Review

Best Compact:

Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50 at Amazon $44

Jump to Review

Best Multiuse:

Brush-On Block Brush-On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder at Amazon $36

Jump to Review

Best Water-Resistant:

DERMA E DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 at Amazon $34

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin :

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen at Amazon $59

Jump to Review

Best Tinted:

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40 at Amazon $82

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

ISDIN Mineral Brush at Amazon $40

Jump to Review

Best for Under-Eyes:

BareMinerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20 at Amazon $28

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield

Credit: Amazon

$69

$63 at Amazon $69 at Nordstrom $69 at Hsastore.com

What We Like

SPF 50 sun protection
Comes in four shades
Provides pollution and blue light protection

What to Consider

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. This powder protector is perfect for travel (no spills here!), and it makes reapplication every two hours an incredibly easy task. It comes in four shades and blends seamlessly into the skin while absorbing oil. 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, 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, you can seamlessly apply it over makeup (or bare skin).

Shannon Stubbs, associate editor: “I love that it reduces shine without making my complexion look flat and that it doesn’t feel heavy or dry on my skin.”

Best Budget

Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Powder

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush, SPF 30

Credit: Amazon

$20

$16 at Amazon $17 at Target $16 at Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Translucent finish
Lightweight

What to Consider

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 Mattifying

Supergoop! (Re)setting Mineral Setting Powder

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++

Credit: Amazon

$35

$30 at Amazon $35 at Sephora $35 at Ulta

What We Like

Controls shine
Excellent absorbency
Good for touch-ups

What to Consider

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 Supergoop! powder sunscreen 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.

Kay, tester: “I seem less oily. I see a visible difference when it is applied versus not, in terms of a photoshop finish.”

Best Compact

Avène Mineral Tinted Compact SPF 50

Credit: Amazon

$44 at Amazon $44 at Ulta View on Dermstore

What We Like

Nongreasy cream-to-powder compact
Noncomedogenic and nonirritating
Contains vitamin E

What to Consider

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 Avène option. The light, nongreasy cream-to-powder tinted sunscreen boasts 100% mineral filters (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 has a mirror for easy, on-the-go reapplication. We love that it’s noncomedogenic, nonirritating, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Best Multiuse

Brush-On Block Brush-On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder

Credit: Amazon

$36 at Amazon $32 at Brushonblock.com View on Walmart

What We Like

Works well on scalp, hair, skin, and more
Secure applicator
Dermatologist and aesthetician recommended

What to Consider

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 in 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. Former Associate Editor 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.

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “My aesthetician recommended this to me years ago, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. It lays beautifully over makeup (or bare skin!) and makes reapplying sunscreen a painless task. Also nice: It’s great for travel. I never have to worry about it exploding in my bag and leaving greasy residue everywhere.”

Best Water-Resistant

DERMA E DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30

Credit: Ulta

$34 at Amazon $30 at Ulta $24 at Vitacost

What We Like

Withstands contact with sweat and water
Contains calming ingredients
Translucent

What to Consider

Applicator can feel 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 for Sensitive Skin

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

Credit: Ulta

$59 at Amazon $59 at Dermstore $55 at Nordstrom

What We Like

No fragrance or sulfates
Comes in four shades
Broad-spectrum coverage

What to Consider

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 great for your makeup and feels better than a sticky lotion or oily spray. The product offers SPF 30 sun protection and won’t irritate sensitive skin since the brand skips out on fragrances and sulfates but leans on a 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 Tinted

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40

Credit: Dermstore

$82

$78 at Amazon $82 at Dermstore $82 at Isclinical.com

What We Like

Tinted formulation
Diminishes the look of pores
Silky smooth finish

What to Consider

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 for Oily Skin

ISDIN Mineral Brush

Credit: Amazon

$40 at Amazon View on Walmart $54 at Myshopify.com

What We Like

Mattifying
Natural finish
Combination of protection

What to Consider

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? Consider 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 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 Under-Eyes

BareMinerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Credit: Ulta

$28 at Amazon $27 at Sephora $27 at Ulta

What We Like

Made specifically for the delicate eye area
Luminous finish
Vegan and free of sulfates

What to Consider

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 skin undertones or are a very light or very dark shade, it might be best to swatch the product in person instead of buying online.

How We Tested Powder Sunscreens

Person switching brush in supergoop powder spf — Byrdie

Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of sunscreens across many skin types at home. When testing powder sunscreens, we paid attention to the following factors:

Application: How easily does the powder dispense from the packaging? Is the brush (if included) soft, and does it evenly distribute the product? Was the application messy?
Feel on Skin: Does the powder feel lightweight or heavy? Is it comfortable to wear throughout the day? Does it feel drying or make the skin greasy?
Finish: If the powder is tinted, how well does the shade match our skin tone? Does it blend seamlessly without looking streaky or settling into fine lines? Did it disrupt our makeup?
Wear: Does the powder help extend the wear of our makeup? Does it hold up to sweat and water?

FAQ

How does powder sunscreen work?

According to Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist, powder sunscreens work precisely the same as a traditional mineral sunscreen—usually containing ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block UV rays. The only true difference is the texture and application.
Are powder sunscreens as effective as lotion formulas?

“Although powder sunscreens work in the same way as liquid sunscreen, I often say that they are not as effective because it’s more difficult to ensure full coverage,” says Dr. Engelman. She recommends applying them to smaller areas, such as the scalp or face instead of the body, and using them as a method of reapplication.
How often should powder sunscreen be applied?

Dr. Engelman recommends applying and reapplying every two hours, but even more frequently if you’re sweating or spending time in the water. Luckily, many powder sunscreens are completely portable, usually coming with a small brush for easy application.

Meet Our Experts

Team Byrdie consulted with four dermatologists to find the best powder sunscreens for this story:

Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., is a dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. She specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology and has 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., is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in general medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University, where she teaches residents how to review the latest dermatology literature.
Dr. Anna Guanche, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas.
Dr. Lian Mack, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Westchester, New York. She is the founder of Glam Derm.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is an associate editor at Byrdie, where she covers beauty. To write this article, she consulted skincare professionals and researched dozens of products to find the best the market has to offer.

Caitlyn Martyn is a former associate editor at Byrdie. She covers beauty, including skincare and makeup, and has oily, sensitive skin prone to sunburn. She has tried countless brush-on powder sunscreens over the years.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMID: 21132119; PMCID: PMC2995283.