CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, Face Sunscreen, 1.62oz

Why it's worth it

A mineral face sunscreen that really does disappear, across skin tones, using finely milled zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also carries ceramides, niacinamide and vitamin E, so it doubles as the moisturizing step for a barrier that's been through too much.

It fixes the complaint that keeps people off mineral sunscreen. CeraVe's pitch is a 100% invisible finish on all skin tones, and that's the reason to buy it. If you've tried zinc formulas and hated the gray flatness in every photo, this is the one to try next. It's also invisible on beards, which almost no mineral sunscreen manages, since most of them collect in stubble and go white.

The barrier ingredients aren't decoration. You get CeraVe's three ceramides, plus niacinamide and vitamin E, in a formula the brand rates for 24 hours of hydration. Reactive skin is usually barrier-compromised skin, and a barrier that's rebuilding is a barrier that reacts less. If your skin is dry, eczema-prone or wrecked from over-exfoliating, this is doing two jobs at once.

From our review of 7 sunscreens for sensitive skin, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +It fixes the complaint that keeps people off mineral sunscreen
• +The barrier ingredients aren't decoration
• +It fits into the rest of your routine without a fight
• +It costs a fraction of the premium face sunscreens

What to know

• –The tube is small
• –You have to shake it, every time