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The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros

No matter the weather, the season or the length of time you’ll be outside, wearing

sunscreen is an absolute must (yes, even when it’s cloudy!). There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. “Mineral sunscreen uses physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,” explains Chris Tomassian, M.D., a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology Collective. “These ingredients sit on top of the skin and block UV radiation.”

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab constantly tests beauty products, including sunscreens. In the Lab’s most recent test, our scientists analyzed 62 chemical and mineral body sunscreens, narrowing the field to the top 29 sunscreens. They then enlisted more than 250 consumer testers to evaluate the label-masked products, considering factors such as ease of use, scent, texture and more.

Regardless of the formula or brand you use, “the most important thing is that you are wearing sunscreen,” Dr. Tomassian says. But “for those with sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens generally have a lower chance of causing skin irritation,” he adds. If you’re looking specifically for a mineral SPF, we’ve got you covered with our top 14 picks, including the best mineral sunscreens for oily skin, acne-prone skin, dark skin and even ones that don’t leave a white cast.

Our top picks:

  • 1

    Best Overall Mineral Sunscreen

    MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

    $35 at Amazon

    Read more

  • 2

    Pure & Simple SPF 50

    Best Value Mineral Sunscreen

    Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50

    Read more

  • 3

    Essential Defense Mineral Shield

    Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dark Skin

    SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield

    Read more

  • 4

    Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50

    Best Mineral Sunscreen for Body

    Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50

    Read more

  • 5

    Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion

    Best Mineral Sunscreen for Face

    Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion

    Read more

You can read more about how we evaluate mineral sunscreens in our Lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect SPF — at the end of this guide. Looking for more sunscreen options? Check out our guides to the best sunscreen sticks and the best natural and organic sunscreens for your money.

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Meet the three designers who were front and centre this Ukrainian Fashion Week

As London Fashion Week draws to a close, the capital has lent its stage to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Fashion Week is unable to go ahead in Kyiv as usual due to the ongoing war, with this week marking one year since Putin’s 2022 invasion. But despite the air raid sirens and missile attacks, Ukrainian designers continue to create.

As a result, the British Fashion Council invited Ukrainian Fashion Week to be a part of the official schedule this season, showcasing the work of three leading Ukrainian designers – KSENIASCHNIEDER, PASKAL and FROLOV.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The RTW collections were all created in Ukraine, amid the Ukraine-Russian war, and under the sound of bomb sirens, with the designers coming together to deliver an all-important message.

“We strive to create. Creating collections is our resistance to war. Today more than ever, we need creativity for life,” they announced in a powerful statement. 

“The fashion show on the London Fashion Week runway is our manifestation of will. This is the fulfilment of our strength and resilience. This is a reflection of the courage of all Ukrainians. 

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“To create in spite of everything,” they continued. “Despite working in the most unstable and difficult conditions, under the sounds of air sirens… Together with our teams, we continue to work on the collections. 

“We know that all of this is for the sake of our common peaceful future. For the sake of inviting all of you next season to our show in liberated and free Ukraine. 

“We will never destroy, but we will always create.”

Features Editor Jenny Proudfoot (opens in new tab) attended Ukrainian Fashion Week, and went backstage to interview the three designers as they made their London debut.

KSENIASCHNIEDER

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

KSENIASCHNAIDER was founded in 2011 by married couple Ksenia Schnaider and Anton Schnaider. With sustainability at its core, the collections cover women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, reworked, upcycled patchwork denim and accessories. All collections are made at the brand’s own production in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…

I did not have particular inspiration for this collection – I was just working with KSENIASCHNAIDER legacy. I used all our classical techniques – such as zero-waste patchwork of waste, upcycling of sportswear and reworking denim. I know that all these ideas are not new, but it was important for me to show to the bigger audience what we were doing for ages in Ukraine. I dedicate this collection to my team, who decided to stay in Kyiv and keep working in our studio. They all are my true heroes and I value their craft, their incredible work with old clothes and dead stock. 

What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?

I started showing at Ukrainian fashion week at the age of 19 when I was working for another Ukrainian brand. So it`s been a lot of seasons for me there in different locations. I value them like our partners, they were always very supportive. When Irina proposed to me to become part of the London Fashion week showcase she said “We have only one condition for you to become part of the LFW show – promise me to have a big show in Kyiv after our victory”. I think it tells a lot about her as a person and her love for the Ukrainian fashion community. 

What message do you hope to send with this show?

The main message was written on the cards that we put on the seats at the venue. We created it together with my colleagues Paskal and Ivan Frolov – “We will never destroy, but we will always create.”

This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?

“At the finale of our shows we were walking with a Ukrainian flag to mark this tragic date. On the flag there was the name of an organisation who provides help to Ukrainians – United24 (opens in new tab), we wanted to encourage people to continue donating and supporting us. This help can save lives.”

PASKAL

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

PASKAL was founded by Julie Paskal, then an architecture graduate, back in 2013. Since then the brand has gone onto become renowned for its delicate silhouettes and minimalistic shapes, taking huge inspiration from Paskal’s architectural background. This collection, ‘Out of Cocoon’ is PASKAL’s first return to the runway in three years.

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…

The leitmotif of the ‘Out of the Cocoon’ collection is a butterfly, as a metaphor for the beauty and fragility of life. It is a very special symbol for me. It is the epitome of transformation, which is usually not an easy process. For the most part, it is quite brutal, yet, it is natural and vital. The aspect of temporality evokes the urge to see and cherish the uniqueness of our world. Being an ethereal creature, a butterfly can change the world with a flap of her tiny wings. And then, the next cycle of change begins. So let’s take a moment to appreciate the stealing beauty of a butterfly that lands on your shoulder.

What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?

Unconditional love and support of Ukrainian designers. Having an opportunity to represent our country in its modernity and creativity means everything to me and the whole Paskal team. Plus, my brand had not been on the runway for the last three years, so this moment is also personally overwhelming. Now, we are out of the cocoon, in a way.

What message do you hope to send with this show?

The main message of this collection is how precious life is by itself. It is an invitation to slow down and take a look at the deeper level, to see the tension between eternity and finiteness, originality, and cyclicity. Once again, to see the beauty of life, which is born on the cusp of these oppositions. It is a dialogue on the power of change and staying true to yourself at the same time. We may get quite surreal while manifesting these ideas through the fabrics, colours, and silhouettes. But what is real, after all?

This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?

Every contribution matters. There is no universal answer but I think that everyone can do something: donate to local volunteer organizations, visit a manifestation in your city, or simply raise awareness and spread information. And it all starts with keeping yourself aware and your eyes open. Keep Ukraine on your radar! I think that only our unity against Russian terror and helping Ukraine to resist at the frontier will bring us peace.

FROLOV

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

FROLOV is a couture-to-wear brand that was founded back in 2015 by Ivan Frolov. The brand originates from Kyiv, with ‘love’ being at the centre of everything they do, and the meaning behind their logo – an anatomical heart. FROLOV has been worn by a host of Hollywood celebrities, from Beyonce to Dua Lipa.

Ukraine Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Talk me through the inspiration behind your collection…

We love to give our collections names that reflect their main idea in a short form. The one we were representing during London Fashion Week is named “Song to Song”. I was deeply inspired by authentic Ukrainian music I loved throughout my whole life. In childhood, we had a tradition of listening to those certain songs as a family, and it stays in my heart like the symbol of something very intimate, deep, and emotionally evoking. Songs accompany us throughout our lives, from the time we’ve been born to when we die, when we celebrate something or even have sex. And it is so interesting that a heart, a symbol of our brand, is the source of the song itself. It has a rhythm, its beat changes at different moments, and it can have a melody when you listen very carefully. 

As each of us has a heart, it makes us all a song ourselves. Together we make a solo, a duet a triptych, and even an orchestra. And as a brand we’re deeply connected to music, working a lot with Ukrainian and international artists, we feel clothes best through a song. And when the heart of the piece syncs with a heart of the person, a new melody is created. From song to a song.

What does Ukrainian Fashion Week mean to you?

Ukrainian Fashion Week has been the biggest supporter of our brand since we’ve started. This is the biggest and oldest Fashion Week in Eastern Europe that helped a huge amount of talented Ukrainian designers to be seen by the wider fashion community. UFW are basically the founders of the modern Ukrainian fashion, and we’re so happy and proud to work with them so closely each season!

What message do you hope to send with this show?

I hope it has evoked emotions in people – that was my main goal here. And I know these emotions can be very versatile, but the main thing to me is reaching the hearts of the audience so that people do not stay indifferent. It was also a great chance for us to show that there’s nothing impossible for Ukrainians, and we are able to continue living, working and fighting for our freedom. We felt like cultural warriors who are able to continue to talk about Ukraine in every way possible. We are happy to use this opportunity as a platform to represent Ukrainian talent, to show it to the world and continue spreading the message that we won’t give up on our main goal and what we’re doing in any circumstances.

This week marks one year since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – how can we support the people of Ukraine right now?

First of all, I want to thank the whole international community, every single person in the UK and abroad for their incredible support of Ukrainians, for every small and big action, for standing with us and helping in every possible way. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to still defend Europe from the Russian terrorists. As Ukrainians, we do everything to bring this common victory together, so I can just ask to never stop talking about Ukraine, support our talent, buy our products. It is crucial for our economy and survival. Because the war is still isn’t over and in order to win we have to feel the world is still by our side.

Ukrainian fashion week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“We are delighted to welcome Ukrainian Fashion Week to the London Fashion Week schedule this season,” announced Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of British Fashion Council. “Ukraine is home to a host of exceptionally skilled creatives and artists, and we must continue to support Ukrainian craftsmanship during this time of immense unrest and beyond.”

We will continue to update this story.

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Testers Are Obsessed With This $12 Natural Sunscreen

Keep these points top of mind when seeking out the best natural or organic sunscreens, according to GH Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologists:

✔️ Broad-spectrum protection: One of the most important features to look for in any sunscreen is that it’s labeled “broad-spectrum,” meaning it “effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Hale says. Other sunscreens shield only UVB, leaving you vulnerable to damaging UVA rays.

✔️ Mineral active ingredients: Seek out naturally-derived actives made from minerals including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which sit atop the skin to reflect sun’s rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. “Iron oxide is often added to mineral sunscreens to give color to the ‘white cast,’ but also protects the skin from UVA and visible light, particularly blue light,” Dr. Hogan adds.

✔️ Free from potentially harmful actives: Avoid products that contain ingredients like oxybenzone and benzene, which research shows have the potential to be problematic for health.

✔️ Naturally-derived or organic ingredients: Many brands indicate these keywords (like “made with natural ingredients”) on product packaging. Look for an ingredient percentage listed (i.e. “70% naturally-derived ingredients”) to help ensure a product contains the type of ingredients claimed. Keep in mind that there aren’t 100% organic sunscreens, but you can find formulas that are made with organic ingredients like plant extracts and oils. Seek out organic certification emblems like USDA Organic, NSF and EcoCert on product packaging or brand websites.

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Brand Reveal: Get The Gloss Awards Super Edit – Latest In Beauty Blog

Introducing our new partner and industry experts, we bring you our Get The Gloss Beauty Awards – The Super Edit. Get ready for a collection that brings you a unique selection of award winning beauty products from big and cult beauty brands.

Keep reading to learn more about the brands that are included in this edit.

Weleda is the original green beauty brand, nearly 100 years old and leading the way when it comes to sustainability. It is cruelty-free, vegan, NATRUE-certified authentically natural, made from organic fair trade and one of two brands to achieve the new UEBT certification for ‘sourcing with respect’.

TruYu Beauty_logo

TruYu is all about empowering everyone to ‘tool up’ and celebrate their own unique beauty and inner artist. TruYu Beauty creates the most durable, high-quality products for head-to-toe beauty including cosmetic brushes, sponges, mirrors and curlers, and manicure and pedicure must-haves.

Sienna X_logo

As an award winning beauty brand, Sienna X provides self-tanning products with advanced formulations combined with high quality ingredients. All products are natural, vegan and cruelty free.

Emma Hardie_logo

As a leading pioneer in skin rejuvenation, Emma Hardie offers a wide range of skincare formulated with targeted botanicals that support complexions of all ages and skin concerns to help the skin appear younger naturally.

RHUG_logo

RHUG is an award-winning luxury skincare and body care brand with products made with effective organic, natural and wild foraged ingredients, including organic crops, wild forage, spring water, honey and beeswax, from the Rhug Estate in North Wales.

Keys Soulcare_logo

Clean skincare formulas, skin-nourishing ingredients and soul-nurturing rituals are some things that you can expect from Keys Soulcare. Created and inspired by Alicia Keys’ personal skincare journey, and certified by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder, the brand features a range of products with safe and effective formulas.

Umberto Giannini_logo

Award-winning products for every hair type, British brand Umberto Giannini have made it their mission to create much-loved vegan formulas that put people and the planet first. Here at LiB, we love that their products are mindfully made (think everything from sourcing and testing, to manufacturing and distributing).

Jerome Russel_logo

Jerome Russell is the UK’s number 1 blonding brand, offering a variety of blonding products that are available in major retailers including Boots and Superdrug.

Margaret Dabbs London_logo

As a globally recognised brand, Margaret Dabbs London combines the best of medical science and podiatry to create a unique and unrivalled range of effective, results-driven, credible yet luxurious products for the feet, hands and legs.

Evolve Organic Beauty_logo

As a certified B Corp company, Evolve Organic Beauty is an artisanally-made organic skincare, hair care and body care brand. They offer products that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Collection Cosmetics_logo

Established in 1987, Collection Cosmetics produces quality cosmetics at an affordable price. Collection Cosmetics is a multiple award-winning brand and pharmacy favourite of beauty enthusiasts, journalists and bloggers.

Olverum_logo

As pioneers in green beauty and natural wellbeing, Olverum specialises in creating a range of products that uses the highest quality essential oils and botanical extracts, expertly blended with therapeutic properties and luxurious sensual qualities.

Philip Kingsley_logo

Globally known for their award-winning hair care products, Philip Kingsley offers a wide range of products that not only care for your hair but also your scalp. Each of the brand’s products is driven by Trichology, and every formulation is designed to improve your hair’s overall health and treat concerns from dryness, split ends and breakage to dandruff, scalp sensitivity and hair loss.

The Seated Queen_logo

Created by sisters Josephine and Libby Banks, The Seated Queen offers a range of gentle and effective skincare products that nourish and soothe the skin. The Seated Queen is committed to genuinely making the individual feel good about who they are and how they look, and is a brand that promotes humanity and inclusivity.

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Win Our #TrendingBeauty Edit Volume 2 – Latest In Beauty Blog

Our latest #trendingbeauty Edit Volume 2 SOLD OUT in just one day. The edit features a round up of 6 full-sized products and viral beauty brands on TikTok including The Inkey List, MILK Makeup, amika, Weleda and indie brand Disciple. If you missed out on this edit,  now is your chance to win this sold out box!  

TikTok2_SQ_color_2 (1)

The edit includes:

The Inkey List – Oat Cleansing Balm  // Trending brand + barrier repair trend

MILK Makeup – Hydrogrip Primer // Trending brand + no budge makeup hack

Disciple – Good Skin Face Oil-Serum // Anti blemish trend 

amika – Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo // Trending hair care ingredients 

amika – Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner // Trending hair care ingredients

Weleda  – Skin Food Original //  Cult brand trend

SIMPLY FILL IN THE FORM BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN


*T&Cs. Open to UK residents. Fill in your details in the online form and you’ll be entered into the competition. A valid email address must be used to enter. This competition is open from 2/02/2023 to 5/02/2023 . Submissions received after the closing date will not be accepted. One entry per customer. 1 winner will be picked. Winning entries chosen at random.

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The Beauty Staples Edit – Latest In Beauty Blog

Our Beauty Staples Edit is packed with must-have products that we think are worth adding to your beauty collection. Discover our Haul of Fame from Philip Kingsley and read on to discover what to expect from every drop.

Philip Kingsley is our Haul of Fame this month featuring their Body Building Shampoo & Conditioner Duo. Philip Kingsley is globally known for their award-winning hair care products, which care for your hair and scalp.

This shampoo and conditioner duo work together to volumise and hydrate your hair. The shampoo lifts fine, flat and flyaway hair while the conditioner adds moisture to your hair without weighing it down.

THE PRODUCTS

The FOUR drops in our Beauty Staples Edit will land on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th February. Head to the Beauty Counter every Friday to discover the new products that have landed.

Beauty Staples Edit

Spa of Iceland

This relaxing bath salt soothes sore muscles and improves the skin’s texture. Envelope your skin in the relaxing essential oils of coconut, amber, musk and vanilla.

Spa of Iceland

This energising bath salt helps you detoxify and rejuvenate your skin. Envelope your skin in the nourishing essential oils of verbena lemon, ylang ylang and vanilla.

Spa of Iceland

The relaxing and nourishing essential oils and fragrance of red fruit and sandalwood are designed to provide you with an invigorating bath experience for your body and soul.

Spa of Iceland

This hand cream is formulated with omega fatty acids, vitamins and a mineral-rich moisturising formula that restores moisture to your delicate hands.

Spa of Iceland

Formulated with vitamins A and E along with shea butter, this moisturising and softening foot cream nourishes dry and tired feet.

Revlon

This nail polish is highly pigmented, easy to apply and dries in a snap! Cherry On Top is a vivid red shade.

Revlon

This nail polish is highly pigmented, easy to apply and dries in a snap! Rule The World is a bright pink shade.

NAILKIND

A gentle nail strengthener that nourishes your nails while restoring strength and providing protection against external aggressors.

MAC

This mascara adds volume and length to your lashes without any clumping, flaking or smudging.

Beauty Staples Edit

Revolution

Formulated with 7 skin-loving actives, this highly pigmented lipstick provides intense colour and shine, and amazing care benefits to your lips.

Friendly Soap

Formulated with vitamin A and healthy fatty acids, this cocoa butter cleansing bar is a great choice for those who like to keep things natural.

Darphin

A lightweight moisturiser that helps support skin’s moisture mechanisms and defend skin’s critical moisture reservoir, and keep makeup dewy fresh all day.

Dr Lipp

Featuring 50mg of CBD, this multi-use balm features a rich and long-lasting formula that eases inflammation and treats extra dry chapped skin.

Laritzy

This lip gloss is designed for ultimate comfort and each swipe is packed with a mega dose of unreal hydration.

Bondi Sands

This moisturiser hydrates your skin and offers added sun protection with SPF50.

Faith in Nature

This plastic-free shampoo bar is formulated with shea and argan oil to gently cleanse and nourish your hair.

Routes Hair

Perfect for holding baby hairs and sectioning your hair while applying hair extensions and for gently holding your hair back to apply makeup.

Beauty Staples Edit

Caprea

This oil is supercharged with oleic and linoleic acid to support the skin’s renewing process by slowing the formation of fine lines, scars and sun damage.

Caprea

Formulated with natural tamarind extracts and niacinamide, this serum supports your skin barrier, helps your skin retain moisture and provides protection against UV damage

The Beauty Crop

An intensely pigmented liquid lipstick that delivers rich, uncompromising colour with a long-wearing matte finish

MoYou-London

These gel nail strips are made with real gel polish that can last for up to 3 weeks without damaging your nails.

Glisten Cosmetics

Create an ombre liner with this split liner or mix the shades to create a new shade.

Yardley London

This body spray features an energising and uplifting floral fragrance with notes of bergamot, freesia, lily of the valley, sandalwood, musk and amber.

Shiseido

This serum is powered by 8 botanical ingredients and an innovative double anti-ageing technology to promote a healthier and younger-looking complexion.

FEB_Drop2_SQ

Sukin Haircare

A calming scalp masque that gently soothes a dry scalp and reduces the appearance of dry flakes with chamomile extract and maize complex.

Sukin Haircare

A deeply hydrating hair treatment that conditions and manages dry and frizzy hair, and leaves thirsty hair quenched, soft and manageable.

Sukin Haircare

Formulated with AHAs naturally sourced from apple cider vinegar, this invigorating hair tonic removes product buildup, excess oils and pollutants without stripping the scalp.

Sukin Haircare

This shampoo combines nourishing burdock, nettle and horsetail extracts to cleanse and energise the scalp.

Sukin Haircare

This gentle and nourishing conditioner is formulated with botanical extracts of burdock, nettle and horsetail to promote your hair’s natural lustre and help you achieve naturally balanced and healthy hair.

Woo Woo

This easy-to-use hair removal cream helps with hair removal anywhere on your body.

Routes Hair

A wide tooth comb to comb out your hair or perfect for detangling your strands.

Urban Veda

This tongue cleaner promotes a healthier mouth and gastrointestinal tract by clearing and decongesting the tongue, freshen your breath and removing toxins from the mouth.

Batiste 

This iconic dry shampoo features a classic fresh scent with a zing of zesty lemon and fresh floral notes that leave your hair smelling fresh and feeling clean all day.

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Why Everyone

When it comes to your complexion, there’s so much more than meets the eye. Case in point: the skin’s top layer, also known as the “skin barrier,” a term that’s been trending on social media, among experts and in skincare product marketing. It turns out that no matter what your skin type, keeping the barrier balanced is crucial for a complexion that’s healthy, calm, clear and hydrated at any age. Here, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologist experts break down the science and secrets of the barrier, including how to know if it’s damaged or weak and how to fix and repair the symptoms.

So what exactly is the skin barrier?

Simply put, the barrier is the outermost layer of skin. “It traps and holds moisture in your skin, but it also blocks out allergens, irritants and pollutants in the environment, preventing them from penetrating skin and causing inflammation,” explains Whitney Bowe, M.D., a dermatologist in New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “The four main components that make a healthy skin barrier are lipids like ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol; the acid mantle (responsible for skin’s pH); the microbiome, composed mostly of bacteria; and the skin’s immune cells.”

Getty Images

What causes a weak skin barrier?

The skin barrier naturally maintains a symbiosis that keeps your complexion functioning properly (and looking clear and smooth), but these culprits can damage and weaken it, dermatologists say.

 

preview for Good Housekeeping US Section: Beauty & Style
  1. Overwashing your skin. Cleansing skin too aggressively or too frequently and using cleansers that are overly harsh or drying or have a pH that is too alkaline can disrupt the barrier, Dr. Bowe explains.
  2. Certain ingredients. Overuse of potentially irritating active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids, as well as harsh physical exfoliators like grainy scrubs, can harm the skin’s barrier. Other common culprits are some natural or synthetic fragrances as well as drying alcohols, especially on sensitive skin, Dr. Bowe adds.
  3. Environmental factors. These can include everything from low humidity to high wind, cold climates and sun damage, says Sheila Farhang, M.D., a dermatologist and the founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Tucson, Arizona.
  4. Stress. What’s happening internally can have an effect on skin externally as well. “Overproduction of stress hormones can decrease skin’s natural lipids, disrupt the structural proteins and increase moisture loss,” Dr. Farhang notes.

How do you know your skin barrier is damaged?

A compromised skin barrier can manifest itself in several ways, dermatologists say. Here are the signs and symptoms of a weakened skin barrier.

skin conditions and problems, skincare and dermatology concept

Getty Images

Redness and Irritation

Telltale indicators include “skin redness, itching or burning,” Dr. Farhang explains. “Those with rosacea and eczema have intrinsically compromised skin barriers,” Dr. Bowe notes.

skin conditions and problems, skincare and dermatology concept

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Dryness and Roughness

“When the skin barrier is disrupted, skin becomes dry and can develop rough patches,” Dr. Bowe says.

skin conditions and problems, skincare and dermatology concept

Getty Images

Acne Breakouts

Blemishes can be a clue too: “I’ve seen a lot of acne patients who overuse products and disrupt their barrier, and the acne gets worse,” Dr. Farhang says.


How do you fix a damaged skin barrier?

The good news is, even if your skin barrier is compromised or weak, all is not lost. The skin barrier can repair itself over time naturally (if the damage is mild, it can return to a balanced state within a few hours; it can take longer if the symptoms are more severe). Support the process with these best practices to keep your skin’s surface healthy:

  1. Cleanse carefully. Wash with a gentle cleanser (skin shouldn’t be left feeling squeaky-clean, Dr. Bowe says). Use cool or lukewarm water, as hot H2O can strip your skin’s natural oils, Dr. Farhang adds.
  2. Tone down exfoliation. Skip harsher physical exfoliants like gritty scrubs in favor of sloughing acids in hydrating forms such as serums, Dr. Bowe advises.
  3. Replenish and repair skin. Bolster the skin barrier’s natural lipids by applying moisturizers that contain nourishing ingredients such as ceramides and squalane. Formulas made with prebiotics and postbiotics can support healthy skin bacteria.
  4. Avoid irritants. Seek out skincare products that are free of fragrances and essential oils, and “stop use of anything that burns upon application, which is an indication that your barrier is being damaged,” Dr. Bowe says.

Try the GH Beauty Lab test-winning and dermatologist-recommended skin barrier-friendly products below.

Gentle Cleanser

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Credit: Clinique

Prebiotic Serum

Mineral 89 Prebiotic Concentrate
Vichy Mineral 89 Prebiotic Concentrate
Credit: Vichy

Mild Lotion

Daily Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Credit: CeraVe

Prebiotic and Postbiotic Cream

Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream
Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream
Credit: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
illustrated skin acid mantle

What about skin’s acid mantle?

Sometimes confused with the skin barrier, the acid mantle is “a thin film over the skin barrier that determines skin’s pH, which should be slightly acidic to protect against pathogens,” Dr. Farhang says. It’s composed of sebum, the natural oil produced by skin’s sebaceous glands, and sweat. “In the same ways the skin barrier can be disrupted, the acid mantle can too,” she explains. In addition, “Skin’s pH gradually increases, or becomes more alkaline, as we age, which can compromise the acid mantle,” says GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. The four tips above can also help promote a healthy skin pH.

Headshot of April Franzino

Beauty Director

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

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GH Labs Tested Hundreds of Sunscreens: These Are the 14 Best

Here are key factors to consider when picking the right sunscreen for your skin type and needs:

✔️ Broad-spectrum protection “to protect against both harmful UVA/UVB rays,” says Lucy Chen, M.D, F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Florida. Exposure to these wavelengths can lead to dangerous sunburns (a.k.a. skin damage and potentially skin cancers), dark spots and disrupted collagen production, which can bring on wrinkling and sagging.

✔️ SPF 30 or higher: And SPF 30 or greater is best, says David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California and CEO of Curology. And you may want to go even higher: A GH Beauty Lab study found that women on average apply only about 1/3 of the amount of sunscreen needed to achieve the SPF level indicated on the product packaging. So for added insurance, the Lab recommends opting for an SPF 50 or higher.

✔️ Active ingredients: Most often, you’ll have to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens (or a mix of both) as your main SPF agents:

  • Chemical formulas absorb UV rays and converting them into heat, according to Michael Somenek, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. “This process allows the body to release the UV rays, which ultimately prevents the skin from burning,” he says. Chemical sunscreens tend to be better for swimming due to their water-resistant nature but while these lotions and sprays are easier to apply with no white residue, you will need to reapply sunscreen more often than you would with a physical or mineral option.
  • Mineral formulas (also called physical sunscreens) form a barrier on your skin that reflects or filters UVA and UVB rays. The dispersed zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide formulas can be more difficult to spread on your skin and leave behind white cast, but they usually last longer than chemical formulas.

✔️ Formula type: GH Beauty Lab scientists tend to prefer lotions and creams over sprays since “they last on skin longer and are more likely to form a uniform protective coating over skin than sprays,” Wizemann says. In addition, “If your skin is prone to dryness, a cream may be better for you,” Dr. Chen says. As for kids, “Sprays are easy to use, but they might require a second coating, so spray generously,” she notes.

✔️ Water-resistance to stand up against sweaty days or time spent swimming. Heads up: There’s no such thing as waterproof or sweatproof sunscreen. Under current FDA guidelines, there are only “water-resistant for 40 minutes” or “water-resistant for 80 minutes” options. “Sweat- and water-resistant” labeling means the formula maintained its SPF level on testers’ skin in a water bath for the indicated time, says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Beyond that timeframe, it should be reapplied.

✔️ Your skin type: If you have dry skin, “Look for ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, aloe and oils and avoid spray or gel sunscreens with alcohol,” advises Dr. Chen. She adds that those with oily skin should opt for a lightweight sunscreen that contains ingredients like silica or isododecane.

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5 of the best designer handbag rental sites you need to know

Ana Ospina is the creative force behind Marie Claire’s design. She is an experienced art director and creative designer with 15 years working on some of Britain’s best-known luxury magazine titles, including Sunday Times Style, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Esquire, InStyle, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, Tatler and Town & Country Magazine.
Originally from Colombia, Ana adores travelling, film, photography, beauty, white wine, the sea and anything with pineapple – yes, even pizza. She also enjoys fitness and collects magazines, which is helpful in her role bringing content to life, telling stories with the best design, creative photography and typography. 

Ana is proud to have worked on Marie Claire for the past seven years, having been with the magazine on its journey from print to digital and being part of its many powerful campaigns making a difference on issues that matter, such as sustainability, women’s empowerment, equality and inclusivity.

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These Acne-Fighters with Benzoyl Peroxide Make Breakouts Disappear

10 best benzoyl peroxide products to fight acne, according to dermatologists

Courtesy Photo

We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by Good Housekeeping Institute scientists and editors. Our original top-rated picks remain the same, with three new additions.


Whether you’re someone who is constantly battling breakouts or you just get the occasional pimple, you’ve probably heard of (or even tried) benzoyl peroxide, one of the top FDA-approved acne-fighting ingredients recommended by dermatologists. “Benzoyl peroxide has been used to treat acne for over 85 years,” says Christine Choi Kim, M.D., a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Los Angeles, CA. “Benzoyl peroxide is the ultimate multitasker: It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic [meaning it breaks up the top layer of dead skin cells] and comedolytic [meaning it dissolves blackheads and whiteheads].” The powerful acne-blasting ingredient can also help kill certain bacteria that contribute to acne formation, making it key for pimple prevention too.

How does it deliver all of these amazing acne-fighting benefits? “Benzoyl peroxide is oil soluble, allowing it to effectively enter sebum-filled pores to kill bacteria and dissolve dead skin cells,” explains Chiara Butler, a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the GH Institute. While it is definitely an ingredient to have in your acne-fighting routine, Butler warns that it can bleach clothing, colored towels or even your hair. “I recommend using a headband to keep your hair off of your face while using a benzoyl peroxide wash and drying off with a white towel after using a benzoyl peroxide face or body wash to prevent any staining,” she adds.

Our top picks:

Here are the best benzoyl peroxide products you can buy to clear your skin for good, according to dermatologists, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab skincare product experts and glowing online reviews, including top-rated gels, spot treatments, face washes and more.

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1

Best Overall Benzoyl Peroxide Product

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide

2

Best Value Benzoyl Peroxide Product

Neutrogena

Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel

3

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Product with Salicylic Acid

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment 3-Step System

4

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Product for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe

Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

5

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash

Differin

5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser

6

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash

PanOxyl

Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

7

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment

Jori

Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

8

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash for Cystic Acne

PanOxyl

Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

9

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

RODAN + FIELDS

Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment

10

Best Soothing Benzoyl Peroxide product

Slmd

BP Body Wash

How we choose the best benzoyl peroxide products

While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn’t formally tested benzoyl peroxide products, GH Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing the newest skincare products, including the best face washes, retinol for sensitive skin, sunscreen and more. We used our decades of expertise, along with advice from dermatologists, Beauty Lab expert recommendations and vetted customer reviews to compile this list.

What to look for when shopping for the best products with benzoyl peroxide

If you suffer from severe acne, you can get heavy-duty prescription benzoyl peroxide products from a dermatologist, but those with mild to moderate acne can easily find over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products that come in various strengths. When first choosing a product with BP, Dr. Choi Kim suggests starting with a lower percentage, like 2.5 or 5%, “to maximize effectiveness and minimize irritation.”

For those with skin on the sensitive side, look for a formula that also includes humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and allantoin to soothe and hydrate skin simultaneously. Alternatively, if you are looking for an extra potent acne treatment, try a product that combines BP with the breakout-minimizing ingredient salicylic acid, topical antibiotics or certain topical retinoids, like adapalene. Since each of these skincare ingredients combats acne differently, they can work synergistically to treat and prevent all types of breakouts.

What kind of skin is benzoyl peroxide good for?

Like many acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide “is best for people with oily, acneic, blemish-prone skin, as well as those with body acne on the chest, back, shoulders or buttocks,” explains Dr. Choi Kim. Benzoyl peroxide is good for all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, but it’s particularly great at treating inflammatory cystic acne.

However, BP is drying, so it’s not ideal for those with dry or particularly sensitive skin, and those with rosacea or eczema should also avoid it. And if you’re pregnant, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before using any products with benzoyl peroxide.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Dori Price interviewed several experts to gather the best information about benzoyl peroxide. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

Chiara Butler contributed to this article by sharing her expert tips about benzoyl peroxide as well as product recommendations. She is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.

Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor.

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