• Maxiblock Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 on a white background
  • Maxiblock mineral sunscreen tube on sand with shells and coral
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Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Australia | Maxiblock

£12.99 GBP
£12.99 GBP
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A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as the only filter. Goes on white, settles close to clear.

The difference between mineral and chemical
  • zinc only active
  • matte finish
  • 2 hours water resistant
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Maxiblock Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 on a white background

Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Australia | Maxiblock

£12.99

A mineral sunscreen with zinc-oxide as its only active. Formulated so the white cast doesn't stick around:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Matte finish
  • 2h water resistant
The practical difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens comes down to how they sit on your skin and how your skin responds. Zinc oxide is generally well tolerated by people who react to chemical filters, which is why it's a go-to for sensitive skin.

Active

Zinc Oxide 250mg/g.

Inactives

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-62, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trideceth-6, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil.
What does "non nano" zinc oxide mean?

It's about particle size. Non-nano means the zinc oxide particles measure larger than 100 nanometres. Most people asking want to know whether the zinc is getting into their body, and particles that size stay in the outer layer of skin rather than passing through it. Size doesn't change how the protection works, though. Non-nano and nano zinc oxide both absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat.

Will it leave a white cast?

It goes on white and needs a good rub in. After about thirty seconds it settles close to clear, without the chalky layer older zinc sunscreens were known for. On very pale skin you might still catch a trace of it in the right light, and that fades a little further as the formula dries down.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. It's fragrance free, dermatologically tested, and uses zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which is generally well tolerated by reactive skin. If you're someone who breaks out or stings with chemical sunscreens, mineral is worth trying.

Can I use this mineral sunscreen on my face?

Yes. The formula is gentle enough for facial use and it goes on clear, so it works under makeup or on its own. If you want a sunscreen specifically designed for the face, we also have a dedicated face sunscreen.

What's the difference between a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen?

Both filter UV effectively. The practical difference is in how they feel and how your skin reacts. Mineral formulas use zinc oxide, which tends to be better tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin. Chemical filters use synthetic actives that some people find irritating.

Is this sunscreen vegan?

Yes. It's also fragrance free and contains no animal-derived ingredients.

How often do I need to reapply mineral sunscreen?

Every 2 hours as a general rule, or straight away after swimming, sweating, or towelling off. The formula is water resistant for up to 2 hours, but reapplication is what keeps the protection consistent.

Why choose zinc oxide over chemical filters?

For most people it comes down to skin tolerance. Zinc oxide is one of the gentlest UV filters available, which is why it's commonly recommended for sensitive and reactive skin. It's also considered very stable, meaning it doesn't break down as quickly in the sun.

Does zinc sunscreen expire?

Yes, like all sunscreens. Check the expiry date on the tube. Zinc oxide itself is very stable, but the other ingredients in the formula do break down over time. If it's changed colour, texture, or smell, replace it.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
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L
Lulu Balbi-Atkinson
My go-to sunscreen

Have now repurchased. Yes slightly white, but to be expected with mineral sunscreen. I found this to have the best balance of qualities I was after in a facial sunscreen, and the owner was really helpful in answering any questions.

M
Margaret
Mineral Sunscreen 50SPF

Loved the size haven't used yet but I'm sure it will be great. Love the size

P
Paul

Was expecting a larger version

H
Heather
Not to oily, go...

Not to oily, go so far on my sensitive skin

H
Heidi
Not bad!

This is the best mineral sunscreen I've found so far in Australia that isn't a nasty mess. It's still not nice, but it works. It's not greasy like it says and it feels pretty good on the skin. But it's not the best cosmetically pleasant sunscreen there is, but I'm not sure if it's possible to make one that'll hold up the Australian sun. This sunscreen is feels like chalk going on, will cling to any every uneven surface on your face and makes your eyebrows and hairline blue. But it'll dry down pretty well, on really pale skin like mine there's mineral white cast and the chalky feeling goes away after its dried down and had time to settle. Just wear moisturiser under it if you have dry skin! It'll dry your skin out and make it feel very tight otherwise.

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Does it leave a white cast?

It's zinc, so you'll need to work it in. Give it thirty seconds and it goes clear. It dries to a light film you stop noticing once it's set.

Can you use it on your face and body?

This one works on both. There's no fragrance and only one active, which is what makes it workable on a face.

The finish is matte, which is the part that matters if your skin runs oily. It sits under makeup rather than shifting whatever is on top.

Zinc oxide callout from the back of a mineral sunscreen tube

What makes it a mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen means the UV filter is zinc oxide or titanium oxide rather than an organic filter. Here it's zinc oxide at 250 mg/g, the only active in the tube.

Made in Australia since 1979

Made in Australia by a family business, chemist-owned since 1979. The AUST L number printed on the tube is 388075, which is the listing every sunscreen sold here has to carry. Look it up and you'll see the active, its strength and who's responsible for it.

CHECK THE LISTING

Why Zinc?

Zinc oxide absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat. It handles UVA and UVB on its own. It's also photostable, so it holds its protection through a long day outdoors rather than needing to be topped up because the filter itself has degraded. You'll still want to reapply every two hours.

Is mineral sunscreen the same as physical sunscreen?

Yes. Mineral, physical and zinc sunscreen are three names for the same category. Where the naming gets confusing is the mechanism. "Physical" implies zinc works in a different way from an organic filter, and it mostly doesn't. Both kinds absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. A small amount of scattering happens at the surface, though absorption is doing most of the work.

Mineral Chemical
Filter Zinc oxide, sometimes titanium dioxide Organic filters like avobenzone
How It Works Absorbs UV, converts to heat Absorbs UV, converts to heat
Skin Feel Denser, matte, slight cast possible Lighter, disappears faster
Reactive Skin Fewer actives, less to react to Suits most, some filters irritate

What's in the formula

  • Closeup Shot of Zinc Oxide Powder

    Zinc Oxide 25%

    The only active ingredient. It absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat before it reaches your skin.

  • Closeup Shot of Vitamin E Oil

    Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)

    Four forms of vitamin E: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. They're antioxidants, which in a sunscreen means they stop the formula from breaking down in the sun.

  • Closeup Shot of a Sunflower

    Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

    Helps the formula spread evenly and absorb without sitting heavy.

  • Closeup shot of Glycerin

    Glycerol (Glycerin)

    Draws moisture into the skin. It's why the formula doesn't dry you out after half an hour in the wind.