A Randomized Controlled Trial Analyzing the Likeability, Usability, and In-Use Efficacy of Mineral Sunscreens Across Diverse Skin Tones

June 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 6 | 514 | Copyright © June 2026


Published online May 31, 2026

Milaan Shah MDa, Joshua Burshtein MDb, Danny Zakria MD MBAc, Thomas Shyr BSd, Mark Benn d, Gboyega Adenaike d, Seng Khoon Teh PhDd, Joshua D. Williams PhDd, Darrell Rigel MD MSe,f

aDepartment of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
bDepartment of Dermatology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
cDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
dKenvue Brands LLC, Skillman, NJ
eDepartment of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
fDepartment of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX

Abstract
Background: Mineral sunscreens are increasingly favorable among consumers. However, mineral sunscreens typically cause a white cast that can impact consumer selection and application.
Objective: This study measured the whitening effect of mineral sunscreens across diverse skin tones and evaluated its relationship with consumer perception, application behavior, and the product's efficacy in terms of ultraviolet A protection factor (UVAPF) and sun protection factor (SPF).
Methods: Five mineral sunscreens with differing whiteness and one chemical sunscreen were applied at 2 mg/cm2 on the forearm. Two of the 6 sunscreens were randomly assigned for uncontrolled application on the lower legs, and the participants' preferred product of the pair was then applied to the face at his/her discretion. Imaging and Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (HDRS) of the arm and face determined UVAPF and SPF.
Results: Controlled application with all mineral sunscreens led to significant whitening, which was 3 times more pronounced on darker skin tones. Uncontrolled sunscreen application showed a significant reduction in the amount applied, whitening, and sunscreen efficacy. Participants had reduced preference for more whitening sunscreens and selected sunscreens in product pairings that resulted in less whitening.
Conclusion: Patients may avoid sunscreens with negative whitening aesthetics or compensate with reduced application, compromising their ability to achieve appropriate sun protection, especially in darker skin tones.

 

INTRODUCTION

Consistent sunscreen use can reduce risk for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers and is thus recommended by government agencies and dermatology groups as part of appropriate sun protection behavior.1-7 Studies have also shown that the appropriate use of broad-spectrum, high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen causes reduced sunburn and photoaging.6,8,9 Consistent sunscreen application, achieving the optimal sun protection benefit, is often dependent upon the user's perception of both the feel and appearance of his/her sunscreen. Additionally, patients with skin of color are also at risk for skin cancer and require sunscreen options that enable regular and appropriate sun protection.10

Sunscreen, applied as a topical film, prevents damaging ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching the skin.11 Mineral sunscreens contain physical UV filters, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, while chemical sunscreens are composed of chemical UV filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, etc.).1 Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays and are recommended for use on sensitive skin.7 Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also the only sun protection agents deemed generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).12 These factors have made mineral sunscreens of increased interest to consumers.

Keywords: mineral sunscreens, whitening effect, sun protection factor, ultraviolet A protection factor, skin tones, Skin of Color
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