CeraVe vs Dermalogica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Should I choose CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 or Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF30?
Short answer
Choose CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion if you avoid fragrance or have sensitive skin; it's sold as fragrance free, uses titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5%, and adds ceramides and niacinamide. Choose Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 if you want a zinc-only formula (20.9% zinc oxide) with a sheer finish Dermalogica calls invisible, and you don't mind its lavender oil and linalool. Both are SPF 30 mineral sunscreens; mineral filters can look white on deeper skin tones.
What this means for you
Start with what you notice
If chemical sunscreens sting your skin or eyes, a mineral sunscreen is the usual next thing to try. The question here is whether fragrance or finish matters more to you.
The ingredient names, translated
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin and block UV. They're often better tolerated by sensitive skin, but they can leave a white cast. CeraVe's uses both minerals and is sold as fragrance free. Dermalogica's uses zinc oxide alone at a higher percentage and lists lavender oil, a scent ingredient.
How to decide
- Sensitive skin or avoiding fragrance? CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.
- Want a zinc-only sunscreen with a sheer finish, and fragrance doesn't bother you? Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30.
- Deeper skin tone and worried about white cast? Test either on your jawline first; a tinted mineral sunscreen may blend better.
What to expect
Either protects only when you apply enough and reapply at least every two hours outdoors. Neither brand states water resistance on these product records. We haven't tested either product.
General guidance, not a test of these products: AAD: how to select a sunscreen; FDA: sunscreen, how to help protect your skin from the sun. Each product's label source is linked on its product page.
| Product | Size | Key ingredients | Skin type (brand) | Fragrance | Worth knowing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand doesn't list it | Brand doesn't name one | oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skin | Marketed as fragrance free | No flags recorded; not a safety guarantee | Brand's page Checked | |
| Brand doesn't list it | Zinc oxide, Bio-Active Mushroom Complex, Green Tea, and Hyaluronic Acid | oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skin | Scent ingredients flagged | Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Eucalyptol, Linalool, Limonene | Brand's page Checked |
Two SPF 30 mineral sunscreens
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 face lotion with titanium dioxide 6% and zinc oxide 5% as its only filters. It adds ceramides NP, AP and EOP, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. CeraVe sells it as fragrance free and lists it for all skin types, including sensitive; it carries the National Eczema Association seal and the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Daily Use seal. CeraVe says to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 uses non-nano zinc oxide at 20.9% as its sunscreen active. Dermalogica describes a weightless lotion with a sheer, invisible finish and adds a mushroom complex, green tea and sodium hyaluronate. The label also lists lavender flower extract and lavandin oil, with limonene and linalool. Dermalogica says to apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Choosing and using a mineral sunscreen
The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and the FDA advises reapplying at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen as the last skincare step, before makeup.
See our daily sunscreen guide and the CeraVe Mineral SPF 30 vs Invisible SPF 50 comparison.
Manufacturer sources
Sources and label-check dates are recorded on the product pages.
Which is best for you?
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Best if you avoid fragrance or have sensitive skin.
Also consider it when
- You want ceramides and niacinamide in your sunscreen
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Best if you want a zinc oxide-only mineral sunscreen with a sheer finish.
Also consider it when
- You don't avoid lavender oil or other scented ingredients
Worth knowing
- Scent ingredients on the label: Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Eucalyptol, Linalool and 1 more
Common questions
Which mineral sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?
Of these two, CeraVe's is sold as fragrance free and carries the National Eczema Association seal. Dermalogica's lists lavender oil, limonene and linalool.
Do these leave a white cast?
Mineral filters can. Dermalogica describes its finish as sheer and invisible, and CeraVe describes a sheer tint-free formula on its page. Test on your jawline before committing, especially on deeper skin.
Are these water resistant?
Neither product record states water resistance. Reapply after swimming or sweating, and at least every two hours outdoors.