Study: Mineral Sunscreen Whitening Linked to Reduced Application and Protection

Key Takeaways

• Mineral sunscreens produced visible whitening across all skin tones, with the effect approximately three times greater in darker skin tones.
• Participants preferred sunscreens that created less whitening and were less likely to select products associated with a stronger visible whitening.
• Reduced application of whitening sunscreens resulted in lower UV protection performance.

New research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicates mineral sunscreens produced visible whitening across all skin tones, with a pronounced effect in darker skin tones.

Investigators evaluated 5 mineral sunscreens with varying degrees of whitening alongside 1 chemical sunscreen. Products were applied under controlled conditions at the recommended density of 2 mg/cm² on participants' forearms. Researchers then assessed participant preferences and real-world application behavior by allowing uncontrolled application on the legs and self-selected application on the face. Imaging and Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (HDRS) were used to measure whitening effects as well as ultraviolet A protection factor (UVAPF) and sun protection factor (SPF).

White Cast More Pronounced in Darker Skin Tones

All mineral sunscreens produced significant whitening under controlled application and conditions, and the effect was about three times greater in participants with darker skin tones vs those with lighter skin tones. When participants self-applied sunscreen on their own, investigators reported lower product application amounts and educed whitening (as well as reduced sunscreen efficacy). Participants preferred products associated with less visible whitening and selected lower-whitening, the results showed.

"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," the investigators wrote.

Source

Shah M, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2026;25(6):514.