What it actually does: sits on the skin’s surface and absorbs-and-scatters UV across the full spectrum. (Yes, absorbs: the “mineral sunscreens reflect light like a mirror” explanation is mostly myth; they work primarily by absorption too, just via different chemistry.) Also mildly anti-inflammatory, which is why it’s in nappy-rash creams.
Who it’s for: sensitive skin, acne-prone skin that breaks out from chemical filters, anyone post-procedure or post-acid.
The brown-skin honest part: zinc oxide’s classic flaw is white cast. Micronised versions and tinted formulas have improved things a lot.
Honest expectations: protection is only as good as application: a proper quantity (roughly two finger-lengths for face and neck), reapplied when you’re out in the sun. The best filter under-applied loses to a decent filter applied properly.
The BYOUT Library is educational content, not personalised medical advice. For persistent or severe skin concerns, a dermatologist beats any article, including ours.