Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen
Using sunscreen daily is important for your skin care routine, but it can be confusing due to trends and new products.. But understanding how and when to use SPF is the most important action you can take for the long-term health of your skin. One of the most common sun protection topics that often stirs up confusion is the difference between mineral—also called physical—and chemical sunscreen formulas.
While the two sunscreen types offer protection from UV rays, the mechanics of how the formulations work differ. So, what's the difference between them, and is one more effective than the other?
What Is Mineral Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use UV filters that sit on top of the skin and effectively block rays from penetrating its surface. The most commonly used mineral filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mineral sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen.
Pros
Safe for Sensitive Skin: The active ingredients in mineral formulas—zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—are typically well-tolerated by sensitive-skin types
Suited for Acne-Prone Skin: Mineral formulas tend to also be non-comedogenic and non-inflammatory to those with acne-prone skin. And if zinc oxide is the active ingredient, it may even help to improve your acne.
Potentially More Effective Sun Protection: Because mineral formulas provide a physical barrier preventing the sun's rays from penetrating your skin, some consider them more effective than chemical sunscreens. However, more research is needed to confirm this idea.
Cons
Undesirable Texture: Mineral sunscreens are often associated with a thick, goopy texture that isn't always enjoyable to wear—especially under makeup.
Can Leave a White Cast: Physical formulas have been known to leave a white cast on the skin, especially for those with deeper skin tones. However, modern formulas provide options, with many physical formulas containing a slight pink tint to neutralize the white cast.
What Is Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical SPFs use approved UV filters that transform UV rays when absorbed into the skin into heat. Some of the most common chemical UV filters include oxybenzone avobenzone, and octinoxate" Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter, more sheer (some are completely sheer), and generally more favored. However, they can also irritate those with sensitive skin and potentially have environmental consequences.
Pros
Clear: Chemical sunscreens are typically clear, gel-like formulas that don't leave a white-cast on the skin.
Spreadable and Enjoyable to Wear: There have been more innovations in chemical sunscreens than with physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens typically feature a lightweight, gel-like or spray-on texture that's easy to blend and enjoyable to wear with or without makeup. Some chemical sunscreens for the face even offer makeup benefits, such as enhancing the glow of the skin.
Cons
May Be Slightly Less Effective Than Mineral Formulas: Because chemical sunscreens function by absorbing the sun's rays instead of physically blocking them, they are considered by some to be slightly less effective. The best sunscreen is the one you will use. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ chemical sunscreen for good sun protection.
May Have Adverse Environmental Effects: Ingredients commonly found in chemical formulas—such as oxybenzone—are not considered to be "reef-safe" in some areas. However, significantly more research is needed to determine the effects of SPF on the ocean and reefs.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What's the Difference?
The primary distinction between mineral and chemical sunscreens is that mineral formulas sit on top of the skin and block rays at the surface with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb rays like a sponge with ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens tend to be better suited for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, but the formulations also tend to be thicker and can potentially leave a white cast behind on deeper skin tones. Chemical sunscreens are usually lighter, clearer, and more enjoyable to wear, but the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can also be irritating for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than Chemical Sunscreen?
The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear—and that will vary if you have dark skin, acneic skin, sensitive skin, or a personal preference for the feel of a product.
Regardless of the sunscreen you choose, the most important thing is that you should be wearing sunscreen every day.
Acneic or Sensitive Skin: Use Mineral SPF
You should take your skin type into consideration when choosing sunscreen. Two things can cause sunscreen-related breakouts: occlusion of the pores by comedogenic materials or a sensitivity reaction to chemical UV-blocking ingredients. For this reason, I recommend physical sunscreens over chemical formulations for acne-prone and sensitive skin types and suggests looking for oil-free or non-comedogenic on the label.
Deep Skin Tones: May Prefer Chemical SPF
For those with darker skin types a physical sunscreen that doesn't make skin appear pasty can be challenging. Chemical sunscreens will definitely be more convenient in this aspect, given their formulation. However, it's worth noting that some physical sunscreens, especially the tinted varieties could work. While there are certainly physical/mineral options that blend into deep skin tones, using a chemical formula might be easier (and more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear. So, while mineral sunscreens may be more trusted across the board, it's only "better" if you'll actually wear it. Stick to mineral sunscreens if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Otherwise, chemical sunscreens are a safe, effective option that is typically lightweight and more enjoyable to wear. Pay less attention to the mineral vs chemical debate and instead focus on finding a sunscreen you love that is labeled as broad-spectrum: This means that it protects against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can lead to accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. Choose a minimum SPF 30, and you can even go a bit higher for your face, neck, and decolletage.
