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Mineral v chemical sunscreen: Which one should you be using?

Mineral sunscreen is having a moment. Amid concerns that so-called "chemical" sunscreens may be bad for our bodies, brains, and even coral reefs, mineral-based formulations have become the fastest-growing share of the global sunscreen market. But debates over "chemical" versus "mineral" sunscreens are riddled with misconceptions. Many commonly repeated claims – such as mineral sunscreens not containing chemicals; that chemical sunscreens have been proven harmful; or that chemical sunscreens absorb UV, while mineral ones only reflect it – are misleading, even false. The confusion begins with terminology. "Everything is a chemical," points out Brian Diffey, emeritus professor of photobiology in…

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Featured

 7 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Coverage Without the White Cast

No irritation, no ashiness—just gentle, effective SPF. Sunscreen has a reputation for being chalky and hard to blend, but we’re here to ease your fears of ghostly white casts with the best mineral sunscreens. Of course, we all (should) know by now that sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skin-care routine, but even the most lauded formulas have varying qualities.

 Here Are *All* the Benefits of Switching to a Mineral Sunscreen

There are actually LOADS of benefits of mineral sunscreen as opposed to those containing chemicals. And don’t get us wrong, chemical sunscreen has been our protection for *decades*, but we think it’s time to say goodbye and move on to something a little more sophisticated.

Articles of Interest

Looking for a Reef-Safe Sunscreen? Ask a Surfer

Popular ingredients in SPF products are harming the beaches we love—here’s what you can do to help.

Zinc Oxide May Be in Your Favorite Mineral Sunscreen, But Is It Safe and Effective?

Most research has found that zinc oxide sunscreen has low concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles, which can’t significantly penetrate the skin or enter the bloodstream. Researchers have also found that zinc oxide nanoparticles barely penetrate the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, which would make it difficult to reach the bloodstream.

A Guide to the Best Mineral Sunscreens

Summer's mission impossible is finding an effective, but safe sunscreen in the ocean of products. Here, some of the top options.

Is Mineral Sunscreen Better?

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to wearing sunscreen. What works for you might not work for someone else. What DOES matter though is that you find a sunscreen that you like to wear, is easy to apply and WILL wear on a daily basis. Mineral sunscreen is definitely a fan favorite.

Making a cleaner, greener, environmentally safe sunscreen

The bad news is that mounting evidence suggests that certain chemicals in these radiation filters are bleaching the corals and killing fish. The good news is that there is a greener, cleaner and safer alternative in the works. The sunscreens widely available belong to two major categories: physical and chemical.

Mineral Sunscreen: The Pros and The Cons

You already know that SPF is non-negotiable. But when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, not all formulas are created equal—especially if you care about clean ingredients, skin sensitivity, and long-term health. Let’s talk about mineral sunscreen, and why it may (or may not) be the best choice for your skin.

Mineral sunscreens not recommended by Consumer Reports: What lies beneath the surface?

Mineral sunscreens typically have low advertised SPF ratings (e.g. 30+) and thus may be disadvantaged compared to most chemical sunscreens with higher SPF, although an SPF of 30 theoretically provides 97% UV protection.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) minerals are frequently employed in sunscreens as inorganic physical sun blockers. As TiO2 is more effective in UVB and ZnO in the UVA range, the combination of these particles assures a broad-band UV protection. However, to solve the cosmetic drawback of these opaque sunscreens, microsized TiO2 and ZnO have been increasingly replaced by TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) (<100 nm).

Why Mineral Sunscreen Is the Best Choice

The two types of sunscreens are mineral sunscreens and chemical (or synthetic) sunscreens. One is not more protective than the other; they simply use different ingredients to protect skin when exposed to the sun. And additionally, both can cater to different skin types and needs, like oily skin or super dry skin.

Why Mineral Sunscreens are the Smart Choice

There’s been a growing awareness around what’s inside your sunscreen and what makes one safer or more effective than another. This is where mineral sunscreens come in; they are a smart and science-backed way to shield your skin from the sun.

Resources

5 Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen is Best for Your Health & The Planet

Remember how your skin is your body’s largest organ and the majority of what you apply to it gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream? Well chemical sunscreen depends on this—it works by the active ingredients absorbing into the skin where they then scatter the sun’s rays. But some of these active ingredients (such as homosalate and oxybenzone) have been linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and/or developmental/reproductive toxicity.

The 18 Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens for Your Face, According to Dermatologists

Zinc oxide, a key ingredient in mineral sunscreen, creates a physical barrier that reflects UV rays, making it ideal for sensitive skin. These formulas are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, according to board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD. With growing concerns over chemical sunscreens being absorbed into the bloodstream, the FDA has proposed that mineral options may be safer. To help you choose the best, we consulted dermatologists and tested 51 zinc oxide sunscreens to create our top recommendations.