Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to slather on sunscreen and keep your skin protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Which brings us to the big question…with so many different formulas on the market, how do you know what kind of sunscreen is best for your skin? We’re here to give you some quick guidance, so you can maintain your glow and keep your skin healthy.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
When it comes to mineral vs chemical sunscreen, the main difference is in the ingredients. Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) are made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re both naturally occurring minerals, but these days, they’re more likely to be manufactured in a lab due to high demand from skincare companies. Chemical sunscreens are made with (you guessed it) chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene.
Special note for skincare junkies: You probably know there are different chemical filters available in Europe and Asia, which are used in some K-beauty formulas that are super-popular on TikTok and Instagram. For the purposes on this blog, we’re just going to talk about chemical filters that are approved for use in the U.S. (But a blog on K-beauty is definitely on our radar for the future!)
How do mineral and chemical sunscreens work?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens will help protect your skin from the sun, but exactly how they do that is different. To break it down quickly:
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Mineral sunscreens “sit” on the surface of your skin and work by physically deflecting the sun’s rays.
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Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin’s top layer, and they work by “absorbing” UV rays. Those rays are converted into heat, which is then released.
Mineral sunscreens start working immediately after you apply them, but chemical sunscreens take about 15-20 minutes to sink in and deliver protection.
How do I know if I should use mineral or chemical sunscreen?
Honestly, it’s a matter of personal preference and what you feel most comfortable using. That said, there are some key factors that can help you choose”
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Mineral sunscreen |
Chemical sunscreen |
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What’s the texture? |
Tends to be thicker and may feel heavier on skin.
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Tends to feel more lightweight. |
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What skin type is it best for? |
Mineral formulas are usually the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, since they’re less likely to cause irritation. |
Chemical formulas have a greater risk of irritating sensitive skin types, but they can also feel more lightweight, which is helpful for oily skin types.
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Will it leave a white cast? |
It may. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are white powders, so if you have a deeper skin tone, there’s a chance you’ll end up with a white cast. To counteract this effect, choose a tinted version that matches your skin tone. |
Chemical sunscreens are usually invisible on skin, no matter what your skin tone. |
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Does it break down in sunlight? |
Mineral sunscreens are less likely to break down in sunlight. |
Some chemical filters can degrade in sunlight. If your formula has avobenzone, check the label and make sure it also has octocrylene to help stabilize the formula. |
And keep in mind, you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have a sunscreen “wardrobe” for different purposes and different occasions. “I like to use a mineral sunscreen if I’m outside paddleboarding or biking, because I feel like it gives me more effective protection and I can see exactly where I put it on. But if I’m inside working at my desk, I tend to use a chemical sunscreen, because my makeup layers better over it,” says DERMAFLASH staffer Stephanie H.
The key is to find a formula that works for you, and commit to wearing it daily, not just in the summer. And for an extra boost of antioxidant and pollution defense, layer a serum like HYDRAFLASH Active Cocooning Serum under your sunscreen.
Here’s a summer of healthy skin!
