The question should never be, “should I wear sunscreen?” when spending time outdoors, but rather, “which kind of sunscreen should I use?”
Sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburns, aging and skin cancer. Since everyone’s skin is different, the type of sunscreen you choose will vary from the next person. Learn the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreen so you can make an informed decision before buying a bottle.
What is mineral sunscreen? Pros and cons
Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, is inorganic and contains active ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide that cause the sunscreen to sit on your skin. It has a recognizable white, chalky appearance.
This type of sunscreen works by creating a separation between the skin and the sun. Like chemical sunscreen, it absorbs UV rays in the skin, converts them into heat, then releases them from the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen also acts as a shield, blocking and deflecting up to 5% of UV rays.
Advantages of mineral sunscreen include:
- Immediate protection from the sun once applied.
- The ability to block both UVA and UVB rays effectively.
- Less irritation, and thus recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for people with sensitive skin.
- Better suited for people with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
- Less harmful to marine life and more environmentally friendly.
Some disadvantages of mineral sunscreen include:
- This lotion’s thick, goopy texture feels heavier on the skin and is harder to blend into the skin than chemical sunscreen.
- The white or ashy cast leaves visible residue on the skin and clothing.
What is chemical sunscreen? Pros and cons
Chemical sunscreen is any sunscreen that doesn’t include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It contains organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate and octocrylene. Chemical sunscreen protects by absorbing the sun’s harmful UV rays into the skin, like mineral sunscreen does.
The biggest cosmetic difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen is that chemical sunscreen is more transparent and blends easily when you rub it into your skin.
Advantages of chemical sunscreen include:
- Easy to rub into the skin, does not leave a white cast.
- Might be preferred for daily wear due to the ease of application and transparency.
- Often include lighter, more fluid consistencies that don’t feel as heavy as mineral sunscreen.
Some disadvantages of chemical sunscreen include:
- Takes between 15 and 30 minutes to become effective.
- Some of the carbon-based ingredients can clog pores and cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in people with sensitive skin.
- Less environmentally friendly; research has found oxybenzone and octinoxate, for example, to be detrimental to coral health.
General sunscreen advice and guidance
When shopping for sunscreen, you should always select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) value of 15 or more, per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. It should be applied even on cloudy days year-round.
Additionally, people of all skin colors are at risk for skin cancer, skin aging and sunburn when spending more than 10 minutes outside, under the sun. Everyone should wear sunscreen, apart from infants younger than 6 months of age.
The best sunscreen is the one you are comfortable using consistently. Consider your skin type, concerns and lifestyle before buying a chemical or mineral SPF.
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