Mineral Sunscreen Or Chemical Sunscreen: Why You Should Choose Mineral
June 5, 2023
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Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective things that you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer and prevent the signs of premature aging. The two main categories of sunscreen that you can choose from are chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Deciding between the types of sunscreens can be confusing, so we’ve put together this handy guide that breaks down the difference between mineral vs. chemical sunscreens.
What Is Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens use filters that absorb UV rays and transform them into heat to keep them from harming the skin. The most common chemical sunscreen filters that are approved in the US are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate.
What Is Mineral Sunscreen?
Sometimes also called physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, creating a physical barrier that blocks UV rays from penetrating the skin. The two most common mineral sunscreen filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Minerals sunscreens are especially recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin because they are less likely to cause irritation.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
Because of the different filters used, mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens have a different feel and texture when applied. Chemical sunscreens can sometimes (not always) have a thinner consistency, and may absorb faster. However, they can also cause irritation, trigger skin allergies, and aggravate your eyes.
Mineral sunscreens tend to have a slightly thicker texture, and they used to leave a white cast on the skin sometimes. However, advances in formulation development have resulted in mineral sunscreens that blend easily into the skin and have a thinner texture. For instance, our Whatever the Weather Daily Moisturizer + 100% Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 provides sheer sun protection that complements a wide variety of skin tones.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than Chemical Sunscreen?
The best sunscreen for you is the one that you enjoy wearing, so that you will be motivated to apply (and reapply) it every single day. Regardless of which type of sunscreen you use, it may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for your skin, so don’t try just one and then give up.
That being said, mineral sunscreen does offer some advantages over chemical sunscreens in certain areas. For one, mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate sensitive and acne-prone skin. No matter how thin a chemical sunscreen spreads or quickly it absorbs, you won’t want to wear it if it makes your eyes red and watery, irritates your skin, or causes more acne blemishes.
Looking for a mineral sunscreen without a white cast that will also double as your daily moisturizer? Try our mineral sunscreen today and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays!