What’s the Difference Between Physical (Mineral) and Chemical Sunscreen?

Nancy LeBrun
·5 min read

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MDMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

Sunscreen is one of the most important tools for protecting you from the harmful effects of sun exposure, no matter your skin tone.

Sunlight contains different wavelengths of rays, including ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays can lead to signs of aging skin, like wrinkles and age spots, and can travel through glass. UVB rays cause sunburn but cannot pass through glass. Too much of either can raise the risk of developing skin cancer.

This article will explore the two main types of sunscreen—mineral and chemical—how they work, and the pros and cons of each.

<p>LAW Ho Ming / Getty Images</p>

LAW Ho Ming / Getty Images

What Is Mineral Sunscreen (Physical Sunscreen)?

Traditional mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, work by scattering and reflecting the sun's ultraviolet rays off your skin. Mineral sunscreen contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or sometimes both. The particles are large in traditional formulations and appear white or opaque on the skin.

A newer form of mineral sunscreen, called micronized sunscreens, uses the same ingredients but formulates them as nanoparticles, which are small enough to appear more transparent on the skin. These mineral sunscreens still reflect sunlight, but they work primarily by absorbing the rays before they can damage your skin.

How Does Chemical Sunscreen Work?

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays before they can damage your skin. The rays are released from your skin as heat. Common chemicals used in sunscreen include:

  • Avobenzone

  • Cinoxate

  • Dioxybenzone

  • Ensulizole

  • Homosalate

  • Meradimate

  • Octinoxate

  • Octisalate

  • Octocrylene

  • Oxybenzone

  • Padimate O

  • Sulisobenzone

Are Chemical Sunscreens Safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other experts have been studying sunscreens for years to evaluate their safety.

In 2020, a project examined 29 studies that examined the effects of two ingredients in chemical sunscreen: oxybenzone (BP-3) and octinoxate (OMC). Concerns had been raised that these chemicals might affect certain hormones in the body, including reproductive hormones.

The review found that the chemicals do reach the bloodstream but do not appear to harm health. However, the experts called for further study.

BP-3 and OMC have been banned from products sold in Hawaii and Key West, Florida, among other areas, over concerns they could harm delicate coral reefs. As of 2019, the FDA also banned two ingredients previously used in chemical sunscreens, PABA and trolamine salicylate.

Pros and Cons of Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens

Pros of Mineral Sunscreens

Points in favor of mineral sunscreens include:

  • Can be good for people with sensitive skin or uneven skin color

  • Contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which are listed as safe by the FDA

  • Protect against both UVA and UVB rays

  • Provide protection upon application

Cons of Mineral Sunscreens

Drawbacks of mineral sunscreens include:

  • Can leave a whitish film on the skin if not micronized

  • Can feel greasy or sticky

  • Need reapplication more often than chemical sunscreen because they can dissolve in water or perspiration

Pros of Chemical Sunscreen

Points in favor of chemical sunscreens include:

  • Generally easy to apply and come in various application forms, like lotions, sprays, and creams

  • Not sticky or greasy

  • Protect against both UVA and UVB rays

  • Can be water resistant

  • May protect the skin longer than mineral sunscreen

Cons of Chemical Sunscreen

Drawbacks of chemical sunscreens include:

  • Must be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to be effective

  • May inflame sensitive skin or cause an allergic reaction

  • Some people may have safety concerns about the chemical ingredients

Which Type of Sunscreen Is Better?

Any good sunscreen will help protect you from increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The main factor is finding a sunscreen that you will use.

Many formulations are available, so consider whether you want a lotion, cream, spray, or stick. Do you want a different form for your face than your body? Convenience and ease of use may influence whether you use it consistently.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF measures protection against UVB rays but not UVA rays.

People with darker skin tones or uneven skin color may want to consider a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide or pigmentary titanium dioxide. Tinted sunscreens protect against visible light (the light we can see), as well as UVA and UVB rays. Visible light can darken the skin or worsen uneven tones.

If you are concerned about the ingredients, be aware that all sunscreens contain chemicals. Mineral sunscreens may seem to be more natural than chemical sunscreens, but they are simply inorganic compounds (ones that don't contain carbon).

Hybrid sunscreens, which contain both mineral and chemical components, are also available.

No matter what type of sunscreen you use, follow the directions. It usually takes about an ounce of product (a shot glass full) to fully cover an adult's body. Follow recommendations about reapplication.

Other Types of Sun Protection

In addition to sunscreens, other ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun include:

  • Avoiding sun exposure when it's most intense during the middle of the day or near water, snow, or sand

  • Regulating how long you stay in the sun

  • Seeking shade or taking indoor breaks

  • Wearing hats, long sleeves, pants, and sunglasses

  • Wearing ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing, whose material is chemically treated or tightly woven to help block the sun

Regarding UPF clothing, the darker the color and tighter the weave, the more protective it is. UPF clothing can lose its effectiveness over time, so replace it as recommended.

Summary

Sunscreens protect against signs of premature aging and lower the risk of skin cancer caused by UVA and UVB rays from the sun. The two main types of sunscreen are mineral and chemical, and either will work if you choose a broad-spectrum product.

Whichever form you choose, follow the directions for application, including how long it will take for the sunscreen to become effective and how often you need to reapply it.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.