Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which is Better for Your Skin?

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which is Better for Your Skin?

Sunscreen application is a non-negotiable step in our everyday skincare routines. Offering essential protection against the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen shields the skin from premature ageing, sunburn, and skin cancer.

However, the question remains: should you choose mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen? Understanding what makes them different can help you decide which will be best for your skin.

What is Sunscreen and Why is it Important?

Sunscreen serves as a protective barrier on the skin, blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are able to penetrate deeply into the skin and can cause premature ageing, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and its side effects. Unfortunately, both types of UV rays contribute to the risk of skin cancer, therefore using sunscreen on a daily basis reduces these risks and helps maintain skin health.

What is Mineral Sunscreen and How Does it Work?

Also known as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen uses active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral SPFs create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays away from the skin before they can penetrate into the skin and cause harm.

Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen:

• Safe for sensitive skin: Gentle and non-irritating
• Immediate protection: Mineral SPF is effective as soon as it’s applied to the skin
• Reef-Safe: Eco-friendly ingredients such as zinc oxide are less likely to harm marine life

What is Chemical Sunscreen and How Does it Work?

Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.

Instead of reflecting rays, like mineral SPFs do, chemical SPFs absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin to protect against sun damage. 

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: The Key Differences

Formulations

• Mineral sunscreens use naturally occurring UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
• Chemical sunscreens rely on synthetic compounds such as avobenzone or oxybenzone

How They Work

• Mineral sunscreens act as a physical shield, reflecting UV rays away from the skin
• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released

Skin Types

• Mineral formulas are ideal for sensitive, reactive, or post-treatment skin
• Chemical sunscreens can sometimes feel lighter on the skin

Environmental Impact

• Mineral sunscreens are generally more reef-safe and eco-friendly, while certain chemical filters are linked to coral bleaching

Application

• Chemical sunscreens tend to need 15–20 minutes to activate before they are able to protect the skin against UV rays
• Mineral sunscreens work immediately upon application

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Sensitive Skin

Opt for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and calming ingredients such as bisabolol for their soothing, non-irritating properties, such as our No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If you're looking for SPF for oily of acne-prone skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free formula, such as our Face Shield Matte SPF 50, and ensure the formulation is non-comedogenic. All of our Total Protection Sunscreens are formulated to be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or niacinamide for those extra skin-nourishing properties, such as our Face Shield Classic SPF 50.

Hyperpigmentation

Look for a tinted mineral sunscreen which contains iron oxides, like our viral Face Shield Flex SPF 50.

Which Sunscreen is Right for You?

If you are looking for a sunscreen that is kind to both your skin and the planet, then mineral sunscreens are the best option. Discover Colorescience’s range of all-mineral, reef-safe sunscreens and find your perfect protector.

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