Sunscreen is one of the hottest topics in the world of skin care and health in general, and for good reason. Sunscreen not only protects your skin from sunburn, it also helps prevent premature aging and even skin cancer. But with so many sunscreen options available in the market, choosing the right one can be confusing.
Today, we dive deep into the world of mineral and chemical sunscreens. We’ll break down how they work, their pros and cons, and which one might work best for you.
What is sunscreen?
A sunscreen, sunscreen, sun cream, or sunscreen product protects your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun.
Which UV rays are harmful?
- UVA rays – these long rays cause damage by penetrating the skin. Skin aging, inflammation or even skin cancer can occur over time. This damage is usually not seen immediately, but can accumulate with repeated exposure.
- UVB rays – these short rays cause sunburn on the surface of the skin and can damage your skin cells immediately and over time. It is easy to remember that “B” causes “burn”.
So the harmful rays to worry about are UVA and UVB rays. When you’re looking for a good sunscreen, you want to look for one that’s “broad spectrum.”” or protective against UVA and UVB rays. Many less effective or older sunscreens protect against one or the other, but with research from the last 50 years of sunscreen use, broad-spectrum sunscreens are essential for full protection and are more commonly available.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
- ONE mineral Sunscreen is usually made from natural minerals such as zinc or titanium oxides.
- ONE chemical substance Sunscreen is made from synthetically produced organic chemicals that are made in a laboratory.
In the past, it was believed that chemical sunscreens worked by absorbing UV rays and mineral sunscreens worked by reflecting them.
Mineral sunscreen is often still referred to as “natural sunscreen’ because it was thought to naturally block UV rays from entering your skin.
However, both chemical and mineral sunscreens have recently been shown to work well absorbing UV rays before they come into contact with or enter your skin.
Pros and cons of mineral and chemical sunscreens
You might be wondering if chemical or mineral sunscreen is better? Let’s look at some pros and cons of the two:
Benefits of mineral sunscreens:
- Best for sensitive skin, so it can be used on babies, children, the elderly and people with acne-prone skin
- Broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays) when not nano
- Immediate effectiveness
- Considered by dermatologists to work better overall
- It is not absorbed into the body
- These substances are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA
Cons of Mineral Sunscreens:
- In some formulas the percentage of zinc can be very high, so it is considered thick and more difficult to apply
- Too high a percentage of zinc in the formula can be drying
- Minerals such as zinc in high concentration can leave a white cast on the skin, especially noticeable on darker skin tones
- Nano zinc is not broad spectrum and can cause damage to coral reefs. So make sure to use non nano if you choose a mineral sunscreen
Advantages of chemical sunscreens:
- No white plaster
- Broad spectrum when chemicals are combined into products
- The texture is usually light and easy to apply
- Invisible on all skin tones
- It is more readily available
Disadvantages of chemical sunscreens:
- May be irritating to skin, even non-sensitive skin
- It can be caustic, so it can clog pores
- Less reef-safe than mineral sunscreen, with some chemicals banned entirely
- Slightly less broad spectrum than mineral sunscreen
- Slightly less effective overall according to dermatologists
- It is absorbed into the body, which can affect hormonal systems
- The chemicals used are not considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA
There are many reasons to consider a mineral sunscreen over “regular” sunscreens or chemical sunscreens. You may be wondering, “is mineral sunscreen better for you?” or even if mixing chemical and natural sunscreens is a good idea for the best coverage.
Studies have shown that mixing different types of sunscreen reduces the effectiveness of both, so it’s something I prefer not to do. Many ready-made products may include both types in their formulas to achieve a nice texture on the skin. While I have used products like this in the past, I think with this latest research I will avoid products like this in the future.
How to tell if sunscreen is mineral or chemical
In a sunscreen product made in the USA, mineral sunscreens will have one or both of the following ingredients:
In a sunscreen product made in the USA, chemical sunscreens will have one or more of the following ingredients:
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalat
- Octinoxate
Sometimes you may see some different chemicals listed on your skin care product in addition to these. This is because there are some chemical UV filters that are not yet FDA approved in the US, yet are widely used in sunscreens in Europe and Asia. Some of these sunscreens have been imported into the US for use.
Conclusion: Mineral SPF vs Chemical SPF
In my opinion, after trying both kinds of formulas on my own skin (which is sensitive), I decided that mineral sunscreen is the best choice for me.
Not only does it have better pros and minimal cons, it’s easy to make your own custom formula that includes natural, nutrient-dense ingredients. Many of these offer their own sunscreen benefits in their natural state. I find this to be very affordable and I can tailor my formula to my specific needs and skin type. Best of all, I don’t have to worry about finding a product that doesn’t match my skin tone. I can add shimmer pigments, a touch of ready bronzer or powder, or even natural iron oxide cosmetic pigments to make it a tinted moisturizer.
There are many other steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun in addition to a skin care product, including protective clothing, sunglasses, umbrellas, and seeking shaded areas often. The best sunscreen product overall is the one you will use regularly! Don’t be afraid to explore the options available, as years of research help create newer products every day that are better and safer for us and our environment.
As always, comment below if you have any questions or comments. I’d love to hear about your favorite sunscreen or DIY sunscreen ingredients that you find work best.
Author: Natalie, DIY Skincare Enthusiast
