Is mineral sunscreen safe to use?

What makes mineral sunscreen a safe choice?

The FDA's proposed sunscreen rules classify zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as generally recognized as safe and effective. Those proposed provisions are not yet final. The FDA continues to recommend sunscreen alongside other sun protection measures because of its recognized public health benefits. Requests for more safety data on several other sunscreen ingredients are different from findings of actual safety problems. Choosing mineral sunscreen does not require treating every other sunscreen as dangerous.3

What should you look for on the bottle?

Choose broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Broad spectrum covers both UVA and UVB rays; SPF describes protection against sunburn. Mineral sunscreens absorb sunlight and also reflect it, rather than working only as a physical shield. Sunscreen labels have room for "sport", but that word has no FDA definition and does not do the reading for you. Look for the actual water resistance duration instead.1

How do you use mineral sunscreen?

1. 1Apply sunscreen to skin not covered by clothing. Follow your product's application directions: Outer Reef Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, for example, directs liberal application 15 minutes before sun exposure.
2. 2Reapply at least every two hours outdoors. After swimming or sweating, follow the bottle's water resistance limit, which is either 40 or 80 minutes.
3. 3Reapply immediately after towel drying. Outer Reef's 80 minute swimming or sweating interval does not override this instruction.
4. 4Use shade and protective clothing as well. No sunscreen filters out all UVB rays.

When should you stop using it?

Follow the warnings on your particular sunscreen. Outer Reef Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 says not to apply it to damaged or broken skin and to stop use and consult a physician if irritation or a rash develops. Keep the cream out of your eyes; rinse with water if it gets in them. Sunscreen is for external use, not swallowing. If swallowed, get medical attention or contact poison control immediately.2

Is mineral sunscreen safe for fungal acne?

The mineral filter alone is not enough to decide. Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is a yeast infection in hair follicles, not ordinary acne. Occlusion, meaning skin being covered or blocked by products such as sunscreens, is a risk factor. Frequent use of oil based moisturizers and sunscreens is also associated with the condition. Consider the whole formula rather than using the mineral label as a shortcut. If small, similarly sized itchy bumps persist, see a doctor: fungal acne, bacterial folliculitis and ordinary acne can look alike, but need different treatment. Changing sunscreen is not a substitute for diagnosing an ongoing rash.45

Is mineral sunscreen reef safe?

Mineral sunscreen cannot automatically be called safe for reefs. "Reef safe" has no FDA definition, so the phrase is doing more marketing than explaining. Research on sunscreen ingredients and reefs remains limited, with no clear answers. Some studies have been criticized for using unrealistic conditions and ingredient concentrations.1

Is mineral sunscreen safe for babies?

For babies six months and older, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens are recommended because they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. For younger babies, prioritize shade and protective clothing and minimize sunscreen use. If adequate shade and clothing are unavailable, a minimal amount of broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen can be used. Follow the product's age directions: Outer Reef tells parents to ask a doctor before use under six months. Keep babies shaded even with sunscreen, avoid overheating, and take them indoors immediately if they become excessively fussy or develop redness on exposed skin.126