Is there sunscreen with no chemicals?

What does "chemical free" sunscreen actually mean?

Mineral and chemical describe two categories of sunscreen filters, not products with and without chemistry. Mineral filters primarily absorb ultraviolet radiation, with a smaller amount scattered and reflected. Chemical filters, such as avobenzone, absorb ultraviolet radiation and release the energy as heat. Mineral sunscreen does not work only by bouncing sunlight away. Calling a sunscreen "chemical free" does not make it so, however politely the packaging asks.1

How do I find a mineral sunscreen?

On a US sunscreen, look at the "Active Ingredients" section. For an exclusively mineral sunscreen, look for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both, without additional sunscreen filters. A hybrid combines mineral and chemical filters, so the presence of zinc oxide alone does not make the whole sunscreen mineral.2

Choose broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Broad spectrum covers UVA and UVB, the two types of harmful ultraviolet rays. Water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes; not every sunscreen offers it. In the UK, look for SPF 30 or higher and at least four star UVA protection; a UVA symbol inside a circle indicates the EU standard. "Chemical free" is not an SPF rating with better public relations.34

Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

Mineral sunscreen is a sensible starting point for sensitive skin because it can be less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreen. That is a reason to try the category, not a promise of irritation free use. Both categories can provide effective sun protection. If white residue makes a sunscreen difficult to wear, a tinted version that matches your skin tone can help make the cast less noticeable.12

Requests for more safety data on some chemical filters are not findings that every chemical sunscreen is unsafe. The FDA's 2021 proposal distinguished ingredients needing additional data from ingredients with identified safety concerns, and proposed zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as generally recognized as safe and effective. Those are ingredient assessments, not a reason to abandon sun protection.5

How should I use mineral sunscreen?

1. 1Apply sunscreen every day you will be outdoors, including cloudy days. Apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outside.
2. 2Cover all skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need at least about one ounce for exposed skin, with more needed depending on body size. Include your ears, neck, tops of your feet and exposed scalp.
3. 3Reapply about every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions. Reapply after towel drying or rubbing sunscreen off too.

How does wearing sunscreen compare with wearing no sunscreen?

Sunscreen reduces UV exposure and helps prevent sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. Regular daily SPF 15 use, as directed, has been associated with about a 40 percent reduction in squamous cell carcinoma and a 50 percent reduction in melanoma risk. These are two types of skin cancer; the figures are not personal predictions or a reason to choose below SPF 30.13

Going without sunscreen is not the same as going without sun protection if you use shade and protective clothing, but exposed skin still needs protection. When the UV index is 3 or higher, combine shade, covered arms and legs, a wide brimmed hat, UV blocking sunglasses and sunscreen. UV rays can reach skin on cool and cloudy days too.6