| Difference | Mineral sunscreen | Chemical sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Active filters | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. | Other active UV filters, such as avobenzone or octinoxate. |
| How it filters UV | Sits on the skin and blocks UV; mineral filters also absorb and reflect rays. | Chemical ingredients filter UV light. |
| Protection to look for | Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and water resistant. | Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and water resistant. |
Mineral and chemical describe the active filters, not two different levels of protection. Mineral sunscreen forms a protective layer at the skin and blocks UV rays; chemical ingredients filter UV light. Physical, another name for mineral, does not mean the sunscreen only reflects sunlight: mineral filters absorb rays too.1
How to tell which kind you have
Check the Active Ingredients section on the package. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide identifies a mineral filter; avobenzone and octinoxate are examples of other active UV filters. A sunscreen that combines mineral and chemical active filters is a hybrid. The front label does the selling; the Active Ingredients panel does the sorting.14
What protection should you compare?
SPF mainly indicates protection from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA rays; UVA rays contribute to premature skin aging and dark spots. SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays, and no sunscreen blocks them all. Higher SPF numbers block slightly more UVB, but do not let you wait longer to reapply. A high SPF is not an extension cord for time outdoors; the reapplication clock still runs.14
How to use either type
- 1Choose broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance.
- 2Apply it to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
- 3Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face and about 1 ounce to cover the exposed skin on an average sized adult body.
- 4Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and more often after swimming or sweating. Follow the product label for its water resistance directions.
- 5Pair sunscreen with shade and clothing that covers exposed skin, such as a long sleeved shirt, pants, sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat.
Use sunscreen on skin not covered by clothing when you will be outside, including on cloudy days. Directions can differ by product form, so read the label; spray sunscreen should not be applied directly to your face. Sunscreen comes as creams, lotions, sticks, gels and sprays, because UV protection apparently needed a menu.14
Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?
Mineral sunscreen is a sensible starting point: dermatologists recommend it for sensitive skin. If sunscreen stings or burns, choose one containing only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid fragrance. For allergy prone skin, the American Academy of Dermatology also advises avoiding parabens and oxybenzone.12
What about pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A pediatric dermatologist recommends mineral sunscreen during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a precaution. Some chemical sunscreen ingredients can enter fetal blood, while information about real world effects remains limited. Chemical sunscreen is also widely available and recommended by many dermatologists, so this is a cautious choice, not a reason to skip sun protection.3
Does mineral sunscreen leave a white cast?
Older mineral formulas tended to leave a noticeable white cast. Tinted versions can blend across a range of skin tones, and a tint that matches your skin can help reduce visible residue. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxide also help protect against visible light, which can worsen dark spots. Tinted sunscreen gives its color a second job by helping protect against visible light.13
Can you use mineral and chemical sunscreen together?
Yes, a single hybrid sunscreen can contain both mineral and chemical active filters. You do not need both categories to get broad spectrum protection: one sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and water resistant meets the same selection criteria. If you use separate products, follow each label's directions and reapply as directed.124
Where this answer comes from
- 1Sunscreen FAQsaad.org
- 2How do I know if I'm using the right sunscreen?aad.org
- 3Ask the Expert: Pregnancy and Skin Healthwww2.skincancer.org
- 4Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sunfda.gov
