Is mineral or chemical sunscreen best for you? 

A decade ago, my skin tone could best be described as somewhere between 2009 Snooki and a honey-baked ham. I spent my early 20’s collecting tan lines like trophies in San Diego, an area that on average experiences 266 sunny days each year. I worked at one of the largest tanning salons in the county slinging UVA and UVB rays for a living while roasting in the beds myself every lunch break.  

Spending my college years blinded by the sun and juvenile vanity, I actively avoided sunscreen in my pursuit of becoming a year-round hazelnut goddess. What can I say? Sometimes girls just wanna have sun. But when a suspicious mole appeared on my shoulder, my dermatologist scared me straight: More Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other types of cancer combined – and regular daily use of SPF can reduce the risk of melanoma risk by 50 percent, as well as help prevent wrinkles, sagging and age spots. 

If SPF and I were going to be lifetime partners, I knew I had to find a lotion that fit my needs and easily fit into my daily routine. And that began with choosing between the two types of commercially available sunscreen: Mineral and chemical.  

Mineral sunscreens (also referred to as physical or natural sunscreens) employ ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide to physically block ultraviolet radiation like a shield. 

Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are both recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) as a way to reflect UV radiation away from your skin and also prevent UVA-related skin damage like hyperpigmentation and fine lines. 

While the benefits of using mineral sunscreen far outway the cons, there are a few downsides. Mineral sunscreens aren’t as water-resistant as chemical options, so diligently reapplying every two hours is crucial. Due to the ingredients, mineral formulas can be thicker and more difficult to spread, and those with darker complexions may notice it leaves a chalky white cast on the skin. 

For daily use, choose a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection no matter the weather. 

Howard Murad, M.D., F.A.A.D., and founder of Murad Skincare Inc. says that mineral sunscreen is best for all skin types, including balanced, oily, combination, dry and sensitive. 

“The most important attribute to look for in a sunscreen is the sun protection factor (SPF),” Murad says. “Other valuable attributes are that the formula delivers hydration and antioxidants.”  

Since the active ingredients in mineral sunscreen are regarded as gentle, this type is particularly recommended for those who are acne-prone skin and young children. 

If you consider eco-friendliness when evaluating products, a mineral sunscreen labeled as containing no nanoparticles is the way to go. A number of active ingredients in chemical sunscreens – like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate – have been associated with dying coral reefs. 

Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 

Murad’s 2-in-1 facial formula utilizes carotenoid technology to reflect UV light for an instant glow while powerful antioxidants brighten and reduce discoloration. I use this sunscreen regularly under makeup on my sensitive/combination skin without irritation and have never experienced a white cast. 

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen

Biossance’s sunscreen is a non-toxic, non-nano (read: reef-friendly) zinc mineral formula that provides invisible protection. With skin-healthy ingredients like squalane and hydrating water lily, this sunscreen also functions as a moisturizer in my skincare routine and doesn’t pill under makeup, in my experience. 

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

Sometimes applying a thick oily lotion all over our bodies sounds like a major hassle. A solution? Sun Bum’s lightweight, vegan and reef-friendly mineral sunscreen spray. This hypoallergenic, gluten and cruelty-free formula has a matte finish on the skin for a clean feel. 

Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Mist

Supergoop!’s body mist sprays on white and blends into the skin with antioxidant-rich marigold, sunflower seed, and chamomile extracts that nourish and protect. This is my beach day go-to because it is easy to apply and doesn’t have a strong smell. 

Unlike mineral sunscreens that sit on the skin as a barrier, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before your skin can soak them up. Once UV light is absorbed into the skin, the active ingredients create a chemical reaction that converts the light to heat and dissipates from the skin. Chemical UV filters include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.

Chemical sunscreens are typically more cosmetically-friendly since they are designed for absorption and therefore do not typically leave a visible film layer on the skin, making them easier to wear on a broader range of skin tones with an “invisible” feel. Consequently, some ingredients found in chemical sunscreens have been found to harm marine life, impairing the growth of algae and killing coral reefs.  

Chemical sunscreen needs about 15 to 30 minutes to absorb into the skin and take effect – so be sure to apply it with enough time before heading outside. 

According to Dr. Murad, chemical sunscreens can benefit all skin types but those with oily or sensitive skin may do better with a mineral sunscreen. 

“Depending on the final formula, chemical sunscreens can tend to have a more emollient after-feel,” Murad says. “So someone with oily or even combination skin may choose to avoid that sensation and opt for a sunscreen using mineral filters.”

Murad notes that some people with sensitive skin also report chemical sunscreen feeling uncomfortable so opting for a sunscreen using mineral filters may be a better bet. 

But for those who live active lifestyles, chemical sunscreens may be the way to go. Since chemical sunscreens are more waterproof and sweat-resistant, the duration of protection extends beyond mineral formulations which require more rigorous reapplication.

Are chemical sunscreens safe? As the daily use of sunscreen has become more popular in recent years, concerns regarding the safety of ingredients have cropped up. While some have expressed concerns that particular ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate might disrupt certain endocrine functions, the FDA has not yet found substantial evidence that chemical sunscreens can cause harm. 

“There is a list of chemical sunscreen ingredients that have been evaluated and approved by the FDA for use in SPF products,” Murad says. “New research is always being done and Murad Inc. watches closely as new data and regulatory guidelines become available.” 

The agency issued a proposition in 2019 that would update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States. While the majority of components in chemical sunscreens have been deemed safe and effective, the FDA has since banned two ingredients: aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate. 

Experts overwhelmingly conclude that the benefits of using sunscreen (no matter the type) far outweigh potential risks and recommend using it daily. 

Paula's Choice Extra Care Oil Free Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50

This fragrance, oil, and paraben-free chemical sunscreen is designed for all skin types including oily and combination by providing a matte finish. The formula is packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, E and C, hydrating aloe and oil-absorbing kaolin to help further protect the skin from environmental factors.

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen 

Designed to be “sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen,” Glossier’s Invisible Shield is a lightweight SPF 35 water-gel formula that goes on like a serum. It’s suitable for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. 

Innisfree UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 36 

This water-based facial sunscreen by Innisfree offers SPF 36 while soothing the skin with a blend of green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil. For those with dry skin, this formula offers a dewy finish and added hydration. 

Multitaskers rejoice: This broad-spectrum sunscreen provides SPF 40, blue-light protection and doubles as a makeup-gripping primer for glowing skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, Glowscreen is created to improve hydration and skin elasticity over time. I’ve seen this sunscreen add a touch of radiance to both women’s and men’s skin! 

The main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is how they block rays. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and act as a physical barrier against rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and filter out UV light by converting it to heat. 

The FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD) maintain that both mineral and chemical sunscreens are safe and play a vital role in preventing skin cancer. The best sunscreen ultimately is the one you use. 

Those who have sensitive, oily or combination skin may benefit most from mineral sunscreens which tend to pose less risk of irritation. People who are active outdoors often choose chemical sunscreen for its waterproof and sweat-proof qualities. 

When evaluating which sunscreen is best for you, whether mineral or chemical, look out for a reef-friendly formula that offers hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, squalane or aloe) and antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E or niacinamide) for additional skin barrier protection. Those prone to acne should look for sunscreens explicitly labeled as non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). 

Don’t forget to reapply every two hours!