Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen

You want to stay safe in the sun but you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices in front of you: what sunscreen is best and safest to use?

At the end of the day, it comes down to preference. Both chemical and mineral (also known as “physical”) sunscreens work and any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen when it comes to protecting your skin!

But to help you choose, here are the pros and cons of each:

Mineral or Physical Sunscreen:

Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin. They literally reflect the sun’s rays! Their active ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers. These minerals form a protective barrier on the skin and reflect harmful UV rays before they make contact with the skin’s surface.

Pros of Mineral Sunscreen

Safe and effective ingredients
Ideal for children
Ideal for those with sensitive skin
Offers immediate protection
Naturally broad-spectrum (offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays)
Lasts longer in direct UV light

Cons of Mineral Sunscreen

May feel heavy skin at first
May be difficult to fully blend into skin
Can rub off, sweat off, and rinse off easily (doesn’t last as long when wet or sweaty)

Pharmacist Favorite Mineral Sunscreens

Chemical Sunscreen:

Chemical sunscreens are often referred to as “absorbers.” Their active ingredients are organic (carbon-based) compounds that absorb UV rays. Through a chemical reaction, these chemical compounds convert UV rays into heat, then release that heat from the skin.