Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential step for any skincare routine regardless of age, gender, skin type or skin tone. The addition of a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily morning skincare routine not only protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as signs of premature aging. When shopping for a sunscreen, you'll find there are two different types of sunscreens to choose from - mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. To determine the best sunscreen for you and your lifestyle, we've created this guide for you to understand the key differences. 

What is the difference between mineral sunscreen & chemical sunscreen? 

Mineral sunscreen, otherwise known as physical sunscreen, forms a physical shield to reflect the harmful UVA and UVB rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. A potential drawback of mineral sunscreen is that it often has a thicker texture than chemical sunscreen and may leave a white cast. However there are some of the best tinted mineral sunscreens and new formulations that blend sheer. 

Chemical sunscreen on the other hand, absorbs the UVA and UVB rays and converts them into non-damaging heat via a chemical reaction and releases it from the skin. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.

Is mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen better?

Neither mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen is considered better than the other. The efficacy of the sunscreen depends on its formulation and your personal skin needs. It is more important to select a sunscreen that you can apply daily and is labeled broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher. 

What are the benefits of mineral sunscreen? 

Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin as they offer immediate sun protection without any chemical absorption into the skin.  For acne-prone skin, it is also important to consider mineral sunscreens with non-comedogenic  ingredients as well. 

Our best mineral sunscreens include: 

- Vivier Sheer 45 SPF mineral sunscreen with a matte finish
- ZO Skin Sunscreen + Primer 

What are the benefits of chemical sunscreen? 

Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter weight, easier to rub into the skin, and  less likely to leave a white cast which can also make them more ideal for individuals with darker skin tones. 

Our best chemical sunscreens are: 

- ZO Skin Smart Tone Sunscreen 

- ZO Skin Daily Sheer SPF Sunscreen

Whether you choose a mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen, it’s important to apply sun protection daily and correctly. Correct application of sunscreen also means applying a generous, even layer to the face, neck, and chest prior to sun exposure. Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is also imperative for sustained protection. Consistent reapplication every two hours can maintain continuous sun protection and protect from factors like sweat, swimming, or regular daily activities that can diminish sunscreen effectiveness. 

Choosing the best sunscreen is about finding a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, but also fits into your daily routine. The right sunscreen feels good on your skin and blends well but also complements your skincare and makeup routine. 

Here's a complete collection of our dermatologist-recommended sunscreens along with brand new mineral sunscreen arrivals.