You know you need to wear sunscreen every single day (right?), but walking down the sun care aisle can be overwhelming. "Mineral," "Chemical," "Physical," "Reef-Safe"—what does it all mean?
The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens isn't just marketing jargon; they work in fundamentally different ways to protect your skin. Here’s how to pick the right team for your face.
📋 In This Article
Rocking It: Mineral Sunscreen (Physical)
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.
How it works: Think of mineral sunscreen like a shield or a mirror. It sits on top of your skin and physically reflects UV rays away.
Best for: Sensitive skin, babies, pregnant women, and anyone prone to heat-induced redness (rosacea).
Absorbing It: Chemical Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate.
How it works: Think of chemical sunscreen like a sponge. It absorbs into the top layer of your skin, captures UV rays, converts them into heat, and releases them from the body.
Best for: Water resistance, sports, wearing under heavy makeup, and deeper skin tones (no white cast!).
The Great Debate: Pros & Cons
| Feature | Mineral (Physical) | Chemical |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Immediate protection upon application. | Needs 15-20 mins to absorb. |
| Finish | Can leave a white cast; often thicker/matte. | Invisible finish; lightweight/dewy. |
| Irritation | Very low risk; soothing. | Higher risk for sensitive eyes/skin. |
Our Top Picks
Best Mineral Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
A 100% physical sunscreen that improves sun-damaged skin. Transparent Zinc Oxide means minimal white cast, even for a mineral formula.
Best Chemical Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
A 100% invisible, weightless, scentless chemical sunscreen that doubles as a makeup primer. It leaves a velvety-smooth finish.
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