Locations:
Search IconSearch

The Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens have a heavier texture to create a physical barrier, while chemical sunscreens are lighter and use a chemical reaction to prevent UV damage

Smiling person under sunny blue sky, holding tube of sunscreen, applying to face

Getting ready for summer adventures means having your beach bag or backpack stocked and ready. Sun hat? Check! Water bottle? Check! Sunscreen? Of course! But wait — should you go for mineral or chemical sunscreen?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Chances are, you’ve asked yourself this question while browsing the sunscreen aisle.

And while these two types of sunscreens achieve the same goal, they differ in their active ingredients and how they work to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Dermatologist Taylor Bullock, MD, explains the main differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens and how to pick the right one for you.

Differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens

First things first. There’s no question that you should be applying some sort of sun protection (thoroughly!) when you’re out in the sun. Doing this helps you avoid nasty sunburns or sun poisoning and can reduce your risk of skin cancers like melanoma.

Mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen are the two main types of sunscreen you’ll see on the market — you can usually see which one is which by how they’re labeled on the front, as well as the listed ingredients on the back.

How do they work?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in chemical and mineral sunscreens, and how well both work.

Mineral sunscreen

Also known as organic or physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreens. “Mineral sunscreens are composed of minerals and protect the skin by reflecting ultraviolet light from the sun,” explains Dr. Bullock.

Advertisement

On the back of a mineral sunscreen bottle, you’ll find active ingredients like:

  • Zinc oxide.
  • Titanium dioxide.

Mineral sunscreen ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays. This is because the sunscreen actually sits on your skin's surface, reflecting and scattering the UV rays away from your skin. Mineral sunscreens are usually opaque (not see-through) when applied and start working immediately upon application.

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen contains (you guessed it) chemical ingredients. But what does that actually mean? “Chemical sunscreens provide sun protection by absorbing the sun’s rays and preventing them from reaching the skin,” Dr. Bullock explains.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical compounds like:

  • Avobenzone.
  • Oxybenzone.
  • Octinoxate.

The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen work as a sort of sponge to absorb the UV rays and then convert them into heat, which is released from your skin. This type of sunscreen is typically transparent (see-through) when applied and needs some time to be absorbed into your skin before becoming effective.

Pros and cons of mineral sunscreen

Pros

  • Good for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens are generally well-tolerated by people with sensitive skin or those prone to skin allergies. They are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical sunscreens. “Since mineral sunscreens do not contain chemicals, they’re preferred for use in children,” notes Dr. Bullock.
  • Good for acne-prone skin. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts. They’re a good option for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
  • Immediate protection. Mineral sunscreens start working as soon as they’re applied to your skin. Unlike chemical sunscreen, you don’t have to wait for the sunscreen to be absorbed before going out in the sun.

Cons

  • Slower application. Mineral sunscreens often have a thicker, goopier texture compared to chemical sunscreens. This can make them feel heavier on your skin. “Mineral sunscreens can sometimes be harder to spread on the skin,” adds Dr. Bullock.
  • Leaves white cast on skin. One common drawback of mineral sunscreens is that they can leave a white cast on your skin. The zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles can be visible, especially on darker skin tones. But some modern formulations are designed to minimize this effect.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen

Pros

  • Easy application. Because of its ingredients, chemical sunscreens can be applied easier to apply due to its more lightweight, blendable texture.
  • Transparent on skin. Unlike mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens are usually transparent on your skin, without leaving a white cast.
  • Water-resistant formulations. Chemical sunscreens often have better water resistance compared to mineral sunscreens. They can maintain their effectiveness for a longer period when exposed to water or sweat, making them a good option for outdoor activities and swimming.

Cons

  • May cause allergic reactions or irritation. Due to the ingredients used, chemical sunscreen has a higher risk of causing allergic reactions in some cases. “Chemical sunscreens can cause burning if it gets in the eyes,” warns Dr. Bullock.
  • Isn’t immediately effective. Chemical sunscreens typically need about 20 minutes to fully absorb and become effective after application. It’s important to apply them in advance before sun exposure to ensure proper protection.
  • Absorption into skin. Chemical sunscreens are designed to be absorbed into your skin to work effectively. There are some concerns about the absorption of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients into the bloodstream.

Advertisement

Is mineral sunscreen better?

Overall, you may have heard that mineral sunscreen is the better option — but a big part of it comes down to preference.

“Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are advantageous in their own ways, but in the end, the best sunscreen for you is the sunscreen that you are willing to use,” emphasizes Dr. Bullock.

Mineral sunscreen has become a preferred choice in recent years after studies pointed out concerns over certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and avobenzone.

According to a 2019 study, there was evidence that the active-ingredient chemicals in sunscreens may be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause side effects such as rashes.

Meanwhile, two of the main ingredients in mineral sunscreen were regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019.

Certainly, either a mineral or chemical sunscreen can be better than no sunscreen at all! But if you’re wondering how certain ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Needle being injected into lips by gloved hands
December 4, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Lip Filler Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts To Help You Heal

An ice pack and acetaminophen can help tame initial discomfort

Bottom of foot with peeling skin
November 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Why Are My Feet and Toes Peeling?

Causes can include dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and fungal infections

Oversized bar of soap, face split into four skin types, healthcare provider holding oversized magnifying glass
November 21, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
What Is My Skin Type and Why Does It Matter?

Your skin can be either dry, oily, normal, combination or sensitive — and knowing which kind you have can help you take care of it

Personal care products with labels lined up, with oversized magnifying glass showing the word parabens on a label
November 20, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Should You Worry About Parabens?

These chemicals, found in products like shampoo, shaving cream and processed foods, may affect your health

Caregiver giving young toddler a bath in plastic baby tub, with rubber duckies all around
November 18, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Should You Avoid Phthalates?

Check the plastic and personal care products in your home for these hormone-disrupting chemicals

Gold spoonful of white powder and silver spoonful of brown powder
October 15, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Biotin Side Effects: What’s the Risk?

Taking supplements with biotin can cause inaccurate lab test results

Caregiver drying off toddler with a towel in front of bathtub
September 11, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels?

Wash your bath towels at least once a week, and washcloths at least twice a week

Person inspecting sweat marks on their underarms on their shirt
August 30, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Why Do I Sweat So Much? 9 Reasons

Exercise, weather, anxiety, hormone changes and spicy foods can cause you to perspire more than usual

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad