Collection: CHEMICAL SUNCREAM

The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen

Some sunscreen is better than none — but for certain skins, one type may beat the other.

What Is Mineral Sunscreen?

Also commonly referred to as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is a physical sunscreen consisting of active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They form a physical barrier that reflects the light rays away from the skin.
When we think of mineral sunscreens, often the goopy zincs of your childhood come to mind, but modern formulas are much more enjoyable to wear, even if you have a deeper skin tone. Physical sunscreens have come a long way from their chalky, white, hard-to-spread predecessors. There are now many brands making physical sunscreens that are easy to apply and look great.
What Is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen is a category of SPF that uses active ingredients to absorb the sun rays, turn them into heat, and then release the heat through the skin.
Chemical sunscreens contain one or more of the following ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter, more sheer, some are completely sheer.