Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which Is Better for My Skin? - GoodRx (2024)

Protecting your skin from the sun is the key to preventing sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.

Sunscreen can keep your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. You have two main options when you’re looking at sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and then absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays and convert them into heat. Mineral sunscreens do not absorb into the skin. They sit on the skin and absorb or reflect UV light before it reaches the skin.

But is one type better than the other? Here’s how to choose between mineral and chemical sunscreen.

What’s in chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens are made of carbon-containing compounds. These work like sponges by absorbing UV rays so that the rays can’t damage your skin.

The most common chemical sunscreens have these ingredients:

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octisalate

• Avobenzone

Chemical sunscreens are popular because they absorb into the skin and don’t leave a noticeable residue. This makes it easier to use sunscreen every day and blend it with makeup and other skin care products.

Some people are reluctant to use chemical sunscreens though. This is because studies have shown that these chemicals can pass into the bloodstream, said Maria Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist.

But she pointed out that “we don’t know what effect (if any) this has on your health.”

The FDA is reviewing research to confirm the safety of 12 common sunscreen ingredients — including the ones listed above. Right now, only mineral sunscreens are designated as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) by the FDA. But this may change as more information becomes available.

There are also some concerns about the environmental impact of chemical sunscreens.

“Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the two blockers most associated with coral reef damage,” said Dr. Robinson. She noted that “oxybenzone may also have mild hormonal properties in the body, so people may want to look for sunscreen without these ingredients.”

What’s in mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens act as a shield to protect your body against UV rays. They don’t absorb into your skin. Instead, they sit on top of your skin. And then, they either absorb the UV light or reflect it to keep the rays from reaching your skin.

Mineral sunscreens are popular because they don’t contain the chemicals found in chemical sunscreen. They’re also better for people with sensitive skin, eczema, and acne-prone skin. That’s because they’re less likely to irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, said Dr. Robinson.

While mineral sunscreens offer great sun protection, they can leave behind a visible white residue. This can make it challenging to work sunscreen into your everyday use — meaning mineral sunscreens “might not be the ideal choice for everyone,” said Dr. Robinson.

The most common mineral sunscreens contain:

• Zinc oxide

• Titanium oxide

Both types have a GRASE designation from the FDA.

There have been concerns that titanium oxide could be absorbed into the bloodstream and increase your risk for cancer. But most experts believe that titanium dioxide doesn’t pose a threat to your health in either cream or lotion sunscreen form. You may want to avoid spray sunscreen and cosmetic powders that contain titanium dioxide. These contain smaller titanium dioxide particles, which are more likely to get absorbed by the body.

Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?

Both mineral and chemical sunscreen helps protect your skin against sunburns and UV rays. This means they both offer protection against skin cancer.

But when choosing between mineral versus chemical sunscreen, you might want to keep these factors in mind:

• Safety: Only mineral sunscreen has a GRASE designation from the FDA. Two chemical sunscreens — Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate — are generally recognized as not safe. These ingredients aren’t common in sunscreens. But it’s always important to check the label to make sure your sunscreen doesn’t have them. More research is needed when it comes to other chemical sunscreens. If you want to be cautious, stick with zinc-oxide-based sunscreen.

• Skin sensitivity: People with sensitive or acne-prone skin tend to do better with mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is also less likely to irritate your skin if you have eczema.

• Activity level: There’s no such thing as a “waterproof” sunscreen. You have to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’ve been in the water. But in general, chemical sunscreens are more resistant to water and sweat than mineral sunscreen.

• Age: Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under 6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mineral sunscreens for older babies and children. It also recommends spraying sunscreen on your hands and then applying it to your child’s skin. This will help make sure they don’t breathe in the spray.

Which sunscreen do dermatologists recommend?

The FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) agree: Because of the importance of sun safety, both mineral and chemical sunscreens are preferable to unprotected skin.

The AAD recommends everyone use a sunscreen that is:

• Broad-spectrum, meaning it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays

• SPF 30 or higher

• Water-resistant

The AAD also recommends using clothing and hats to block the sun, and seeking shade when possible to protect your skin.

As Dr. Robinson said, “When it comes to sunscreen, the best one is the one that you’ll use regularly.”