Physical Sunscreen VS Chemical Sunscreen
My skin easily develops freckles so I’ve been using sunscreen all my life rain or shine for as long as I can remember. It was until recently that I found out there are 2 types of sunscreen. I never knew some sunscreens are categorized as physical and some are categorized as chemical. Before I just thought sunscreen is sunscreen. I usually just check whether they have clean ingredients and are reef safe. But I never knew that different types of sunscreens actually work differently on our skin. So how do we tell the difference between the two and how do we know which one is right for our needs? I will use sunscreen and sunblock interchangeably throughout the entire blog.
FTC Disclaimer: Some links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!Physical aka Mineral Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are commonly known as mineral sunscreens. They work by sitting on top of the skin forming a physical barrier that either absorbs the UV light or reflects it to keep the rays from reaching your skin. Since they sit on top of the skin, they offer protection as soon as they’re applied and do not require additional time to soak into skin. This type of sunscreens deliver broad-spectrum protection by reflecting the UV radiation away from the skin. They also help to prevent UVA-related skin damages, which includes hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and wrinkles. Physical sunscreens are less irritating and less likely to cause an allergic reaction, therefore often recommended for people with eczema, skin sensitivities, acne prone, and are gentle enough to use on children. It’s also known to help prevent redness and inflammation and have a soothing effect. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are generally the main active ingredients in physical sunblocks. These 2 ingredients are considered safe and effective and rated very highly in the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) list of sunscreen ingredients.
Zinc oxide, or ZnO, is a white, water-insoluble, inorganic compound that occurs naturally in the earth's crust as the mineral “zincite”. It is an effective ingredient because it doesn’t break down easily under the sun and provides broad protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. However, a downside of zinc oxide is that it can be chalky and difficult to spread leaving behind a visible white residue on the skin. To fix this problem, the zinc oxide compound needs to be broken down into smaller particles.
There are 3 different particle sizes: Nanosized/Nanoparticles, Micronized, and Non-Nano Particles
Nanosized/ Nanoparticles – Each particle is less than 100 nanometers in diameter (or 0.1 microns). Most nanosized/nanoparticles used in zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide-based sunscreens are about 2 nanometers in size. These sunscreens are usually labeled as “sheer”, “invisible zinc” or “clear” if they do not specifically indicate nanosized particles. They are hardly visible on the skin and provide no coverage against UVA and blue light. Some research even suggests that nanoparticles are dangerous to inhale or ingest and can be absorbed through the skin and cause toxic side effects in the skin cells. If you enter the ocean with nanoparticle sunscreen, they can get washed away into the oceans and affect the reefs and marine lives. I would try to avoid nanoparticle sunscreen whenever possible.
Micronized – The particles are between 0.1 to 100 microns. Keep in mind a nanometer is 1000 times smaller than a micrometer/micron. 1 micrometer (μm) = 1000 nanometers. Particles that are this size improves UV ray scattering, which not only increases the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level leading to a greater sunscreen protection, but also makes it easier to apply and reduces the white ghostly cast. Micronized zinc oxide or titanium sunscreens work much like chemical sunscreens by absorbing UV rays.
Non-Nano Particle – Any particle greater in size than 100 nanometers / 0.1 micrometer is called a non-nano particle.
Micronized and Non-nano particles are known to be non toxic and have a broad coverage against UVA, UVB, and blue light. Mineral sunscreens are usually not as water resistant as chemical sunscreens, so you may need to be more diligent about reapplication.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens don’t sit on the skin or block rays like physical sunscreens do. Instead, they feature active ingredients that absorb UV rays before your skin can soak them up. Because chemical sunscreens are designed for absorption, they tend to go on more smoothly without feeling sticky or greasy, and they do not leave a visible residue on the skin like physical sunscreens do. This makes it easier to use every day and blend in with makeup and other skin care products. They are suitable for all kinds of skin tones. However, the same ingredients that absorb UV rays so well may actually pose some health risks.
Chemical sunscreens are made from carbon containing compounds. The most common chemical sunscreen ingredients:
oxybenzone
avobenzone
octisalate
octocrylene
homosalate
octinoxate
Many are hesitant to use chemical sunscreens because studies have shown that these chemicals can pass into the bloodstream. In a 2020 study, it has shown that 6 of the 12 active ingredients currently under study by the FDA enter the bloodstream after just one application. And these ingredients remain detectable in the blood and on the skin up to 3 weeks later. (www.healthline.com, August 29 2018). However, we don’t know what effect it has on our health yet. The FDA has already banned two chemical sunscreen ingredients: aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate. While some have expressed concerns that certain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate might disrupt certain hormones, there isn’t any conclusive research evidence at this point.
Another drawback about chemical sunscreens is that it could irritate those that have sensitive skin, and exacerbate skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma.
Physical/Mineral Sunscreen Personal Favorites:
Image Courtesy of AmazonThinksport Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen. A non nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that is free of harmful chemicals and provides the highest water resistance per the FDA. It is a EWG verified product and also reef friendly.
Image Courtesy of AmazonRaw Love Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body. This non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen protects skin without harming delicate coral reef ecosystems. It is gentle enough for sensitive, acne-prone or easily irritated skin.
Image Courtesy of AmazonBLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+. A Paraben-free and fragrance-free mineral sunscreen that is reef friendly and dermatologist recommended.
Image Courtesy of AmazonBabo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF50. This mineral sunscreen has an added tint to minimize the white cast to give a makeup finished look. It is also EWG verified.
Image Courtesy of AmazonThinksport SPF 50 All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray. A biodegradable non-aerosol air-powered mineral sunscreen spray. The active ingredients are non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. It is a EWG verified product.
Image Courtesy of AmazonEltaMD UV Sheer Face Sunscreen, SPF 50+. Most dermatologists recommends this sunscreen brand. It helps even skin tones and soothe heated skin. This SPF 50+ hydrating sunscreen is non greasy, leaves no white cast, and quickly absorbs into your face and skin, leaving a matte finish.
Chemical Sunscreen Personal Favorites:
Image Courtesy of AmazonAbib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+. A portable, wide, and ergonomic design sunscreen stick that’s ultra lightweight without the sticky and greasy feeling. Great for reapplication on the go.
Image Courtesy of AmazonCOOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray. A Broad Spectrum, water-resistant, hypoallergenic sunblock spray that absorbs quickly into the skin with no greasy feel.
Image Courtesy of AmazonLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100. Highest SPF I have seen in a sunscreen. Its fragrance-free formula can work for both the face and body and it is allergy tested.
Physical Sunscreen Key Takaways:
Suitable for people with skin conditions e.g. eczema, rosacea, and melasma
Suitable for acne prone and skin sensitivity people.
Suitable for children.
Less likely to cause irritation and allergic reaction.
Marine life and reef safe
No additional time require to soak into skin
Non toxic
Chemical Sunscreen Key Takaways:
Suitable for those that play sports or sweat a lot
Suitable for those that play in water or do water sports
More water-resistant
Absorbs quickly into the skin
Some Things to Look For on Either Type of Sunscreen:
Broad spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays)
SPF 30 or higher
Fragrance-free
Paraben-free, Phthalates-free, Formaldehyde-free
Non Comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Oil-free
Which Type of Sunscreen is Better?
There is no clear cut winner and it all depends on your preference and skin type. The most effective sunscreen is the one that you will use consistently on a daily basis. I personally use both the physical and chemical sunscreen. I usually use the physical sunscreen as the base as it requires no down time. I can quickly apply and head out immediately. I will then use the chemical sunscreen for reapplications as it is easier to apply especially on top of makeup and also more sweat and water resistant.
Which type of sunscreen are you using? Comment below.
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