As reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation, when used as directed, sunscreen can help decrease your risk of skin cancers and prevent premature aging of the skin. But a common question remains, is it okay to absorb chemical sunscreen into your skin?

Sunscreen products include active ingredients that help block UV radiation from reaching and damaging your skin. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. There are two different types of sunscreens—physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.

You know that wearing sunscreen is important, but choosing the right sunscreen can be complicated. Which one is right for you? Understanding the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreen can help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and family needs.

How Sunscreens Work

Sunscreens work by protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. There are two main types of sunscreens: physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) and chemical sunscreens. Each type has a unique way of shielding your skin from UV radiation, ensuring you stay safe under the sun.

What Is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. This process is made possible by active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, which absorb UV rays and prevent them from causing damage to the skin. Chemical sunscreens are often preferred by those with normal skin, as they are lightweight and non-greasy. They seamlessly blend into the skin, making them a popular choice for everyday use.

Although chemical sunscreens are shown to be effective, they are more likely to irritate your skin compared to physical sunscreens. However, in recent years, there have been some concerns surrounding the safety of chemical sunscreens, particularly in terms of potential free radical damage. There have also been many incidences of irritation. Unfortunately, the higher the SPF, the greater the risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin.

A study released in 2019 found that it took just one day of use for several chemical sunscreen ingredients to enter the bloodstream at levels high enough to trigger a government safety investigation. Researchers found that three of the ingredients studied continued to rise as daily use continued, remaining in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use ended.

What Is Physical Sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, work by creating a physical barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. This barrier is formed by active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin. Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. These sunscreens act like a shield, bouncing the sun’s rays away from your skin, making them a great choice for those with delicate skin.. This makes it an optimal choice for those with sensitive skin or heat-activated skin conditions.

Physical sunscreen ingredients include minerals such as non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide. These formulations physically block and scatter the sun’s rays before they can penetrate your skin. Think of physical sunscreen as a shield. This is why they are sometimes referred to as “physical blockers”. Simple enough, right?

In addition to these active ingredients, a high-quality physical sunscreen will also often be made with ingredients you know and trust— including shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. You’ll feel good about using it.

Ingredients and Composition

Sunscreens are made up of a combination of active ingredients and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are the ingredients that provide sun protection, while inactive ingredients are added to enhance the texture, stability, and shelf life of the product. Understanding the composition of your sunscreen can help you choose the best product for your skin type and needs.

The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen

• Being thicker and whiter than chemical sunscreen, many people love that they're able to see if any areas that mineral/physical sunscreen has rubbed off, or wasn't applied to begin with. This helps ensure that all sensitive areas are protected.
• Less irritating. Compared to chemical sunscreens, mineral/physical sunscreens are better for sensitive skin types.
• Mineral sunscreens are often void of nasty ingredients that may harm both you and the environment.
• Mineral sunscreens naturally offer broad-spectrum protection — meaning, it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Protects your skin as soon as it's applied. There's no need to wait for it to take effect (unlike chemical sunscreens which need to absorb into your skin before you can go outside).

The Best Physical Sunscreen

Here’s what to look for when seeking the best physical/mineral sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays:

1. A broad-spectrum physical sunscreen

UV radiation from the sun includes ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). When sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, this means it uses UV filters to protect against both UVA and UVB rays by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's rays.

• UVA is most common, leading to premature aging of the skin
• UVB is the most dangerous, which is what leads to sunburns

2. Look for a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and indicates how much protection a sunscreen has against UV rays. When you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, you will effectively block 97% of the sun's harmful rays. An SPF of 30 is especially necessary if you are outdoors for an extended period, in activities such as hiking, distance running, swimming, or any other outdoor sport. It's also important to have an SPF of at least 30 when working outdoors.

3. Water-resistant

Sunscreens that are labeled as water-resistant are often effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming or intense sweating. There are also sunscreen products that are very water-resistant, staying effective for up to 80 minutes, including All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen.

4. Environmentally friendly

Plant-based formulas are good for both you and the environment! Mineral and chemical sunscreens differ significantly in their active ingredients and environmental impact. Sadly, chemical sunscreens are made with ingredients such as avobenzone and octocrylene—both of which are harmful to coral reefs. In fact, sunscreens with these ingredients are banned in Hawaii. This ban followed a 2018 law banning oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens.

As the Hawaii director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity said, “people can protect their skin without harmful petrochemicals while Hawaii protects public and environmental health.” There is also a long list of preservatives and additives you’ll want to avoid.

In contrast, the list of “reef-friendly” ingredients in physical sunscreens is short and sweet:

• Non-nano zinc oxide
• Non-nano titanium dioxide

Read more: Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for the Body and Reef

All Good Products Offers Physical Sunscreen You'll Love!

All Good cares about good ingredients, good business, and a well-cared-for planet. Over the years, we have created a collection of sunscreens for everyone in your family. Our formulations include all the “good stuff” you can actually pronounce, resulting in a product we're proud to offer!

Check out our entire line of mineral sunscreens including sport, kids, and tinted!