Mineral vs Chemical:
Physical (aka mineral) sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They protect against both UVA and UVB rays and protect from the sun as soon as they are applied. In the past, these have been heavy, sticky, and left more of a white cast. However, there are a few new ones out there that aren't sticky and blend into the skin. The advantage to mineral sunscreens is they are less likely to clog pores, they block a wide range of UV wavelengths and they are photostable (meaning, the product won't degrade once the sun hits it).
My favorites:
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is very light and goes on easily without a white cast. I love that it contains the added benefits of squalane.
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen I gave this to my tween daughter as it is also easy to apply and lightweight. Nice clean protection for daily use.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 this one is great for sensitive skin and is a little heavier, but doesn't give my skin a white cast.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV light, they contain compounds that create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin. The advantages of chemical sunscreens are they tend to be thinner and easier to apply (less sticky and heavy). Chemical sunscreen formulas are more wearable and I do tend to prefer these for my everyday routine.
I personally try to find the best of both worlds- a combination of both natural and science-driven approaches. I use natural products whenever possible, but sometimes I do prefer a chemical sunscreen for the ease of use and additional benefits often found in these formulas.
My Favorites:
Supergoop!Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 This is my favorite everyday sunscreen for summer. It is so easy to go on and gives the skin a nice glow either under makeup or even instead of makeup.
Supergoop!Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA Supergoop just makes the best sunscreens, so easy to apply. If you don't like the glow of Glowscreen then I would suggest this one. It goes on like a primer and feels silky smooth. I also like this when I need to reapply sunscreen to my face during a beach day. It doesn't mess up any makeup you might have and smooths the skin rather than making it look greasy.
Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer is my go-to in Spring and fall. It goes on like a moisturizer and so I like this when my skin tends to need a little more moisture. It can also be layered over a light moisturizer.
Physical Sunscreens vs. Chemical Sunscreens: The Key Difference
While physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and block rays at the surface, chemical sunscreens absorb them, like a sponge. And though chemical sunscreens used to have a bad rap for containing oxybenzone, which has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage, most brands have removed this ingredient and are just as effective without it.
I actually like to combine the two and use both physical and chemical sunscreens on my skin This way I get both types of protection. If you’re using physical blockers, go for zinc oxide over titanium dioxide. Zinc is an anti-irritant and well tolerated by sensitive skin types, it even helps soothe irritated skin. Zinc oxide also provides the most complete UVA protection (while titanium dioxide is weaker in UVA protection). But you also need UVB protection. Enter chemical blockers. If your skin tolerates both forms, use a combo sunscreen to get the best of both worlds and the best protection.
I like to layer a tinted moisturizer with mineral sunscreen over top of my layer of chemical sunscreen. I like to use the Glowscreen first and then one of these tinted moisturizers which both contain zinc:
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