What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?
You’ll hear the terms “physical” (or “mineral”) and “chemical” used to describe sunscreens. These terms refer to the active ingredients used.
RENAMING PHYSICAL VS. CHEMICAL
Since zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are technically chemicals, it’s actually more accurate to refer to physical sunscreen as “inorganic” and chemical as “organic.” There’s also only a 5–10% difference in the way these ingredients work, as both types absorb UV rays.
Physical (inorganic) sunscreen
Only two inorganic sunscreen ingredients have been approved by the FDA: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
It’s been thought that inorganic sunscreens create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin that reflects and scatters UV rays away from your body. However, recent researchTrusted Source suggests that inorganic sunscreens actually protect skin by absorbing up to 95% of the rays.
BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted Mineral
- CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Beauty facts! Physical sunscreens typically leave behind a white cast, unless you’re using a tinted product or one that uses nanotechnology to break down particles. Also, while physical sunscreens are branded as “natural,” most are not and need to be processed with synthetic chemicals in order to glide smoothly onto your skin.
Chemical (organic) sunscreen
All active ingredients that aren’t zinc or titanium are considered chemical sunscreens ingredients. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin like lotion instead of forming a barrier on top of your skin. These active ingredients “cause a chemical reaction that converts the UV light into heat so that it can’t harm the skin,” explains Chheda.
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ / PA++++
Chheda encourages her patients to use whichever kind they prefer but cautions that when opting for a purely physical sunscreen, you need to look for one with at least a 10% concentration of zinc oxide to get broad-spectrum coverage.