5 Things to Know About Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
- Mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate your skin and is better for the environment, making it the safer bet for sensitive skin and reefs.
- Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of your skin and physically reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV and convert it to heat.
- Mineral sunscreen starts protecting immediately; chemical sunscreen needs about 15 minutes to absorb before it works.
- Chemical sunscreen can sting if it gets in your eyes, and some ingredients like oxybenzone are linked to coral reef damage and hormone disruption, though evidence isn’t conclusive.
- The main tradeoff is cosmetic: mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast on darker skin tones, while chemical sunscreens are invisible.