Sunscreen is an absolute must in every person’s daily skin care routine to avoid sunburn, prevent skin cancer and combat premature skin aging. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and body before going out, and reapply sunscreen throughout the day as needed for sun protection, especially if you're engaging in outdoor activities. With so many formula options in the market however, how do you choose the best sunscreen that suits your skin type?
There are two main types of sunscreens − chemical and mineral sunscreens – that protect skin from the sun’s rays in different ways. Learning the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens can help you decide which type of sunscreen would work best for your skin type and needs. Chemical sunscreens use chemical ingredients to neutralize and filter out UV rays once they hit skin. Mineral sunscreens on the other hand physically block UVA rays and UVB rays from reaching and damaging skin with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that stay on the skin’s surface and deflect UV rays.
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Mineral sunscreens have long been popular for their ability to protect skin from harmful UV rays without irritating skin. Due to the gentle formula, mineral sunscreens typically suit all skin types including sensitive skin.
Let’s dive into the ins and outs of mineral sunscreens including the benefits of using them and some of the best mineral sunscreens available.
Unlike chemical sunscreens which use chemical filters to protect skin from the sun, mineral sunscreens use mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s rays from penetrating skin. The mineral particles create a barrier over skin to reflect UV light. As a mineral sunscreen acts like a physical barrier over skin, mineral sunscreens are also known as physical sunscreens.
The two most commonly used active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is a white, powdery mineral that has long been used in skin care. It effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays from hitting skin and causing sun damage. Zinc oxide is gentle on skin, making the ingredient perfect for those with easily irritated skin. Zinc oxide is also water-resistant and doesn’t break down in sunlight, making it an ideal sunscreen ingredient. Titanium dioxide is another mineral often used in sun care to block UVA and UVB rays from penetrating skin. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is water resistant and gentle on skin.
In addition to the above active ingredients, mineral sunscreens may contain other natural and functional ingredients such as aloe vera, Vitamin E and shea butter for extra skin care benefits.
One of the main reasons many people gravitate towards physical or mineral sunscreens is that they are safe for all skin types including sensitive skin. In comparison to chemical UV filter ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate sensitive skin because they simply sit on top of skin to form a physical barrier and aren’t absorbed into the skin itself.
Mineral sunscreens are convenient for everyday use. As mineral sunscreens protect skin by physically reflecting UV light, they are effective soon after application. That’s unlike chemical sunscreens which have to be applied around 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, as they need time to be absorbed into skin to be effective.
If you’re looking for a natural and minimalistic sunscreen, a mineral sunscreen is the way to go. Free of chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, mineral sunscreen is generally considered to be more eco-friendly or reef-safe than chemical sunscreen.
Due to the white color of mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, a common drawback of mineral sunscreens in the past is that they leave a white cast and are thus less suited for some skin tones, particularly darker skin tones. Modern mineral sunscreens, however, are not as pasty as they used to be. It’s worth noting that many mineral sunscreen formulas are now designed to be just as invisible as their chemical counterparts.
Mineral-based sunscreen can come in tinted varieties to match different skin tones. Mineral sunscreens are also formulated in different textures and packaging to suit various lifestyles and needs. Prefer a mineral sunscreen formula that can be applied over makeup for convenience and compatibility? Go for a powder-type mineral sunscreen. Lead an on-the-go lifestyle and prefer a sun stick for swift and mess-free application? You can easily find a mineral sunscreen stick in the market.
Some of the best mineral sunscreens are made from Korean and Japanese brands like Benton, MAXCLINIC, makeprem, Kao, DR.G and more. Here are some physical sunscreens available at YesStyle.
Benton − Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream This non-greasy mineral sunscreen from Benton containing zinc oxide and Vitamin E offers broad-spectrum protection of SPF 50+ PA++++ and antioxidant care. The go-to physical sunscreen restores moisture in dry skin and soothes irritation with ingredients like witch hazel extract, rosemary leaf oil and centella asiatica extract. The fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
beplain – Sunmuse Mineral Sunscreen
A solid option for daily sun protection, this zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen is fitted with SPF 50+ PA++++ to shield skin against UVA and UVB rays. It’s packed with silica and other powders to absorb excess sebum for a matte finish. The inorganic sunscreen contains naturally derived active ingredients like cabbage, kale and avocado extracts for instant moisturization and nourishment.
makeprem – UV Defense Me. Calming Stick
Raise your sunscreen game with this sun stick that makes it easy to reapply sunscreen, even over makeup. Great for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle, the white cast-free sun stick is formulated with zinc oxide to provide SPF 50+ PA++++ protection to fend off UVA and UVB rays. Infused with active ingredients like rose flower water and multiple fruit extracts, the vegan mineral sunscreen soothes irritation. Made without artificial colorant and fragrance, the hypoallergenic formula is suitable for various skin types including sensitive skin.
ROUND LAB - Birch Juice Moisturizing Mild Up Sunscreen
ROUND LAB's physical sunscreen is gentle on skin while delivering powerful protection against UVA and UVB rays. Suitable for sensitive skin, the creamy formula makes use of non-nano zinc oxide to soothe and safeguard skin without any irritation. The hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen is infused with birch tree sap, hyaluronic acid and glyceryl glucoside to replenish and lock moisture in skin.
SKIN 1004 - Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus
This non-nano mineral sunscreen from SKIN 1004 feels light as air but it’s packed with skin-friendly goodness. The sun cream offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++ UV protection while soothing and nourishing skin with centella asiatica extract. It also contains niacinamide to reduce redness and brighten skin tone. The lightweight formula spreads smoothly on skin for a natural matte finish with a slight tone-up effect.
