This blog post on chemical sunscreen vs mineral sunscreen teaches you the difference between these two types of sunscreens.
Chemical Sunscreen vs Mineral Sunscreen Ingredients
There are 2 types of sunscreens – chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate. They are absorbed by the skin and then they absorb the sun’s UV rays and convert them into heat energy. Since they need to be absorbed by the skin, they have to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors.
Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on the surface of the skin and deflect the sun’s rays. They often leave a white cast on the skin.
Chemical Sunscreen vs Mineral Sunscreen: Which Is Better?
Chemical sunscreens contain more ingredients than physical sunscreens and these include preservatives, fragrances and dyes and this makes them more likely to cause irritation especially in persons with sensitive skin.
Physical sunscreens are better for person with sensitive skin and children because of their gentler ingredients. Their ingredients are also non-comedogenic making them good for persons with oily, acne-prone skin.
Chemical Sunscreens For The Face And Body
Chemicals sunscreens for the face include the following:
La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen for the face which can be used by persons with sensitive skin, dry skin, oily, acne-prone skin, combination skin and normal skin. It can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store located in Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721963156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
Chemicals sunscreens for the body include the following:
La Roche Posay Hydrating Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen for the body which can be used by persons with dry skin, sensitive skin. It can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store.
Physical Sunscreens For The Face And Body
Physical sunscreens for the face include the following:
La Roche Posay Anthelios Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 is a 100% physical sunscreen for the face and body that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from the sun and antioxidants to shield the cells from free radical damage. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is oil-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Physical sunscreens for the body include the following:
Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a 100% physical sunscreen for the body which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate it. It also contains ceramides to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is suitable for children and adults. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
FAQ
Is Neutrogena Sunscreen chemical or physical?
Some Neutrogena sunscreens are physical sunscreens and others are chemical sunscreens.
Share with us in the comments section your views on chemical sunscreen vs mineral sunscreen.