Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Protecting your skin from the sun is the key to preventing sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. In fact, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will get skin cancer in their lifetime. 

Sunscreen can keep your skin safe from both kinds of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA and UVB rays. You have two main options when you’re looking at sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Mineral sunscreens also work mainly by absorbing UV rays. But they also reflect and scatter some of them. 

Is one type better than the other though? Here’s how to choose between mineral and chemical sunscreen. 

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What’s in chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens are made of carbon-containing compounds. These compounds work like sponges by absorbing UV rays so that they can’t damage your skin.

Most chemical sunscreens contain one or more of the following ingredients (more below on what they are and their possible impacts):

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octisalate

• Avobenzone

Benefits

Chemical sunscreens are popular because they absorb into the skin and don’t leave a noticeable residue. This makes it easier to use sunscreen every day and blend it with makeup and other skin care products.

Potential drawbacks

Some people are concerned about the ingredients in chemical sunscreens. One reason is that studies have found that six commonly used sunscreen ingredients (including those listed above) can be absorbed into the bloodstream. But it’s not clear what effect, if any, this has on your health. 

The FDA is working to learn more about the safety of several common sunscreen ingredients — including the ones listed above. Keep in mind that the FDA hasn’t labeled these ingredients as unsafe. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Should you be wearing sunscreen daily? Yes. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. But sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect your skin. 

• Should you put on sunscreen or makeup first? Sunscreen goes first. Here’s an example of what a morning skin care routine might look like. 

• Do sunscreen pills protect your skin? Taking a sunscreen pill alone hasn’t been shown to be safe or effective. What does work is using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, for starters.

People have raised other concerns about chemical sunscreen, including:

• Possible presence of endocrine (hormone) disruptors: Oxybenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens, may act as a mild hormone in the body. But so far, studies haven’t definitively shown that this is linked to health problems. Even so, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children avoid oxybenzone sunscreen, if possible. 

• Cancer-causing chemicals: Benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer, was found in some batches of sunscreen. But it’s important to note that there’s no evidence that using sunscreen causes cancer. We know that UV rays do.

• Environmental impact: The sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to damage of coral reefs and other sea life. Because of this, Hawaii has banned them.

What’s in mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens work by both absorbing and reflecting UV rays. The most common mineral sunscreens contain two naturally occurring minerals:

• Zinc oxide 

• Titanium dioxide

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Benefits 

Many people like using sunscreen that doesn't contain active chemicals. Mineral sunscreens are also less likely to irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, so they may be a better choice for people with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and eczema. 

Potential drawbacks

While mineral sunscreens offer great sun protection, they can leave behind a visible white residue. This can make it challenging to work sunscreen into everyday use, especially for people with darker skin tones.

Is titanium dioxide bad for you? 

There have been concerns that titanium dioxide, one of the main ingredients in mineral sunscreen, could be absorbed into the bloodstream and increase your risk for cancer. But most experts believe that titanium dioxide doesn’t pose a threat to your health in either cream or lotion sunscreen form. This is because it doesn’t seem to be absorbed through your skin. 

However, you may want to avoid spray sunscreen and cosmetic powders that contain titanium dioxide. That’s because you’re more likely to inhale nanoparticles with these formulations, which could lead to lung irritation or toxicity. 

Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?

Both mineral and chemical sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV rays. This means they both offer protection against skin cancer and premature aging. But when choosing between mineral and chemical sunscreen, here are some factors you may want to consider.

Safety

Two chemical sunscreen ingredients — para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate — aren’t considered safe by the FDA. These ingredients aren’t common in sunscreens. But it’s always important to check the label to make sure your sunscreen doesn’t have them. 

Other chemical sunscreens are considered safe and effective. But more research is needed to determine what (if any) health impact they have if absorbed into the blood. If you’re concerned about these possible effects, stick with mineral-based sunscreens. 

Skin sensitivity

People with sensitive or acne-prone skin often do better with mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is also less likely to irritate your skin if you have eczema. 

Age

Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under 6 months old. For older babies and children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mineral sunscreens. They also recommend applying sunscreen by spraying sunscreen on your hands and then applying it to your child’s skin. This helps to avoid breathing in the spray. 

Which sunscreen do dermatologists recommend? 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the FDA agree that sun safety is critical. For this reason, both mineral and chemical sunscreens are preferable to having unprotected skin. 

The AAD says people should use a sunscreen that's:

• Broad-spectrum, meaning it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays

• SPF 30 or higher 

• Water-resistant (note that you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours — and more frequently with sweating and/or swimming)

The AAD also recommends using clothing and hats to block the sun and seeking shade when possible. 

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP

I have worked as an emergency physician for 15 years, including care at both rural hospitals and trauma centers. I am the former Global Emergency Medicine fellowship director at Health Partners.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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