Reading the ingredients, you can tell if your sunscreen is chemical or physical. It is a physical sunscreen if you see minerals such as titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide. These ingredients work like shields on top of the skin, creating a barrier that blocks and deflects UVA/UVB rays.
What we like:
Works immediately when applied
Safer for sensitive skin, melasma, children, and pregnant patients
Doesn’t promote as much heat within the skin
What we don’t like:
Some may leave a white cast which is why we love the tinted options!
Check out our story highlights to view some of our favorite physical sunblocks!
Chemical sunscreens are made with organic carbon-based compounds such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, etc. These ingredients absorb into the skin and allow UVA/UVB rays to penetrate into the skin, but convert them into non-damaging wavelengths of light and heat.
What we like:
Invisible options for deeper skin tones
Lightweight consistency
More water and sweat resistant
What we don’t like:
Must wait 30 minutes after application for the chemical ingredients to become active before sun exposure
Break down quickly by the sun and must be reapplied every 2 hours
Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Prone to clog pores
More prone to allergic reactions
Not always reef safe
Certain chemical filters are banned in some countries
Trace amounts may enter the bloodstream
