Understanding Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens

Sunscreens are topical formulations developed to help protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation—both UVA and UVB—emitted by the sun. While UV rays are invisible, their impact on the skin can be significant over time. Daily exposure, even on overcast days or through windows, can contribute to various visible and underlying signs of skin stress.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to:

• Sunburn: Acute damage resulting in redness and pain.
• Premature Aging: Manifested as wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
• Skin Cancer: Including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen, alongside other sun protection measures (including hats, protective clothing, etc.), can help reduce the risk of visible sun damage and support the skin’s overall appearance over time. Whether you’re spending time outdoors or simply going about your daily routine, incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your regimen is a simple step that can play a critical role in your skincare approach.

To understand how sunscreens work, it's helpful to first understand what they’re designed to protect against. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy emitted by the sun, and it reaches the skin in two primary wavelengths: UVA and UVB. While both types can affect the skin, they do so in different ways.

• UVA rays: Penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging and long-term skin damage. Notably, exposure to UVA rays occurs year-round—even on cloudy days—and these rays can pass through glass.


• UVB rays: Affect the skin's outer layer, causing sunburn and playing a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays pose a risk when outdoors, but are mostly blocked by glass while indoors.

It’s important to note that both types of UV rays affect skin ageing and can cause burning. An effective sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it helps defend the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. This type of protection is important for maintaining healthy-looking skin and for supporting a preventative approach to visible sun damage.

Mineral sunscreens, often referred to as physical sunscreens, contain active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on the skin's surface and primarily absorb UV rays releasing them as heat, while 5-10% of UV rays are reflected and scattered away from the skin. This mechanism provides rapid protection upon application.

Active Ingredients

• Zinc oxide: Offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Titanium dioxide: Effective primarily against UVB and short-wave UVA rays.

Benefits

• Fast protection: Starts working 15 minutes after application.
• Tend to be suitable for sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Considerations

• Cosmetic appearance: Traditional formulations may leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. However, advancements in technology have led to formulations with smoother application and no white cast.
• Texture: May feel heavier or thicker on the skin compared to chemical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens, also known as organic sunscreens, contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that absorb UV radiation. These compounds undergo a chemical reaction, converting UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin. Common chemical UV filters include avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and homosalate.

Ingredients

• Avobenzone: Provides effective UVA protection.
• Octocrylene: Stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients and offers UVB protection.
• Oxybenzone: Absorbs UVB rays.
• Homosalate: Primarily absorbs UVB rays.

Benefits

• More cosmetically appealing: Typically formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, leaving no white cast, chemical sunscreens may be more appealing for daily use.
• Easy application: The fluid texture allows for effortless application and reapplication.

Considerations

• Potential for skin sensitivity: Some individuals may experience sensitivity or adverse reactions to certain chemical filters.

The most effective sunscreen is one you’ll reach for every day. When deciding between mineral vs chemical sunscreen, it can be helpful to consider 3 key factors: your skin type, your daily activities, and your texture or finish preferences. Each of these can influence which formula may feel best for you:

1. Skin type: Individuals with sensitive skin may prefer mineral sunscreens as these are often gentler and better tolerated (though we always recommend doing a patch test)
2. Activity level: Water-resistant formulations are recommended for activities involving water or excessive sweating.
3. Cosmetic preferences: If you prefer a lightweight feel without a white cast, chemical sunscreens or newer mineral formulations may be more suitable.

At The Ordinary, we focus on formulations that are effective, transparent, and aligned with our commitment to integrity in skincare. Our UV Filters SPF 45 Serum is a testament to this, offering broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection with a PA++++ rating, for protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Key Features of UV Filters SPF 45 Serum:

• Broad-spectrum protection: Offers SPF 45 with PA++++ rating for protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Lightweight, serum texture: Designed for daily use, this formulation provides a non-greasy, comfortable feel on the skin, making it suitable for layering under makeup or other skincare products.
• No white cast: Our advanced formulation ensures transparency on all skin tones, addressing common concerns associated with mineral sunscreens.
• Hydration support: Enriched with moisturizing ingredients including ceramides, it offers instant and all-day hydration, promoting a healthy-looking complexion.
• Non-comedogenic: Formulated to avoid clogging pores, making it suitable for blemish-prone skin.
• Layering compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with other makeup and skincare products.

Why is The Ordinary SPF Formulated with Chemical Filters and Not Minerals?

We chose to formulate with chemical filters to achieve a high-SPF product that remains lightweight, transparent, and accessible. While mineral filters offer excellent protection, they can be challenging to formulate into a product that applies smoothly without leaving a white cast, especially at higher SPF levels.

By utilizing science-proven chemical filters, we've created a sunscreen you'll want to use daily, supporting our belief that the best sunscreen is one you use consistently.

For healthier-looking skin, consider the following regimen:

1. Prep: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities. Our Squalane Cleanser dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture.
2. Treat: Apply targeted serums to address specific skin concerns. Our Multi-Peptide + HA Serum improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines, reducing the appearance of aging.
3. Seal: Hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier with Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, which helps strengthen the skin barrier, and offers all-day hydration. After applying your moisturizer, finish with our UV Filters SPF 45 Serum help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Choosing between mineral vs chemical sunscreens depends on your skin type, needs, and other individual preferences. Both types help protect against harmful UV radiation when applied as directed. It's important to select a sunscreen you feel comfortable using daily, as consistent application is key to maintaining healthy-looking skin and preventing sun-related damage.

Use our Regimen Builder to get tailored product recommendations addressing your specific skin concerns.