Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What you need to know
If you’re just buying sunscreen last second before going outside you might not be familiar with the different types of sunscreen available to purchase. Protecting your skin is important and you might be surprised to find there are two different types. In a recent study, the FDA found that sunscreen seeps into the skin so consumers should be more aware of what sunscreen they choose. Clean Label Project broke down all you need to know about Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen.
This blog is going to give the differences in chemical vs mineral sunscreen along with the negative effects of both so you can make a better decision next time you go to the beach.
Difference between Chemical vs. Mineral Based -Sunscreen
1. Ultraviolet Sun Rays: The first difference is how they deal with sun rays. Chemical-based sunscreen absorbs into the skin and converts UV into heat, stopping the “burning” power of sun rays, whereas mineral-based sunscreen stops burning by blocking the harmful rays on the upper layer by merely coating the skin.
2. Chemicals: The other main difference between Chemical and Mineral sunscreen is what chemicals are in them. The chemical filters in chemical-based sunscreen frequently contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. On the other hand, mineral-based sunscreen contains titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
The Negatives of Chemical Based
One of the chemicals that goes into chemical-based sunscreen is oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is currently banned in Hawaii for the damage it does to coral reefs and other environmental treasures.
The Negatives of Mineral Based
Our study of the leading brand found that 95% of the mineral brands had lead in them. Lead is a heavy metal that is routinely flagged as a health hazard in everything from old paint, to consumable products.
What should you do?
When it comes to chemical vs mineral sunscreen the key is be a conscious consumer. We recommend being aware of what is in the sunscreen you purchase and discussing with your doctor which is the right choice for you and your family. You can read our study here
We also have a list of the 5 best and the 5 worst sunscreens here
