Physical vs Chemical Sunscreen

What is Physical Sunscreen?

Physical Sunscreen (sometimes called Mineral Sunscreen) forms a protective physical barrier of inert minerals over the skin, is not absorbed by the skin, and is less likely to cause skin irritations.

Ingredients Used Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

How do they work? Sit on top of skin, they deflect and scatter UVB and UVA rays

Pros

Does not enter the skin
Works immediately
Gentle on skin
Less likely to clog pores
Stable in sunlight
Longer shelf life
Safe for babies and pregnant moms
Non-nano versions are reef-safe
Zinc Oxide is most complete broad spectrum

Cons

Will likely leave white tint on skin
Thicker to apply
More difficult to remove after use
Titanium Dioxide doesn't protect entire UVA spectrum
More expensive

What is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical Sunscreen (sometimes called Synthetic Sunscreen) uses petroleum-based synthetic compounds to absorb rays. It absorbs into skin. Note: Strictly speaking, all sunscreens contain chemicals (even water is a chemical). We use “Chemical” to differentiate non-mineral sunscreens from those using petrochemicals.

Ingredients Used Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

How do they work? After absorption into the skin, they absorb UV rays and convert UV energy into heat

Pros

Lightweight application
Less residue on skin
Thinner and easier to spread
Commonly found at all big stores
Less expensive

Cons

Increase risk of cancer
More likely to irritate skin and eyes
Generate free radicals in the skin when exposed to UV light
Unstable and break down in sunlight
Without avobenzone or oxybenzone, likely doesn’t protect from UVA rays
Can disrupt hormones, including endocrine levels
Because of the produced heat, can increase brown spots
Protection begins about 20 minutes after application
Clog pores and increase breakouts
None are reef-safe
Multiple chemicals required to provide both UVA and UVB protection and higher SPFs

NEXT STEPS

1. Know your ingredients — Flip over your sunscreen and read the ingredients. We want everyone to know what good ingredients are, regardless of whether they use our products or not. Your health is worth it.

2. Buy safe sunscreen — Waxhead is dedicated to using only the healthiest, safest, most effective ingredients in our sunscreens. Shop Safe Sunscreen here.

3. Teach a friend — If you know someone who might still be buying sunscreen with questionable ingredients, please share this post with him/her.

References
https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/sunscreen-labels/how-to-decode-sunscreen-lingo
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543289
https://www.drdoppelt.com/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291018/