What’s the Deal With Chemicals in Sunscreen, and Does Mineral Sunscreen Actually Work?

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Here’s a practical guide to mineral sunscreen, conventional sunscreen ingredients, and sun protection. We’ll look at what research says about sunscreen safety, how mineral sunscreens work, and how you can protect your skin without relying on sunscreen alone.

We can all agree that sun protection is a non-negotiable! Sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, premature ageing, and more.

We all know that we need to protect ourselves from the sun, but it can be hard to know the best way to do it. In this article we’re going to talk about different ways to get protection, what the research says about sunscreen ingredients, and we’ll answer the question: is sunscreen safe?

Sunscreen is a product applied to the skin to help protect it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When used as directed, it helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of skin damage associated with UV exposure. Sunscreen works best as part of a broader sun-protection routine that includes shade and protective clothing.

Effective sunscreens should offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF, or sun protection factor, primarily measures protection against UVB-related sunburn when the product is used as directed. Look for broad-spectrum protection rather than relying on SPF alone.

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen?

Sunscreens are often grouped into two categories according to their active UV-filter ingredients. Mineral and non-mineral. You may also see mineral sunscreens described as physical sunscreens and non-mineral formulas described as chemical sunscreens. Both types can provide effective sun protection.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both as their active ingredients. These minerals protect the skin by absorbing UV radiation and scattering or reflecting some of it. They do not rely simply on plant ingredients coating the skin.

Non-mineral sunscreens use other UV-filter ingredients, such as avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, or other approved filters, depending on the country and product. These filters primarily absorb UV radiation and convert it into a small amount of heat.

The word “natural” can be confusing because it does not have one universal meaning in sunscreen marketing. A product marketed as natural may contain mineral filters, plant-derived ingredients, or a combination of ingredients. Check the active ingredients and the product’s sun-protection claims instead of relying on the word “natural” alone.

Sunscreen rules vary by country. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreen products and evaluates their safety and effectiveness. The FDA has requested more safety data for several commonly used UV filters. However, it has specifically clarified that a request for additional data does not, by itself, mean those ingredients have been proven unsafe.

You can read the FDA’s explanation of its sunscreen safety review here: FDA sunscreen regulatory questions and answers.

Are There Safety Concerns About Ingredients in Conventional Sunscreens?

Sunscreen safety is worth understanding, but it is important to distinguish between a potential hazard identified in a study and a demonstrated risk to people using a product as directed. Some UV-filter ingredients have been investigated for possible health effects, and research is ongoing. That does not mean every conventional sunscreen is harmful or that mineral sunscreen is automatically the right choice for everyone.

Some sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed through the skin. The FDA has said that additional research is needed to determine the significance of this absorption for certain ingredients. Absorption alone does not establish that an ingredient causes harm at the levels people encounter when using sunscreen.

Several UV filters, including octocrylene and octinoxate, have been studied for possible biological and environmental effects. Some laboratory and animal studies have reported effects involving hormonal or other biological processes. These findings are relevant to ongoing safety research, but they do not automatically establish that normal sunscreen use causes endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, or organ damage in humans.

Triclosan has also been studied for possible reproductive and developmental effects, particularly in laboratory and animal research. However, it is not one of the two active ingredients that define a mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If you discuss triclosan in this article, explain its relevance to a specific product or formulation rather than presenting it as a typical sunscreen UV filter.

The FDA’s sunscreen ingredient reviews are intended to establish whether the available evidence supports its safety and effectiveness standards. A request for more data should not be described as proof that an ingredient is toxic.

Readers who have concerns about a particular sunscreen can review its ingredient list and speak with a qualified healthcare professional about suitable alternatives.

What About the Environmental Effects of Sunscreen?

Some sunscreen UV filters have been detected in aquatic environments, and research has investigated whether these substances can affect marine organisms. The environmental picture is complex–the effects can depend on the ingredient, concentration, species, exposure conditions, and other pressures on an ecosystem.

Studies have found UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and ethylhexyl salicylate in water and aquatic environments. Finding a substance in the environment does not, on its own, show that it is causing harm at the levels present. Researchers continue to investigate the potential effects of these substances and how they move through the environment.

Research has raised particular concerns about oxybenzone and some other UV filters in relation to coral and marine life. Laboratory studies have reported harmful effects under certain exposure conditions, but the contribution of sunscreen ingredients to reef damage in real-world environments remains an active area of research. Coral reefs around the world have experienced damage from chemicals in sunscreen.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose the symbiotic algae that help supply them with energy. Some research has investigated whether particular sunscreen ingredients may contribute to this process. However, it would be inaccurate to claim that all chemical sunscreens cause coral bleaching or that sunscreen is the main cause of reef decline.

If you want to reduce the amount of sunscreen that enters the water, protective clothing and shade can help reduce the amount you need to apply. When swimming in sensitive marine environments, you can also look for products without specific ingredients of local concern. Keep in mind that claims such as “reef-safe” are not a guarantee of zero environmental impact. Mineral products can contain other ingredients, and their environmental effects also depend on the formulation and conditions of use.

What Are the Alternatives to Conventional Sunscreens?

If you prefer a mineral sunscreen, look for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both among the product’s active ingredients. These are the mineral UV filters commonly used in sunscreen formulations. Mineral sunscreens can provide effective protection when the finished product is appropriately formulated, tested, and applied according to its directions.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not make a product automatically better for every person or every environment. The finished formula, its labelled SPF, broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and how consistently you use it all matter.

There are plenty of mineral sunscreen options available, but choosing one can take some comparison. Look for a clearly labelled product with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or higher. If you will be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant formula. Check out my top mineral sunscreens that actually work.

Remember that sunscreen is only one part of protecting yourself from the sun. These additional habits can help reduce UV exposure, too.

Stay in the Shade

Shade can reduce your direct exposure to sunlight, especially during the hours when UV radiation is strongest. The amount of protection varies depending on the location, the type of shade, and reflected UV radiation, so shade should be combined with other sun-protection measures.

Or find some shade! Look for a shady spot under a tree, or bring your own umbrella for a beach day.

Cover Up

Additionally, we can wear UV protective clothing and swimwear to give us an extra layer of protection. A hat is always a great idea to keep the sun off our faces and necks too.

Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating when possible. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and clothing that covers your shoulders and arms can all help reduce exposed skin.

I know I always look for rashguard swimsuits for my kids to minimize sun exposure, and I recently started wearing a rashguard myself! I like having that extra coverage, but sunscreen is still important for exposed areas such as the face, hands, and lower legs.

Practicing what I preach (FULLY covered for ultimate sun protection 😉 )

What are the Best Mineral Sunscreens?

If you are looking for a mineral sunscreen, focus on products that offer reliable, clearly labelled protection and suit your skin and daily routine. A sunscreen that feels comfortable and is easy to apply generously is more likely to be used consistently.

Sounds like a tall order, but I’ve got you covered!

best mineral sunscreens of 2021 — best mineral sunscreens

I’ve rounded up my favorite natural, mineral based sunscreens, and am giving you details about the products featured in that guide. I’ve tested each and every one of these according to my original review process (and checked for suspect ingredients).

And remember, for everyday sun protection, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously to exposed skin and reapply at least every two hours outdoors, as well as after swimming or sweating, following the product’s directions. Use shade and protective clothing as additional measures.

Tell me below: Have you made the switch to mineral sunscreen?

Have you tried mineral sunscreen? What did you like about it, and how did it compare with other sunscreens you’ve used? Share your experience in the comments.

Additional References

For current, reader-friendly guidance on sunscreen safety and use, consult these sources: