Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, block the sun’s harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin. As Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains it, mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to scatter and reflect the UV rays when it bounces off the skin to protect it from damage.

There are many pros of mineral sunscreen, but they are most known to be less irritating and great for sensitive skin. Though they may leave behind a white cast, Dr. Garshick says that newer formulations have been developed to minimize that. For example, Beauty Pie’s Traceless Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, Good Weather Skin The One Daily Sun Scream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, and ILIA Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 are all lightweight textures that blend into the skin very well, while something like the EltaMD UV Recovery 100% Mineral Face Sunscreen, which has a green tint to color correct any redness.

Chemical Sunscreens

According to Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s UV rays and create a chemical reaction to turn the UV rays into heat that will be released from the skin. They’re usually made of chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, and Dr. Garshick says these formulations are generally easier to rub in and won’t leave a white cast. But because they are made of various chemical filters, she does warn that some people may experience some irritation or sensitivity to these types of formulas. Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 (and they add a nice dewy glow for a boost of radiance).