Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen – What’s the Difference?

With spring officially here and summer just around the bend, choosing the right sunscreen to protect your little one’s sensitive skin during all those fun outdoor adventures might be front of mind. There are endless sunscreen products on the market, most of which fall into one of two categories: mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) and chemical sunscreens. Both types protect your skin from the sun but work in different ways.

Today, we want to explore the differences between these two types of sunscreen, their pros and cons, and which one might be a better choice for little ones with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

What is a mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens, or physical sunscreens, contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that deflect harmful UV rays away from the skin. When applied to the surface of the skin, they create a physical shield that reflects and scatters UV rays, helping to protect the skin from sun damage.

Itchy Baby Co. Natural Sunscreen SPF50 is our very own mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, formulated especially for little ones with sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply and melts into the skin to offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with no added fragrances or other nasties.

The pros and cons of mineral sunscreens

Mineral sunscreen pros:

• They offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• They’re usually gentle enough to use on children
• They tend to be more suitable for dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin

Mineral sunscreen cons:

• They can be thicker and more difficult to apply than chemical sunscreens
• They can leave a whitish cast on the skin, which can be particularly problematic for darker skin tones
• They may be less water resistant than some chemical sunscreens and need more frequent application

What is a chemical sunscreen?

Unlike mineral sunscreens that sit on top of your skin to create a physical shield against the sun, chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV rays before they reach your skin. These sunscreens contain chemical compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene and homosalate. Once these compounds absorb the UV rays, they convert them to heat, which your skin then releases.

The pros and cons of chemical sunscreens

Chemical sunscreen pros:

• They are usually easier to apply than mineral sunscreens
• They’re less likely to leave a white cast on the skin
• Some formulas can offer more water resistance, which is suitable for those who are swimming or sweating

Chemical sunscreen cons:

• You need to wait until they’re fully absorbed before your skin is protected (usually 20-30 minutes)
• Their ingredients can come with a higher risk of irritation and adverse skin reactions, so they may not be suitable for some people
• There are some concerns about the safety of certain active ingredients in chemical sunscreens
• Some chemical sunscreen ingredients can be harmful to coral reefs

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: which is better for sensitive skin?

Whether you choose a mineral or a chemical sunscreen, one thing remains of utmost importance – the best sunscreen is the one you actually use (and reapply appropriately)! Protecting your little one’s skin from the sun is essential all year round, with sun protection recommended when the UV hits three or above. It’s one way to help prevent sun damage and reduce their chances of developing skin cancer.

That being said, it’s often recommended for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin to choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen where possible. Mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens. Itchy Baby Co. Natural Sunscreen SPF50 is a mineral sunscreen specially formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.

And remember, sunscreen is only one part of protecting their precious skin from the sun. Remember to also seek shade, wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing and time your outdoor adventures to avoid peak UV times.

This blog post was brought to you and your bub with love and care by the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only and you should always consult your medical professional.