Main content


Mineral Vs Chemical Sunscreen: What’s The Difference?

Applying sunscreen before you leave the house is as essential as putting on your shoes. It can take as little as 15 minutes in the sun to damage unprotected skin. With UV exposure reportedly responsible for as much as 90% of visible signs of ageing, sunscreen is non-negotiable if you want to keep fine lines and wrinkles to a minimum, too. 

Finding the right sunscreen for you is key to ensuring you’re properly protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays, and you’ll actually wear it. As there are two main types of sunscreens – chemical and mineral – we are here to break down their differences and introduce you to the best sunscreens for your skin type. 

 

Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen 


The key difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is how they work. They both shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays - but they do it in very different ways. 


What is a Mineral Sunscreen? 


Mineral sunscreens sit atop of your skin. It is also known as physical sunscreens as it forms a physical barrier that deflects the sun’s rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin. They are formulated with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – small particles that sit on the skin’s surface and reflect light, which are also considered to be reef-safe. This means they don’t impact marine line or cause coral bleaching, which ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Avobenzone have been linked to. 


Mineral Sunscreen tend to be: 

• Thick, white mineral formulas and can feel heavy on the skin 

• Easily washed off with sweat or water, so will require regular reapplication  

• Suitable for all type of skin 

 

What is a Chemical Sunscreen? 


While mineral sunscreens act like a shield, deflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens act more like a sponge that absorbs UV light. Once the light is absorbed into the skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen, such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone and Octisalate, create a chemical reaction and turn the absorbed rays into heat, which is then released through the skin. 


As chemical sunscreens tend to be: 

• lightweight, non-comedogenic creams 

• more transparent and easier to apply 

• Best suited for non-sensitive skin, and oily and combination skin 


If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the active ingredients in most chemical sunscreens can be irritating. 

 

Decide which Sunscreen is Right For You! 


Whatever your sunscreen needs, we have a formula for you.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen


For Mineral Sunscreen Lovers 

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen 

Our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen is formulated with a 100% mineral-based filter to deliver powerful yet lightweight broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection, and the antioxidant Vitamin E to help fight the effects of damaging free radicals. It is more gentle than other UV-absorbing chemical sunscreens, making it suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. It also has a matte finish and is lightly tinted to enhance the natural skin tone, so you won’t get that unwanted chalky, white film on your skin mineral sunscreens are known for. 

 

To keep your skin protected all day long, shake well before use and apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least every two hours afterwards. If you’re planning on swimming or exercising, switch to a water-resistant sunscreen.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++
Best seller Try Before You Buy


For Chemical Sunscreen Fans 

Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50 PA++++ 

Our daily, non-comedogenic Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen is formulated with active ingredients, advanced UVA/UVB technology and pollution protection. Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula is also enriched with antioxidants such as Baicalin and Vitamin E to help neutralise skin-damaging free radicals and prevent premature signs of ageing. Thanks to its invisible finish, it can be applied under foundation or alone as the last step of your daily skincare routine.

Discover our complete sun care range.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++
Best seller Try Before You Buy
Orientation message
For the best experience, please turn your device