Mineral Vs Chemical Sunscreen: How to Choose What's Right for You

Along with being smart about your sun exposure, wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent skin cancer and slow down the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. Yet it’s hard to incorporate an SPF product into your daily routine if it doesn’t look or feel right on your skin, or if you’re unsure that it’s actually protecting you from the sun’s damaging UV rays. And shopping for the right sunscreen isn’t always so straightforward.

To simplify the process, make sure you know what you’re buying. Both chemical and mineral suncreens provide adequate sun protection with proper application, but they differ in how they do it. And really, the best way to determine which sunscreen is best for you is to try a few chemical and mineral sunscreens and see what you prefer.

CVS has several mineral and chemical sunscreens that are from dermatologist-trusted brands, popular with customers, and safe and effective on a variety of skin types. Both in stores and online, CVS's beauty department makes it easy to discover your new favorite based on your specific needs. Best of all, CVS's sunscreens are effective and affordable, so you can get the products you need at a fair price.

Read on to learn more about each type of sunscreen.

How Mineral Sunscreens Work: Reflecting UV Rays

Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on the surface of your skin and reflecting any UV rays, preventing your skin from absorbing them. They start working immediately after application, and because they form an impenetrable barrier, mineral sunscreens are also commonly known as physical sunscreens.

"Look for ‘broad-spectrum’ plus at least SPF 30, and make sure zinc oxide is one of the first ingredients,” dermatologist Jessie Cheung, M.D., advised in our guide to the best mineral sunscreens. Titanium dioxide is the other active ingredient found in effective mineral sunscreens made in the U.S. (They’re the only ingredients approved by the FDA.)

Cosmetic chemist and skin biologist Shuting Hu, PhD, told Marie Claire, “These minerals have a high refractive index, meaning they are exceptionally good at bending and reflecting light.” While that makes them exceptionally good at protecting your skin, it also means they’re prone to leaving a white cast.

How Chemical Sunscreens Work: Absorbing UV Rays

“Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge: They soak up UV radiation, convert them into heat, and then release that heat from your skin, so the UV rays don’t damage your cells,” beauty editor Siena Gagliano writes. Chemical sunscreens are only effective once they’re fully absorbed into the skin, so they should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

“There are many different types of chemical UV filters, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate,” board-certified dermatologist David Kim, M.D., told Marie Claire. Chemical sunscreens tend to be more popular because they don’t leave a white cast.

Is Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen Better for My Skin Type?

To settle your own mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate, keep in mind that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently. “Both formulas will offer near-equivalent sun protection (a broad-spectrum SPF 30 will block 97 percent of UVA and UVB rays),” wrote senior beauty editor Samantha Holender. “So, it really comes down to which formula you’re going to be more comfortable using and reapplying throughout the day.” CVS offers plenty of both chemical and mineral sunscreens in several forms, including sprays and lotions both thick and thin.

Chemical sunscreens are safe, effective, and well-tolerated by most skin tones and types. People with darker skin tones may prefer chemical sunscreens since they don’t have zinc oxide and won’t leave a white cast. Not to mention, chemical sunscreens generally have a more pleasing texture than mineral sunscreens. (That said, mineral sunscreen formulas are improving in both of these areas!)

But if you have sensitive skin or a condition like rosacea, melasma, or hyperpigmentation, reach for a mineral sunscreen. According to board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., the active ingredients in mineral sunscreen are less likely to cause an allergic reaction or a flare-up.

Which Sunscreens Are Trusted by Dermatologists?

If there’s one thing dermatologists agree on, it’s that wearing and reapplying sunscreen—any sunscreen, mineral or chemical, with at least SPF 30—is the best thing you can do for the long-term health of your skin.

At CVS, you can browse dermatologist-recommended sunscreens in one convenient place, whether you’re shopping online or in your local store. In person, you may be able to work with a CVS Beauty Consultant—they’re stationed in more than 500 stores nationwide—who can help you navigate the selection from brands such as Neutrogena, CeraVe, and La Roche-Posay. And don’t forget CVS Health sunscreens, all of which bear the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

Are Dermatologist-Tested Sunscreens Expensive?

Yes, there are some dermatologist-recommended and beauty editor–loved sunscreens out there that cost $50 or more. But they’re not your only option. CVS carries so many affordable alternatives to the latest trending SPF products—sunscreens that feel just as nice on your skin and protect it just as well, but cost $30 or less. You can even find travel-size sunscreen for under $10, which is perfect for testing out a new formula. Or keep an eye out for CVS's Extra Big Deals events, where you can score BOGO deals, Cash Back Rewards, and discounts on your favorite sunscreen brands.

Plus, you can shop for sunscreen at CVS with peace of mind that your sunscreen of choice will protect your skin from the sun. The drugstore has partnered with the Skin Cancer Foundation for nearly 20 years to provide customers with the best information on skin health and a selection of high-quality products to address their needs.