Physical vs Chemical Sunscreens: Which is Better For You?

If you’ve been reading beauty sites as of late, you’d notice the “physical vs. chemical” debate surrounding sunscreens. According to resources we found online, there are both pros and cons to both types—but this is what you really need to know about it.

What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?

The difference lies in what each type does when the sun’s UV rays hit your skin. While chemical sunscreens absorb the UV light and prevent it from penetrating into the skin, physical sunscreens work to block it out by letting light reflect off of it.

What type should I use?

Those with sensitive skin should try out physical sunscreens as opposed to chemical sunscreens. This is due to the formulation in chemical sunscreens, as some of its ingredients tend to be the cause of allergic reactions. Physical sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide/titanium dioxide, which leaves a white cast that you might find in sport sunscreens. While physical sunscreens are better for sensitive skin types, it may be slightly drying.

Are both safe for my skin?

While both are effective when applied accurately, research has shown that sunscreen absorption do not cause negative effects (whether hormonal or otherwise) to the body. Another controversy is the nanoparticles in physical sunscreen that may be absorbed into the skin. This theory has also been rejected as research shows that these nanoparticles do not go past the outermost layers of the skin.

Will it affect the environment?

The recent flak surrounding this debate has been attributed to sunscreen’s effects on coral reef and marine life. Oxybenzone, a key ingredient in chemical sunscreens, has been found to damage coral DNA while disallowing it to reproduce. Certain parts of Mexico and Hawaii have banned products with oxybenzone, while some companies have resorted to creating their own eco-friendly sunscreens.

ShopandBox these range of sunscreens below:

 

1. Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, Drunk Elephant, USD34, + Add To Wishlist: Don’t like the ghostly white cast that comes with physical sunscreens? Drunk Elephant’s physical sunscreen is loaded with antioxidants, raspberry seed and marula oils for a healthy look sans a greasy finish.
2. SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen, Juice Beauty, USD16, + Add To Wishlist: Suitable for outdoor activities, this chemical sunscreen is formulated without oxybenzone and has organic jojoba with soothing aloe to prevent a painful burn.
3. Invisible Shield, Glossier, USD34, + Add To Wishlist: Glossier’s bestselling chemical sunscreen has a watergel formula made of antioxidant complex, fermented extracts and sweet orange peel oil. It helps to neutralise free radicals from the sun rays, while creating a breathable layer atop the skin to protect it against pollution.
4. Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, Cosrx, KRW12,800, + Add To Wishlist: If it’s good enough for K-beauty fans, it’s good enough for us. Cosrx’s oil-free sun cream is a physical sunscreen that has titanium dioxide and aloe vera for a two-in-one function: it protects your skin and moisturises it at the same time.
5. Anthelios XL, La Roche-Posay, EUR27.6, + Add To Wishlist: This paraben- and fragrance-free sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is our new physical sunscreen favourite. Zinx oxide helps to reflect the harmful sun rays while its Cell-Ox Shield technology has potent antioxidants to strengthen your skin.
6. “5 In 1” Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, Suntegrity, USD45, + Add To Wishlist: This award-winning 5-in-1 physical sunscreen is one of the more impeccable ones in the market. It treats, hydrates, protects, primes and covers the skin, all thanks to a host of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, red algae and certified organic aloe vera, jojoba, green tea and non-nano sized zinc oxide.
7. Mineral Fluid SPF50, Eau-Thermale Avene, EUR13.9, + Add To Wishlist: Try out a physical sunscreen such as Eau-Thermale Avene’s latest that has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, along with a photostable form of Vitamin E for powerful anti-oxidant protection.
8. Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen, MDSolarSciences, USD30, + Add To Wishlist: MDSolarScience’s oxybenzone-free chemical sunscreen is equipped with SPF50 and offers 80-minute water-resistance. Wear it alone, beneath your makeup as a primer or over without worrying about a greasy finish.
9. All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk, Missha, KRW16,800, + Add To Wishlist: Get a fresh complexion sans dark spots with Missha’s physical sunscreen almost feels like weightless makeup. Zinc oxide and a host of wild plant extracts offer a ‘double layer UV blocking system’ that allows the product to be sweat- and water-resistant—perfect for humid climates.
10. Day-Light Protection Sunscreen, Neogen, KRW25,000, + Add To Wishlist: Vouched for by co-founder of beauty site Soko Glam, Neogen’s physical sunscreen is lightweight and fluid-like, but is able to nourish your skin at the same time. Ingredients include honey, rose, and raspberry extracts that are all suitable for dry skin types as well.

 

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Featured image: Glossier