Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters that actually sink into skin, where they absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into heat that is then released from the skin, explains Dr. Kil. “Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate,” she says. More recently, newer FDA-approved filters such as bemotrizinol (also known as BEMT or Tinosorb S)—which have long been used in Europe and other countries—have begun making their way into the U.S. market, marking “an exciting advancement for sunscreen innovation,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.
Because these filters are designed to blend into the skin, chemical sunscreens often have a lightweight, elegant finish that makes them especially appealing for everyday use and wear well under makeup.
What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
The biggest difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen comes down to how they protect your skin from UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens rely on organic filters that absorb UV rays and dissipate their energy as heat,” says Dr. Kil. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface; these mineral filters absorb UV radiation and also reflect and scatter a portion of incoming rays.
In general, because they’re absorbed by skin, chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily and are less likely to leave a visible residue, while mineral sunscreens are often preferred for sensitive skin because they are less likely to irritate. In the US, many chemical sunscreen formulations provide excellent UVB protection, and avobenzone remains the primary filter approved for UVA1 (the long-wave UVA rays that penetrate deepest into the skin and are most closely linked to premature aging and pigmentation) coverage.
Are chemical sunscreens safe?
While studies have shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the bloodstream after repeated application, “there is no evidence of adverse side effects from these filters,” and to date, there is no evidence that approved chemical sunscreen filters cause adverse health effects when used as directed, says Dr. Kil. Dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. As with any skin-care product, the best broad-spectrum sunscreen is ultimately the one you’ll wear consistently every day.
Are chemical sunscreens “bad” for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily, but some people with sensitive skin may find certain chemical sunscreen ingredients irritating. “Chemical sunscreens contain known allergens, such as oxybenzone, a commonly used filter,” says Dr. Kil. In addition, some formulas contain propylene glycol, a humectant that helps sunscreens absorb into the skin but can trigger skin irritation in certain individuals. That said, not all chemical sunscreens are created equal: Many newer formulas are free of common irritants like oxybenzone, fragrance, and propylene glycol, making them better tolerated by sensitive skin. If your skin is especially reactive, patch-testing a new sunscreen before applying it to your entire face is always a good idea.
What is a chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters that actually sink into skin, where they absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into heat that is then released from the skin, explains Dr. Kil. “Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate,” she says. More recently, newer FDA-approved filters such as bemotrizinol (also known as BEMT or Tinosorb S)—which have long been used in Europe and other countries—have begun making their way into the U.S. market, marking “an exciting advancement for sunscreen innovation,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.
Because these filters are designed to blend into the skin, chemical sunscreens often have a lightweight, elegant finish that makes them especially appealing for everyday use and wear well under makeup.
What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
The biggest difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen comes down to how they protect your skin from UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens rely on organic filters that absorb UV rays and dissipate their energy as heat,” says Dr. Kil. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface; these mineral filters absorb UV radiation and also reflect and scatter a portion of incoming rays.
In general, because they’re absorbed by skin, chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily and are less likely to leave a visible residue, while mineral sunscreens are often preferred for sensitive skin because they are less likely to irritate. In the US, many chemical sunscreen formulations provide excellent UVB protection, and avobenzone remains the primary filter approved for UVA1 (the long-wave UVA rays that penetrate deepest into the skin and are most closely linked to premature aging and pigmentation) coverage.
Are chemical sunscreens safe?
While studies have shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the bloodstream after repeated application, “there is no evidence of adverse side effects from these filters,” and to date, there is no evidence that approved chemical sunscreen filters cause adverse health effects when used as directed, says Dr. Kil. Dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. As with any skin-care product, the best broad-spectrum sunscreen is ultimately the one you’ll wear consistently every day.
Are chemical sunscreens “bad” for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily, but some people with sensitive skin may find certain chemical sunscreen ingredients irritating. “Chemical sunscreens contain known allergens, such as oxybenzone, a commonly used filter,” says Dr. Kil. In addition, some formulas contain propylene glycol, a humectant that helps sunscreens absorb into the skin but can trigger skin irritation in certain individuals. That said, not all chemical sunscreens are created equal: Many newer formulas are free of common irritants like oxybenzone, fragrance, and propylene glycol, making them better tolerated by sensitive skin. If your skin is especially reactive, patch-testing a new sunscreen before applying it to your entire face is always a good idea.
Meet the experts
- Asmi Berry, DO, is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at BHSkin Dermatology Practice based in Glendale, California
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
- Erin Kil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of New Bloom Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Health System based in New York City
- Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm based in Atlanta
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
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