MyPure Journal · Sun Care
Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreens:
What’s the Difference?
Choosing a sunscreen can feel surprisingly complicated. One of the most common questions we receive at MyPure is: “What’s the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?”
“Both types of sunscreen are designed to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays — but they work in very different ways.”
The Short Answer
Both types protect your skin from UV damage — but they work in completely different ways. Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and physically block UV rays; chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and convert UV radiation into heat. If you have sensitive skin or prefer simpler, natural formulations, mineral SPF is usually the better choice.
Mineral vs Chemical: Side by Side
Mineral Sunscreen
Also called physical sunscreen
How it works
Sits on top of the skin and physically blocks UV radiation through a combination of reflection, scattering, and absorption.
Key ingredients
Pros
- Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
- Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin
- Starts working immediately after application
- Often preferred for more natural formulations
- Less likely to cause stinging around the eyes
Cons
- Can feel thicker on the skin
- May leave a white cast, particularly on deeper skin tones
- Can be harder to rub in
- Some formulations may feel less lightweight
Chemical Sunscreen
Absorbs UV radiation as heat
How it works
Absorbed into the skin and converts UV radiation into heat, which is then released from the body.
Key ingredients
Pros
- Usually invisible on the skin
- Easy to apply under makeup
- Often preferred for sports and outdoor activities
Cons
- May irritate very sensitive skin
- Can sometimes sting the eyes
- Some people prefer to avoid certain chemical UV filters
Do mineral sunscreens only reflect UV rays?
Modern scientific research shows that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect the skin through a combination of reflection, scattering and absorption of UV radiation — not reflection alone.
The key distinction is that they remain on the skin’s surface, rather than absorbing into the skin like chemical UV filters.
What Does “Non-Nano” Mean?
Nano particles are extremely small particles used in some mineral sunscreens to improve texture and reduce white cast. Every SPF product at MyPure uses non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide — nothing is designed to penetrate the skin.
📋 UK & EU Regulation: If a sunscreen contains nano ingredients, regulations require this to be clearly stated on the ingredient list with the word “(nano)” after the ingredient name.
Which Type of Sunscreen Is Better?
“The best sunscreen is the one you will use correctly and consistently.”
Many MyPure customers choose mineral sunscreens because they:
- Prefer simpler, shorter ingredient lists
- Have sensitive or reactive skin
- Want to avoid certain chemical UV filters
- Prefer non-nano mineral protection
Best-Selling Mineral SPF
View all →Our View at MyPure
Every SPF in our range uses non-nano mineral UV filters — zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — so you can be confident that nothing is designed to penetrate your skin. No nano particles, no chemical UV absorbers: just effective, skin-kind sun protection.
The most important thing is to use a broad-spectrum SPF every day.
Your future skin will thank you for it.
Shop All Non-Nano SPF at MyPure →