Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which Type is Better?
Sun protection is one of the most critical steps in your skincare routine, especially in a high-UV, tropical climate like Singapore’s. Here, just stepping out of your house for a walk down the street subjects you to the painful heat of the sun’s rays.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from sun or UV damage. And the most basic way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays is to put on sunscreen. However, what type should you choose: mineral (also known as physical) or chemical (also known as organic)? Which is better?
Choosing the wrong formula can lead to frustration, irritation, breakouts, or the dreaded “white cast”. All of which can affect your willingness to apply sunscreen every morning. It’s no wonder some people end up skipping it entirely. However, with some gentle tweaks, you can find the right sunscreen to ensure optimal sun protection without dealing a blow to your confidence or complexion.
What is a Chemical Sunscreen?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a chemical or organic sunscreen? These formulas utilise organic carbon-based compounds such as avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate. They are referred to as “organic” filters due to their chemical structure, not their source.
Chemical sunscreens work by being absorbed into the top layer of the skin. Once absorbed, these filters soak up UV radiation like a sponge and convert it into a small amount of heat, which is then released from the skin.
Benefits of Chemical Sunscreens
- Smooth Texture: Typically lightweight, quick-absorbing, and blend invisibly, like the Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 or RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50. Excellent for daily use and layering sunscreen under makeup.
- Easy Application: Easy to use, usually requiring less product and can spread smoothly over a large area without much effort.
Potential Drawbacks of Chemical Sunscreens
- Skin Sensitivity: Because chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, they can trigger irritation, redness, or a feeling of heat in individuals with very sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.
- Increased Wait Time: Chemical sunscreens require about 15 to 20 minutes to fully activate and absorb into the skin before you are ready for full sun exposure. If you go out into the sun before it’s had time to fully absorb, you won’t be getting the full SPF protection listed on the label.
What is a Mineral Sunscreen?
Next up, what is mineral or physical sunscreen? This type uses inorganic compounds such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Their ‘physical’ label originates from the traditional perception that they worked by sitting on the surface of the skin to deflect and scatter UV rays, like a physical shield.
However, updated research shows that mineral sunscreens actually work through a combination of reflection and absorption. They absorb some UV rays like chemical sunscreens, while reflecting other UV rays off the surface of the skin.
Benefits of Mineral Sunscreens
- Gentler on Skin: Mineral sunscreens like the CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 are generally gentler and less irritating on the skin, making them the preferred choice for sensitive, post-procedure, acne-prone, or children’s skin.
- Immediate Protection: Provide sun protection instantly upon application since they do not need time to fully absorb and activate.
Potential Drawbacks of Mineral Sunscreens
- White Cast: Traditional mineral sunscreens are difficult to formulate without leaving a visible white or grey tint, which is particularly noticeable on deeper skin tones. While newer formulas have improved this, it’s still a common side effect of using mineral sunscreens.
- Thicker Texture: Can sometimes feel slightly thicker or heavier than chemical sunscreens, though this varies from product to product.
Is a Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen Better for Me?
When comparing mineral and chemical sunscreens, there’s no definitive “better” option for any individual. The answer is subjective and depends on your skin condition and what you prioritise in your daily routine. Here’s a quick summary of mineral versus chemical sunscreen differences to help you decide:
| Feature | Chemical Sunscreens | Mineral Sunscreens |
|---|---|---|
| Action/Mechanism | Absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat | Primarily absorbs UV, but also reflects/scatters it on the surface |
| Absorption | Filters are absorbed into the top layer of the skin | Filters sit on top of the skin’s surface |
| Sensitivity | Can cause irritation in highly reactive skin types | Preferred choice for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin |
|
Stability
Note: Stability refers to how well it retains the stated SPF protection after UV exposure |
Some filters may require stabilisation to remain effective | Zinc oxide is a highly stable, broad-spectrum filter |
| Finish | Weightless, invisible, easy to layer | Traditionally thicker, prone to leaving a visible white cast |
Both types of sunscreen offer excellent, broad-spectrum UV protection when properly formulated and applied. You should always follow the application instructions on skin care products to ensure proper SPF protection. Learn how and when to apply sunscreen properly.
Make The Right Choice For Your Daily Routine
Whether you choose a mineral or chemical sunscreen, you’ll have to balance trade-offs between gentleness, texture, and feel. The simple truth is that the “best” sunscreen is the one you will actually use every single morning, year-round, to ensure you get adequate sun protection and coverage. If a product feels heavy or leaves a tint you hate, you won't use enough of it, and your skin will suffer—and having some protection is better than none.
Paula’s Choice Skincare uses modern formulas based on the latest sun care science while incorporating cutting-edge technology to mitigate the traditional drawbacks of each type, including eliminating the white cast in our mineral sunscreen and offering sensitive skin-friendly options like the SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30.
Browse sunscreen products in Singapore online and find your perfect match. Protect your skin’s health and appearance with Paula’s Choice Skincare.
References for this Information
- “Exploring Sunscreen: Ensuring Safety, Efficacy, and Cosmetic Acceptability”. SGS. https://www.sgs.com/en-sg/news/2024/09/exploring-sunscreen-ensuring-safety-efficacy-and-cosmetic-acceptability. Accessed 3 December 2025.
- “Mineral vs chemical sunscreens? Science shows the difference is smaller than you think”. UNSW Sydney. https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/12/mineral-chemical-sunscreens-difference-smaller-than-you-think. Accessed 3 December 2025.
- Gabros S, Patel P, Zito PM. Sunscreens and Photoprotection. [Updated 2025 Mar 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/
- Smijs, Threes G, and Stanislav Pavel. “Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness.” Nanotechnology, science and applications vol. 4 95-112. 13 Oct. 2011, doi:10.2147/NSA.S19419
