Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen

The difference between physical and chemical sunscreens |


There are two general types of sunscreens, physical and chemical ones. Physical sunscreens use physical UV filters, while chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters. Their differences and similarities are further explained in the table below. Nowadays there are also sunscreens that contain both chemical and physical UV filters to make the best of both worlds.


Physical Chemical
How They Work Physical sunscreens protect your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays. Some chemical filters can scatter sun rays, but still mostly just absorb them.
Other Names Sunblock Organic sunscreen
UV Filters

(the active ingredient in sunscreens that protects you against the sun)

For more information about UV filters, their description, and other sunscreen ingredients check here.
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO2)
  • Zinc oxide (ZnO)
  • Octylcrylene
  • Avobenzone
  • Octinoxate
  • Octisalate
  • Oxybenzone
  • Homosalate
  • 4-MBC
  • Mexoryl SX and XL
  • Tinosorb S and M
  • Uvinul T 150
  • Uvinul A Plus
Stability Generally stable Most are photo stable, but some are not.

Avobenzone is notoriously unstable. However, it can be stabilized when formulated in conjunction with other UV filters.
Comedogenicity Titanium dioxide can be problematic for some people.

(If you break out from mineral make up and physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide could be the culprit.)		 Chemical filters tend to be more irritating to skin.

Some can cause allergic reactions.
Protection How much protection is offered depends on the particle size of the UV filters and overall product formulation.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are helpful in protecting against UVB and UVA rays, but not the full spectrum of UVA rays.		 Chemical filters offer more coverage against UVA and UVB rays than physical sunscreens.

Avobenzone, for example, protects against the full spectrum UVA rays.
Texture Thick and opaque, may be hard to apply Colorless, odorless, usually runny
Safety Pretty safe, FDA approved.

Don't cause free radicals.		 Generally safe, however some chemical filters generate free radicals which can make your skin age.

Many chemical UV filters have not been FDA approved in the States, but are in sunscreens sold in Europe and Asia.


Physical sunscreens tend to be better tolerated by most skin types because the chemical filters used in chemical sunscreens can be irritating for many people. However, physical sunscreens tend to leave a white cast or white streaks after application and don’t offer as much UVA protection compared to chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens are also a bit thicker so they may be more difficult to apply. Since they each have their pros and cons, many of today's sunscreens contain both physical and chemical UV filters.

However, knowing whether a sunscreen is physical, chemical, or both does not tell you enough information about whether a particular sunscreen will be a good, protective one. Did you know that moisturizer or makeup with SPF doesn't offer adequate sun protection? Do you know the PPD of your sunscreen and how it can prevent your skin from aging? Do you apply enough sunscreen to your skin?

To answer these questions and learn more about how to choose a good sunscreen, go here.



Last updated: January 18, 2011


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