Summer is here! Although it’s important to be wearing sunscreen on our faces everyday, it’s even more so with the warmer weather having us heading outside to soak up that sunshine. Exercising outside, swimming, and outdoor gatherings, you want to be protected.
There are 2 types of sunscreen available and both are very different. Do you know the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens? Let take a quick look at both.
What are chemical sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens use synthetic compounds like oxybenzone, octisalate, avobenzone and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor to penetrate the skin. These ingredients create a chemical reaction in the skin absorbing the UV rays and then transforming them into heat, releasing them back into the air. The issue with this is your skin needs to absorb these chemicals to be able to provide you protection from the sun, and these chemical UV actives have been known to have an effect on hormones in humans, and the coral reefs in our oceans.
It’s also important to check labels and avoid other toxic ingredients like Parabens, phthalates, SLS and fragrance.
Let’s take a look at what mineral sunscreens are.
Mineral sunscreens, which can also been known as physical sunscreens, use minerals as the active ingredients. The most common minerals used are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which occur naturally, but can also be created synthetically.
Mineral sunscreens work by providing a physical barrier on your skin reflecting the suns rays directly back into the atmosphere, hence why they can also be referred to as physical sunscreens. One concern with mineral sunscreens containing zinc is the white cast it leaves on your skin. When its sole purpose is to create a barrier on your skin, the minerals won’t absorb into your skin and completely disappear.
Fortunately, brands have been working on reducing the white cast while also still keeping the benefits of zinc in their products. They have come such a long way, and many come in tinted options too which is a great option when using it on your face.
We have put together some great options for normal and tinted mineral sunscreens for your face and body that will hopefully encourage you to make the switch from chemical to mineral easier. If you’ve already made the switch hopefully this will give you a few more options to choose from.
Here are a great range of mineral sunscreens.
MUKTI
Solar Veil SPF30 Daily Moisturiser with Sunscreen
Solar Veil is a COSMOS Certified Organic 3-in-1 daily essential, combining hydration, antioxidant support, and mineral SPF30 in one effortless step. Formulated with a tinted base, it absorbs seamlessly into skin to reveal a sheer, dewy, and breathable finish – no greasy or heavy residue. It wears beautifully on its own or as a primer under make-up. Powered by non-nano zinc oxide (22%), it offers broad-spectrum support without synthetic UV filters, silicones, or artificial fragrance. Infused with antioxidant-rich botanicals and native Australian extracts, Solar Veil helps calm, nourish, and fortify skin exposed to daily stressors, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and breakout-prone types.
WOTNOT
SPF50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
Natural, broad-spectrum zinc sunscreen suitable for your face and body, and those with sensitive skin. The matte finish sunscreen provides high-level, broad-spectrum protection from the harmful effects of UVA & UVB. Enriched with linseed oils, high in omega-3 & 6, the sunscreen is reef-friendly, and free from any nasty toxins or chemicals.
SPF40 Natural Face Sunscreen, BB Cream & Mineral Makeup
This high SPF rated sunscreen offers a great alternative if you want full coverage and great protection. Using Zinc Oxide, it is reef-friendly and toxin-free.
MOTHER SPF
Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Powered by non-nano Zinc Oxide, it shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while calming and soothing with anti-inflammatory benefits. Enriched with Tapioca Starch to control shine and a minimal blend of just 11 natural and organic ingredients, it’s free from fragrance, irritants, and allergens, safe for the whole family, including little ones and sensitive skin.
AVOCADO ZINC
SPF50 Natural Physical Sunscreen
These very high rated SPF sunscreens come in both natural and tinted versions. This 3-in-1 facial sunscreen, moisturiser and primer offers high-performance SPF 50 protection using non-nano zinc oxide to safely shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with a nourishing blend of Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil and Castor Oil, it soothes and moisturises without weighing the skin down or leaving it feeling greasy. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it blends in clear—no white cast in sight—and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It is safe for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and even on babies. It’s preservative-free, fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and reef friendly.
SPF50 Natural Tinted Moisturiser
The 100% natural tinted moisturiser delivers light, breathable coverage while hydrating and protecting your skin with SPF 50. Australian made and formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, avocado oil, and vitamin E, it evens skin tone, softens blemishes and blends beautifully across a wide range of skin tones.
Be patient when making the change.
If you’ve been using chemical sunscreens for some time, it can take some adjustment to change over to a mineral sunscreen. Fortunately with technology advancing every day, the products coming onto the market are getting better and better, leaving the divide between the two minimal.
Switching to a mineral sunscreen means not only will you be protecting the health of you and your family, but our oceans and environment too.
If you have any other natural or mineral sunscreen brands that you have tried and love, please let us know below! Also don’t forget to check out our Australian Eco Directory for more great brands that we recommend.