Journal

If you’ve ever stood in front of a sunscreen aisle—or scrolled through skincare reels at 1 am—you’ve likely stumbled across the debate: mineral vs. chemical sunscreen. It sounds technical, feels divisive, and often leaves you wondering if you’re using sunscreen “wrong.”
~Juhi Dubey

Here’s the truth: all sunscreens protect you, but how they protect you—and how they feel on your skin—can be very different.

Today, let’s untangle this conversation with the calm clarity it deserves.

First, what do ‘Mineral’ and ‘Chemical’ even mean?

At their core, sunscreens protect your skin by both absorbing and reflecting UV rays.

• Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the sunblocker to sit on the surface of your skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays away like a shield.
  

• Chemical Sunscreens use filters like avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and others to absorb UV rays which then are converted into heat.
  
  

So, why the debate?

1. Immediate Protection vs. Wait Time
   Mineral sunscreens work as soon as you apply them. Chemical sunscreens generally need 15–20 minutes to activate.
   
   

2. Texture & Wearability
   Chemical sunscreens are often lighter, invisible, and work beautifully under makeup.
   Mineral sunscreens used to have a reputation for leaving a white cast, but modern formulations (like Aminu’s Milky Mineral Sunscreen) have redefined that with sheer, breathable finishes.
   
   

3. Sensitivity & Skin Reactions
   Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive, acne-prone, or post-treatment skin because they’re less likely to cause irritation or sting around the eyes.
   Some chemical filters can cause reactions in very sensitive skin or trigger eye irritation during workouts or beach days.
   
   

4. Environmental Impact
   Some chemical filters have been linked to coral reef damage, leading places like Hawaii to ban specific filters. Mineral filters, in their non-nano forms, are considered reef-safe.
   
   

Does one offer better protection?

Both can offer broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB) if the formula is well-designed. What matters more is:

• Choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
  
• Applying the correct amount
• Reapply every 2-3 hours

Does it really matter which you choose?

It matters only if it affects your consistency.
If a sunscreen feels heavy, greasy, or leaves a cast that makes you avoid it, it’s not the right sunscreen for you.

The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear. Daily. Without fail.

In the end, it’s personal

For a long time, mineral sunscreens were the underdogs: protective but chalky. However, innovation in formulation science has altered this narrative, creating sunscreens that seamlessly combine protection with ease.

Whether you choose a mineral- or chemical-based sunscreen, it is your skin’s insurance policy against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Your sunscreen doesn’t need to be perfect; it needs to be consistent.