Physical vs. chemical: The right sunscreen for you
Physical vs. chemical sunscreen: What’s the difference, and is one better than the other?
RELATED: The best sunscreen lotions to suit every taste
Sun protection is a serious business (especially at this time of year!), so I spoke to dermatologist and Banana Boat expert Saxon Donald Smith to get the facts straight. Turns out, there’s more to sunscreen than meets the eye...
What is the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen?
As Saxon explains, chemical sunscreens work to “absorb UV rays and convert this absorbed energy into safer, longer lower energy wavelengths such as infra-red.” These safer rays are felt as “heat only” on the skin.
Different chemicals absorb different kinds of UV rays. Avobenzone, for example, absorbs UVA rays, while octinoxate absorbs UVB rays. According to Saxon, when you apply your sunscreen, “These chemicals are absorbed into the very top layer of the skin (epidermis) and protect against UV rays penetrating deeper in the skin (dermis).”
RELATED: The difference between UVA and UVB rays
On the other hand, physical sunscreens use physical blockers such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to “simply but effectively reflect or scatter the UV rays from the skin surface.” Rather than being absorbed into the skin, “These particles sit on top of the skin and protect against further penetration deeper into the skin (dermis).”
To sum it up, physical sunscreen acts like a shield against UV rays, while chemical sunscreen changes the form of the rays themselves, rendering them harmless.
What is more common in Australia?
Physical and chemical sunscreens are both commonly available in Australia – and both are subject to a stringent approval process. The chemical ingredients commonly used across major sunscreen brands must be “approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Authority), just as physical sunscreens are,” Saxon says.
Physical and chemical sunscreens with an SPF over 15 are also tested to the Australian Standard – “the highest testing standard in the world for sunscreens” – and are considered a medical product.
So, whether you use an Australian sunscreen that contains physical blockers, chemical blockers or a mixture of both, you’re protecting your skin with a high-quality SPF.
RELATED: How to spot a melanoma
Is one more effective than the other?
In short, the answer is no – it comes down to your preference. As Saxon explains, “Both chemical absorbers and physical blockers are equally effective at protecting the skin when applied appropriately.” The expert likens choosing a sunscreen to “choosing a moisturiser”, saying it’s “a very personal thing as people like different characteristics in the creams that they use.”
For example, if you’re a fitness fanatic, you may prefer the feeling of a barely-there chemical sunscreen (as opposed to a physical sunscreen sitting on your skin’s surface, especially when you sweat).
On the other hand, physical sunscreens are generally recommended for those with sensitive skin, who tend to tolerate physical UV blockers better than chemical ones.
RELATED: Top 7 sunscreens for sensitive skin
3 OF THE BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS TO TRY:
Banana Boat Sun Comfort Lotion, NEUTROGENA® Beach Defence Sunscreen Lotion SPF50, Hamilton Active Family Lotion Sunscreen
3 OF THE BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS TO TRY:
Invisible Zinc® 4HR Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA-UVB, WOTNOT 30+ SPF Natural Sunscreen, Billie Goat Soap Natural Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
RELATED: Do you need to wear SPF all year round?
Do you use a physical or a chemical sunscreen? Did you know the difference?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
119 Member Comments
I personally prefer physical sunscreen these days as I'm not a fan of the way chemical sunscreens smell, plus I've found that I can react to chemical sunscreens. I will agree that chemical sunscreens can feel less greasy, but it really depends on the formulation I reckon. My personal faves are Invisible Zinc's Sheer Defence Moisturiser + Ego Sunsense's Sensitive Invisible sunscreen.
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I never know this. Great informative article.
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Had know idea there was different types of sunscreens
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When I look through my sunscreen collection I notice that there is a mix of physical and chemical sunscreens.
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My moogoo physical sunscreen has split again (second tube and it happens every time) so I am ditching it.
Tried wotnot pictured above and dear lord. I have not used anything this oily before, except facial oil.
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I mainly use chemical ones but I do have the Arden prevage sunscreen and I think this is a physical one
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This is such an informative article to explain the differences. Most of mine after chemical. All the physical sunscreens I have used are so thick and greasy on the face. Currently using a japanese one (Biore Uv watery essense) and I love the texture and finish on my skin. Been wearing it all summer and no sunburn, even after spending all my lunch break in Hyde Park.
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I'd be interested to know if they is a cost difference between the two
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I have just bought a Japanese sunscreen to try for the first time when I run out of my La Roche Posay. They are supposed to be very goof for under makeup and don’t make you greasy or sting the eyes.
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I've always wanted to try physical sunscreen but the last time I did (tried the Invisible Zinc untinted), I got a bad rash =(
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I wasn't aware of the difference and found this article very interesting. I will know more when I go to purchase next time now!
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Invisible Zinc makes the list - yay.
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I love IZ but won’t wear it to the beach as it impacts on coral. Titanium diocese is a better option for beach days...
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Every physical sunscreen I have tried has been super uncomfortable as a glasses wearer.
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I haven't ventured into the chemical vs physical sunscreen debate yet. However currently trying out Korean and later Japanese sunscreens!
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I prefer physical sunscreen as my skin can be sensitive
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Had no idea there were 2 different types. So am I right in assuming the chemical sunscreens would help you get a tan then as it doesn't shield of the sun but absorbs at a lower level?!
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I prefer to use a physical S/S on my face but most of the ones I've tried have been too heavy and greasy
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Used both and know the physical is better for protection but wow its greasyyyyyy.
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I must use physical. Prefer none, but since I got so much sun damage from not wearing any for almost 4 decades and sun worship....ya.
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I was exploring UPF face masks but they look too much like balaclavas...
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There is also the argument against using sunscreens that cause coral bleaching.
Tests have shown that oxybenzone and zinc oxide both cause bleaching.
Apparently titanium dioxide sunscreens are safe for coral reefs.
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It'd be great if BH could do an article on this.
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For melasma, tinted physical sunscreens are the most effective hands down.
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my daily face suncreen is a chemical (30+) but if im heading out into the sun like to the beach or something i use a physical on my face and body. i find physical sunscreens dont like to sit between my oily skin and makeup. chemical on makeup days for me
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