Sunscreen explained: mineral vs chemical, without the jargon

The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear every day. Both mineral and chemical formulas protect you when they list SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum coverage. The real difference is texture, finish, and price — not how well they block the sun. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on skin and can leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. Chemical sunscreens use filters like avobenzone and octocrylene. They absorb in, go on clear, and usually feel lighter. Which should you buy? If you hate the chalky look, start chemical. If your skin stings from most products, start mineral. And if you already own a sunscreen you like, keep using it — that advice comes straight from the testing experts, and it saves you money. What do mineral and chemical actually mean? Skip the marketing words. Look at the active ingredients on the back of the bottle. That list tells you which type you are holding.

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