Physical sunscreens

Physical, also known as inorganic or mineral sunscreen, contains minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which can be found in the ingredient list under names like Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide. Physical sunscreen scatters UV radiation away from the skin to some extent (about 5%) in addition to absorbing harmful UV rays itself, similar to chemical sunscreens. However, unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin and may therefore have a richer texture.

For babies and those with sensitive skin, physical sunscreen may be a better option than chemical sunscreen.

What are the benefits of mineral sunscreen?
Physical sunscreen may be better suited for sensitive skin than chemical ones. Additionally, fragrance-free physical sunscreens are recommended for babies.

Is physical sunscreen suitable for the face?
Both physical and chemical sunscreens are suitable for the face, and they are equally effective and long-lasting as long as they are used correctly and reapplied often enough. A good basic guideline for the face is a teaspoon of cream every two hours when spending time in the sun.

Physical aka organic sunscreen for the face

Organic aka physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin and are often therefore richer in texture. They may also be better suited for sensitive skin than chemical ones.

Physical or inorganic sunscreen disperses UV radiation away from the skin to some extent (about 5-10%) in addition to the formula absorbing harmful UV rays itself, just like chemical sunscreens do. But unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin, which is why they are often richer in texture.

The persistent misconception that physical sunscreens work solely by reflecting UV radiation stems from a wrong conclusion from the 1970s, which has since been disproven multiple times. The most common minerals in physical sunscreens are zinc and titanium oxides, which primarily work in the same way as organic (i.e., chemical) sunscreens; the electrons they contain absorb UV radiation and convert it into a harmless form on the skin.

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Physical or also known as organic sunscreen and mineral sunscreen contains minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, found in the ingredient list under names like Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide. Physical sun protection scatters UV radiation away from the skin to some extent (about 5%) in addition to the composition absorbing harmful UV rays itself, like chemical sunscreens. But unlike chemical ones, physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin and may therefore have a richer texture. For those with sensitive skin and babies, physical sunscreen may be a better option than chemical sunscreen.

Sunscreen with nano filter

Some physical sunscreens have a label non-nano filter or nano-filter. In some sunscreens nano-sized mineral particles are used to reduce the white cast left by the cream on the skin. But the smaller the particle is made, the more easily it is absorbed into the skin. Non-nano filter means that the product does not contain nano-sized particles, so in principle the minerals do not penetrate the skin.

This stems from the potential harmful effects of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which they may cause in the body, especially when combined with UV radiation. However, these nanoparticles have not yet been shown in studies to penetrate very deeply into the skin, only into the very top dead layer of the skin.