What is a mineral-based sunscreen?
Not all sunscreens are built the same. Sunscreens broadly fall into one of two categories (being either chemical-based or mineral-based) based on the active ingredients used in the product.
Both types of sunscreen formulations offer effective protection from the sun, but they work through different mechanisms. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right formulation for your needs if you’re considering adding sunscreen to your product range.
Read on and we’ll fill you in on what you need to know about mineral-based sunscreens to help you choose the right formulation for what you want to produce.
What are mineral-based sunscreens?
Sometimes referred to as “physical” sunscreens, mineral-based sunscreens utilise certain active ingredients that produce a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This physical barrier works to reflect and scatter ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ultimately preventing the rays from penetrating the skin and inflicting damage.
What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
While mineral and chemical sunscreens are both effective at providing protection against UV radiation, the way they do it is significantly different.
Unlike mineral-based sunscreens which form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, chemical-based sunscreens utilise active ingredients (such as octyl salicylate, octocrylene, homosalate or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) which work to absorb UV radiation and transform it into harmless heat.
What active ingredients are used in mineral-based sunscreen?
The most common active ingredients used in mineral-based sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Zinc oxide is a white, naturally occurring powdery substance that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down when exposed to sunlight, and it is gentle on the skin, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Titanium dioxide is another naturally-occurring mineral with similar properties to zinc oxide. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, it’s photostable and it’s gentle on skin. Titanium dioxide is also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores.
What are the key benefits of mineral-based sunscreens?
Mineral-based sunscreens offer a range of benefits including:
- Broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction compared to some chemical-based sunscreens.
- They provide long-lasting protection.
- Mineral sunscreens often exclude certain chemicals which may make them less harmful to reefs, marine life and the environment.
Are there any downsides to mineral-based sunscreens?
While mineral-based sunscreens offer a range of benefits, there are also a few downsides you should be aware of, such as:
- Mineral sunscreens can produce a slightly white, chalky appearance on the skin, often referred to as a ‘white cast.’ However, the latest innovative mineral-based formulations, including tinted options, can minimise or eliminate this effect for a more seamless finish.
- The texture of mineral sunscreens can feel slightly thicker compared to most chemical sunscreens, but again, modern formulations have come a long way to produce more a pleasing texture and make them easier to apply.
Let’s develop your new sunscreen product
Want to get started developing a new sunscreen product? We can help!
At Wild Child, we make the process of developing a new sunscreen product simple. With a range of quality sunscreen formulations developed by our resident expert chemists ready for you to choose from, we’ll show you how you can launch your new sunscreen product in less time than you may think.Find out more about sunscreen manufacturing with Wild Child or contact us to get started.