Is physical sunscreen actually better than chemical?

Recent years, Inorganic physical UV filters are growing in popularity, as they can be less irritating for sensitive skin than certain chemical filters. Minerals like zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are frequently used as inorganic physical sun blockers. More and more people think that zinc-only based sunscreens are more natural and feel more comfortable applying those types of sunscreens on their skin. With proponents and detractors alike, and both chemical and physical UV filters?working by absorbing and deflecting UV rays. Is physical sunscreen actually better than chemical?

According to skin experts physical sunscreens are fine particles of minerals – commonly titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect, as well as absorb, UV radiation. While physical UV filters can be found alone in sunscreens, they can also be used alongside chemical filters in a synergistic way to create very high-SPF, non-irritating sunscreens in light, breathable formulations.

THE PROS

Protects as soon as it’s applied – there's no need to wait before exposing skin to daylight.

Since physical sunscreens have active mineral formulations they provide instant protection whereas chemical sunscreens require you to wait 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Is generally comfortable for all skin types and conditions, particularly sensitive skin.

Physical formulas require fewer ingredients to achieve broad spectrum coverage than chemical blockers, the shorter ingredient list means less of a risk of irritation.

Reef-safe

The ingredients of physical sunscreens are reef-safe, while some chemical organic UV filters have been found to negatively impact coral reefs and other aquatic ecosystems.

It seems to be ideal, when it comes to protecting you against the UV rays，Really?

The truth

A physical sunscreen is often heavier and thicker on the skin than a chemical sunscreen with the same SPF. The biggest downside to them is that they leave a white cast on your face. Most recently, brands have come up with ways to break down those physical sunscreens whether it's zinc or titanium into tiny little particles called nanoparticles.The natural opaqueness of these microsized sunscreen components is eliminated without reducing their UV blocking efficacy by utilizing nanosized ZnO and TiO2 particles.This has also been a source of debate, because there have been people who are worried about the absorption rate of nanoparticles in your system. Nano-titanium and nano-zinc particles may be absorbed by the human body and the aquatic environment.

Physical sunscreens might not be the best choice for oily or acne-prone skins. Additionally, mineral actives alone often offer less protection from damaging UVA radiation than chemical filters.

UV spectra of broad-spectrum UV filters BEMT and DTS measured in ethanol. MBBT, TiO2, and ZnO measured in aqueous dispersion.

Abbreviations: BEMT, bis-ethylhexyloxy methoxyphenyl triazine; DTS, drometrizole trisiloxane; MBBT, methylene bis-benzotrazolyl tetramethyl-butylphenol.

When comparing chemical and physical sunscreen, there is no clear ‘winner’. Rather, It all comes down to which formula you like wearing the most. However, we believe any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen to help protect your skin from UV damage.

That's why we offer a broad range of UV filters that suit both chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. To find out which formula is right for you, consult our SPF guide or chat with your professional dermatologis.

 

Mfsorb® 509
INCI Name: Bemotrizinol
CAS No.：187393-00-6
• The most effective oil soluble broad-spectrum UV filter.
• Highly effective stabilizer for photo unstable sunscreen.
• Very photostable.
• Suitable for high SPF and waterproof sunscreen products,also for day care and skin lightening products.                            
• Max concentration:
10%(EU, ASIA, KR)   
3%(JP)