Chemical Sunscreen
Allows UV light into the skin. Once the light is absorbed, the chemicals in the sunscreen create a reaction in which UV light is converted to heat and dissipates from the skin. The typical chemicals you will find are: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. You will also typically find parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, nonparticles, and more.
Mineral Sunscreen
Uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface and physically prevents UV rays from penetrating the skin. This is the "safer" option of the two. It is not absorbed into the skin like the chemicals in “typical” sunscreen, and usually doesn’t contain all the unnecessary and toxic additives mentioned above.
*Important Note: Titanium dioxide is classified as a possible category-2 carcinogen IF INHALED via loose powders or aerosol sprays (European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). Cream products have not been proven to have any negative effects.
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