Non-Mineral Sunscreen vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

Non-Mineral Sunscreen vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

Summer is here, which means it is time to relax, travel, BBQ, swim and soak up some Vitamin D. So while you pack towels, innertubes and swimsuits, do not...

Summer is here, which means it is time to relax, travel, BBQ, swim and soak up some Vitamin D. So while you pack towels, innertubes and swimsuits, do not forget to pack sunscreen to protect you from sunburns. Applying sunscreen regularly throughout the day is central to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays that can induce skin cancer and premature aging. Lucky for us, there are several different sunscreen options available. Some come in spray bottles for quick application, body lotions that are moisturizing and face lotions that are non-greasy, lightweight and gentle for your delicate skin. Now, the tricky part is that sunscreens come in non-mineral and mineral forms. So how do you find the right sunscreen for your everyday needs?

Mineral-Based Sunscreen

Both non-mineral and mineral-based sunscreens will help to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but you need to understand there are some key differences between the two forms. Non-mineral sunscreen active ingredients are Octocrylene, Octisalate and Avobenzone. These ingredients create a non-physical barrier between you and the sun by absorbing UV radiation, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to go into effect. Non-mineral sunscreens can also be formulated with higher sun protection factors (SPF) to increase coverage. They are also light and easy to blend into the skin and offer almost instant sun protection. So you may be asking yourself, is mineral sunscreen better? Mineral sunscreens work a bit differently, but also offer their own advantages. 

Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the active ingredients of mineral sunscreens, and they create a physical barrier that helps to deflect UVA and UVB rays. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are natural ingredients, which makes mineral sunscreen ideal for sensitive skin; plus, they are also environmentally friendly and reef safe. Additionally, the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that ranks sunscreen brands based on effectiveness and chemical composition, recommends using Zinc Oxide, a mineral that sits on top of the skin while reflecting and protecting from UVA and UVB rays. The benefits of mineral sunscreen are evident, with positive effects for people and the planet.

Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body

At DERMA E, we have three existing mineral-based sunscreens, and have recently expanded our sun care line with the addition of four non-mineral sunscreens and one new mineral sunscreen. 

When it comes to choosing a mineral sunscreen for the face, DERMA E offers different options so you can choose the one best suited for your lifestyle. Our mineral oil-free sunscreen for the face is a classic, combining broad-spectrum coverage with antioxidants that help guard against the signs of aging. It can be worn every day, and it is perfect if you spend a lot of time outdoors. If you prefer to combine your sunscreen with makeup in one convenient product to even out your skin tone, DERMA E has introduced a new line of BB creams. These tinted moisturizers come in five shades and have an SPF of 30+. You can also opt to use the Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30, which you just brush onto your face, either on its own or over makeup, to create a transluscent glow.     

DERMA E has also expanded its collection of sunscreens for the body. Like all of our mineral sunscreens, the Ultra Sheer Mineral Body Sunscreen Mist is formulated with the active ingredients of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. It is nanoparticle free, environmentally friendly, reef safe and comes in a non-aerosol can that is safe for you and the environment. 

Our new non-mineral sunscreens come in four different formulations including Kids Active Sunscreen Spray, Sensitive 3-in-1 Sunscreen and All Sport Performance Face Sunscreen. All four are formulated with Octocrylene, Octisalate and Avobenzone as their active ingredients and work by being absorbed into the skin to offer sun protection. Our non-mineral sunscreens are available in SPF 30 and SPF 50, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. All of our sunscreens are enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to help moisturize and nourish the skin. Other ingredients included in our non-mineral sunscreens are Aloe, Cucumber, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Coconut Oil, Goji Berry, Pomegranate Fruit Extracts, Green Tea and Cocoa Butter.

At DERMA E, regardless of what sunscreen you choose to go with, both our non-mineral and mineral-based sunscreens are water resistant for 80 minutes, contain nourishing ingredients and come in environmentally friendly packaging.Whether you think mineral-based sunscreen is better or you prefer the convenience of non-mineral sunscreen sprays, we have options for you. Once you’ve picked your favorite, apply regularly and enjoy the sun while being protected from sunburns and skin damage!

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