If you tend towards a natural and more eco-friendly alternative for sun protection, you should opt for mineral sunscreen. However, many people wonder about the difference between mineral and synthetic – colloquially also known as chemical – sunscreen. In our blog post, we have summarized the most important differences for you.
What UV filters are there?
For sunscreens, a distinction is made between two types of UV filters: organic filters, colloquially known as "chemical" or "synthetic" filters, and inorganic filters, better known as "mineral" or "physical" filters. [1]
How do they differ in their mode of action?
Sunscreens with chemical UV filters are absorbed into the skin, absorb the sun's rays, and convert them into heat energy. Mineral filters (e.g., zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), on the other hand, sit on the skin and reflect the sun's rays; they thus form a physical barrier and prevent UV rays from penetrating skin cells in the first place. [2] [3]
Due to the filter particles, some mineral natural cosmetic sunscreens leave white residues on the skin. However, formulations have been refined in recent years so that there are now also mineral sunscreens with only a slight, so-called "whitening effect."
Note: Excessive exposure to strong sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer (UVB radiation) and accelerates skin aging (UVA radiation). Therefore, we should protect our skin, and especially the skin of babies and children, which still needs to develop its own UV protection, with sufficient sunscreens. [3] We also recommend protective UV clothing and avoiding the midday sun.
What does this mean for your health?
Some chemical filters are suspected of having hormonal effects, which has been demonstrated in cell and animal studies (e.g., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene). [3] [4] According to current knowledge, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has so far classified one chemical sun protection factor as harmful to health; however, a re-evaluation of approved UV filters at the European level is being discussed. [5]
In contrast to chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens work immediately after application without a waiting period and interact less with skin cells, which is why they are often well tolerated and skin reactions are rare. [4]
What does this mean for the environment?
On many mineral sunscreens, you will find the label "coral-friendly", "reef friendly" or "reef-safe". However, these terms can be misleading. Therefore, we state on our products that they are "compliant with the Hawaii Reef Act". This means that the use of sunscreens containing the chemical UV filters oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate is legally prohibited, as these filters contribute to coral bleaching and can harm marine life with unclear long-term consequences. [6] [7]
It is important to us that our mineral sunscreens are good for you, your skin, and also more acceptable for the environment. As certified natural cosmetics, we refrain from using the aforementioned UV filters and are therefore compliant with the "Hawaii Reef Act".
⇢ You can find more tips on sun protection for you and your little ones in the blog article by founder and doctor Michaela.
O U R E X P E R T
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of 3
Sources:
[1] Serpone N. et al. Inorganic and organic UV filters: Their role and efficacy in sunscreens and suncare products. Inorganica Chimica Acta, 2007, 360, 794–802
[2] Meinhard, E. Service: Sunscreens in test. For ARD | DasErste.de, 2018. Online at: https://www.daserste.de/information/politik-weltgeschehen/morgenmagazin/service/service-Sonnenschutzmittel-Test-100.html (28.05.2018)
[3] glückskind Magazin, Sunscreen for babies and children – 7 questions and 7 answers. https://www.dm.de/glueckskind/magazin/sonnencreme-kinder-c488332.html (01.06.2019)
[4] Throl, C., Thomas, K. Sunscreen in test: Which sun protection we recommend for the skin. In: ÖKO-TEST June 2018, 2018. Excerpt online at: https://www.oekotest.de/kosmetik-wellness/Sonnencreme-im-Test-Welchen-Sonnenschutz-wir-fuer-die-Haut-empfehlen_111085_1.html (24.05.2018)
[5] Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Information, tips and recommendations on sunscreens, 2005. Online at: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/informationen_tipps_und_empfehlungen_zu_sonnenschutzmitteln.pdf (22.08.2005)
[6] n-tv, Hawaii bans UV filters: Sunscreens harm marine animals, 2018. Online at: https://www.n-tv.de/wissen/Sonnencremes-schaden-Meerestieren-article20497528.html (26.06.2018)
[7] n-tv, Holiday paradise protects corals: Palau bans most sunscreens , 2018. Online at: https://www.n-tv.de/wissen/Palau-verbietet-Grossteil-der-Sonnencremes-article20701373.html (02.11.2018)
