Photo: Adrianna Newell Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story As someone who preaches the importance of daily sun protection to anyone who will listen, I often get asked what’s the best sunscreen I’ve ever used. I could list a few of my faves (and when pressed, I do) but I usually relay the same answer that dermatologists tell me when I ask them the same question: the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use everyday.
We are blessed with so many sunscreen options, it’s hard to go wrong with most of them. But how does one choose that perfect formula that will make you remember this very important step in your routine? To figure that out, there are a couple of things you have to consider. If you’re an active outdoors person, for example, you might want something that’s portable and waterproof. If you have sensitive skin, you might want something with gentle ingredients that won’t cause irritation. And on top of all of that, you’ll have to understand all the different types of sunscreen available to you.
It can be a lot, but that’s where this handy guide comes in. From chemical to mineral and all the different applications, experts break down every type of sunscreen to help you make wise skin health (and shopping) decisions. Read on below.
Types of Sunscreens What does SPF mean? How do you pick the right sunscreen? How We Tested Meet the experts Types of Sunscreen There are two types of sunscreens you can choose from: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. The difference between the two can be broken down as follows:
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, block the sun’s harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin. As Marisa Garshick , MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains it, mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to scatter and reflect the UV rays when it bounces off the skin to protect it from damage.
There are many pros of mineral sunscreen, but they are most known to be less irritating and great for sensitive skin. Though they may leave behind a white cast, Dr. Garshick says that newer formulations have been developed to minimize that. For example, Beauty Pie’s Traceless Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 , Good Weather Skin The One Daily Sun Scream SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen , and ILIA Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 are all lightweight textures that blend into the skin very well, while something like the EltaMD UV Recovery 100% Mineral Face Sunscreen , which has a green tint to color correct any redness.
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According to Hadley King , MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s UV rays and create a chemical reaction to turn the UV rays into heat that will be released from the skin. They’re usually made of chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, and Dr. Garshick says these formulations are generally easier to rub in and won’t leave a white cast. But because they are made of various chemical filters, she does warn that some people may experience some irritation or sensitivity to these types of formulas. Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 (and they add a nice dewy glow for a boost of radiance).
And as of 2026, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) now allows for c…