Mineral sunscreen is usually the safer bet.

Yes, mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate your skin and is better for the environment, but chemical sunscreen works fine for most people.

The main difference is how they block UV. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of your skin and physically reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, oxybenzone, etc.) absorb UV and convert it to heat, which then dissipates. Mineral starts protecting immediately; chemical needs about 15 minutes to absorb. Mineral is generally less irritating, especially for sensitive eyes or rosacea-prone skin. Chemical can sting if it gets in your eyes and some ingredients (oxybenzone) are linked to coral reef damage and hormone disruption — not ideal, but the evidence isn’t conclusive for everyday use.

The tradeoff is cosmetic: mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones. Chemical sunscreens are invisible. If you don’t have sensitive skin and you’re not about to dive into a reef, chemical is perfectly fine. But if you want the safest, most no-fuss option, go mineral.

Pick one that fits your lifestyle — but don’t skip sunscreen either way.