Should sunscreen have chemical filters or physical/mineral filters?

When choosing a sunscreen, deciding whether it is better to use a chemical or physical (mineral) filter depends on your skin type, sensitivities, and personal preference. Here are the differences and advantages between the two types:

1. Chemical Filter Sunscreens:

• Working principle: It is absorbed into the skin and neutralizes sun rays (UV rays) by chemically transforming them before they are absorbed by the skin.

• Active ingredients: Substances such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate.

• Advantages:

  • It has a light texture and does not leave an oily feeling.

  • It does not leave white marks and is easily absorbed.

  • There are varieties with high protection factors (SPF).

• Disadvantages:

  • May cause irritation or allergic reactions on sensitive skin.

  • Because they are absorbed into the skin, some of the chemicals may mix with the blood.

  • It is necessary to wait approximately 20 minutes after application for it to take effect.

2. Physical/Mineral Filter Sunscreens:

• Working principle: It creates a thin barrier on the skin surface and reflects the sun's rays (UVA and UVB) back, preventing them from reaching the skin.

• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.

• Advantages:

  • It takes effect immediately; there is no need to wait after application.

  • It is more suitable for sensitive skin and is less likely to cause irritation.

  • It is generally environmentally friendly and does not harm coral reefs in the sea.

• Disadvantages:

  • It may be thick and leave a white coating.

  • May feel oily or heavy, especially in thicker formulas.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, sunscreens with physical/mineral filters may be more suitable.

• If you have oily skin or don't like white residue, creams with chemical filters may be a better choice. However, there are many mineral filter sunscreens on the market that have eliminated these negative effects.

• If you're looking for natural ingredients or an eco-friendly product, mineral sunscreens may be a more sustainable option.

Both types protect the skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. Therefore, choosing the one that best suits your skin type and needs will be the best decision.

As KOREKOZ, we only recommend and offer you sunscreens with mineral filters, as chemical filter sunscreens can be absorbed by the skin and mix with the blood. Thanks to the technologies and manufacturer selections in South Korea, we choose products that eliminate the factors considered disadvantages in mineral filter creams.

Conclusion:

Sunscreens with physical/mineral filters are generally considered more natural and healthy, especially for sensitive skin and environmentally conscious users. Here's why:

1. Physical/Mineral Filter Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide):

• It is considered more natural because its ingredients are minerals obtained from the earth (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).

• It forms a barrier on the skin and is not absorbed into the skin. Therefore, it is not absorbed by the body and does not mix with the bloodstream.

• Low risk of irritation: Considered safe for sensitive skin and children.

• Environmentally friendly: Unlike chemical filters, it will not harm coral reefs. Many sunscreens containing chemical filters can contain substances that threaten ocean life (e.g. oxybenzone and octinoxate).

2. Chemical Filter Sunscreens:

• Chemical ingredients are absorbed into the skin, and some studies have shown that these chemicals can enter the bloodstream, albeit at low levels.

• Some chemical filters (e.g. oxybenzone) have been linked to hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions. However, the long-term health effects of these substances are still under debate.

• Most of them are made from synthetic ingredients and may cause reactions such as sensitivity, redness or acne on some skin types.

Conclusion:

• If you want a healthier and more natural option, sunscreens with physical/mineral filters are usually preferred. These creams reflect UV rays by creating a protective barrier on the skin, reducing the risk of exposure to chemical ingredients.

• Creams with chemical filters may offer some advantages (lightweight, no white residue), but there are concerns about their long-term effects because their ingredients can be absorbed into the body.

If naturalness and environmental awareness are important to you, sunscreens with mineral filters are a more suitable option.