Mineral vs. Synthetic Sun Protection

To start, we think it is important to clarify that both mineral and synthetic sun protection can protect skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

How does mineral sun protection differ from synthetic sun protection?

Mineral sun protection works completely differently from synthetic protection. Mineral protection uses minerals - zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide - which sit on top of the skins surface creating a protective ‘shield’ over the skin. These minerals instantly reflect the sun’s rays before they can penetrate the skin’s surface, so you can enjoy the sun immediately after applying. In comparison, synthetic sun protection is absorbed into the skin. After 20-30 minutes the sun protection becomes effective and, through a chemical reaction, will absorb UV rays and then convert them into heat which is then dissipated from the skin. 

In both instances your skin is protected from UV rays. However, with synthetic sun protection before the chemicals can offer any UV protection your skin first has to absorb them which can cause irritation, reactions (like prickly heat) and extreme discomfort.

What ingredients are used in mineral sun protection and synthetic sun protection?

All mineral SPF’s will contain either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both which sit on top of the skin reflecting UV rays. Some brands now combine mineral protection with synthetic chemical enhancers to boost the SPF, however a certified natural or organic sun protection product, such as our ORGANii products as well as brands such as lavera, Weleda and eco cosmetics, will be formulated with natural SPF boosting ingredients such as avocado oil, coconut oil, almond oil, karanja oil and carrot seed oil to reach the desired factor. Some brands who use synthetic enhancers can still claim to be organic as the word is not regulated for use on skincare products the same way that it is strictly regulated for food, so if you’re not sure, look for a natural or organic certification label from an independent certifier on the bottle because these manufacturers really care.

Synthetic sun protection products typically include between two to six active chemical ingredients, the most common being Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Because these sunscreens are absorbed by the skin before they can become effective, these chemicals can cause skin inflammation, irritations and rashes and can disrupt hormones in both men and women.

EWG (Environmental Working Group) test chemicals for their hazard level and rates them from 1 (Best) to 10 (Worst).

Oxybenzone: 6-8 - “Oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” - EWG

Octinoxate: 5 - “This common sunscreen ingredient is shown to have hormone-mimicking effects on laboratory animals. This chemical is found in humans, including mothers' milk samples.” - EWG

These chemicals not only effect our bodies but our environment too. In 2018 the governor of Hawaii passed a bill into law that banned the sale of all sun products that contain Oxybenzone and Octinoxate on all Hawaiian islands as they are known to damage coral reefs and fish.