Why is Mineral Sunscreen better?

Just in time for summer, we’ve launched our NENA SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen. In your search for better-for-you natural skincare products, you’ve probably heard of mineral sunscreen - but do you know why mineral sunscreen is better than conventional chemical sunscreen? 

Let’s start with why sunscreen is important. Exposure to sunlight – including both UVA and UVB rays – is associated with damage to skin cells and DNA and to advanced skin aging. Sunscreen helps protect against the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays.

The key difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens comes down to how they block UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreen sits on the surface of your skin and acts as a shield (that’s why they are sometimes also called ‘physical sunscreens’) while chemical sunscreen contain active ingredients that act like a sponge to absorb UV rays before your skin can soak them up.  

Chemical sunscreens have been known to be more irritating to sensitive or acne-prone skin, and studies have shown they can be absorbed systemically into your body. Some studies have reported finding sunscreen ingredients in breast milk, urine and blood plasma samples - another reason to think twice about what you’re putting on your skin. You know your sunscreen is ‘chemical’ if they contain ingredients on the label like: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate.

In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration, which governs sunscreen safety, proposed its most recent updates to sunscreen regulations. It found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective, based on the currently available information. 

In our NENA Mineral Sunscreen formulation, we use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as our physical protectors against UV rays. By relying on physical blocking properties rather than chemical components, there’s also the added benefit that our sunscreen provides instant protection upon application, eliminating the need to wait for 20 minutes for it to take effect. And, because our formulation is 99% derived from natural ingredients, our sunscreen is also reef and ocean friendly option, a small step to helping protect our earth and minimizing our environmental footprint.

No matter what, sunscreen is an important line of defense from harmful ultraviolet radiation. So choose Mineral Sunscreen so you can pick the best option for your body and our environment.

Ready to try NENA Mineral Sunscreen? Click here to buy!