The difference between a physical and chemical SPF sunscreen filter
Do you choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen?
What different types of UV filters are there in sunscreens?
There are two different types of sun protection: skincare with a physical or chemical sunscreen filter. Both have unique properties and benefits and help protect the skin against harmful UV rays. Skincare products with a chemical filter are absorbed by the skin: they sink into the skin. Products with a physical (mineral) filter instead stay on top of the skin, which means they reflect UV rays. Because they don't penetrate the skin, the risk of skin irritation is lower and they are mainly suitable for people with (very) sensitive skin.
PRO TIP! Prisma Protect SPF30 protects the skin against harmful UV radiation, free-radical damage and air pollution.
What is the difference between a physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreen filter?
Chemical (absorbing) filter:
- UV rays are absorbed
- Penetrates the skin
- Must be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun
- Suitable for almost all skin types.
- Can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin or those who have recently undergone an intensive skin treatment (such as a chemical peel or microneedling).
- Is often waterproof / sweatproof (so suitable for athletes or people who are active outdoors)
- Usually don't leave a shine and are transparent
PRO TIP! Protection 50 Sport SPF50 offers broad-spectrum sun protection and is suitable for both the body and the face. The formula doesn't feel greasy and absorbs quickly, so it's perfect for a day at the beach!
Physical / Mineral (reflecting) filter:
- Reflects UV rays
- Stays on top of the skin
- Protects the skin against UV rays immediately after application
- Suitable for all skin types, including people with sensitive or recently exfoliated skin
- Are usually white and visible on the skin because of the ingredient zinc oxide. Read more about zinc oxide in this blog
- Can easily be wiped off the skin (not handy in the water)
PRO TIP! Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 offers physical SPF broad-spectrum protection and leaves no white cast making it suitable for all skin tones.
Which SPF product (sunscreen) is right for my skin?
It all comes down to which formula you prefer to wear. At Dermalogica we believe that using a sunscreen or another SPF skincare product is better than using nothing at all to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. That's why we offer a wide range of SPF products and sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum sun protection and suit different preferences and lifestyles. Below you'll find an overview of our SPF products and which type of sunscreen filter they contain:
Dermalogica products with a chemical filter:
- Protection 50 Sport SPF50
- Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50
- Pure Light SPF50
- Prisma Protect SPF30
- Oil Free Matte SPF30
- Clearing Defense SPF30
- Solar Defense SPF50
Dermalogica products with a physical filter:
- Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
- Total Eye Care SPF15
- Skin Perfect Primer SPF30
