There’s always some confusion in the sunscreen aisle. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen? What does “water resistant” really mean? What level of SPF should you use? Why is everyone talking about oxybenzone? All these factors can impact your skin, but the question of oxybenzone goes much deeper than that.
Oxybenzone is a chemical that absorbs the sun’s UV rays when applied to the skin, so they can’t penetrate the skin underneath to do damage. However, research shows that oxybenzone can end up in the bloodstream once it’s absorbed by the skin, and scientists are still trying to figure out if that has any consequences for overall health.
Is oxybenzone harmful?
“One of the things we worry about is that it could disrupt the endocrine system—it might be a kind of hormone disruptor,” says Susan Chon, M.D., professor of dermatology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. That’s because some studies suggest oxybenzone may alter hormone levels in both animals and humans.
“It also very commonly causes a photoallergic or irritant reaction,” adds Dr. Chon. This means that when oxybenzone is exposed to sunlight (which is the main purpose of using it!), it can cause an itchy rash or other skin reaction in certain people.
“Those are probably the two main things, but also, it’s actually very damaging to other life, such as coral,” says Dr. Chon, “so much so that in 2018 in Hawaii they banned the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate.” The legislation took effect in January 2021.
The human health concerns over oxybenzone are less concrete than the environmental ones, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement in 2019, which concludes that more research needs to be done on popular chemical sunscreen ingredients—not just oxybenzone.
Should you avoid oxybenzone?
Last year, the FDA followed up with results of a study that found six specific chemical sunscreens can show up in our blood after just one application. “The question is, we don’t know that these are for sure causing damage at this point,” says Dr. Chon. “We don’t know what they do or how long they last in your body, but we do know that they are being absorbed into the bloodstream.” The ingredients highlighted by the FDA are avobenzone, octocylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, and of course, oxybenzone.
That brings us back the beginning: Choosing a sunscreen is confusing. “The FDA is in the process of trying to make specific changes with the way sunscreen is labeled and how it’s advertised,” says Dr. Chon.
Among the proposed changes to labels are having active ingredients listed on the front of the package, a clear warning if the ingredients don’t protect against skin cancer, and new formats for stating SPF, broad spectrum, and water resistance. “It’s a work-in-progress right now,” says Dr. Chon, “but they’re trying to be more careful with the wording and be consistent across the board.”
Until all products meet the proposed guidelines, if you want to avoid oxybenzone and other chemical sunscreen ingredients, search labels for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. “Those are the only two active ingredients that meet the FDA ‘GRASE’ status, which stands for ‘generally recognized as safe and effective,’” says Dr. Chon.
Those mineral-based ingredients aren’t likely to leech into your body the same way that a chemical sunscreen ingredient might. They sit on the skin and reflect UV light, so they never get absorbed into the body.
To help you find a sunscreen you can feel good about, we talked to board-certified dermatologists for their top picks. Every sunscreen on the list below contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, provides broad spectrum UV protection, and contains a minimum of SPF 30. Stock up so you have one less thing to worry about for the rest of the summer.
1 Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena walmart.com
$10.97
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Three of the dermatologists we consulted for this story picked this zinc-based sunscreen—making it the top expert-recommended product on the list. “It’s great for sensitive skin and has a non-greasy finish,” says Elizabeth Mullans, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Uptown Dermatology in Houston.
2 Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 30+
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen target.com
$9.99
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This mineral sunscreen “contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in particle sizes that are too large to penetrate the skin, so it won’t cause irritation,” Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York previously told us. “It provides SPF 30 broad spectrum coverage and the bottle changes color when you are exposed to UV so you have a reminder when you need to apply.”
3 Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
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Don’t knock sunscreen designed for babies until you try it—if it’s good enough for their delicate skin, it’s good enough for you too. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the Hamptons, says it “contains naturally-sourced zinc oxide and soothing ingredients like oatmeal. It is also tear-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and non-greasy.”
4 UV Pure Face and Body Physical Sunscreen SPF 47
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“This sunscreen is ideal for individuals of all ages and various skin types,” says Lucy Chen, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Florida. “It contains both titanium dioxide and transparent zinc oxide, which protects the skin and results in a colorless finish.” It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes after application.
5 Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
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“This sunscreen has photolyase in it, which is an enzyme that works to improve DNA damage after exposure to UV light,” says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., founder of Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, NY. “I think it’s a very good product for heavily sun-damaged skin.” (We love it too, which is why it made the cut in our 2020 Beauty Awards.)
6 Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay walmart.com
$33.50
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This facial sunscreen was another top pick by several dermatologists. The lotion shields against UVA/UVB rays and serves up antioxidants, according to Dr. Mariwalla. “It provides 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 protection in an ultra-light, fast-absorbing texture with light tint for a healthy glow,” she says.
7 Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
Colorescience amazon.com
$34.50
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“I’ve found this to be the best choice for a 100% zinc oxide sunscreen,” says Dr. Chen. Not only is it easily spreadable, it also contains chamomile extract and shea butter. “The skin soaks up all of the amazing nutrients and is left looking smooth, unlike with many other thick zinc oxide products,” she explains. It’s also designed to protect you from blue light and infrared rays.
8 Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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CeraVe is a trusted brand for all types of skin because it’s designed with sensitive complexions in mind—plus, its products are easy to find in just about any drugstore. “This formula is very affordable, lightweight, and the best type of sunscreen for combination skin,” says Dr. Mullans.
9 EltaMD UV Physical Facial Sunscreen SPF 41
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Here’s yet another winner that was selected by more than one of our dermatologists. “This mineral formulation is lightweight and fragrance-free so it won’t clog pores and is gentle on sensitive skin conditions,” says Dr. Mariwalla. The formula is also lightly tinted, water-resistant, and oil-free.
10 Sun-e-Serum Drops SPF 35
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Dr. Mariwalla likes this mineral-based sunscreen because it’s powered by zinc oxide and a unique antioxidant-like compound called Micah, which has been shown to limit damage from UVA rays.
11 Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+
IT Cosmetics sephora.com
$39.50
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“While this is a foundation, I like that it has a mineral sunscreen in it,” says Dr. Mariwalla. “Most makeups that try to promote dual action use a chemical sunscreen, but this is mineral-based SPF 50 and has good coverage for the face in an excellent shade range.”
12 High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50
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If you’re really not into liquid sunscreens, check out this innovative option. “It’s a 100% mineral sunscreen in a light, non-greasy, cream-to-powder formula,” says Dr. Mariwalla. Unfortunately, it only comes in two shades, but it’s worth seeing if one matches your skin for a two-in-one product that evens tone while protecting from damage.
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