To the darling, young people of TikTok, soaking up sun rays sans sunscreen, prioritizing laying out during the high UV index hours: You’re all beautiful, and you should definitely open a high yield savings account right now for future laser treatments.

Before I throw too much shade, (sunscreen pun?), you should know, I’m not a perfect sunscreen user. I consistently apply it to my face, but I could be better about reapplying and I’m definitely not applying it to my bod daily. I vow to get better about that. I don’t even want to imagine my driving arm in 20 years. Oh, and the hands. The hands!

That being said, we can all step up our SPF game for both the beauty and the safety of our skin. When it comes to your face, the sunscreen you choose is the one you will use. If you don’t like the scent, the texture is incompatible with your skin type, or it feels slimy, it’s game over.

chemical vs. mineral Formula

The difference is in how the sunscreen wards off the sun rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the rays and destroy them via chemical reaction.

Mineral sunscreens, sometimes known as physical, use the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to reflect the rays away.

Chemical=absorb and destroy
Mineral=bounce off and away

Chemical SPFs will contain some combination of these ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, homosalate and avobenzone.
Mineral SPFs will contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.

The good news is that both protect you from sun damage and premature aging. Below are some considerations that may help you decide between a mineral and a physical sunscreen.

Chemical

• In general, chemical sunscreens tend to feel a little lighter weight and are more undetectable on the skin.
• Chemical sunscreens can generate a small amount of heat when doing their thing so mineral SPFs are typically recommended for those with melasma, for which heat is a trigger.
• Chemical sunscreens need to absorb for about 20 minutes before effective.

Mineral

• Darker skin tones may experience a white cast with some mineral sunscreens due to their minerals content. This is likely why the brand Black Girl Sunscreen uses a chemical formulation.
• If you have sensitive, reactionary skin, you’ll likely fare better with a mineral SPF.
• Mineral sunscreens are effective from the moment you apply.

Spf Amount

Simply put; you basically need at least 30 and more than 50 isn’t really necessary. All of the recommendations below fall within this range.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield

Best if: your sunscreen is your makeup
Mineral
SPF: 50
Price: $49
Purchase

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield

Best if: you have melasma and will be wearing makeup on top
Mineral
SPF: 30
Price: $20
Purchase

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum

Best if: you have super dry skin, mature skin or will be in cold climates
Mineral
SPF: 50
Price: $65, use code IVYBOYD for 20% off
Purchase

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen

Best if: you have normal skin and like a middle of the road finish
Mineral
SPF: 35
Price: $20, IVYBOYD for 10% off
Purchase

Beauty of Joeson

Best if: you simply cannot stand the feeling of sunscreen
Chemical
SPF: 50
Price: $14.40
Purchase

InnBeauty Mineral Sun Glow

Best if: you love a glow on the skin
Mineral
SPF: 43
Price: $35
Purchase

CLE Cosmetics CCC Cream

Best if: sunscreen is your makeup
Mineral or Chemical
SPF: 50
Price: $38
Purchase

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen

Best if: you’re using sunscreen as makeup primer, prefer a matte finish
Chemical
SPF: 40
Price: $19 on Amazon but get at a Trader Joe’s for the best price
Purchase
Read my review

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Best if: you’re touching up on the go
Mineral
SPF: 30
Price: $17–$20
Purchase

Glossier Invisible Shield

Best if: you hate the feeling of sunscreen and will be wearing makeup on top
Chemical
SPF: 35
Price: $25
Purchase
Read my review