What’s the difference between mineral and chemical SPF?

Skincare

There are two main types of sunscreen out there, so here’s what you need to know when shopping:

Chemical (also known as organic or synthetic) sunscreens

These are the most commonly used sunscreens and work by absorbing UV light and releasing them back into the atmosphere as heat – so your skin doesn’t hold onto the heat.

Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. They tend to have a thinner and more lightweight texture and spread more easily on the skin.

However, due to the chemical formula, this type of sunscreens gets ‘used’ up quickly when in direct sun, so needs to be re-applied regularly.

Mineral sunscreen can often leave a white cast on the skin and therefore aren’t the best at being inclusive for all skin tones, plus larger amounts are required to achieve adequate protection.

It needs to be applied regularly throughout the day for effective skin protection.

Mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen works by scattering or reflecting UV light (a bit like a mirror would).

They provide protection from the sun immediately after application and tend to last longer in the sun. However, be aware that they wash off with sweat and water.

Mineral sunscreen can often leave a white cast on the skin and therefore aren’t the best at being inclusive for all skin tones, plus larger amounts are required to achieve adequate protection.

It needs to be applied regularly throughout the day for effective skin protection.

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    Universal Soft-Cream Moisturiser

    £20
    £22 £20

    An ultra-creamy moisturiser to provide all skin types with daily hydration for dreamy, balanced skin.

  • Worth £18

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    Universal Cream Cleanser

    £16
    £18 £16

    A gentle cream-to-foam face wash for every day use to cleanse and nourish all skin types.

  • Worth £25

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    Everyday Hero SPF 50+

    £22
    £25 £22

    A lightweight, non-greasy SPF50+ face moisturiser that provides coverage from UVA, UVB, blue light and environmental stressors, for Broad Spectrum everyday protection, whatever the weather. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

  • Worth £22

    Clarifying HydroGel Moisturiser

    Clarifying HydroGel Moisturiser

    £20
    £22 £20

    An ultra-lightweight gel moisturiser that sinks in fast to hydrate oily and blemish-prone skin with a barely-there feel.

  • Worth £18

    Clarifying Gel Cleanser

    Clarifying Gel Cleanser

    £16
    £18 £16

    A rebalancing gel-to-foam face wash for oily and blemish-prone skin, to cleanse away unwanted oil and impurities for clearer skin.

  • Worth £18

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    Clear & Glow Tonic Juice

    £16
    £18 £16

    A gently exfoliating, super-mild toner to help reduce excess oil and prevent breakouts, while soothing skin and leaving a natural glow. Suitable for teens of 15 years+ with oily and blemish-prone skin.

  • Worth £12

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    Cleansing Pads

    £11
    £12 £11

    Pre-soaked, nourishing pads for kind-to-skin cleansing on the go.

  • Worth £18

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    Clear Skin Fix Mask

    £16
    £18 £16

    A gentle but effective clay mask that visibly targets oil, blemishes and impurities without stripping essential moisture from the skin. 

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