Chemical sunscreens aren’t normally recommended on SimplySunSafe as they are the worst sunscreens.
Purely physical sunscreens (the best sunscreens) are known to have a number of benefits including the method and effectiveness of protection (though they are less cosmetic in feel and finish). For this reason, it’s not easy to write about the best chemical sunscreen.
So I’m going to offer up a compromise:
Hybrid sunscreens.
These sunscreens contain both physical and chemical ingredients so you get the best of both worlds – effective sun protection with a cosmetic feel and pleasant finish.
As noted by the Skin Cancer Foundation many of the sunscreens available today are, in fact, hybrids. The inclusion of chemical ingredients is nothing to be worried about, you simply need to do your research to know which products will protect your skin the best.
Let me be the one to help you with that!
After careful consideration into what is acceptable from a chemical sunscreen for properly protecting your skin, SimplySunSafe recommends EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 as the best chemical sunscreen. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 chemical sunscreens.
Buyer’s Guide
To help ensure that you receive the proper protection for your skin, there are some must-have features that I suggest you search for in your chemical sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
When it comes to differences between using chemical or physical sunscreens, broad spectrum protection is not one of them. It is the most important feature for you to search for no matter what type of sunscreen you plan to use!
With broad spectrum you are protected in a balanced way against both UVA and UVB rays. This is important because these two radiation types cause damage in different ways.
While UVB rays cause sunburns or tans by damaging the outer layer of your skin, UVA rays cause premature aging by penetrating the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis).
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer and that is why you need to have broad spectrum protection whether you use physical or chemical sunscreen!
Sunscreen packaging will usually provide details about this protection. If not, you can look for ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to know you’re properly protected.
You can also just rely on the SimpySunSafe recommendations below as I’ve done all the work to exclude bad sunscreens from this list.
Best SPF for Chemical Sunscreens
I’ll take a wild guess and say that you generally focused more on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) than on whether or not a sunscreen was physical or chemical when you were buying them in the past. Am I right? You’re not alone! And it is important, but only if you understand how it actually works. Here’s a flash lesson.
The SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied your sunscreen. Let’s say you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. You guessed it! That means that 1/30th of the sun’s UVB rays will reach your skin.
The key to utilizing it properly is just to realize that while it’s helpful, it doesn’t mean that you can stay out in the sun 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen! There are actually a lot of factors, like time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen and reflections from surfaces like water or sand, that influence the effectiveness of SPF.
The SPF works the same in chemical sunscreens as it does in physical ones. With your newfound SPF education, look at this table to see how much protection you really get from different SPFs:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Has your mind been opened up regarding SPFs? In reality, the differences are very small. That being said, how do you know which SPF is the right one to look for in your chemical sunscreen?
There is an overall guideline set out by the AAD, which SimplySunSafe feels is reasonable. They suggest that you choose sunscreens with SPFs no lower than 30 yet no higher than 50.
Within this SPF range, you’ll get great protection. Note that you shouldn’t be paying all that much more for SPF 50 though as you’re only getting an extra 1% protection compared to SPF 30.
Be sure to carry your sunscreen with you and reapply at least every two hours, no matter what SPF you have chosen!
Differences between chemical and physical sunscreens
Are you wondering why there is such a fuss about distinguishing between chemical and physical sunscreens? The reality is that there are important differences which lie in the active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
Physicals stop more radiation and do so across a wider spectrum. Put simply, they do a better job of being a sunscreen. On top of this they:
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer on the skin
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
For these reasons, most of the sunscreens featured on SimplySunSafe are physical sunscreens.
This should also show you why I’ve chosen to recommend hybrids instead of purely chemical sunscreens.
When choosing a hybrid, it will serve you to be cautious with which chemical ingredients you choose to allow on your skin. Some ingredients in chemical sunscreens mess with your hormones. The worst of these is called oxybenzone and is still legal despite concerns from the FDA.
As you search through chemical sunscreens, I strongly advise that you check the ingredients lists to ensure that oxybenzone is not included.
Hybrid formulas
There are endless amounts of chemical sunscreens available on the market. It can be hard to distinguish which will provide you with quality protection.
One things to search for is hybrid formulas. This means that the formula has a mix of physical and chemical active ingredients. Choosing hybrid formulas is a safer choice for your skin and will likely result in more satisfactory sun protection than choosing solely chemical formulas.
To ensure you’ve got a hybrid formula check the active ingredients for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. One of both of these will be found amongst chemical ingredients like octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene.
Suitable for daily use
When you’re searching for your chemical sunscreen, make sure to consider the effects of the ingredients on your skin. In order to be sufficiently protected, you will need to wear your sunscreen on a daily basis.
That means that the ingredients in your chemical sunscreen must be gentle enough, if not designed to be extra nourishing, so that you can wear it daily without experiencing irritation.
You will also want to think about your lifestyle and consider what kind of sunscreen you need to fit in easily with your daily routine. Think about whether you want one sunscreen that can be used on your face and body to streamline your skin care process
Also, you may want to think about whether or not you want to wear makeup on top of your sunscreen.
Best Chemical Sunscreen Comparison
| EltaMD UV Sport |
 Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer |
 Obagi Sun Shield |
 Atomy Sunscreen Beige |
 Kiss My Face Face Factor |
|
| SPF | 50 | 30 | 50 | 50+ | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (9%), Octinoxate (7%), & Octisalate (5%) | Octinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (7%), Octisalate (2.5%), & Octocrylene (2.5%) | Zinc Oxide (10.5%) & Octinoxate (7.5%) | Zinc Oxide (13.44%), Octinoxate (6.8%), Titanium Dioxide (4.88%), & Octisalate (4.5%) | Octinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (3%), & Octisalate (3%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | No | No | No | 40 minutes |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Chemical Sunscreens
After extensive research into what is needed for proper protection from chemical sunscreens which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best chemical sunscreens.
Each product provides hybrid, broad spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher. They are all suitable for daily use, as well!
1. EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- EltaMD UV Sport Face and Body Sunscreen is formulated for active lifestyles and is the perfect sport sunscreen lotion for enjoying all your favorite outdoor activities while protecting your skin from the sun
- This SPF 50 body sunscreen lotion is water resistant and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it won't rinse off in the water or when you sweat
- EltaMD sport sunscreen lotion can be applied on wet or dry skin and is built for all types of physical activity, whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, golfing, running, walking or any other type of outdoor physical activity
- This sports sunscreen lotion is the perfect size for packing in your bag and bringing along for days trips and other fun outdoor activities
- Block damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun while providing powerful protection for your skin using this sport sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This EltaMD sunscreen is a great option for all skin types as it is non-comedogenic, fragrance and oil free which means that it will be very gentle on your skin.
The formula of this sunscreen is lightweight and blends well with other skin products, including makeup so daily use won’t interrupt your established skincare routine. Not to mention that it does not leave a white cast and it absorbs quickly into your skin!
Just in case you find yourself in need, EltaMD UV Sport provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance to protect your skin even if you’re sweating or participating in water activities.
- Zinc oxide as active ingredient
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Pleasant finish
- A bit pricey
2. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
- Lightweight moisturizer provides an immediate surge of active hydration
- Formulated with Vitamin E, B3, and aloe
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30 with SolaSheer Sensitive Technology helps protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays
- Fragrance-free moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 30 helps prevent sun damage by protecting against 97% of the sun's burning rays
- Gently conditions your skins surface with aloe, Vitamin E, B3 & pro-vitamin B5
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Olay is an excellent choice if you’re interested in creating a simple daily skincare routine which requires fewer products. With Olay, you receive the necessary daily broad spectrum protection in combination with the nourishing skin care that you would search for in other products. It’s ideal for daily use on your face.
Olay can be used on all skin types even those with sensitive tendencies. It is non-comedogenic and full of moisturizing and conditioning ingredients including aloe for an optimal skin care experience. The lightweight formula absorbs very quickly into your skin and you won’t even notice you’re wearing it!
This may be the best chemical sunscreen for your face!
- Zinc oxide as active ingredient
- Combination of sunscreen and skin moisturizer
- Gentle enough for all types of skin
- No water resistance
3. Obagi Medical Sun Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- Broad Spectrum UVB & UVA Protection: Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, Obagi Medical’s Sun Shield Sunscreen lotion is one of the best sunscreens on the market! This broad-spectrum sunscreen spf 50 combines UVB and UVA and is specially formulated with mattifying ingredients to prevent oiliness & deflect the sun’s harmful rays and provides complete skin sun protection.
- Paraben-Free & Fragrance Free: Obagi’s Matte Sun screen is Paraben-free, Fragrance Free, & dermatology tested. Allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that you’re applying a high-quality sunscreen to you & your loved one's skin.
- Sheer Matte Finish: Obagi Medical’s Broad-spectrum sun skin care is specially formulated with mattifying ingredients to help prevent oiliness & leave your skin with a sheer matte finish throughout the day.
- Zinc Oxide Non-Comedogenic Formula: Zinc oxide is a natural highly effective active ingredient for helping deflect UV rays & reduce signs of skin aging. This sunscreen is also non-comedogenic so it will not clog your pores which is important because clogged pores can lead to breakouts, blackheads, and more.
- How to Apply: To apply this face spf liberally on your skin, use a thin layer of sunscreen for even and matte finish, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure or as needed & reapply at least every two hours. Note: If you’re going swimming, you will need to use water-resistant sunscreen.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Obagi Medical Sun Shield Sunscreen is another popular product that you can trust if you choose to use chemical sun protection. You will receive hybrid broad spectrum protection with active ingredients zinc oxide (10.5%) and octinoxate (7.5%).
Obagi is another chemical sunscreen that is suitable for use on all skin types due to its formula being designed with sensitivities such as lack of fragrance kept in mind. You will be able to incorporate this product easily into your daily skincare routine.
It absorbs well into your skin without causing irritation, and leaves a matte finish. No white cast!
Obagi is an option that you can use on your face and body so you will not need to invest in two separate sunscreens.
Just keep in mind that it does not provide water resistance so make sure to reapply as soon as you find yourself sweating or swimming for optimal performance.
- Decent concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for use on all skin types
- Great for face and body
- No water resistance
4. Atomy Sunscreen Beige SPF 50+
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another good option for chemical sun protection is Atomy Sunscreen. This sunscreen provides hybrid broad spectrum protection with ingredients zinc oxide (13.44%), octinoxate (6.8%), titanium dioxide (4.88%), and octisalate (4.5%).
With Atomy you will find that you have a sunscreen which blends in very easily with your skin and works well with all other skincare products, including under makeup. While this formula is tinted beige, it doesn’t leave any noticeable color on paler or darker tones of skin.
Your skin will be left dewy, yet not oily or greasy and you will be receiving sufficient broad spectrum protection. If you do have paler skin then this formula provides you with extra help with its higher SPF.
Be prepared with extra water resistant sunscreen if you need it, as Atomy does not provide water resistance. Use it on your face and body daily without experiencing irritation!
- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Great for daily use
- No white cast
- No water resistance
5. Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen SPF 30
- This fragrance free formula is water resistant and works great as a base under make-up.
- What’s more, Kiss My Face procures non-nano minerals for use in our sunscreen.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kiss My Face is a brand that is used and trusted by SimplySunSafe readers and their chemical sunscreen may be a good option for you.
This formula provides broad spectrum protection with a hybrid combination of active ingredients octinoxate (7.5%), zinc oxide (3%), and octisalate (3%).
Kiss My Face Face Factor, as its name suggests, is a great option for your face and neck area. The formula is lightweight, absorbs well into skin and works under makeup and with other skincare products.
Even if you have sensitive skin, using this sunscreen daily will not cause you any irritation. You will not be left with a white cast either!
Kiss My Face also provides 40 minutes of water resistance, if you find yourself in need. In general, it’s helpful to have to combat daily instances of sweating.
- Zinc oxide as active ingredient
- 40 minutes of water resistance
- Suitable for use on all skin types
- Only for face and neck
Conclusion
This guide was targeted towards those interested in finding the best chemical sunscreen. Hopefully, after reading this guide you’ve gained more insight into what chemical sunscreens are actually safe to use, and have found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, but all 5 listed sunscreens are great chemical options.
Before you make a final decision, it is wise for you to test a few different products. Your skin is unique and you want to learn how it reacts to different formulas. That way you can choose a sunscreen that will protect and condition your skin as well as possible.
Learning new things and hearing about different products from others is one of my favorite things! If you use or know of another quality chemical sunscreen, share it in the comments. I’ll be happy to check it out and maybe even add it to the list!
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