Your Bag
✕
Satisfied or 100% refunded
0
Your Bag
✕
Satisfied or 100% refunded
Discover the benefits of mineral sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen. Learn why dermatologists recommend mineral SPF for sensitive skin, acne, and daily UV protection.
Did you know your sunscreen could be doing more harm than good?
While all SPF is designed to protect skin from UV damage, not all sunscreens are created equal. The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen is more than skin deep—it affects your health, your skin, and the planet.
At FRÉ, we’re passionate about protecting skin with clean, effective, and safe ingredients. That’s why we exclusively formulate with 100% mineral sunscreen, powered by non-nano zinc oxide, the safest and most dermatologist-recommended UV filter. Let’s break down why mineral sunscreen is the superior choice and what makes FRÉ’s mineral SPFs stand out.
Mineral sunscreen, also called physical sunscreen, uses natural UV-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on the surface of your skin and physically deflect harmful UV rays before they can penetrate.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which must absorb into your skin to trigger a UV-blocking chemical reaction, mineral sunscreen starts working immediately upon application. It acts as a shield, not a sponge.
Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic compounds like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalate. These filters absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat, which your body then releases.
The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of these ingredients. Research suggests they may:
Disrupt hormone levels and the endocrine system
Increase the risk of breast cancer
Affect reproductive health
Persist in the body for days or even weeks after a single application
They’re also more likely to cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types, and have been linked to skin allergies and inflammation.
1. Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive & acne-prone skin
Mineral sunscreen is gentle and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. Zinc oxide is even known to help calm inflammation and heal acne.
2. Safe for babies and children
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mineral-only SPF for infants 6 months+, due to its low irritation potential and non-absorption.
3. Instant protection
Unlike chemical SPF, which needs at least 15–30 minutes to absorb and activate, mineral sunscreen protects the moment you apply it.
4. Broad spectrum coverage
Only zinc oxide offers true broad-spectrum protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays—key to reducing sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer risk.
Chemical SPF doesn’t just harm your body—it can damage entire ecosystems. Common filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to:
Bleach coral reefs
Damage marine life DNA
Disrupt aquatic ecosystems
Because of this, destinations like Hawaii, Palau, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and parts of Mexico have banned chemical sunscreens entirely. FRÉ’s mineral SPFs are 100% reef-safe, making them safe for your next beach vacation—and the planet.
At FRÉ, we formulate high-performance, dermatologist-tested SPF that’s as good for your skin as it is for the environment. Our entire SPF line is:
Made with non-nano zinc oxide
Hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free
Enriched with Antioxidant Argania Active Complex™
Designed to leave no white cast—just a dewy, natural glow
Water-resistant
Fragrance-free and EWG-rated 1-3 for ingredient safety
Whether you’re using GLOW ME +, our tinted daily SPF for face, or BRONZE ME, our shimmering SPF 50 body sunscreen, you’ll get clean, effective sun protection with skin-loving benefits.
Tinted mineral sunscreens like GLOW ME + go one step further by blocking blue light—the kind emitted from your phone and computer screen. This added layer of defense is especially helpful if you struggle with:
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Dark spots and uneven tone
Plus, FRÉ’s adaptive tint technology ensures a universal blend, so you’ll never have to worry about a chalky finish.
Choosing the right sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding a burn—it’s about protecting your health, your skin, and the planet. With mineral sunscreen, you get: ✔️ Natural protection
✔️ No chemical absorption
✔️ Safer ingredients
✔️ Reef-safe formulas
✔️ Better results for sensitive skin
Wear mineral sunscreen. Wear FRÉ.
Explore our full collection of clean, effective SPFs at freskincare.com, and make the switch to skincare that’s truly safe under the sun.