Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSunscreen vs. SunblockHow to ChooseDifference in IngredientsIs Sunscreen or Sunblock Better?Tips for Sun Protection
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
How to Choose
Difference in Ingredients
Is Sunscreen or Sunblock Better?
Tips for Sun Protection
Sunblock and sunscreen are two different types of sun protection that work in different ways. Sunscreen is a chemical blocker that filters the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, while sunblock (a term used here to describe physical blockers) reflects the sun’s rays away from the skin.
Both forms are effective at protecting the skin from sunburn and preventing UV skin damage, but the ingredients are different. Sunscreen formulas often include fragrances, insect repellent, or other chemicals. Sunblocks often use ingredients that deliver thicker coverage on the skin.
Sunscreenis the more commonly used type of sun protection. It filters or screens the sun’s UV rays. It keeps most rays out but lets some in. It may also be called a chemical sunscreen.
FDA RequirementsSince 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned manufacturers from using misleading terms like “waterproof,” and “sweatproof” on product labels.In 2021, newly proposed rules would focus on ingredient safety, dosage, and SPF requirements.
FDA Requirements
Since 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned manufacturers from using misleading terms like “waterproof,” and “sweatproof” on product labels.In 2021, newly proposed rules would focus on ingredient safety, dosage, and SPF requirements.
Choosing Between Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
Sunscreen and sunblock are both excellent forms of sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn’t advise using one over the other. The AAD does recommend that you choose one that offers:
Broad spectrum sunblocks and sunscreens will prevent tanning and premature aging as well as sunburn.
Be sure that sun protection iscorrectly applied. Sunscreen or sunblock will only protect your skin when it’s used the right way. A study of 101 women in Brazil, where UV exposure is quite high, looked at the actual amounts of SPF 30 to SPF 45 sunscreen they applied to their faces.
The researchers then calculated how much UV ray protection the women actually had, based on how the products were applied. Because the sunscreens weren’t applied correctly, the women did not have the protection the products were supposed to provide.
Remember to apply sun protection to the tops of the ears, the scalp, and the tops of your hands. See your dermatologist regularly for check-ups and always wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.
Each type of sunscreen or sunblock uses different ingredients. They both protect the skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays, but they do it in different ways.
Sunblock Ingredients
Most sunblocks contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient.This is why the formula seems thicker and traditionally you couldn’t see through it, although some blends are now lighter. Nanoparticles are a common ingredient in newer sunblocks.
Some people find it harder to spread sunblock all over the body. They also may not like the look and feel of a product that can be seen on their skin. For example, you may notice people wearing sunblock at the beach, because they have a streak on their nose or parts of their face.
Products that contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are also known as mineral or physical sunscreens.
Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreensuse a variety of chemicals that work to absorb harmful UV rays before they penetrate your skin. Some have active ingredients, including oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Some people are sensitive to or allergic to certain ingredients in sunscreen like PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). They may choose to use sunblock instead of sunscreen.
You may want to avoid fragrances or oils that are added to sunscreens. Products may also be a blend of sunscreen and sunblock, so it’s important to check the label if you are sensitive to certain chemicals.
Sunscreens may include insect repellant, either a natural type or one that includes artificial chemicals. The AAD doesn’t recommend using these because sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied often. Insect repellant, though, should be used sparingly and less often.
About BenzeneIn recent years, several sun products have been recalled because they containedbenzene, a known cancer risk. Experts note that no sunscreen or sunblock should ever contain a benzene ingredient. But they also note that UV exposure is a known cancer risk, while there’s very little evidence against using most sunscreen ingredients. They urge people to use sun protection but stay informed.
About Benzene
In recent years, several sun products have been recalled because they containedbenzene, a known cancer risk. Experts note that no sunscreen or sunblock should ever contain a benzene ingredient. But they also note that UV exposure is a known cancer risk, while there’s very little evidence against using most sunscreen ingredients. They urge people to use sun protection but stay informed.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about sunscreens or sunblocks. For example, there’s concern about the ingredient oxybenzone because it may interfere with hormone function when absorbed across the skin. Yet studies suggest it remains safe to use.
SunscreenChemical blockerOxybenzone or avobenzone ingredientsEasier to spread on the skin but harder to seeSunblockPhysical blockerTitanium dioxide or zinc oxide ingredientsTypically thicker, may be visible on the skin
SunscreenChemical blockerOxybenzone or avobenzone ingredientsEasier to spread on the skin but harder to see
Chemical blocker
Oxybenzone or avobenzone ingredients
Easier to spread on the skin but harder to see
SunblockPhysical blockerTitanium dioxide or zinc oxide ingredientsTypically thicker, may be visible on the skin
Physical blocker
Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide ingredients
Typically thicker, may be visible on the skin
Hybrid products are now available, offering features of both chemical and physical sun protection. But keep in mind that some of the best UV protections are chemical-free prevention steps, such as:
Summary
Both sunscreen and sunblock provide protection against the sun. They rely on different chemicals to do so and don’t look the same when they’re applied.
Unless you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, you can choose any effective product. Check the labels to be sure that they’re broad-spectrum products with an SPF of at least 30, and that they’re water-resistant.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health Publishing.The science of sunscreen.
Food and Drug Administration.Labeling and effectiveness testing; sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Proposes Sunscreen Monograph Updates.
American Academy of Dermatology.How to Decode Sunscreen Labels.
Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA.Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.An Bras Dermatol. 2022;97(2):204-222. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012
Liang Y, Simaiti A, Xu M, et al.Antagonistic skin toxicity of co-exposure to physical sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.Nanomaterials (Basel). 2022;12(16). doi:10.3390/nano12162769
MD Anderson Cancer Center.5 things to know about sunscreen, benzene and other chemicals.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.9 sunscreen myths debunked.
American Academy of Dermatology.Sunscreen FAQs.
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