These products work by physically sitting on your skin to deflect UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which protect the skin by creating a physical barrier.

Mineral sunscreen works similarly to a shield, sitting on the skin's surface and deflecting the sun's rays. It contains the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are white-coloured minerals that reflect light that sometimes can leave a white cast on your skin.

Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that create a chemical response and work by transforming UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and avobenzone.

This type of sunscreen is more water- and sweat-resistant, making them great for active lifestyles and most skin types; they also have a more lightweight, sheer appearance on the skin.

The recommended amount of sunscreen needed to shield your entire body is one ounce (or a shot-glass-sized amount). Once applied, sunscreen is effective for up to two hours or less when swimming or sweating, which is why it's important to reapply.

However, when it comes to picking a sunscreen, like all things skincare, it can sometimes be confusing to know what's right for you. We recommend searching for sunscreens that can protect your skin and also include other beneficial ingredients that can help simplify your skincare routine.