Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Why Physical SPF Is the Glow-Up Your Skin Needs

Not all sunscreens are created equal — and the right one can completely shift the way your skin ages, glows, and protects itself. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen that protects your skin and supports your long-term glow, there’s one major decision to make: chemical or physical sunscreen? At UltraViolet, we believe in powerful yet gentle protection — which is why our best-selling Virgo Sol Primer Sunscreen is 100% mineral-based with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Let’s dive into the real difference between the two and why your skin will thank you for going physical.

🧬 What’s the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreens?

What exactly is the difference between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreen? And how do you know which is best for your skin?

Let’s dive into the light side of protection — and how to use it correctly to keep your glow safe year-round.

Chemical Sunscreens

These formulas use ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octinoxate that absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat, which is then released.

• ✅ Lightweight and sheer

• ✅ Easy to blend

• ❌ Can irritate sensitive skin

• ❌ Not reef-safe

• ❌ May cause heat sensitivity or inflammation

  
  

Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens

Made with natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, physical sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays away from the skin.

• ✅ Instant protection after applying

• ✅ Safer for sensitive or acne-prone skin

• ✅ Reef-safe and environmentally conscious

• ✅ Non-comedogenic and calming

• ❌ Can leave a white cast (but not with Virgo Sol!)

  
  

🌿 Why We Choose Mineral Sunscreen for Virgo Sol

Virgo Sol Primer Sunscreen was formulated to be everything you’ve been missing in a physical SPF:

• Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide = clean, conscious sun protection

• Lightweight, velvety texture = blends like a dream under makeup or on bare skin

• Primer + sunscreen in one = saves time, layers beautifully, and leaves your skin looking flawless

• Tinted = doesn't leave a chalky, white cast on your skin

• Infused with intention = like everything in the UltraViolet universe

We don’t just protect your skin — we protect your energy, too.

✨ How Much Sunscreen Should You Be Using Daily?

One of the most common SPF mistakes? Not using enough. Here’s your general rule of thumb cheat sheet:

• Face & Ears: 2 full finger lengths (index + middle)

• Neck & Chest (Décolleté): 2-3 more finger lengths

• Arms (each): 1 teaspoon

• Legs (each): 1.5-2 teaspoons

• Torso (front + back): 2 teaspoons

And yes — you need to reapply every 90 minutes when in the sun, or immediately after swimming, or sweating.

☀️ Virgo Sol: Your Daily Dose of Protection + Glow

Sun protection doesn’t have to be basic and mineral sunscreen doesn’t have to be thick, chalky, or boring. With Virgo Sol, you don’t have to choose between beauty and safety. You can have both. Protect your glow. Ground your energy. Shine on, always.Virgo Sol is a primer-meets-skincare-meets-protector — formulated to wear beautifully on all skin types and tones.

Protect your skin with intention. Glow on purpose.

✨ Shop Virgo Sol Primer Sunscreen Now