Zinc vs Chemical Sunscreen — What’s the Difference?
Both protect when used correctly, but they work differently. Here’s a clear, TGA-aligned explainer of mineral zinc vs chemical sunscreen — and why many Australians choose zinc only.
Mineral (zinc) vs chemical sunscreen — the basics
Both types, when TGA listed and applied correctly, provide broad-spectrum protection. The difference is how they work and what’s in them:
Mineral / zinc
Uses zinc oxide (and/or titanium dioxide), a mineral UV filter that sits on the skin’s surface. No chemical filters.
Chemical
Uses synthetic UV filters (e.g. avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate) absorbed into the upper skin layers to work.
On the eyes
Zinc is less likely to sting eyes when you sweat; chemical filters more commonly do.
On sensitive skin
Zinc-only formulas are often preferred by sensitive, eczema- and rosacea-prone skin.
What the TGA and recent research say
The TGA regulates sunscreens as therapeutic goods and recognises zinc oxide as a broad-spectrum UV filter. The TGA’s own literature review concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate healthy skin. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can protect well; the right one is the one you’ll apply properly and often.
Why people choose zinc
- No chemical UV filters — a common preference for kids and sensitive skin
- Less likely to sting eyes during sport and sweat
- Reef safe (no oxybenzone or octinoxate)
- A single, well-understood active
ThermaSun is zinc only across the entire range — 25% non-nano zinc oxide (40% in Work-Shield Pro), no chemical UV filters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sits on the surface of the skin, while chemical sunscreens use synthetic UV filters absorbed into the upper skin layers. Both, when TGA listed and applied correctly, provide broad-spectrum protection. Many people choose zinc-only mineral sunscreens because they contain no chemical filters and are less likely to sting eyes.
Is zinc sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens approved by the TGA are considered safe and effective when used as directed. Zinc oxide is a single mineral active that the TGA recognises, and the TGA's literature review found zinc oxide nanoparticles don't penetrate healthy skin. Some people prefer zinc-only formulas for sensitive skin or personal preference.
Does zinc sunscreen block UVA as well as UVB?
Yes. Zinc oxide is a broad-spectrum mineral UV filter, providing protection across both UVA and UVB. ThermaSun's zinc-only formulas are labelled broad spectrum.
Why does chemical sunscreen sting my eyes but zinc doesn't?
Chemical UV filters can migrate with sweat into the eyes and cause stinging. Zinc oxide stays on the skin's surface, so zinc-only sunscreens are far less likely to sting.
Why you can trust the zinc in ThermaSun
ThermaSun is built on ZinClear® XP — a pharmaceutical/cosmetic-grade, non-nano zinc oxide whose underlying technology was originally developed by researchers at the University of Western Australia and commercialised by Advance ZincTek (ASX:ANO), an Australian company formed in 1997. It’s the same Australian-made mineral active trusted by dozens of skincare brands worldwide.
Every ThermaSun sunscreen is then made in Queensland by VeganicSKN, is TGA listed (with its AUST L number printed on the pack and searchable on the ARTG), and is batch SPF tested on every production run. Zinc oxide is the broad-spectrum mineral UV filter the TGA recognises, and our zinc-only formulas contain no oxybenzone or octinoxate, so they’re reef safe.
ThermaSun is Australian made in Queensland by VeganicSKN. Always read the label and use only as directed. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection — combine with shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towelling.