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Are hybrid sunscreens really better than chemical or mineral alone? Experts weigh in
These mixed-blend SPF products offer the best of all worlds: potent sun protection, with next to zero downside.
Hybrid sunscreens — a combination of mineral and chemical formulas — are another addition to the ever-growing (and often confusing) modern-day sun protection landscape. With such a dizzying array of options, from reef-safe SPF sticks to luxury foams and gels, it's hard to know if these innovations are just a marketing gimmick or worth the skin-protection hype. After all, according to a report by CNN and an analysis by Grand View Research, the value of global sun care is expected to reach $14 billion by the end of the decade, up nearly 25% since 2020. The simple fact is these businesses can't grow at pace if we're all picking up the same trusty Coppertone cream we've been buying since 1995.
While most sunscreen purchases come down to personal preference, experts say the choice between mineral and chemical formulas is actually a meaningful one for best protecting your particular skin. For example, mineral sunscreens tend to work better for those with conditions like melasma, while chemical formulas are excellent for people who are active and sweat a lot. So what happens when you combine the two?
I asked triple board-certified dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling to explain the potential benefits (turns out, there are a lot) of hybrid sunscreens — including how they work, who should use them and what to look for in a high-quality product.
First, what are hybrid sunscreens?
"Hybrid sunscreens are a great option for broad-spectrum sun protection as they combine the active ingredients of both mineral and chemical sunscreens to provide defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation," Frieling explains. "These formulations typically include a mix of chemical active ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate or oxybenzone, alongside mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide."
Are hybrid sunscreens effective?
"Yes," according to Frieling. "What makes hybrid sunscreens especially effective is their dual mechanism of action: They absorb UV rays like chemical sunscreens and reflect them like mineral ones. By both absorbing and reflecting, hybrid sunscreens offer enhanced protection against both UVA and UVB radiation."
In addition to their protective capabilities, Frieling says hybrid sunscreens offer cosmetic and dermatological benefits: "Hybrid sunscreens tend to have a softer feel on the skin, making them more wearable for everyday use. Additionally, these sunscreens tend to cause less skin irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin types. Many hybrid sunscreens are also formulated with antioxidants, which can help guard against free radical damage. This makes them a beneficial choice for individuals concerned with both immediate UV protection and long-term skin health."
Overall, Frieling believes hybrid sunscreens offer an effective and well-balanced solution for sun protection: "By combining the strengths of mineral and chemical filters, they provide effective sun protection with a pleasant texture and a lower chance of irritation," she says.
Are hybrid sunscreens a better choice?
Another resounding "yes!" from Frieling: "Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are excellent at blocking UVB and UVA2 rays [shorter wavelength UVA], which allow for broader coverage and protection. Chemical ingredients [avobenzone, octisalate, etc.] often offer better protection against longer UVA1 rays," Frieling told me. "Using these ingredients in one SPF formulation allows for more encompassing protection."
She says hybrid products also allow for a better, smoother application with less pilling, less greasy texture and perhaps best of all? Less of the white cast that you find with purely mineral formulas. They can also be better for sensitive skin because they're less harsh than purely chemical iterations.
Who should use hybrid sunscreens?
Apparently, almost everyone. "These products are great for the majority of the population, including people with sensitive, acne-prone skin, those who wear makeup and those who have medium to darker skin tones," says Frieling. "Kids, teens and men who don’t like the feeling of heavy products on their skin are great candidates, as these products typically don’t 'feel like sunscreens.'”
What should I look for in a hybrid sunscreen?
"When choosing a hybrid sunscreen, you want to balance effective UV protection with skin phenotype and application ease. You want to have broad-spectrum coverage for UVA and UVB rays," says Frieling. "It's best to have a combination of ingredients/filters, including zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene and homosalate." In addition, the ideal sun-protection products will be fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and without alcohols or other drying agents.
Interested in trying a hybrid sunscreen? Here are two dermatologist-recommended options:
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe's award-winning hybrid sunscreen is actually recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It's noncomedogenic, ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free and works for all skin types — from super sensitive to acne-prone. Bonus for texture-sensitive types: The consistency is ultra silky and highly absorbent, and the finish is essentially invisible.
If you're looking for a hybrid sunscreen with more of an anti-aging skin care boost, Drmtlgy's highly rated formula might be your pick. It's made with both zinc oxide and octinoxate, as well as skin-nourishing ingredients hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E. Plus, the SPF 45 protection is ample for use all day.
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