Zinc Oxide vs Chemical UV Filters
How mineral and chemical sunscreens work, and how to read the UV filters on a label.
Zinc oxide
A mineral UV filter that gives broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.
Chemical UV filters
Ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone and 4-MBC.
Check the label
The active ingredients panel lists every UV filter in the product.
Reef Safe Australia
Uses non-nano zinc oxide as its only UV filter, with no chemical UV filters.
How to read the label
Look for the active ingredients panel on the back of the tube. A mineral sunscreen lists zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only.
Why it matters near the water
According to NOAA, some chemical UV filters, including oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, can harm aquatic life including corals.
What non-nano means
Non-nano zinc oxide particles are larger than nanoparticles. Read more on our non-nano zinc oxide page.
Frequently asked questions
Is zinc oxide broad spectrum?
Yes. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB.
Does Reef Safe Australia use any chemical UV filters?
No. Our range uses non-nano zinc oxide as the only UV filter.
Can mineral and chemical filters be mixed?
Some sunscreens combine both. Check the active ingredients panel to see every UV filter.