If there's one piece of advice dermatologists constantly dish out, it's to wear sunscreen. But when it comes to finding a sunscreen you love, overwhelm can quickly take over. Should you go with a mineral or chemical sunscreen? Or is a hybrid sunscreen the better choice?

Whether you're constantly trying out new sunscreen products or just getting into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day (better late than never!), hybrid formulas could be worth considering. Many hybrid sunscreens offer the lightweight feel of chemical sunscreens with the broad-spectrum protection and skin-friendly benefits of mineral sunscreen ingredients.

Curious to learn more? With the help of board-certified dermatologists Kristina Collins, MD, and Timothy Tran, MD, we compiled everything you need to know about hybrid sunscreens—including the ingredients they contain, how they work, how they might look and feel on your skin, and more. Read on for the full scoop.

What Are Hybrid Sunscreens?

"Hybrid sunscreens combine chemical and mineral ingredients in their sun protection formula," Tran says. "This gives the sunscreen the broad UV protection of a mineral sunscreen, with the cosmetically appealing application of a chemical sunscreen." Adds Collins, "The idea behind hybrid sunscreens is to combine the benefits of both mineral and chemical sunscreens while minimizing the drawbacks of each."

What Ingredients Are Usually Found in Hybrid Sunscreens?

Hybrid sunscreens contain one or more active ingredients found in physical and chemical sunscreens, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

"[Mineral sunscreens] typically contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier," Collins says. Many mineral sunscreens have a heavy feel and leave a white cast on the skin. But they also tend to work well for sensitive or acne-prone skin, she tells us. Additionally, mineral sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection.1

Chemical sunscreen ingredients, on the other hand, include avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate. These "convert UV energy into heat, which is then released from the skin," Collins says. Sunscreens formulated with these active ingredients tend to have lighter, less greasy textures and absorb better into the skin, appealing to those who don't like the white cast they may experience with mineral sunscreens. However, they can also cause skin irritation or sensitivity, Collins explains.

Are Hybrid Sunscreens More Effective?

"Hybrid sunscreens are not necessarily more effective but combine elements of both traditional types of sunscreen with the enhanced wearability gained from mixing the two types of sunscreens," Tran says. With a hybrid sunscreen, you'll get broad-spectrum protection (protection from both UVA and UVB radiation) that you wouldn't get from a chemical sunscreen that does not provide broad-spectrum coverage. But a hybrid sunscreen won't necessarily be more effective than a mineral sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen that does provide broad-spectrum coverage.

Choosing Between Sunscreen Ingredients

When choosing between sunscreen ingredients, here are a few points to consider, highlighted by Collins and Tran.

• Skin sensitivity: Dermatologists often recommend mineral sunscreens for people with sensitive skin. This is because the ingredients tend to be less irritating.
  
• Skin type: People with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer chemical sunscreens because they are often lighter and non-comedogenic.
  
• Skin tone: Chemical or hybrid sunscreens may be a better option for people looking to avoid the white cast of many mineral sunscreens.
  
• Sun exposure: If you're spending time outdoors or in intense sun, broad-spectrum protection, which you can find in mineral and hybrid sunscreens, is essential.
  
• Environmental impact: Some chemicals used in chemical sunscreens may damage coral reefs and marine life.2 Mineral sunscreens, which don't contain chemical UV filters, are typically a better option if you're looking for a reef-safe sunscreen. Some hybrid sunscreens are also formulated to be reef-friendly, but it's always a good idea to check the product's label.
  

The Final Takeaway

The specific ingredients will vary from one product to another, but hybrid sunscreens generally combine the UV-absorbing properties of chemical sunscreens with the UV-reflecting properties of mineral sunscreens. Often, these products absorb into the skin easily, offering solid, broad-spectrum sun protection without leaving a white cast on the skin. Ultimately, mineral, chemical, and hybrid sunscreens each have pros and cons—a big part of deciding which product is right for you simply comes down to preference.