Sunblock and sunscreen are two different types of sun protection that work in different ways.
Sunscreen formulas often include fragrances, insect repellent, or other chemicals.
Sunblocks often use ingredients that deliver thicker coverage on the skin.
Illustration by Alexandra Gordon for Verywell Health
It filters or screens the sun’s UV rays.
It keeps most rays out but lets some in.
It may also be called a chemical sunscreen.
It may be called a physical sunscreen.
Choosing Between Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
Sunscreen and sunblock are both excellent forms of sun protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn’t advise using one over the other.
Be sure that sun protection iscorrectly applied.
Sunscreen or sunblock will only protect your skin when it’s used the right way.
See your dermatologist regularly for check-ups and always wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.
Difference in Ingredients
Each throw in of sunscreen or sunblock uses different ingredients.
Nanoparticles are a common ingredient in newer sunblocks.
Some people find it harder to spread sunblock all over the body.
They also may not like the look and feel of a product that can be seen on their skin.
There are some brands, like Neutrogena, that offer a less visible sunblock.
Baby sunblocks contain only titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
They are appropriate for children aged six months or older.
Products that contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are also known as mineral or physical sunscreens.
Some have active ingredients, including oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Some people are sensitive to or allergic to certain ingredients in sunscreen like PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).
They may choose to use sunblock instead of sunscreen.
You may want to avoid fragrances or oils that are added to sunscreens.
Sunscreens may include insect repellant, either a natural key in or one that includes artificial chemicals.
The AAD doesn’t recommend using these because sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied often.
Insect repellant, though, should be used sparingly and less often.
Experts note that no sunscreen or sunblock should ever contain a benzene ingredient.
They urge people to use sun protection but stay informed.
Is Sunscreen or Sunblock Better?
You also should read labels to understand what you’re using, and check expiration dates.
The product can’t hurt you, but expired products won’t work.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about sunscreens or sunblocks.
Yet studies suggest it remains safe to use.
They rely on different chemicals to do so and don’t look the same when they’re applied.
Unless you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, you might choose any effective product.
Harvard Health Publishing.The science of sunscreen.
Food and Drug Administration.Labeling and effectiveness testing; sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Proposes Sunscreen Monograph Updates.
American Academy of Dermatology.How to Decode Sunscreen Labels.
2022;12(16).
MD Anderson Cancer Center.9 sunscreen myths debunked.
American Academy of Dermatology.Sunscreen FAQs.
