Tallow Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen: What's the Difference?
Choosing a sunscreen can feel overwhelming. Walk into any supermarket or pharmacy and you'll find shelves filled with sprays, lotions, mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens, children's formulas, facial SPF and more.
One question that more people are now asking is:
Should I choose a natural tallow sunscreen or a traditional chemical sunscreen?
The answer isn't simply that one is "good" and one is "bad". Both are designed to help protect your skin from the sun. The biggest differences are found in the ingredients they use, how they work and what you personally prefer to put on your skin.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.
Why Is Sun Protection Important?
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage skin over time.
Too much UV exposure can contribute to:
- Sunburn
- Premature skin ageing
- Pigmentation
- Skin damage
- An increased risk of skin cancer
No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, which is why it's important to combine sunscreen with sensible sun habits, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure during the strongest sunshine.
What Is a Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens use UV filters that absorb ultraviolet radiation before it can damage the skin.
Common chemical UV filters include:
- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Octisalate
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
These ingredients have been widely used in sunscreen products for many years and are approved for use in many countries, although permitted ingredients vary around the world.
Chemical sunscreens are often popular because they:
- Rub into the skin easily
- Leave little or no visible white cast
- Feel lightweight
- Work well under make-up
What Is a Mineral Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens use naturally occurring minerals as their active UV filters.
The two most common are:
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
These minerals sit on the skin and help reduce UV exposure by reflecting, scattering and absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
Modern research has shown that mineral sunscreens work through a combination of these mechanisms rather than simply acting as a mirror.
Many people choose mineral sunscreens because they contain fewer active ingredients and are often well suited to sensitive skin.
What Is Tallow Sunscreen?
Tallow sunscreen is simply a mineral sunscreen that uses beef tallow as part of the moisturising base instead of relying primarily on synthetic oils or petroleum-derived ingredients.
Grass-fed beef tallow has been used traditionally in skincare for generations because it is rich in naturally occurring fatty acids that help soften and condition the skin.
Rather than replacing the UV filter, the tallow acts as the nourishing base that carries ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide.
What Is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide?
You'll often see the phrase non-nano zinc oxide on natural sunscreen products.
This refers to the size of the zinc oxide particles.
Non-nano zinc oxide has larger particles than nano zinc oxide and is commonly chosen by brands that want a mineral sunscreen using larger particle sizes.
Many consumers actively seek non-nano formulations because they prefer this style of ingredient, although regulations consider both nano and non-nano zinc oxide safe for approved sunscreen uses when used as directed.
Tallow Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen
Why Do Some Mineral Sunscreens Leave a White Cast?
One of the most common questions people ask is why mineral sunscreens sometimes leave a white appearance on the skin.
This is caused by the zinc oxide itself.
Applying the sunscreen carefully and rubbing it in thoroughly usually helps reduce the visible appearance.
It's important not to wipe away the sunscreen simply to remove the white appearance, as removing product from the skin may also reduce the protection it provides.
Why We Chose Tallow
At British Broth Company, we wanted to create a sunscreen using ingredients that aligned with our wider philosophy of simple, traditional skincare.
Our Beach Bum Tallow Sunscreen combines:
- Grass-fed British beef tallow
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
Rather than creating a heavily fragranced lotion with a long ingredient list, we chose a small number of carefully selected ingredients that work together to nourish the skin while providing SPF30 protection.
Importantly, our sunscreen has been clinically tested to SPF30, providing confidence that the product performs as intended when used correctly.
Does Natural Mean Better?
Not necessarily.
Natural ingredients are not automatically safer or more effective, just as synthetic ingredients are not automatically harmful.
The best sunscreen is the one that:
- Provides suitable protection.
- Is applied generously.
- Is reapplied regularly.
- Is used alongside sensible sun protection habits.
For some people, that may be a chemical sunscreen.
For others, it may be a mineral sunscreen made with traditional ingredients such as tallow.
How to Apply Our Sunscreen Properly
- Apply to the skin using a finger print amount and rub fully into the skin.
- Do not rub off the sunscreen with a towel after applying, as you will be removing the sun protection.
- Apply before going into strong sunlight.
- Reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
- Don't rely on sunscreen alone for protection.
- Wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing where appropriate.
- Seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tallow sunscreen natural?
Tallow is a natural animal fat that has been used in skincare for centuries. The UV protection still comes from the active mineral ingredient, non-nano zinc oxide.
Does tallow sunscreen contain chemicals?
No. Our tallow sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient, which is a mineral UV filter. It does not contain the chemical UV filters commonly found in many conventional sunscreens. Alongside zinc oxide, it is made with nourishing ingredients including grass-fed beef tallow, beeswax and shea butter.
Does tallow sunscreen clog pores?
This can vary from person to person. Skin types differ, and no single product is suitable for everyone.
Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin choose mineral sunscreens because they tend to contain fewer active UV-filter ingredients, but individual experiences can vary.
Is SPF30 enough?
SPF30 provides a high level of protection when applied correctly and reapplied as directed. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, so application and reapplication remain essential.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a tallow sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen comes down to personal preference, your skin type and the ingredients you feel most comfortable using.
Both types of sunscreen are designed to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays when used correctly. For those looking for a more traditional skincare approach with a simple ingredient list, a mineral sunscreen made with grass-fed beef tallow and non-nano zinc oxide offers an alternative to conventional formulations.
At British Broth Company, our Beach Bum Tallow Sunscreen SPF30 reflects our commitment to simple, carefully selected ingredients and has been clinically tested to SPF30, giving you confidence that you're choosing a product designed to protect your skin while fitting with a more natural skincare routine.