If you've ever stood in a car park at Fistral pulling on a damp wetsuit and wondering which sun cream to slap on, you're not alone. The zinc vs chemical sunscreen for surfers question comes up a lot, and the answer isn't quite as simple as "one good, one bad". Here's a plain-English look at how each works, what matters when you're in the water for hours, and why we chose zinc for our own sun block.
How Chemical and Zinc Sunscreens Work
Both types aim to do the same job, protecting your skin from UV, but they go about it differently.
Chemical (organic) sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens use UV filters that soak into the top layer of the skin and absorb UV rays. They tend to be thin, rub in clear and feel light, which is why they're so popular for everyday use. Most need a little time after application to start working, so check the label.
Mineral (zinc) sunscreens
Zinc oxide sits on top of the skin and forms a protective layer. It's the stuff behind the classic white nose and cheekbones you'll see in old surf photos. Zinc offers broad-spectrum coverage across UVA and UVB, and it's generally regarded as one of the gentler options for sensitive skin, though everyone's skin is different.
Zinc vs Chemical Sunscreen for Surfers: What Matters in the Water
A day at the beach and a session in the line-up are two very different things. When you're paddling, duck-diving and sitting in the glare off the water, a few things make a big difference.
Staying power
Thin lotions can wash off or sweat into your eyes, and nothing ruins a session faster than stinging eyes as a set rolls in. Thicker zinc formulas tend to stay put on the high points of your face, like your nose, cheekbones and lips, that catch the most sun. Whatever you use, look for water resistance and reapply after long sessions or towelling off.
Seeing where you've applied it
One underrated perk of zinc: you can see it. It's easy to miss a patch with clear sunscreen, whereas with zinc you know exactly where you're covered. Your mates will also know you've been surfing.
Reflected glare
The sea and wet sand bounce sunlight back at you, so even on a hazy Cornish day your face can take more UV than you'd expect. That's why surfers have long favoured a heavy-duty layer on the most exposed spots.
What About the Ocean?
This is where a lot of surfers start paying attention. Some chemical UV filters, notably oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been restricted in places such as Hawaii over concerns about their effects on coral reefs. The science is still developing and Cornwall's waters aren't coral reefs, but plenty of ocean lovers prefer to keep what they put on their skin as simple as possible when they're about to jump in the sea.
Packaging matters too. Most sunscreen comes in plastic bottles and tubes, and we see enough plastic washing up on Cornish beaches as it is. Choosing a product in a tin you can reuse or recycle is an easy win.
Why We Chose Zinc
When we made our Cornish Zinc Sun Block SPF50, we wanted something that felt true to the old-school surf look, stayed where you put it and came in plastic-free packaging. It's handmade in Cornwall and packed in an aluminium tin, at £4.99.
Our tip: use it as a targeted block on your nose, cheekbones, ears and around the eyes, alongside whatever full-body protection suits you. And don't forget your lips, which burn easily and get forgotten. Our Cornish Surf Balm comes in Coconut, Peppermint, Sweet Orange and Lemongrass, also in plastic-free tins.
Quick Tips for Sun-Smart Surfing
- Apply before you get changed, not on the walk down to the water.
- Focus on the high points: nose, cheeks, ears, lips and the back of your neck.
- Reapply after long sessions, even on cloudy days.
- Wear a surf hat or rash vest in summer if you're out for hours.
- If you have skin concerns, have a chat with a pharmacist or GP about what suits you.
The Bottom Line
There's no single perfect sunscreen for everyone, but for surfers who want something that stays put, is easy to see and comes without the plastic, zinc is hard to beat. It's also a great little gift for the surfer in your life. Browse our Christmas gifts collection for zinc, lip balms and the four-flavour Christmas Gift Box (£19.99), with free UK delivery on orders over £15.
See you in the water,
Joe