With summer approaching, sunscreen is once again becoming the most important step in many skincare routines—but according to Dr. Daniel Barrett, not all SPF formulas are created equal. In a recent video, the doctor warned that some sunscreens may contain ingredients he believes are best avoided, especially when used daily over long periods of time.
Dr. Barrett specifically advises steering clear of many chemical-based sunscreens, explaining that newer research has raised concerns about certain ingredients being absorbed into the body at potentially problematic levels. While chemical sunscreens remain FDA-approved and widely used, Barrett says he personally prefers mineral or “physical blocking” sunscreens instead.
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Sunscreens To Avoid
“There’s a lot of information about sunscreens out there,” he explained. “I don't recommend [chemical sunscreens] because a lot of them can cause problems, they can be absorbed by your body, and some of them reach toxic levels that we previously once thought didn't happen.”
Instead, he recommends looking for sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These mineral blockers sit on top of the skin and physically reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed into the skin like many chemical formulas. According to Barrett, they tend to have the “least effect on your skin” while still offering strong sun protection.
One of the brands he highlighted was ZO Skin Health, which he said contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide—two ingredients he specifically recommends searching for when shopping for SPF products. He also mentioned iS Clinical as another good option, particularly for those looking for SPF 50 protection with some water resistance.
Another mineral sunscreen he praised was Colorescience, noting that it contains zinc oxide without titanium dioxide. Barrett added that while some people have concerns about titanium dioxide, he has not seen substantial evidence showing major issues with it because it mostly stays on the surface of the skin.
He also recommended Summer Fridays sunscreen products containing zinc oxide, as well as Sun Bum’s Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50, which he noted is fragrance-free and formulated with plant-based ingredients. Barrett emphasized avoiding added fragrance whenever possible, claiming fragrances can act as hormone disruptors.
One important distinction Barrett made is that many brands offer both mineral and chemical versions of their sunscreens, so shoppers should pay close attention to ingredient labels. He explained that chemical formulas are often marketed because they blend more seamlessly into the skin and tend to be more water resistant.
However, he believes those same qualities may also contribute to greater absorption into the body. He specifically called out avobenzone as one chemical sunscreen ingredient he finds concerning based on emerging research. “Latest research is coming out on several of them, especially avobenzone, [which] are problematic,” he said.
The Bottom Line
In addition to sunscreen, Barrett stressed that traditional sun protection habits still matter most. He recommends limiting prolonged sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and covering up whenever possible—especially during peak UV hours.
At the end of the day, the expert says the safest approach is choosing simple mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoiding unnecessary additives when possible.
