Physical barrier sunscreens (like Badger's) form a film on top of the skin that reflects, absorbs, and scatters UV light using the minerals zinc oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. We use only non-nano zinc oxide for our sunscreens because we feel it is the safest & most effective option - and it has been used on the skin for hundreds of years.
Unlike physical barrier sunscreens, chemical sunscreens are designed to soak into the skin, absorbing UV rays before they can do any damage. Most chemical ingredients protect against either UVA or UVB, but not for both, so many conventional sunscreens use several chemical active ingredients. Since these chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin they are more likely to cause irritation or allergies. Furthermore, they can get into your blood potentially causing unwanted health effects.