Which sunscreen ingredients are BEST?There are currently 17 active sunscreen ingredients approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens and sunblocks in the United States. These ingredients fall into two broad categories: Chemical and Physical Most sunscreens contain a mixture of both chemical and physical ingredients. 1. Chemical absorbers: These sunscreen chemicals absorb the suns rays, changes it into heat energy and then this energy is broken down to protect the skin from damage. Most chemical sunscreen ingredients are colorless, odorless and feel light on the skin, but can also cause allergic reactions and irritation. 2. Physical Blockers: When the sun hits these physical blockers, like titanium oxide or zinc oxide, it is reflected and bounces away from the skin. These rarely cause allergic reactions or irritations because they are natural ingredients and don’t get absorbed into the skin. However, they are quite thick and often leave a white film on the skin.
The best sunscreens are classified as broad spectrum sunscreen. - These protect against both UVA and UVB rays - Are water-resistant (NOT waterproof) - Have an SFP of 15 or higher
Look for these common sunscreen ingredients on the label to be sure you are buying a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: •Avabenzone ( Parsol 1789) many newer products contain Parsol 1789 and are highly effective and appear less irritating. • Benzophenones (Oxybenzone, Dioxybenzone ) have been used in sunscreens for 50 years and have been know to cause irritations. • Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate) These are a frequently used UVB absorber. They are often found in liquid foundations that have an SPF factor. • Ecamsule ( Mexoryl SX) an organic compound added to sunscreens to filter out UVA rays. Sunscreens containing ecamsule are exclusive to L'Oréal and its brands. • PABA, (para-aminobenzoic acid) was mostly used in the early 1970s and was the first true sunscreen to be widely available. It is not commonly used now because it often caused allergic reactions. A number of chemicals related to PABA are still used today, including Padimate A and O. The promotion of PABA-free sunscreens is now common. • Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate) Salicylates are weak UVB absorbers and they are generally used in combination with other UV filters. • Titanium Dioxide, titanium dioxide is found in almost every sunscreen. It is a blocker of UV light and has strong absorbing capabilities. • Zinc Oxide, absorbs both UVA and UVB rays and can be used in ointments, creams, and lotions to protect against sunburn and other skin damage. It is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber that is approved for use in sunscreen by the FDA. Zinc Oxide is also a main ingredient in the new mineral make-up we see on the market.
Sunscreens designed for infants or those with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. These UV blocking minerals are less likely to cause skin irritation than the chemical UV absorbers.
Sunblock vs Sunscreen: • Sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays. • Sunblocks physically deflect them.
For years, sunscreens have blocked UVB rays effectively, but provided less protection from the harmful UVA rays. Combinations of sunscreen ingredients such as octylcrylene and benzophenones have improved sunscreen's defenses against UVA rays. The revolutionary new chemical Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), approved by the FDA in 1998 for use in sunscreens, works against all UVA rays. Every broad spectrum sunscreen has a different combination of chemical and physical properties.
No wonder there are so many types of sunscreens to choose from.
There is no sunscreen that will provide 100% protection from all harmful UV rays.
Another important factor that needs to be discussed is the Sun Protection Factor system, or SPF. Some fast facts about sunscreen: Sunscreen brands and sunscreen ratings: The effectiveness of sunscreens and does sunscreen expire?
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