Active Ingredients in Sunscreens

You've Got Sun Damage on a Cloudy Day...
Ninety percent (90%) of wrinkles are caused by UV damage. UV rays also increase the risk of skin cancer. Use sunscreen every time you go outside — even on cloudy days — as UV rays find their way through the clouds. Our selection of sunscreens and sunblocks includes PABA-free, oil-free, family-safe formulas, unscented and water-resistant products.

Year-round protection of the skin, hair and eyes from damaging effects of UV radiation has gained acceptance with American consumers. As more and more products are being formulated to protect against UV radiation, the array of sunscreen ingredients can be confusing to consumers. Listed below are the main sunscreen ingredients allowed in sunscreen products in the United States.

PABA
Para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its derivatives have been used in sunscreen preparations since the 1950's. Although PABA is quite effective at filtering out harmful UV rays, several of its characteristics have earned it a negative reputation among both manufacturers and consumers. First, its molecular structure makes it prone to oxidation and discoloration in products. Second, it can revert to a crystalline form and therefore be difficult to use in some types of products. Finally, safety and irritancy concerns have caused many manufacturers to find alternatives such as PABA/glycerine combinations or completely PABA-free UV filters.

Benzophenones
Benzophenones are unique molecules that occur as solids that absorb high levels of UV light ( beyond 320 nm). However, as solids, they can be difficult to successfully incorporate into products.

Cinnamates
Cinnamates such as benzyl and octyl methylcinnamate have molecular structures that absorb UV light up to 305 nm. Octymethylcinnamate is insoluable in water and is commonly found in waterproof sunscreen products.



Salicylates
Salicylates were the first group of chemicals used in commercial sunscreen products. Examples include benzyl salicylate, octyl salicylate and homomenthyl salicylate. They do not absorb UV light as effectively as some other newer compounds, but they remain popular because of their ease of use in products and their good safety record.

Physical UV Blockers
Rather than absorbing UV rays, these compounds reflect them. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best known of this group. Because they prevent UV rays from ever reaching the skin, these physical UV blockers offer the most effective protection. However, they also leave behind an opaque white film. New technological advances have led to the development of UV blockers made of particles so small that the human eye does not perceive them and yet they still reflect UV light.