What are the most common ingredients used in sunscreens?

Yes, humans need their daily dose of vitamin D, and sunlight is vital for optimum levels of vitamin D in the body. But exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays can have both a positive as well a negative impact on health. 7- 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin absorbs UV B radiation from the sun’s rays, to ultimately result in the formation of vitamin D. Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is a group of vitamins that also function as a hormone in the human body. Vitamin D, along with calcium and phosphate, plays an integral role in several metabolic reactions concerned with maintaining the health of teeth and skeletal tissue in the body. However, ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays is also responsible for the occurrence of skin cancer. Repeated exposure to sunlight may negatively affect the skin in several ways. Redness or erythema, pigmentation, and tanning of the skin are some of the commonly faced reversible changes caused by exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation has long-term, irreversible effects in the form of skin cancers. The skin cancers can be of the non-melanoma type, which may be mild and curable or of the melanoma type. Melanoma cancers are known to be fatal, having the potential to affect many organs in the body.

To monitor your Vitamin D levels, order a Welzo at-home Vitamin D Blood Test today!

Types of Ultraviolet Radiation

The Ultraviolet radiation emitted from the Sun may be classified into three types, i.e., Ultraviolet A (UV A), Ultraviolet B (UV B), and Ultraviolet C (UV C).

Ultraviolet A: Most of the ultraviolet radiations that affect the skin is UVA, which causes tanning, discolouration, and ageing of the skin. It is known to have the ability to cause skin cancers and to have a deeper penetrating power.

Ultraviolet B: Although UV B radiation does not penetrate the skin as deeply as UV A, they are responsible for causing skin cancers.

Ultraviolet C: This type of ultraviolet radiation is the most harmful. But you need not worry, as it is completely filtered off by the Earth’s atmosphere.

Be Sun Safe

One may try to protect oneself from the harmful effects of UV rays by avoiding direct exposure when the sun’s rays are intense, i.e., between 10 am to 4 pm. At such times, it’s best to be under shade whenever possible.

Wearing light-coloured clothes with long sleeves and long pants also helps protect the skin to some degree. Using lip balms with SPF protection is also advised. Sunglasses may be used to protect the eyes from the Sun’s harmful glare. For a complete selection of dermatologist-approved skincare essentials, including daily SPF options and recovery serums, explore the full  Skin Care Collection.

Sunscreens

With the negative effects of Ultraviolet radiation from Sunlight, came the age of Sunscreens. Sunscreens have been the big go-to product when it comes to Sun Safety. Protecting the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, sunscreens have been in the market for decades now. With knowledge of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, most people are aware of the necessity of using good sunscreen to protect their skin. Yet, you may often wonder about the contents of the sunscreen you are using and whether the product is doing more damage, rather than good, to you. When choosing a product, consider using dermatologically approved formulas such as the Uvistat Sun Cream SPF50 UVA 3 125ml, which offers high UVA and UVB protection without added fragrances, making it ideal for sensitive skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it meets safety criteria and is suited to your skin type. You can browse a full selection of medical-grade and mineral-based formulas in the  Sunscreen Skincare Collection.

Some of the properties that you may want to look for in good sunscreen include:

• Reduced absorption through the skin
• Should protect from different types of ultraviolet radiation, including a wide range of wavelengths
• Should have an at least 30 SPF
• Should not clog pores
• Should not have contaminants
• It should not irritate the skin
• Waterproof ability
• Aesthetic coverage (does not leave a white cast on the skin)
• Should be fragrant or odourless
• Inexpensive

Know your Sunscreen

Different types of Sunscreens

Topical Sunscreens may be broadly classified as –

1. Organic or Chemical Sunscreens

These protect the skin by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation. A highly practical daily option in this category is the Riemann P20 Sun Cream (Spray) 100ml - SPF15, which is known for long-lasting protection in a quick-drying formula.

2. Inorganic or Physical Sunscreens

These act as a physical barrier by scattering and deflecting UV radiation. For those looking for a mineral-based alternative, Badger Sunscreen Clear Zinc SPF 30 82g is a great example of a reef-safe, eco-conscious choice with zinc oxide as its active ingredient.

Chemical Sunscreens or Organic Sunscreens

They are also known as synthetic sunscreens and protect the skin by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.

They are further divided and available as follows:

Sunscreens that protect against UVA

Sunscreens that offer protection against UVB

Broad spectrum Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB.

Common Ingredients in Sunscreens

Avobenzone
A UVA filter used in chemical sunscreens to block long-wave radiation. Since avobenzone is not photostable, it's usually combined with stabilisers or other ingredients like octocrylene.

Octisalate
Known for its water-resistant properties, octisalate is a UVB filter that’s often used to stabilise other active ingredients.

Titanium Dioxide
Found in physical sunscreens, it reflects UV rays from the skin. Products like MooGoo Sunscreen SPF40 120g include this ingredient for broad-spectrum, non-irritating protection ideal for dry or reactive skin.

Zinc Oxide
Another staple in mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide provides comprehensive UV protection and soothes irritated skin. It's the key ingredient in the Attitude Sunly Sunscreen Stick Unscented SPF 30 60g, a portable, child-safe, and fragrance-free formula.

Oxybenzone
A broad-spectrum filter often found in both chemical and combination sunscreens. Though effective, it’s known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals and should be used cautiously.

Octinoxate
This UVB filter is commonly used for anti-ageing benefits but may have hormone-disrupting properties, making it a controversial ingredient.

By understanding the types of ultraviolet radiation and choosing the right sun protection, like physical sunscreens for sensitive skin or long-wear sprays for outdoor activity, you can enjoy the benefits of sunlight while minimising its risks.

 Physical or Inorganic Sunscreens (Mineral Sunscreen)

Mineral sunscreens have a sun-blocking effect on the skin. They act as a physical barrier by scattering and deflecting harmful ultraviolet radiations from the sun. They are generally broad-spectrum sunscreens that include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Inorganic sunscreens are usually recommended for sensitive skin types.

 

Let us take a brief look at the commonly used ingredients in sunscreens

1. Avobenzone

Avobenzone is a commonly used UVA filter in a chemical sunscreen. It blocks the full spectrum of UVA rays by absorbing harmful rays and releasing them as heat from the body. Avobenzone is usually used in combination with other ingredients as it is not stable on its own when exposed to sunlight for long durations.

 

2. Octisalate

One of the most common ingredients present in sunscreens, lotions, and topical creams, Octisalate is better known for its water-proof properties. It is often used in combination with avobenzone in chemical sunscreens and helps to make the sunscreens effective for a longer period. It helps to filter UVB rays and thus helps prevent redness and burning sensation of the skin.

 

3. Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is considered to be one of the safest ingredients present in physical sunscreens. A broad-spectrum UV filter, it acts as a physical barrier blocking UV rays from the skin. It is one of the most stable ingredients that occur naturally in the environment or may also be manufactured synthetically. Titanium dioxide is often used as a whitening agent in many cosmetic and moisturizing agents. Its inert and non-irritant properties make it a safe product for children and people with sensitive skin.

 

4. Zinc Oxide

Several properties of zinc oxide are quite similar to titanium dioxide. Present in physical or mineral sunscreens, it helps to create a layer over the skin, and thus protects the skin from Both UVA rays and UVB rays. Its properties of photostability and long-lasting effects on the skin are much superior to Avobenzone and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide acts as an effective emollient and is a common ingredient in creams used to treat rashes and inflammatory reactions. Its drawbacks include leaving a white cast on the skin and limited protective action on the skin.

 

5. Oxybenzone

Present in both physical and chemical sunscreens, Oxybenzone is a broad-spectrum UV filter that is commonly found in sunscreens. It is effective when used in conjunction with other ingredients present in sunscreens. The combined effect of different ingredients increases the duration of its protective function. Oxybenzone is a notorious ingredient as it is known to cause allergic and inflammatory reactions as well as hormonal imbalances. As it is absorbed by the skin, one is recommended to use this ingredient with caution.

 

6. Octinoxate

Present in chemical sunscreens, Octinoxate is known to protect from UVB rays. It is often used in combination with UVA filters, thus providing broad-spectrum protection. Although octinoxate is known to prevent the effects of ageing caused by harmful UV rays, it may also damage cells of the skin and result in early ageing of the skin. It is also known to cause hormonal imbalance in the body and should therefore be used with caution.