Suncare Sunscreen Ingredients
The FDA is re-evaluating sunscreen ingredients.
In the 70s and 80s sunscreen was limited to beach holidays and outdoor sporting events. Now with rising rates of skin cancer and advancements in skin health science, daily sunscreen use is recommended by skincare experts. The increased usage of sun protection products coupled with manufacturers aiming for higher and higher SPF rates has led to concerns about the safety of ingredients in sunscreen formulations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US is taking a closer look at sunscreen active ingredients to determine their safety levels for human use. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that the absorption rates into the bloodstream of certain active ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecarnsule) found in commercially available sunscreens was substantially higher than expected and above the FDA thresholds waiving further mandatory toxicology tests.
Safe Alternatives
Currently, the only to active ingredients for use in sunscreens categorised as GRASE – Generally Recognised as Safe and Effective – by the FDA are the minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Consumers are encouraged to seek out fully mineral formulas by looking carefully at the ingredients list. If the active ingredients only include Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide then the product can be considered a ‘fully physical’ or ‘fully mineral’ formula.
Physical Protection
In contrast to chemical sunscreens, mineral SPFs are designed to sit on top of the skin and reflect, scatter and absorb solar radiation.
Historically, mineral only sunscreens have been chalky, white and too thick to apply evenly. Manufacturers have struggled to formulate aesthetically elegant mineral sunscreens due to the opacity of the Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide ingredients.
However, with new innovative coating materials and the introduction of Iron Oxides in the formulations, it is now possible to create products that have the benefits of all mineral protection and an appealing aesthetic.
A new Era of Skin Protection
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection https://www.beautymailbox.co.uk/product/ line of products have always been fully mineral and apply weightlessly on all skin types. Featuring patented EnviroScreen Technology Colorescience SPF products protect against UVA/UVB, environmental pollution HEV (blue) light and infrared radiation.
These sunscreen formulations contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide actives encapsulated by a novel coating technology and blended with vitamins, antioxidants and hydrating molecules. Keeping skin hydrated and nourished. Colorescience proprietary technology provides broad-spectrum SPF50/PA+++ and PA++++ protection to prevent photo-ageing, and allow damaged skin to repair itself.