What is Sunscreen Made Of? Chemical vs Mineral Ingredients

What is Sunscreen Made Of?

Sunscreen is made from a variety of active and inactive ingredients that work together to provide protection against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Key components that make up sunscreen include:

Active Ingredients

Active ingredients are the compounds that actually filter out UV radiation. Some common active sunscreen ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone: Protects against UVB and some UVA rays
• Avobenzone: Broad UVA protection
• Octisalate: Primarily UVB protection
• Homosalate: UVB and little UVA coverage
• Octocrylene: UVB and short wave UVA barrier
• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: Physical blockers reflecting UV rays

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive sunscreen components include:

• Emulsifiers to blend ingredients
• Preservatives to prevent microbial growth
• Emollients for skin feel and moisture
• Thickeners for desired texture
• Solvents to dissolve components
• fragrances

Understanding what gives sunscreen its protective abilities and formulation allows for finding products that balance safety, sensory appeal, and effectiveness.

How Sunscreens Provide UV Protection

Sunscreens protect skin from solar radiation through two main mechanisms:

Absorption of UV Rays

Many chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone work by absorbing UV rays to convert their energy into small amounts of heat. This stops the radiation from reaching skin cells and causing damage that can lead to accelerated aging and cancer.

UV Ray Reflection

Mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit atop the skin and act like mirrors to reflect and scatter incoming UV light. Rather than chemical absorption, these physical blockers rely on UV rays bouncing off them.

Using a combination sunscreen provides the broadest protection by utilizing both absorption of some wavelengths and reflection of others before they penetrate skin.

Sunscreen Formulations and Texture

Sunscreens come in various product types and textures based on their specific ingredient formulations including:

Creams

Thicker creams provide good adherence for prolonged water resistance but may feel too heavy for some. Hydrating ingredients make them best for dry skin.

Lotions and Milks

Lighter formulations absorb faster without residue feeling but don’t last as long when sweating or swimming. Great for normal to oily skin.

Gels

Clear gels rub in quickly, suitable for most skin types, but tend to be less protective in water. Alcohol helps the thinner texture apply sheerly.

Sprays

Alcohol-based sprays enable touchless application but uneven coverage risks missing spots. Polymer thickeners enhance adherence when playing sports.

Sticks

Wax and oil bases allow solid stick application good for the lips and face without getting hands messy but can feel waxy. Beeswax and coconut oil are common bases.

Consider skin type and activities like swimming when choosing sunscreen textures to strike the right durability and feel.

Is Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen Better?

There are pros and cons to chemical versus mineral sunscreen ingredients:

Chemical Sunscreen Advantages

• Tends to rub in easily without white residue
• Allows vitamin D production unlike mineral blockers
• Often affordable and widely available

Potential Chemical Sunscreen Disadvantages

• Absorbed into bloodstream at low levels unlike reflectors
• Stability and duration questions on some filters like avobenzone
• Occasional skin irritation or allergy issues

Mineral Sunscreen Pros

• Provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA/UVB
• Lower skin absorption than chemical filters
• Typically fewer sensitivities than chemical options

Mineral Formula Cons

• Thick textures may leave white cast on some skin tones
• Can feel heavy, greasy, or drying if not well formulated
• Often more expensive than chemical counterparts

Ultimately either can work well. Mixing chemical and mineral filters lets you harness strengths of both for maximum benefit.

Common Concerns Over Sunscreen Safety

While crucial for skin cancer prevention, some sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate have faced concerns over potential safety issues:

Hormone Disruption Fears

Oxybenzone presents low but measurable hormone activity in laboratory testing leading to fears it may disrupt endocrine function. However, several reproductive safety studies found no clear clinically significant hormone shifts.

Absorption Into Bloodstream

Studies confirm many chemical sun filters absorb past skin into the blood at low parts per billion levels. But whether this lore systemic exposure impacts health remains speculation lacking evidence.

Free Radical Generation

The ability of oxybenzone and avobenzone to generate reactive molecules under UV light raised questions if they promote cell damage. But studies to date finding no increase of free radical stress are reassuring.

Vitamin A Breakdown

Retinyl palmitate may degrade into compounds that amplify UV damage, but it likely depends on formulation, storage, and light exposure time. Stable products likely avoid significant issues.

More research on long-term use would provide greater clarity but low-level exposure from proper sunscreen use likely poses little risk compared to unprotected sun damage proven to accelerate photoaging and promote cancer.

Tips for Safer Sunscreen Selection

While most fears appear inflated, you can optimize sun safety and minimize risks through wise selection:

• Avoid oxybenzone if concerned about systemic exposure or hormone issues
• Check labels for retinyl palmitate if worried about vitamin A breakdown
• Pick lotions over sprays to ensure thorough coverage
• Use combination products with some mineral filters to limit chemical amounts
• Check expiration dates and store in cool dry places to prevent ingredient instability

The Bottom Line

Chemical absorbers along with mineral reflectors make up sunscreen to block UV damage linked to skin cancer and rapid skin aging. Typical usage appears safe for most based on available research but moderating exposure of any one ingredient as a precaution is sensible.

Balancing protection, texture preference, price, and potential risks leads to finding the right sunscreen products for outdoor activity while supporting skin health over a lifetime.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.