Sunscreen Ingredients

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Naturally occurring mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered no risk of skin sensitivity. Titanium dioxide is a great sunscreen active for sensitive, redness-prone skin. It’s great for use around the eyes, as it is highly unlikely to cause stinging.

Titanium Dioxide is coated before adding to the Sunscreen. The coating process improves application, enhances sun protection, and prevents the titanium dioxide from interacting with other ingredients in the presence of sunlight, thus enhancing its stability. It not only makes this ingredient much more pleasant to use for sunscreen, but also improves efficacy and eliminates safety concerns.

Titanium dioxide is a great broad-spectrum SPF ingredient and is widely used in all manner of sun-protection products. What gets confusing for some consumers is trying to decipher research that ranks sunscreen ingredients by a UV spectrum graph. By most standards, broad-spectrum coverage for sunscreen ingredients is defined as one that surpasses 360 nanometers (abbreviated as “nm” - how the sun’s rays are measured). Titanium dioxide exceeds this range of protection, but depending on whose research you read, it either performs as well as or slightly below zinc oxide.

References for this information:

Skin Therapy Letter, July-August 2008, pages 5-7
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology,& Photomedicine, April 2011, pages 58-67
Environmental and Health Perspectives, July 2008, pages 893

ZINC OXIDE

Natural earth mineral used as a great sunscreen active ingredient . Along with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide is considered to have no risk of skin sensitization. As a sunscreen, it is effective in providing protection against sun’s UVA rays in addition to UVB rays

References for this information:

Particle and Fibre Toxicology, August 2016, page 44

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2014, pages 273-283

Indian Journal of Dermatology, September-October 2012, pages 335-342

Archives of Toxicology, July 2012, pages 1063-1075

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology,&Photomedicine, April 2011, pages 58-67

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, December 2010, pages 413-421

RED RASPBERRY OIL

This fruit contains a broad mix of antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C) beta-carotene, glutathione, quercetin, and vitamin E. Red raspberry can inhibit enzymes in skin that lead to signs of discolorations and loss of firmness. Research has also shown topical application of red raspberry extract helps skin defend itself in the presence of UVB light.
References for this information:
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, January 2019, ePublication
Food & Function, February 2018, pages 806-818
Advanced in Nutrition, January 2016, pages 44-65
Cosmetics, Volume 5, 2018, ePublication

SEA BUCKTHORN OIL

Sea Buckthorn is also known as seaberry, good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, vitamin E, lycopene, phytosterols, and numerous phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefit.
The USP of this ingredient is its ability to help stabilize elements in skin that would normally break down in the presence of peroxide and other types of free radicals. Also provides soothing effect on skin.
References for this information:
Planta Medica, January 2018, pages 26-33
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, January 2016, ePublication
ISRN Pharmacology, March 2012, ePublication
Journal of Food Science, November 2008, pages C615-C620

OLIVE OIL

Contains fatty acids, some of which comes from the emollient squalene. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids dry skin needs, including oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. It also contains phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits. Best results when used with other oils. Research also shows that topically applied olive oil can protect against environmental damage.

References for this information:
Scientia Pharmaceutica, April-June 2012, pages 133-154
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2009, issue 3, pages152-165
Talanta, 2008, issue 2, pages 924-934
Alternative Medicine Review, November 2007, pages 331-342
Carcinogenesis, November 2000, pages 2,085-2,090

AVOCADO

A high quality natural emollient oil with antioxidant properties. Rich source of skin-replenishing fatty acids.