Safe Suncreen Ingredients to Look For in your Sunscreen

Posted in Beauty Guide

By Butterboom Writers  /  February 26, 2015

sunscreen_butterboom

We are all aware of the harm sun causes to our skin so putting on sunscreen has become a regular part of our beauty routine. This is because even during winter, there are UVB rays (rays that causes sunburn) and UVA rays that can penetrate deeper into skin and cause wrinkles and DNA damages.  But do you know that there are ingredients in your sunscreen that can cause more harm than good?

 According to The Environment Working Group after conducting a test on 800 sunscreen in 2012 that are harmful, contains toxin that can lead to hormone disruption and potential cell damage that may lead to skin cancer are oxybenzone (very typical in most sunscreen we find) and retinyl palmitate (a type of vitamin A). The other ingredients that you should avoid are: parabens, phathalates, synthetic fragrance, sodium laurel sulphates (see full list here) 

So what ingredients are safe and protects your skin? Look for  suncreens that uses mineral based ingredients like  zinc, titanium dioxide and chemically developed ingredients like Mexoryl, Tinosorb-M and Tinosorb-S as they do not breakdown in the sunlight and is not absorb into the skin according to Dr. Ryka Milanovic Galbraith (American Board Certified Family Physician)

Also its not necessary to fuss about the SPF level as higher SPF protection does not equate to higher protection. Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98%. 

Here’s a list of safe sunscreens that you can find in Hong Kong or online stores that delivers to Hong Kong. Its not a comprehensive list, but now that you know what to look out for, read the label!

 photo source: Shutterstock

 Pinterest

Leave a Reply