Sunscreen Ingredients 

The main ingredients in a sunscreen formulation are filters, which are capable of protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Physical filters (or mineral filters): Ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as a physical barrier on the skin’s surface. These minerals reflect and scatter UV radiation, preventing the rays from reaching the skin. This action creates a protective layer on the skin that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Chemical filters (or organic filters): Chemical filters work differently. These compounds absorb the energy from UV rays and convert it into heat, which is then dissipated from the skin. Each chemical filter specializes in absorbing a specific type of UV radiation. For example, some are effective against UVA rays, while others are effective against UVB rays.

In addition to filters, a sunscreen product should contain other ingredients:

Emollients or filter solubilizers: Some emollients help solubilize sunscreen ingredients. In this way, emollients influence the spreading and penetration capacity of the sunscreen active on the skin.

Emulsifiers: Sunscreen creams are emulsions, so the emulsifier used must be compatible with a wide range of lipids.

SPF boosters: These are ingredients capable of increasing the SPF of sunscreen formulations.

Physical filter dispersants: Some sunscreen ingredients can disperse mineral filters and improve the stability of the formulation.