Common ingredients in Sunscreen
What shows up on sunscreen labels, why brands use it and how it's regulated, in plain English.
22 ingredients you may see in sunscreen
Aluminum Compounds
A group of aluminum-based compounds used primarily as the active ingredient in antiperspirants.
Avobenzone
One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection.
Benzophenone
A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging.
Ceteareth-20
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations.
DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties.
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness.
Homosalate
Homosalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Octinoxate
A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics.
Octisalate
Octisalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Oxybenzone
A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics.
Palm Oil
An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms.
Parabens
A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products.
Phthalates
A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics.
Retinyl Palmitate
A form of vitamin A (retinol ester) used in sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers.
Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)
A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly.
Synthetic Fragrance
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Talc
Talc is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as sunscreen.
Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)
Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form (<100nm) used in sunscreens to eliminate the white cast of traditional mineral sunscreens.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics.
