What are the Main Ingredients in Sunscreen?
There are currently 16 active ingredients allowed for use in sunscreens by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These ingredients fall into two broad categories – absorbers (which create a chemical reaction to absorb UV) or reflectors (which are physical barriers that block or reflect UV rays away from the skin). Commonly used absorbers include homosalate, octisalate (also called octyl salicylate), octinoxate (also called octyl methoxycinnamate or OMC), octocrylene, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. The reflectors are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Most sunscreens contain some mixture of absorbers and/or reflectors and are available in creams, mousses, lotions and moisturizers. Hypo allergic and waterproof products are also available. What is SPF? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures the protection against UVB provided by a sunscreen. An SPF 15, when applied properly, protects you against 14 out of 15 parts of UVB or 93 percent UVB. An SPF 30 protects you against 29 out of
