The Learning Lab
Is Octocrylene Safe in Sunscreen?
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients Octocrylene is a widely used ingredient in sunscreens. The skin absorbs it, and it can accumulate in the body. This compound is known for absorbing UVB and short-wave UVA rays, offering broad-spectrum UV protection. However, it also produces free radicals, leading to skin damage and DNA mutations,...
How does zinc oxide sunscreen work?
On February 2019, the FDA recommend the GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective) status on only two active ingredients for use in sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The FDA also requested further research on the remaining active ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate) before they can be listed as...
What does reef safe sunscreen mean?
We should start by explaining the terms “reef safe” and “reef friendly" are not regulated by the FDA, and their growing use is largely due to the sunscreen industry’s desire to attract eco-conscience consumers. The trouble is common sunscreen makers are adding “reef safe” to their sunscreens when in fact,...
Is zinc oxide good for lips?
Yes, zinc oxide is good for lips when it is used in an SPF lip balm. Lips are thin, exposed, and easy to forget, making them among the most overlooked areas for sun damage. A zinc oxide lip balm helps protect the lips from UVA and UVB rays by sitting...
Ingredient Spotlight: Coconut Oil
5 Ways to use Coconut Oil for Skin and Face Moisturizer Sunburn Relief Sunscreen Makeup Remover Shave Cream Coconut oil has been a skin softener for 1000s of years. It is made from the extracted meat of the seed from the coconut tree, cocos nucifera. Coconut oil is full of...
What is zinc oxide sunscreen?
Zinc oxide sunscreen uses the mineral compound zinc oxide as an active ingredient. It sits atop of the skin where it absorbs and reflects UV rays, converts them into infrared heat energy, which radiates safely away from the skin. Zinc oxide sunscreens start working immediately and do not seep into...
