| Rating | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Good |
broad spectrumTerm that, when applied to sunscreen, refers to a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from both...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
bumetrizoleSunscreen ingredient that absorbs primarily UVB light.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
avobenzoneSynthetic sunscreen ingredient (also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) that...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
benzephenone-3Also called oxybenzone, a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays and...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Good |
benzophenoneGroup of compounds used in cosmetics as sunscreen agents to protect mostly from UVB radiation and...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
ecamsuleSunscreen ingredient that provides UVA protection...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
homosalateFDA-approved sunscreen active ingredient that primarily provides UVB protection. Its UVA range is...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
menthyl anthranilateAlso known as meradimate, this is a synthetic sunscreen active is a partially effective UVA...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
meradimate
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octinoxateAlso known as octyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate…
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octisalateTechnical name for the active sunscreen ingredient octyl salicylate (also known as ethylhexyl...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octocryleneGlobally-approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octyl methoxycinnamateSunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays…
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
octyl salicylateSunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
oxybenzoneOxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) is a sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Poor |
PABA
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Average |
padimate OSunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays (Source: Skin Therapy Letter,...
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Poor |
para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)Sunscreen ingredient rarely used since the 1990s because of strong potential for sensitizing reactions.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
Parsol 1789
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
| Best |
titanium dioxideA versatile ingredient that serves several functions in cosmetics, this earth mineral is perhaps best known as a sunscreen active that’s gentle enough even for skin prone to redness and sensitivity. |
| Best |
ensulizoleEnsulizole is a water soluble sunscreen ingredient that works in the UVB range, offering no UVA protection.
Categories:
Sunscreen Actives
|
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!