66 replies to this topic

[Eva Victoria]

......Skinceuticals: Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 (PPD 21)

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 5%.......

Eva, given the low percentage of TiO2 & ZnO, I don't think that it has a good UVA protection; what do you think?

To tell you the truth, Happy Lemon, I do not manage to do the math how L'Oreal manages to come up with PPD 21 nor SPF 50 for that matter by using such low amounts of TiO2 and ZnO. Even considering the use of SPF (and PPD) boosters like Styrene/acrylates Copolymer, Caprylyl Methicone and Butyloctyl Salicylate.

BASF says that Z-Cote (that is used in this sunscreen) has an SPF boosting ability of 0.9/ percent of active. While PA is about 0.8. Of course higher SPF and UVA protection can be achieved depending on the formulation. But SPF 50 and PPD 21 are a bit too optimistic in my opinion (even when 6% TiO2 added).

But nevertheless, 5% ZnO cannot give adequate UVA protection especially for using it at geographic areas where the UV Index is higher than 4. (That means summer North of latitude 63⁰ North).

[fawnie]

My choices are:
#1 for cosmetic elegance and over 18% Zn:
Pratima Vetiver Neem Body (i use it on my face also) 18.5% micronized zinc http://www.pratimask...-face-sunscreen

#2 for high % of Zn but leaves skin a bit dry-ish after a while:
ECO logical BABY 22% coated micronized zinc. http://ecologicalski.../products/baby/


Also, I found this article interesting that states the % of zinc is more useful to know than the Spf. Until USA mandates standardized testing and certification of UVA protection, how else do we know what we are getting really in terms of UVA protection?
http://www.skintour....sunscreen-.html

Edited by fawnie, 30 June 2011 - 07:46 PM.

[remlon123]

Guys, there's more to the Skinceuticals formula than the active. Eva acknowledges this. The addition of Sunspheres (styrene/acrolates copolymer), butyloctyl salciylate certainly boost the protection level (sunspheres can a boost an spf rating by up to 70%!).  There are also polymers like nylon-12 and talc, which make it harder for light to reach the skin. Don't forget that the addition of iron oxides to the Physical Fusion Spf 50 also makes a difference. 

 

 

[lourdaud]

Are there any not-so-visible mineral sunblock? I want good UVA protection and tried a couple of zinc oxide sunblocks but I got a very whitish hue from both.

[remlon123]

There are a handful. And Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 is a great choice. The iron oxide tint really disappears into the skin. If you live in the EU it's a little harder to find a zinc oxide sunscreen since it not officially approved for use as an active but it's almost approved. If you like Skinceuticals and live in the EU try the Mineral Radiance SPF 50 with 11% titanium dioxide. I believe Skinceuticals uses solaveil spectra for their titanium dioxide so you're getting excellent protection with a critical wavelength around 380nm.

[Epitopia]

I use Anthelios XL Gel-crème tocher sec SPF 50+. I've done my research and come to the conclusion that anthelios products are the only ones containing a filter system that does not cause free radical production. It's a chemical filter so the disadvantage might be that is has hormone-like effects.

[Heyman]

I use Anthelios XL Gel-crème tocher sec SPF 50+. I've done my research and come to the conclusion that anthelios products are the only ones containing a filter system that does not cause free radical production. It's a chemical filter so the disadvantage might be that is has hormone-like effects.

 

Which ones do you think produce free radicals and why?