579 replies to this topic

[Vanity Fair]

Oh, if it's only up to 375 , I was getting exited about nothing😏

[Eva Victoria]

Aqua, Octocrylene, Alcohol, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Lactoperoxidase, Lecithin, Superoxide Dismutase, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentadecalactone, Silica, Dimethicone.

This sunscreen brand claims to be needing once a day application and also claims 93 % protection of the whole Uva specrum.
What are your thoughts about these sort of claims, especially considering that they also use organic/chemical active ingredients?
I will give you also the ingredients lists of their other products as they all vary a bit but all claim to be a one a say application.
How valid are these claims?
I won't be buying them but am very curious to know your thoughts about these products.

Hope you are well,
VF

Organic sunscreen filters need to be reapplied every 2 h to provide proper protection. Failing this you can risk more free-radical damage due to the byproduct of the breakdown of the organic filters.
It is irresponsible to say that one application will provide full protection through the day.

[Eva Victoria]

Aqua, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Boron Nitride, Pentylene Glycol, Ectoin, Lactoperoxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum.

This is the one for the face spf 30, which also says to be containing a very potent antioxidant

And indeed it does: Superoxide Dismutase: a chelating anti-oxidant. It is able to renew/recycle itself and provide scavenging activity against oxidants/ free-radicals. This activity lasts about up to 6 h. Ectoin and Vitamin E are other very good anti-oxidants.

Edited by Eva Victoria, 24 June 2012 - 10:52 AM.

[Eva Victoria]

Oh, if it's only up to 375 , I was getting exited about nothing😏

Solaveil Spextra T (TiO2) is up to 370 nm.

[Vanity Fair]

http://www.ultrasun.co.uk
This is the link to their website

[Vanity Fair]

Oh, if it's only up to 375 , I was getting exited about nothing😏

Solaveil Spextra T (TiO2) is up to 370 nm.

Oh no, even less!😂

[Vanity Fair]

And indeed it does: Superoxide Dismutase: a chelating anti-oxidant. It is able to renew/recycle itself and provide scavenging activity against oxidants/ free-radicals. This activity lasts about up to 6 h. Ectoin and Vitamin E are other very good anti-oxidants.

Will you put it in your suncreen?

[Vanity Fair]

Aqua, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Boron Nitride, Pentylene Glycol, Ectoin, Lactoperoxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum.

This is the one for the face spf 30, which also says to be containing a very potent antioxidant

And indeed it does: Superoxide Dismutase: a chelating anti-oxidant. It is able to renew/recycle itself and provide scavenging activity against oxidants/ free-radicals. This activity lasts about up to 6 h. Ectoin and Vitamin E are other very good anti-oxidants.

What a shame it contains alcool then, but other then that , does it look ok with regards to the UvA protection?

And, if you look at the lists of ingredients of their products, on what ingredients do the base their claim that you only need to apply it once a day?

[Vanity Fair]

INGREDIENTS: Water, propylene glycol, sorbitol, glyceryl stearate, stearic acid, dimethicone, steareth-2, steareth-20, 50,000 PIU zn/cu superoxide dismutase, 600,000 IU retinyl palmitate (Retinol-A), vitamin E acetate 1,000 IU, methyl and propyl parabens. Read the article "Preservatives in Cosmetics" in our library.

Hi eva,
Nothing to do with sunscreen but you seem to know a lot about skincare in general so what do you think about this cream, is it safe to use ?

[Eva Victoria]

And indeed it does: Superoxide Dismutase: a chelating anti-oxidant. It is able to renew/recycle itself and provide scavenging activity against oxidants/ free-radicals. This activity lasts about up to 6 h. Ectoin and Vitamin E are other very good anti-oxidants.

Will you put it in your suncreen?

Nope. I use ZnO and OMC. And the dispersion of ZnO is either made by me using coated ZnO and a proprietary blend of solvents or use another suppliers dispersion (but it is not from Croda).
I see now that you did not refer to Solaveil Spextra but to Superoxide Dismutase. I use EUK-134 that is another very good chelater. Ectoin and Vitamin E I also use in my products along other very good stable anti-oxidants.

Edited by Eva Victoria, 24 June 2012 - 03:11 PM.

[Eva Victoria]

INGREDIENTS: Water, propylene glycol, sorbitol, glyceryl stearate, stearic acid, dimethicone, steareth-2, steareth-20, 50,000 PIU zn/cu superoxide dismutase, 600,000 IU retinyl palmitate (Retinol-A), vitamin E acetate 1,000 IU, methyl and propyl parabens. Read the article "Preservatives in Cosmetics" in our library.

Hi eva,
Nothing to do with sunscreen but you seem to know a lot about skincare in general so what do you think about this cream, is it safe to use ?

Retinyl Palmitate is a controversial ingredient. It is said that it might contribute to skin cancer in the presence of UV light. Some environmental companies even fight for banning it from sunscreens.

[Eva Victoria]

Aqua, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Boron Nitride, Pentylene Glycol, Ectoin, Lactoperoxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum.

This is the one for the face spf 30, which also says to be containing a very potent antioxidant

And indeed it does: Superoxide Dismutase: a chelating anti-oxidant. It is able to renew/recycle itself and provide scavenging activity against oxidants/ free-radicals. This activity lasts about up to 6 h. Ectoin and Vitamin E are other very good anti-oxidants.

What a shame it contains alcool then, but other then that , does it look ok with regards to the UvA protection?

And, if you look at the lists of ingredients of their products, on what ingredients do the base their claim that you only need to apply it once a day?

I don't see any stabilizer for AVO, although the high amount of Lecithin might be used for encapsulation of AVO to achieve higher stability, though the solvent for AVO is OMC in this sunscreen. Which will mean that it is notoriously photo-unstable.
Alcohol as the second ingredient should already be a warning. Alcohol is an oxidant. Beside this sunscreen can be very drying for the skin.

[Vanity Fair]

Thanks again eva,

It once again shows that you have to inform yourself and be ever so careful when purchasing a skincare product ( or anything else you put on your skin or in your body for that matter)
Because lately I have definately seen my skin taken a turn for the worse, i am always on the look out for that Miracle product that does not exist, I realize that of course.

However, I have begun to look for oils, natural products, and DYS mixing etc.
Do you think that if you order active ingredients like topopherol, vitamin c, superoxide dismutase, Q 10 etc etc on line and mix them in your base cream or add them to base oils, carefully following the instructions of use of course, that it could be effective?

Anyway, you catch my thrift, at least this way, you don't have a lot of the sometimes very harsh and unnessecary ingredients that you often find in commercial products and you know how much of an active ingredient it contains.
Or am I being too naive here.

Edited by Vanity Fair, 24 June 2012 - 03:59 PM.

[Eva Victoria]

Thanks again eva,

It once again shows that you have to inform yourself and be ever so careful when purchasing a skincare product ( or anything else you put on your skin or in your body for that matter)
Because lately I have definately seen my skin taken a turn for the worse, i am always on the look out for that Miracle product that does not exist, I realize that of course.

However, I have begun to look for oils, natural products, and DYS mixing etc.
Do you think that if you order active ingredients like topopherol, vitamin c, superoxide dismutase, Q 10 etc etc on line and mix them in your base cream or add them to base oils, carefully following the instructions of use of course, that it could be effective?

Anyway, you catch my thrift, at least this way, you don't have a lot of the sometimes very harsh and unnessecary ingredients that you often find in commercial products and you know how much of an active ingredient it contains.
Or am I being too naive here.

I think many commercially available skin care products contain a lot of water and thickeners plus added rheology modifiers to have a pleasant feel but not necessarily beneficial for your skin. In the same time they lack cell-communicating ingredients and anti-oxidants in the amount that could actually make a difference. It is all about profit.
I think everybody can make their serums with actives purchased online and keeping in mind that less is often more. Home made serums will contain, as you put it, ingredients that you know and the amount you desire. (One should, of course remember to preserve the product).
Moisturizers are a bit more tricky to make and require knowledge and experience (and equipment). But ready made bases can be of use here where you can add your ingredients.
A serum can contain between 5-15% actives (beside algae extract if you use it as the base); a moisturizer about 2-5%.
Producing sunscreens however require not only knowledge and the access to the right ingredients but also the right equipment which is both expensive and time consuming.
But the bottom line is that it is possible to make one's own serums and moisturizers from simple ingredients that one can obtain (even without going online!) from the food store, health store and pharmacy.*

One more thing, that no matter how much "goodies" you put in your products if the packaging is not right. Jar packaging will not keep anti-oxidants and beneficial ingredients long.

*Although the most up-to-date actives, polymers and silicone based functional ingredients you will find at special online stores. Surprising how quickly these new ingredients get available in these online facilities!

[Vanity Fair]

Thanks for that,
Just to clarify, when you say that a serum can contain 5-15% actives, do you mean that the total amount of actives must not be over this percentage and the rest of the serum must be made of a base ingredient?
For example if you would use 5 % topopherol and 5 % Q 10 enzyme you can then still add 2 % of superoxide dismutase and then finally 3 % of carnosine and the rest is 85% of base product?
But what about vitamin c? That needs to be at least 10 % to be effective?

2 till 5% in a cream, wow, that's not a lot.
Why is that?

And can I get the information from the internet to find out which active ingredients combine well together and what the minimum dose is that is needed for it to be effective?
Is it a matter of experimenting?
What is the ideal PH level

Thanks again

Edited by Vanity Fair, 24 June 2012 - 07:14 PM.

[Eva Victoria]

See my answer in blue.

Thanks for that,
Just to clarify, when you say that a serum can contain 5-15% actives, do you mean that the total amount of actives must not be over this percentage and the rest of the serum must be made of a base ingredient?

If you use higher concentratration then it will not be nourishing for your skin but it might end up as poisoning your skin cells.
It is about giving a helping hand to the cells to functiion better. More like a gentle boost. 5-15% is a very high concentration. In good facial products on the market you will barely find more than 2-5% in a serum. Very few products that actually have around 8% concentration of actives (EL: Advanced Night Repair)

For example if you would use 5 % topopherol and 5 % Q 10 enzyme you can then still add 2 % of superoxide dismutase and then finally 3 % of carnosine and the rest is 85% of base product?
Your concentration are far far too high! Vit. E (use the synthetic form, more stable and more potent) should be about 0.1-0.3% (not more than 1%).
Q10 about 0.1-0.5% (It is more thatn effective).
SOD 0.2-0.5% in 1% solution that will give concentration= 100-250 IPU/g in the final product.
Carnosine 0.05-0.2% (when used in pure powder).
(If you use powders they will have to be dissolved, then the actives maybe about 2-5% concentration in the final product This is very high already).
Again: less is more!

A product also needs the base structure with the gelled water phase and some (maybe gelled) oil phase, along with several emulsifiers. Here there will go some high percentages!
That a product works is 50% of how the base is made. It has to be able to carry the actives to the cells.
This is about knowledge and experimenting.

But what about vitamin c? That needs to be at least 10 % to be effective?

You can get good effect from 3% (Ascorbic Acid). 5% is better. Over 5% is clinical concentration that is for skin that has pigmentation problem, wrinkles etc.
If you use stabilized form of AA then the concentration will vary: MAP: 0.1%, SAP: up to 3%, AA2G (Ascorbyl Glucoside): 0.5- 2%

2 till 5% in a cream, wow, that's not a lot.
Why is that?
Because incorporating actives in an emulsion that needs high sheer and heat will not allow infinite amount of "water" incorporated after the emulsion is made and cooled down.

And can I get the information from the internet to find out which active ingredients combine well together and what the minimum dose is that is needed for it to be effective?
This I don't know. I source my ingredients directly form the producers and they always have the Technical Data Sheet for each raw material.
Is it a matter of experimenting?
Not really. you should study the Technical Data Sheet. It is very clearly stated (most of the time) how to incorporate the ingredient, what to combine with and what to avoid.
What is the ideal PH level
It will depend what you are making.
Sunscreen with ZnO should have aPH above 7 for avoiding agglomeration of ZnO.
A moisturizer/ Face creme/ Serum 5.5-6.5.
Products with AHA/BHA/Ascorbic Acid around 3.
Products containing MAP, AA2G 6.5, SAP 6.5-7
F.ex. with AA2G one should always use buffers, chelating agents (Citric Acid, EDTA) but EUK-134 one should avoid the use of EDTA, hence combining these two actives will not be wise.

Thanks again

Edited by Eva Victoria, 25 June 2012 - 02:42 PM.

[Vanity Fair]

Hi eva,

Thanks so much for your answers. I wish you were my neighbour !😊
Haven't had time to look more into making my own serums but definately will.

In the meantime, what do you think of this sunscreen?

Purified water, zinc oxide (18%), organic olive oil, cetearyl olivate (emulsifier), sorbitan olivate (emulsifier), organic shea butter, organic sea buckthorn oil, cetyl palmitate (emulsifier), sorbitan palmitate (emulsifier), organic Argan oil, organic Echinacea extract, organic calendula extract, Siberian ginseng extract, starflower oil, Arctic black currant oil, olive leaf extract, xanthan gum, green tea, lycopene, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate.

And if the zinc is uncoated which I believe it definately is , what do you think about it's UvA protection? Is 18 % high enough? I believe you say it should have 25% to deliver good UvA protection. And could I add some more zinc myself and just stir to make the UvA protection higher?

Also, I am a bit confused as in some of your previous posts you recommend some sunscreens that contain both TnO and ZnO but the percentage of Z nO is sometimes very small, the Mac product for example. How can that deliver good UvA protection?

Hope you are well.
How's your sunscreen gerting along?

[Vanity Fair]

Eva,

What are your thoughts about this one?

Capric/Capryllic Triglycerides, Zinc Oxide, Copernicia Cerifera, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Stabilised Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Magnesium Stearate.
It says it uses 20 % zinc ( Z coated and microsized, between 2.0 and 2.5 micron) and 4 % TnO

As always I am wondering how the UvA protection will be, will it be quit broad?

Many thanks
VF

[Eva Victoria]

My answers are in blue.

Hi eva,
Hi Vanity Fair,

Thanks so much for your answers. I wish you were my neighbour !😊
Haven't had time to look more into making my own serums but definately will.

In the meantime, what do you think of this sunscreen?

Purified water, zinc oxide (18%), organic olive oil, cetearyl olivate (emulsifier), sorbitan olivate (emulsifier), organic shea butter, organic sea buckthorn oil, cetyl palmitate (emulsifier), sorbitan palmitate (emulsifier), organic Argan oil, organic Echinacea extract, organic calendula extract, Siberian ginseng extract, starflower oil, Arctic black currant oil, olive leaf extract, xanthan gum, green tea, lycopene, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate.

And if the zinc is uncoated which I believe it definately is , what do you think about it's UvA protection? Is 18 % high enough? I believe you say it should have 25% to deliver good UvA protection. And could I add some more zinc myself and just stir to make the UvA protection higher?

I think it would be an ok sunscreen even though it might be far too oily. It can give you about PPD 10-20 depending on the formula and particle size of the ZnO.
If you add ZnO (or any UV filter yourself, you risk to destroy the entire formula. Besides it is very difficult to make a homogenous dispersion of the ZnO without a homogenizer. And if it is not homogenious than it will not provide proper protection no matter how much ZnO you put in the product.

Also, I am a bit confused as in some of your previous posts you recommend some sunscreens that contain both TnO and ZnO but the percentage of Z nO is sometimes very small, the Mac product for example. How can that deliver good UvA protection?

The Studio Moisture SPF 15 from Mac contains 6.7% ZnO and 3.5% OMC. (No TiO2). If you read the post carefully then you see that I did recommend this (and other lower percentage ZnO containing sunscreens) for their cosmetically elegant texture (and very affordable price).
I believe that is still better to use an SPF 15 (UVA 5-6) sunscreen every day than using a high SPF sunscreen here and there because one cannot stand the consistency.
And what is good UVA protection? Again PPD 5-6 every day is far better than PPD 30-40 once a month. Wouldn't you agree?

Hope you are well.
How's your sunscreen gerting along?

It is hopefully coming along soon Am still working on the second type.

Edited by Eva Victoria, 03 July 2012 - 07:58 PM.

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

What are your thoughts about this one?

Capric/Capryllic Triglycerides, Zinc Oxide, Copernicia Cerifera, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Stabilised Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Magnesium Stearate.
It says it uses 20 % zinc ( Z coated and microsized, between 2.0 and 2.5 micron) and 4 % TnO

As always I am wondering how the UvA protection will be, will it be quit broad?

Many thanks
VF

In this case it is the same answer as above. I think it is a heavy and oily sunscreen (esp. if there is no water added).
UVA might be about PPD 10-20. But again it all depends on the dispersion and the formula as the whole. It is impossible to say the protection spectrum without running some tests in the lab. If you would know the brand of the ZnO used it would be easier to find out the protection spectrum.

[Vanity Fair]

It says they use Z Cote

[Eva Victoria]

It says they use Z Cote

Then it can protect between about 375-380 nm depending on the formulation.

[wing767]

Hi Eva! I have finally got hold and tried Obaji Nu Derm SPF 50 (10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate). It's so matt and invisible never expected that i am afraid how well i am protected. I have a question if it is considered to be a physical sunscreen then when i apply mineral powder on it with the brush, will it damage the protective layer? And if it is needed to be re applied every 2 hours once on the picnic? Thank you for all your answers Eva.

[Eva Victoria]

Hi Eva! I have finally got hold and tried Obaji Nu Derm SPF 50 (10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate). It's so matt and invisible never expected that i am afraid how well i am protected. I have a question if it is considered to be a physical sunscreen then when i apply mineral powder on it with the brush, will it damage the protective layer? And if it is needed to be re applied every 2 hours once on the picnic? Thank you for all your answers Eva.

Hi Wing,
I would believe that if you have waited long enough and the sunscreen is dry enough then it is no problem applying make-up/powder on the top of it.
Since it contains 10.5% ZnO (it also stabilizes OMC greatly), you can only apply it in the morning (unless bathing, tanning, excessive perspiration, then reapply accordingly).

[wing767]

thank you Eva!!!

[Mia K.]

Hi Eva Victoria!

It's good to "see" you around; I hope you are well.

Now. I'm down to the last few applications of my last tube of Avene's emulsion (sans AVO). *sigh*

I'd like to get your opinion/thoughts on this S/s by Paula's Choice, "RESIST anti-aging" hand cream, spf 30. I'd be using it on my face; it's received good reviews for this purpose:

Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 6%; Titanium Dioxide 2.32% (sunscreens); Other Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate (thickener),Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone (silicone slip agents and skin protectants),Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier), Caprylyl Methicone (emollient), Glyceryl Stearate,PEG-100 Stearate (emollient thickeners), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming agent), Isohexadecane (slip agent), Cetyl Alcohol (emollient), Propylene Glycol (moisture-binding agent), Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate (emollient), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (anti-irritant/skin lightening agent),Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agents), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Glycerin, Panthenol (skin-repairing ingredients), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Caprylyl Glycol (emollient), Alumina, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone,Polyhydroxystearic Acid (thickeners), Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone (skin-conditioning agent), Diethylhexyl Carbonate (emollient), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (silicone slip agent), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

I'm wearing it for the first time (from a trial packet) as I type. Hands down it's the nicest S/s I've ever tried, in terms of consistency, lack of both odor & fragrance, and no shine nor white-face.

How good is this stuff, in terms of protection? (I get very little sun, but I do Iive in SoFla, US.) Cost is 1.7 fl. oz/50 mL 15.95USD, on sale now $12.76.

Many thanks for your time & expertise,
Best! Mia

[Ali]

Can you boost the UVA protection of a sunscreen (physical and organic) by mixing with zinc oxide (non nano/micronized)???

was thinking of squeezing small amount of sunscreen in to my hand and adding a pinch of zinc oxide.

Would it despense properly if i rubbed it enough?

I realise it would be extremly whitening but would use just on hands and arms.

Thanks

[Eva Victoria]

Hi Eva Victoria!

It's good to "see" you around; I hope you are well.

Now. I'm down to the last few applications of my last tube of Avene's emulsion (sans AVO). *sigh*

I'd like to get your opinion/thoughts on this S/s by Paula's Choice, "RESIST anti-aging" hand cream, spf 30. I'd be using it on my face; it's received good reviews for this purpose:

Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 6%; Titanium Dioxide 2.32% (sunscreens); Other Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate (thickener),Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone (silicone slip agents and skin protectants),Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier), Caprylyl Methicone (emollient), Glyceryl Stearate,PEG-100 Stearate (emollient thickeners), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming agent), Isohexadecane (slip agent), Cetyl Alcohol (emollient), Propylene Glycol (moisture-binding agent), Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate (emollient), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (anti-irritant/skin lightening agent),Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agents), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Glycerin, Panthenol (skin-repairing ingredients), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Caprylyl Glycol (emollient), Alumina, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone,Polyhydroxystearic Acid (thickeners), Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone (skin-conditioning agent), Diethylhexyl Carbonate (emollient), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (silicone slip agent), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

I'm wearing it for the first time (from a trial packet) as I type. Hands down it's the nicest S/s I've ever tried, in terms of consistency, lack of both odor & fragrance, and no shine nor white-face.

How good is this stuff, in terms of protection? (I get very little sun, but I do Iive in SoFla, US.) Cost is 1.7 fl. oz/50 mL 15.95USD, on sale now $12.76.

Many thanks for your time & expertise,
Best! Mia

Hi Mia,
It is difficult to believe that this sunscreen has SPF 30. I would have estimated SPF 15 (at the most)!
There is another thing that I would like to correct in the INCI list. Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is stated as film former. It is a thickener (from Seppic).
I think it can provide decent protection when you don't stay much outside.
(In the summer (May to October) I would go for a higher SPF and PPD sunscreen though in Florida).
Good luck with the sunscreen!

[Eva Victoria]

Can you boost the UVA protection of a sunscreen (physical and organic) by mixing with zinc oxide (non nano/micronized)???

was thinking of squeezing small amount of sunscreen in to my hand and adding a pinch of zinc oxide.

Would it despense properly if i rubbed it enough?

I realise it would be extremly whitening but would use just on hands and arms.

Thanks

The problem with adding ZnO (or TiO2) to any finished product is that it should be dispersed in one of the phases before emulsification. This will have the particles more evenly distributed on the skin hence providing better protection (and less whitening).
I would not advise to post add anything to a finished formulation. (The only exception I can come up with is that you have a ready dispersion of ZnO. You add this to the product and homogenize well. OR add it in the palm of your hand and mix it well with the product just before application.)

Or rather find a sunscreen that has high amount of ZnO (or TiO2).

[Mia K.]

Hi Mia,
It is difficult to believe that this sunscreen has SPF 30. I would have estimated SPF 15 (at the most)!
There is another thing that I would like to correct in the INCI list. Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is stated as film former. It is a thickener (from Seppic).
I think it can provide decent protection when you don't stay much outside.
(In the summer (May to October) I would go for a higher SPF and PPD sunscreen though in Florida).
Good luck with the sunscreen!

Thanks Eva V., so glad I asked!

Would this from Neutrogena do? Ultra Sheer liquid spf 70:

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7.5%, Oxybenzone 5%.
Water, cetyl dimethicone, silica, styrene/acrylates copolymer, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, ethylhexylglycerin, steareth-100, caprylyl glycol, pentylene glycol, steareth-2, cyclopentasiloxane, polyester-7, chlorphenesin, bisabolol, disodium EDTA, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, butylene glycol, BHT, mannan, xanthan gum, polymethyl methacrylate, camellia oleifera leaf extract, diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate, tocopheryl acetate, portulaca oleracea extract, pantothenic acide, retinyl palmitate, ascorbic acid, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

TIA, Mia

Edited by Mia K., 14 July 2012 - 08:52 PM.