579 replies to this topic

[Eva Victoria]

Eva, I have yet to wear a sunscreen that feels comfortable on my face. Do you have any suggestions?

I just tested MD Formulation Total Protector SPF 15 and SPF 30. Both are extremely light, you don't feel them nor see them on the face. None of them contain silicones (with the exception of the SPF 30 variant. There is Dimethicone for water-proofing purposes. The concentration is less than 1%.)
The SPF 15 contains 7.5% OMC and 4.9% ZnO (micronized). It could contain more ZnO though!
The SPF 30 contains 7.5% OMC, 5.9% ZnO (micronized) and 5% OS
Both are fragrance-free.

There is another comercially available sunscreen I tried recently which was extremely light and non-greasy on the face. It is MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 with 6.7% ZnO and 3.5% OMC. It was an extremely light sunscreen without oily residue on the skin. When it is absorbed (after about 3 min) it leaves no white residue on the skin. Extremely well formulated sunscreen that also contains light emollients and anti-oxidants. The only draw-back is the masculine fragrance. (It should be 100% fragrance-free.)

There is a new sunscreen from Obagi. Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 with 10.5% ZnO and 7.5% OMC. It is a silicone based sunscreen that looks cosmetically elegant. (I have not tried it.)

Thank you Eva. I'm going to see if I can find one at the organic market I work at. If I can't find one I will be ordering one of the above mentioned and trying them out. The MyChelle product still feels uncomfortable and irritating, which is discouraging because it's very natural and only uses micronized zinc oxide.

If this is the sunscreenI found on the net then it contains nano- ZnO (ZinClear from Dow). (It is Ecocert approved though).

Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 11.6% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™), 0.67% Titanium Dioxide
Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut)**, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Coconut Oil), Glycerin (Vegetable)*, Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut)**, Cetearyl Glucoside (Coconut)**, Squalane (Spanish Olive), Gluconolactone**, Dicaprylyl Ether (Coconut Oil/Palm Kernel Oil)**, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Fructooligosaccharides (D-Beta) (NutraFlora®), Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Allantoin (Comfrey Root), Glyceryl Isostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate (Vegetable), Polysorbate 60, Xanthan Gum (Fermented Sugar), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Alumina, Simethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate**. (*Certified Organic, **ECOCERT Approved/Accepted)

Attached Files

•  ZincClear TDS.pdf   84.06KB   180 downloads

Edited by Eva Victoria, 12 June 2011 - 02:35 PM.

[WildButterfly]

Hi Eva

Thanks and bummer about the Antinica - it wasn't cheap.

I will go back to my La Roche Posay Anthelios tinted cream, plus I will wear the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks. I don't know if the Tanne Zinke is non-micro, due to how thick it is, I'm guessing that it isn't, unlike the rest of the line (ZinClear) which is micronised zinc, and thinner in texture (also contains a lot less zinc).

Re Tretinoin - my skin get irritated quite easily, and hence, I get pigmentation. I cannot use Tretinoin (tried it years ago), and have been using Differin for about six years. Overall, my skin is in very good condition, apart from the melasma (which is very light at the moment, but very persistent).

HQ also irritates me and give me pigmentation, but I am persisting with it at the moment because of the treatment my dermatologist wants to do i.e. he needs my skin to be irritated to respond to what he wants to do (I don't get it, but will go with it for now).

Re Azaleic Acid, guessing it would be too strong for me, and the reason why my dermatologist has not recommended it.

Also, wondering what you think of the following sunscreen - (again, I can't find the full ingredients list, in Australia, companies do not have to state ingredients (apart from the active ones) for sunscreens):

BronZinc - Zinc Oxide 25%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%.

Would the Tanne Zinke or the BronZinc be best to put across my cheeks on top of the Anthelios?

Many thanks for your response!

Dear Wild Butterfly,

Thank you for reading my posts. And am very sorry for your suffering so badly from melasma.

Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen: has a strong UVB filtering ability (SPF 60) but the UVA is too low (for the EU standard. It is only PPD 17 and should be 20). But it is not a bad sunscreen. And if you prefer to use this than it is still better than nor wearing any! Though the UVA I protection should be stronger. (Using more Tinosorb M would have achieved this).

Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2 seems to be a very good photostable sunscreen that also protects very well in the UVA I spectrum (as long as the ZnO is non-micro!).

Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, IMO, will not give you adequate UVA protection with so low amount of ZnO.

I am wondering why your dermatologist does not put you on Retin-A (Tretinoin) along with HQ? Differin does not have such a great effect against pigmentation. And what about Azaleic Acid combined with HQ and Tretinoin?

Hi Eva

Long time follower of your sunscreen posts :-)

Wondering what your thoughts are on the following regime...

I have sensitive skin and suffer from melasma across my cheeks. I also live in Australia (yup, you gotta love our sun!), avoid the sun like the plague now, but considering the blistering sunburns as a child, I have plenty of sun damage coming my way later in life, that I have no issues in using strict sun avoidance now.

I also see a dermatologist on a regular basis, and since we are in the winter here, we are tackling once again my melasma with HQ, Differin and some freezing (lasering did very little to my melasma, and considering the expense, just ain't worth it in my book).

Anyhow... at the moment I am using the following sunscreen regime... your thoughts?


Fist Susncreen - Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen (I cannot find a full ingredients list on the net).

Ingredients
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine - 5%, Octyl Triazone - 5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Isoamyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Methylene bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol - 3%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane - 2.5%, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Excipient

http://www.dermedica...emart&Itemid=94

When you put this through the BASF sunscreen simulator, it gives it a fail UVA rating

Then I layer the above with the following sunscreen across my cheeks (it is too heavy for full face application, plus I find that I can use it as a foundation to cover my melasma. It is tinted, but still gives you a bit of a white/pinkish cast)

Second sunscreen - Tanne Zinke

Ingredits
Zinc Oxide - 32%, Titanium Dioxide 4%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html


Previously, I was using the Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, then layering it with the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks and it was doing the trick. But I worry that I am not getting adequate UVA protection with the Clear Zinke for babies & Toddlers as it has Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7%, Zinc Oxide 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%. Am I correct?

Many thanks for your response!

[Eva Victoria]

Hi Wild Butterfly again,

I still think that the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2 seems to be an excellent choice. Though the BronZinc with Zinc Oxide 25%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1% seems to be a good choice too. Choose the one that you like most and find cosmetically more elegant!

Good luck with your treatment!

Hi Eva

Thanks and bummer about the Antinica - it wasn't cheap.

I will go back to my La Roche Posay Anthelios tinted cream, plus I will wear the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks. I don't know if the Tanne Zinke is non-micro, due to how thick it is, I'm guessing that it isn't, unlike the rest of the line (ZinClear) which is micronised zinc, and thinner in texture (also contains a lot less zinc).

Re Tretinoin - my skin get irritated quite easily, and hence, I get pigmentation. I cannot use Tretinoin (tried it years ago), and have been using Differin for about six years. Overall, my skin is in very good condition, apart from the melasma (which is very light at the moment, but very persistent).

HQ also irritates me and give me pigmentation, but I am persisting with it at the moment because of the treatment my dermatologist wants to do i.e. he needs my skin to be irritated to respond to what he wants to do (I don't get it, but will go with it for now).

Re Azaleic Acid, guessing it would be too strong for me, and the reason why my dermatologist has not recommended it.

Also, wondering what you think of the following sunscreen - (again, I can't find the full ingredients list, in Australia, companies do not have to state ingredients (apart from the active ones) for sunscreens):

BronZinc - Zinc Oxide 25%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%.

Would the Tanne Zinke or the BronZinc be best to put across my cheeks on top of the Anthelios?

Many thanks for your response!

Dear Wild Butterfly,

Thank you for reading my posts. And am very sorry for your suffering so badly from melasma.

Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen: has a strong UVB filtering ability (SPF 60) but the UVA is too low (for the EU standard. It is only PPD 17 and should be 20). But it is not a bad sunscreen. And if you prefer to use this than it is still better than nor wearing any! Though the UVA I protection should be stronger. (Using more Tinosorb M would have achieved this).

Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2 seems to be a very good photostable sunscreen that also protects very well in the UVA I spectrum (as long as the ZnO is non-micro!).

Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, IMO, will not give you adequate UVA protection with so low amount of ZnO.

I am wondering why your dermatologist does not put you on Retin-A (Tretinoin) along with HQ? Differin does not have such a great effect against pigmentation. And what about Azaleic Acid combined with HQ and Tretinoin?

Hi Eva

Long time follower of your sunscreen posts :-)

Wondering what your thoughts are on the following regime...

I have sensitive skin and suffer from melasma across my cheeks. I also live in Australia (yup, you gotta love our sun!), avoid the sun like the plague now, but considering the blistering sunburns as a child, I have plenty of sun damage coming my way later in life, that I have no issues in using strict sun avoidance now.

I also see a dermatologist on a regular basis, and since we are in the winter here, we are tackling once again my melasma with HQ, Differin and some freezing (lasering did very little to my melasma, and considering the expense, just ain't worth it in my book).

Anyhow... at the moment I am using the following sunscreen regime... your thoughts?


Fist Susncreen - Antinica Spf 30+ sunscreen (I cannot find a full ingredients list on the net).

Ingredients
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine - 5%, Octyl Triazone - 5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Isoamyl Methoxycinnamate - 7.5%, Methylene bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol - 3%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane - 2.5%, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Excipient

http://www.dermedica...emart&Itemid=94

When you put this through the BASF sunscreen simulator, it gives it a fail UVA rating

Then I layer the above with the following sunscreen across my cheeks (it is too heavy for full face application, plus I find that I can use it as a foundation to cover my melasma. It is tinted, but still gives you a bit of a white/pinkish cast)

Second sunscreen - Tanne Zinke

Ingredits
Zinc Oxide - 32%, Titanium Dioxide 4%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html


Previously, I was using the Clear Zinke For Babies & Toddlers, then layering it with the Tanne Zinke across my cheeks and it was doing the trick. But I worry that I am not getting adequate UVA protection with the Clear Zinke for babies & Toddlers as it has Octyl Methoxycinnamate - 7%, Zinc Oxide 6%, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor 1%. Am I correct?

Many thanks for your response!

[VesperLynd]

Which brands and formulations of sunscreen are known to provide the best protection against both the broadest spectrum of UVA and UVB and what are their drawbacks, if any?

Thanks, VL

[Eva Victoria]

Which brands and formulations of sunscreen are known to provide the best protection against both the broadest spectrum of UVA and UVB and what are their drawbacks, if any?

Thanks, VL

Formulations with ZnO provide very high and photo-stable UVA protection. US and Asian sunscreens are usually based on this ingredient for UVA protection. /Often used together with OMC for higher UVB protection and for less whitening sun care products. (ZnO stabilizes OMC.)/
ZnO is approved as an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used in products that are intended for babies.
When sun-care is well formulated it can have a very nice finish that can visually improve the appearance of the skin making pores, lines appear less visible. (Usually when formulated in to a silicone base.) It can also have a silky-matte finish with a light bluish reflection. This is closer to the reflection of younger skin hence make one appear younger.
Drawbacks:
Formulations can be whitening
ZnO is not approved in the EU
ZnO as a raw material is expensive.

Formulations based on Tinosorb M also provide very high and photo-stable UVA protection. It is a water soluble active which can provide lighter feeling sun care products. Has stabbilizing effect on OMC and AVO, even when OMC and AVO are used together in the same formulation).
Drawbacks:
Formulations can be whitening and some people can react to Tinosorb M.
ZnO is only approved in the EU, AU and Japan.

The proprietary blend of Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL and Tinosorb S (among others) by L'Oreal:
Very good photo-stable UVB and UVA protection (even when used together with AVO in the same formulation).
Non-whhitening cosmetically elegant formulations.
Now even less UV-filters used for milder products with high UVB and even higher UVA protection. (It is achieved of course by using UV-filter boosters like Styrene/Acrylic Copolymer (Sunspheres, Rhom&Haas/ Dow.
Drawbacks:
Sill high amount of chemical filters are needed to achhieve high protection that can lead to allergic reactions.
OCR is still used in most products from L'Oreal. It now shows that some people are allergic to OCR.
Chemical (Organic) filters can have a burning sensation on the skin and around and in the eyes.
They tend to be shiny on the skin (as all organic sunscreen blends).

Edited by Eva Victoria, 26 June 2011 - 09:44 AM.

[happy lemon]

Eva,

A very good and precise summary.

I have tried many Japanese & USA physical sunscreens and found that all USA physical sunscreens with over 18% zinc oxide make my skin too white.

This Japanese one (physical + chemical) made by Kao goes with my skin quite well.

1. do you think that its UVA protection is good?
2. is it UV photostable?


The ingredients are as follows:

dimethicone, zinc oxide (13%), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (4%), diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus 0.5%).

Water, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, zinc oxide, glycerin, alcohol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (4%), talc, PEG-12 dimethicone, butylene glycol, rosemary leaf extract, ginger root extract, citrus junos fruit extract, eucalyptus globulus extract, thujopsis dolabrata extract, hydroxyethyl isostearyloxy isopropanolamine, bis-methoxypropylamido isodocosane, cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide, hydrogenated polyisobutene, methicone, triethoxycaprylylsilane, polysilicone-9, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, fragrance

Also, what do you think about this proprietary technology of Kao:

"......Kao and Kanebo Cosmetics developed an inorganic UV-protection agent that meets these requirements by integrating their proprietary technologies. New Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide made with inorganic flakes (fine-particles) for higher UV protection was developed by integrating Kao's Fine-Particle UV Protection technology and Kanebo Cosmetics' Fine-Particle Surface Treatment technology.

Previously, Kao developed an original flake zinc oxide with high UV protection based on its shape-controlling technology. By optimizing the crystallization conditions in the process of manufacturing original flake zinc oxide, Kao succeeded in reducing the thickness of the flakes by 20%. With this technology, the number of particles can be increased for a given amount of agent. As a result, UV-shielding efficacy is increased when the UV-protection agent is applied to the skin, and transparency of the particles is heightened.

Kanebo Cosmetics, meanwhile, offered surface treatment on each fine particle, optimizing conditions of its proprietary surface treatment technology using octylsilane to create Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide. As a result, high dispersion of the fine particles has been achieved.

Innovative Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide was developed by integrating the technologies of the two companies. It allows even coating of the skin, provides higher UV-A protection efficacy and delivers heightened transparency. Upon evaluation of its application in products, it was confirmed that the protection efficacy (PFA: UV-A protection index) of Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide for skin tanning induced by UV-A was 1.6 times higher compared with current products......"


http://www.kao.com/j...091109_001.html

[VesperLynd]

Yes, thank you very much for your concise and detailed response!

I have a few follow up questions...

(A) We often see formulations with various percentages of ZnO. Is there a certain percentage of ZnO that a formulation must have in order
for it to be considered highly effective? I realize that there is a side effect of a white film on the skin. So let's say that indoors at work, it would
be a problem to have a white face - but outdoors, at the beach or pool - it is not unexpected - so perhaps there is a percentage that would
ok for inside and the very max needed when outside in the full sun or on the water, etc?

(B) I have read brief references stating that OMC is highly toxic and harmful? Have you come across this in your research?

© Do you have the product name and formulation for the L'Oreal product you described? I would like to try it! Thanks!

Again, thank you, VL

[mustardseed41]

Eva can you show me a link giving the ingredient list for the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2? I cant find it online.
That's a very high%

[Eva Victoria]

zinc oxide (13%), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (4%), diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus 0.5%:
Even with conventional surface treatment of ZnO would provide adequate UVA protection as long as ZnO is non-nano.
ZnO and Uvinul A are inherently photo-stable filters that also have the ability to stabilize OMC. So it is a photo-stable sunscreen

Eva,

A very good and precise summary.

I have tried many Japanese & USA physical sunscreens and found that all USA physical sunscreens with over 18% zinc oxide make my skin too white.

This Japanese one (physical + chemical) made by Kao goes with my skin quite well.

1. do you think that its UVA protection is good?
2. is it UV photostable?


The ingredients are as follows:

dimethicone, zinc oxide (13%), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (4%), diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus 0.5%).

Water, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, zinc oxide, glycerin, alcohol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (4%), talc, PEG-12 dimethicone, butylene glycol, rosemary leaf extract, ginger root extract, citrus junos fruit extract, eucalyptus globulus extract, thujopsis dolabrata extract, hydroxyethyl isostearyloxy isopropanolamine, bis-methoxypropylamido isodocosane, cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide, hydrogenated polyisobutene, methicone, triethoxycaprylylsilane, polysilicone-9, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, fragrance

Also, what do you think about this proprietary technology of Kao:

"......Kao and Kanebo Cosmetics developed an inorganic UV-protection agent that meets these requirements by integrating their proprietary technologies. New Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide made with inorganic flakes (fine-particles) for higher UV protection was developed by integrating Kao's Fine-Particle UV Protection technology and Kanebo Cosmetics' Fine-Particle Surface Treatment technology.

Previously, Kao developed an original flake zinc oxide with high UV protection based on its shape-controlling technology. By optimizing the crystallization conditions in the process of manufacturing original flake zinc oxide, Kao succeeded in reducing the thickness of the flakes by 20%. With this technology, the number of particles can be increased for a given amount of agent. As a result, UV-shielding efficacy is increased when the UV-protection agent is applied to the skin, and transparency of the particles is heightened.

Kanebo Cosmetics, meanwhile, offered surface treatment on each fine particle, optimizing conditions of its proprietary surface treatment technology using octylsilane to create Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide. As a result, high dispersion of the fine particles has been achieved.

Innovative Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide was developed by integrating the technologies of the two companies. It allows even coating of the skin, provides higher UV-A protection efficacy and delivers heightened transparency. Upon evaluation of its application in products, it was confirmed that the protection efficacy (PFA: UV-A protection index) of Surface-Treated Flake Zinc Oxide for skin tanning induced by UV-A was 1.6 times higher compared with current products......"


http://www.kao.com/j...091109_001.html

[Eva Victoria]

Eva can you show me a link giving the ingredient list for the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2? I cant find it online.
That's a very high%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html

(This is from the post in this thread.)

[Eva Victoria]

Yes, thank you very much for your concise and detailed response!

I have a few follow up questions...

(A) We often see formulations with various percentages of ZnO. Is there a certain percentage of ZnO that a formulation must have in order
for it to be considered highly effective? I realize that there is a side effect of a white film on the skin. So let's say that indoors at work, it would
be a problem to have a white face - but outdoors, at the beach or pool - it is not unexpected - so perhaps there is a percentage that would
ok for inside and the very max needed when outside in the full sun or on the water, etc?

(B) I have read brief references stating that OMC is highly toxic and harmful? Have you come across this in your research?

© Do you have the product name and formulation for the L'Oreal product you described? I would like to try it! Thanks!

Again, thank you, VL

A. 8% ZnO would provide a non-whitening formulation with about PPD 5 (SPF about 5-6). SPF and PPD values depend on the formulation and what raw-materials are used, what UV(B) filters are combined with ZnO.
I personally recommend at least 15% ZnO in formulations for higher UVA protection. (But formulations over 8% ZnO tend to be whitening on the skin).

B. OMC ended up in a bad light. If you search for more info you will find it that it is one of the oldest UVB filters with one of the longest user history. In the EU it is almost extinct now but the FDA still have it approved and even approved for baby-suncare.
I personally think that if it was so bad as people (and big companies and producers of OCR) would like as to believe it is then neither the EU nor the FDA would have it approved. (After all there are other UVB filters that can be used.)

C. All L'Oreal products (EU version!!!) contain this proprietary combo. Garnier, LRP, L'Oreal, Helena Rubinstein, Biotherm, Vichy etc.

[jep]

Eva,

In one of your posts above you say "Formulations with ZnO provide very high and photo-stable UVA protection. US and Asian sunscreens are usually based on this ingredient for UVA protection."

then you say "ZnO is not approved in the EU".

and finally you say "ZnO is only approved in the EU, AU and Japan."

All in the same post. Which is it? :-)

Also, I've read you saying ZnO is not approved in the EU before, yet, many sunscreens sold in the EU (and some manufactured in it) contain it. How can they do that if ZnO is "not approved"?

Thanks.

Josh.

Edited by jep, 28 June 2011 - 02:46 PM.

[mustardseed41]

Eva can you show me a link giving the ingredient list for the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2? I cant find it online.
That's a very high%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html

(This is from the post in this thread.)

I've seen that and could not find where it say's 32%???????

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

In one of your posts above you say "Formulations with ZnO provide very high and photo-stable UVA protection. US and Asian sunscreens are usually based on this ingredient for UVA protection."

then you say "ZnO is not approved in the EU".

and finally you say "ZnO is only approved in the EU, AU and Japan."

All in the same post. Which is it? :-)

Also, I've read you saying ZnO is not approved in the EU before, yet, many sunscreens sold in the EU (and some manufactured in it) contain it. How can they do that if ZnO is "not approved"?

Thanks.

Josh.

Hi Josh,

Thank you for pointing out the confusion in my post.

ZnO is widely used all over the world for UVA protection. Unfortunatelly it is not approved in the EU for sunscreen purposes. But it is approved for use as a colourant or as an anti-inflammatory agent for products (intended for babies).
There are differing regulatory guidelines for sunscreens around the world and in some countries, sunscreen products are regulated as drugs. The ability to use inorganics as a UV filter therefore varies. For example zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are included in the Final Sunscreen Monograph of the FDA where they are permitted up to a level of 25%. In Japan, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are permitted for use with no limit on concentration; however they are not included on the positive list of UV filters because they are not considered to be UV absorbers. In Australia, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are permitted and there is no limit on concentration of zinc oxide, although there is a limit of 25% for titanium dioxide. In Europe, titanium dioxide is included on the Annex VII listing of permitted UV filters. Zinc oxide is not currently listed on Annex VII, although a dossier submission has been made with a view to eventually listing zinc oxide as a UV filter. Zinc oxide is of course already approved, and widely used, as a cosmetic ingredient.

Indeed there are some products sold in the EU that do contain large amount of ZnO for sunscreen purposes. These are usually sunscreens from American companies though fewer and fewer who do that now.
What they do is that they label the sunscreen products differently. In the EU you don't have to give the percentage of the active sunscreen agents on the packaging (unlike in the US and AU where sunscreens are regulated as OTC drug). They display ZnO as a colourant at the end of the ingredients list. BUT they cannot claim UVA protection for their product (since ZnO is not an approved UVA agent in the EU). The problem with this is that more and more companies are aiming to have the UVA labeling on their products since the public awareness of UVA protection is increasing in the EU as well.
The other possibility for selling ZnO containing sunscreens in the EU is to sell through cliniques with dermatologists and market the product as OTC drug (like Obagi does). The moment you have it as an OTC drug then you comply to the ingredients listed of the EUP.

Hope I manged to clear some of the confusion.

E.

[Eva Victoria]

Eva can you show me a link giving the ingredient list for the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2? I cant find it online.
That's a very high%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html

(This is from the post in this thread.)

I've seen that and could not find where it say's 32%???????

As far as I could see I got the percentage and the linnk from this post in this thread: WildButterfly, on 12 June 2011 - 05:12 AM.

[WildButterfly]

Eva can you show me a link giving the ingredient list for the Tanne Zinke with 32% ZnO and 4% TiO2? I cant find it online.
That's a very high%

http://www.keysun.com.au/suncare.html

(This is from the post in this thread.)

I've seen that and could not find where it say's 32%???????

As far as I could see I got the percentage and the linnk from this post in this thread: WildButterfly, on 12 June 2011 - 05:12 AM.

Hi, I'm afraid I haven't been able to find the ingredients list either online. The sunscreen % ingredients are taken from the tube listing.

[happy lemon]

Eva,

I have 4 questions:

1. what is your comment of the UVB filter Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (ENSULIZOLE).

2. is it a good sunscreen? Octinoxate 7.49%, Zinc Oxide 19.97%, Ensulizole 2.5%

3. which one provides higher UVA protection: uncoated ZnO or coated ZnO?

4. what do you think that physical sunscreen can't reach the ratio of 1:3 UVA to UVB protection?

......The Dr.Hauschka Sun Care products use the so-called Australian Standard to measure their UVA protection performance. This guarantees that a minimum of 90 percent of all UVA rays striking the skin are filtered. Until the new EU recommendation this was the most common method of measuring the UVA protection offered by sun care products world wide.

Now the EU Commission on Standards has issued a recommendation which all sun protection products are supposed to meet by the summer of 2009. This requires that sun protection products in the EU must offer uniform minimum protection against UVA radiation and have a ratio of at least 1:3 UVA to UVB protection. When chemical sun protection factors are used it is not difficult to achieve the required 1:3 ratio. For Dr.Hauschka however, using chemical sun protection factors is out of the question. For this reason Dr.Hauschka sunscreen products will no longer be available from June 2009......


http://www.drhauschk...2009/04/story-9

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

I have 4 questions:

1. what is your comment of the UVB filter Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (ENSULIZOLE).

2. is it a good sunscreen? Octinoxate 7.49%, Zinc Oxide 19.97%, Ensulizole 2.5%

3. which one provides higher UVA protection: uncoated ZnO or coated ZnO?

4. what do you think that physical sunscreen can't reach the ratio of 1:3 UVA to UVB protection?

......The Dr.Hauschka Sun Care products use the so-called Australian Standard to measure their UVA protection performance. This guarantees that a minimum of 90 percent of all UVA rays striking the skin are filtered. Until the new EU recommendation this was the most common method of measuring the UVA protection offered by sun care products world wide.

Now the EU Commission on Standards has issued a recommendation which all sun protection products are supposed to meet by the summer of 2009. This requires that sun protection products in the EU must offer uniform minimum protection against UVA radiation and have a ratio of at least 1:3 UVA to UVB protection. When chemical sun protection factors are used it is not difficult to achieve the required 1:3 ratio. For Dr.Hauschka however, using chemical sun protection factors is out of the question. For this reason Dr.Hauschka sunscreen products will no longer be available from June 2009......


http://www.drhauschk...2009/04/story-9

Hi Happy Lemon,

1. Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (ENSULIZOLE) is an effective UVB absorber. Needs very small amount to achieve good UVB protection. It is shown to have good synergetic effect with ZnO and TiO2. It needs neutralization. Its molecular weight is 40 which means it penetrates skin very easily that can lead to skin sensitizing.

2.It does seem to be a good sunscreen. (Though Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid is unnecessary because ZnO will photo-stabilize OMC on its own and OMC will provide great UVB protection along with ZnO).

3. Coating will help to have less free radical generation (esp. in the case of TiO2). But in some cases it can provide better UVA protection. But UVA protection is still dependent on the size of the particles. Coated ZnO (and TiO2) will have a more stabilizing effect on AVO than uncoated ones (esp. TiO2). Coating of the particles can also help better dispersions of inorganic sunscreen actives. (For example a methicone or any other silicone coated particle will have a better synergistic effect on dispersing the inorganic powder in any silicone oil.)
Coating will also help for more stable formulations and can prevent coalescence of ZnO and/or TiO2).
Coating of ZnO with Triethoxycaprylylsilane (like in Z-Cote HP from BASF) will ensure better feel and cosmetic elegance while having an SPF boosting ability.

4. They can! They can even beat it!!!
20% ZnO will have PPD 15, SPF 8 (But remember ZnO is at the moment not on the approved UV filters in the EU). Basically they cannot contribute to the UVA protection of the sunscreen rather than listed as colourant.

There are several raw materials that are TiO2 based and meet the EU recommendations of having a ratio of at least 1:3 UVA to UVB protection. A good example is Croda's Solaveil SpeXtra line.
It is achieved with a scientific mix of smaller particles (UVB protection) and larger particle size of TiO2 (whitening and UVA protection).
But one has to remember that the EU recommends the measurements of UVA protection at 370 nm. So the remaining 30 nm (up to 400 nm) are still not covered. ZnO (non-nano!) will definitely do a much better job at that.

(DrHauschka's sunscreens are available in Norway, though not the ones that contain ZnO. The one's that have pure TiO2 as a sole active do not fulfill the recommendations of the EU though).

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

I have 4 questions:

1. what is your comment of the UVB filter Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (ENSULIZOLE).

2. is it a good sunscreen? Octinoxate 7.49%, Zinc Oxide 19.97%, Ensulizole 2.5%

3. which one provides higher UVA protection: uncoated ZnO or coated ZnO?

4. what do you think that physical sunscreen can't reach the ratio of 1:3 UVA to UVB protection?

......The Dr.Hauschka Sun Care products use the so-called Australian Standard to measure their UVA protection performance. This guarantees that a minimum of 90 percent of all UVA rays striking the skin are filtered. Until the new EU recommendation this was the most common method of measuring the UVA protection offered by sun care products world wide.

Now the EU Commission on Standards has issued a recommendation which all sun protection products are supposed to meet by the summer of 2009. This requires that sun protection products in the EU must offer uniform minimum protection against UVA radiation and have a ratio of at least 1:3 UVA to UVB protection. When chemical sun protection factors are used it is not difficult to achieve the required 1:3 ratio. For Dr.Hauschka however, using chemical sun protection factors is out of the question. For this reason Dr.Hauschka sunscreen products will no longer be available from June 2009......


http://www.drhauschk...2009/04/story-9

Hi Happy Lemon,

1. Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (ENSULIZOLE) is an effective UVB absorber. Needs very small amount to achieve good UVB protection. It is shown to have good synergetic effect with ZnO and TiO2. It needs neutralization. Its molecular weight is 40 which means it penetrates skin very easily that can lead to skin sensitizing.

2.It does seem to be a good sunscreen. (Though Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid is unnecessary because ZnO will photo-stabilize OMC on its own and OMC will provide great UVB protection along with ZnO).

3. Coating will help to have less free radical generation (esp. in the case of TiO2). But in some cases it can provide better UVA protection. But UVA protection is still dependent on the size of the particles. Coated ZnO (and TiO2) will have a more stabilizing effect on AVO than uncoated ones (esp. TiO2). Coating of the particles can also help better dispersions of inorganic sunscreen actives. (For example a methicone or any other silicone coated particle will have a better synergistic effect on dispersing the inorganic powder in any silicone oil.)
Coating will also help for more stable formulations and can prevent coalescence of ZnO and/or TiO2).
Coating of ZnO with Triethoxycaprylylsilane (like in Z-Cote HP from BASF) will ensure better feel and cosmetic elegance while having an SPF boosting ability.

4. They can! They can even beat it!!!
20% ZnO will have PPD 15, SPF 8 (But remember ZnO is at the moment not on the approved UV filters in the EU). Basically they cannot contribute to the UVA protection of the sunscreen rather than listed as colourant.

There are several raw materials that are TiO2 based and meet the EU recommendations of having a ratio of at least 1:3 UVA to UVB protection. A good example is Croda's Solaveil SpeXtra line.
It is achieved with a scientific mix of smaller particles (UVB protection) and larger particle size of TiO2 (whitening and UVA protection).
But one has to remember that the EU recommends the measurements of UVA protection at 370 nm. So the remaining 30 nm (up to 400 nm) are still not covered. ZnO (non-nano!) will definitely do a much better job at that.

(DrHauschka's sunscreens are available in Norway, though not the ones that contain ZnO. The one's that have pure TiO2 as a sole active do not fulfill the recommendations of the EU though).

I found this article about the importance of particle size:
http://www.personalc...aspx?Story=5243

[happy lemon]

Eva, thank you so much!

I think that I have abetter understanding now and know how to choose sunscreen!

Cheers!

[VesperLynd]

Eva - or anyone!

I received a bad sunburn last week at the beach, so I am seeking a product with better protection.

I have read about this one available here in the US from Kabana:

Based on this description, would you say this should provide a reasonably high level of protection against both UVA and UVB? Thank you!


Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen is made from only EIGHT edible-grade organic (86% certified organic!) and natural ingredients. It's the #1 healthy and effective sunscreen on the market, leads the industry in certified organic content, and is great for babies and children! This unique gluten-free, corn-free and vegan formula includes the safest mineral sunscreen, 25% non-nanoparticle Zinc Oxide, which provides the best broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection of any FDA approved sunscreen. Zinc Oxide is also the ONLY sunscreen active ingredient approved for use on children under 6 months of age, which illustrates its safety for all of us. Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen was created in response to customer requests for a higher SPF, non-greasy, consistently creamy, fragrance-free natural sunscreen.

Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen ONLY contains the following EIGHT organic and natural edible-grade ingredients:

1. 25% Zinc Oxide
2. Eldorado Springs Artesian Water
3. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4. Organic Jojoba Oil
5. Vegetable Glycerin
6. Organic Shea Butter
7. Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF (cetearyl alcohol & polysorbate 60)
8. Vegetable Vitamin E

Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen product attributes:

Petrochemical-free (nothing on the planet is 'chemical-free!')
Non-comedogenic
Non-nano
Biodegradable
Gluten-free
Corn-free
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Packaged in recyclable tubes
Ethically marketed
Properly tested per FDA sunscreen monograph


It is easy to apply, spreads consistently and remains creamy at all temperatures, from tropical beaches to rocky mountain ski slopes in January!

It's also an excellent, easy to use, sunscreen option for parents who are concerned about exposing their children to the high levels of petrochemicals found in mass-marketed sunscreens.

[Eva Victoria]

Eva - or anyone!

I received a bad sunburn last week at the beach, so I am seeking a product with better protection.

I have read about this one available here in the US from Kabana:

Based on this description, would you say this should provide a reasonably high level of protection against both UVA and UVB? Thank you!


Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen is made from only EIGHT edible-grade organic (86% certified organic!) and natural ingredients. It's the #1 healthy and effective sunscreen on the market, leads the industry in certified organic content, and is great for babies and children! This unique gluten-free, corn-free and vegan formula includes the safest mineral sunscreen, 25% non-nanoparticle Zinc Oxide, which provides the best broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection of any FDA approved sunscreen. Zinc Oxide is also the ONLY sunscreen active ingredient approved for use on children under 6 months of age, which illustrates its safety for all of us. Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen was created in response to customer requests for a higher SPF, non-greasy, consistently creamy, fragrance-free natural sunscreen.

Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen ONLY contains the following EIGHT organic and natural edible-grade ingredients:

1. 25% Zinc Oxide
2. Eldorado Springs Artesian Water
3. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4. Organic Jojoba Oil
5. Vegetable Glycerin
6. Organic Shea Butter
7. Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF (cetearyl alcohol & polysorbate 60)
8. Vegetable Vitamin E

Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Sunscreen product attributes:

Petrochemical-free (nothing on the planet is 'chemical-free!')
Non-comedogenic
Non-nano
Biodegradable
Gluten-free
Corn-free
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Packaged in recyclable tubes
Ethically marketed
Properly tested per FDA sunscreen monograph


It is easy to apply, spreads consistently and remains creamy at all temperatures, from tropical beaches to rocky mountain ski slopes in January!

It's also an excellent, easy to use, sunscreen option for parents who are concerned about exposing their children to the high levels of petrochemicals found in mass-marketed sunscreens.

Sorry to hear about your sunburn.

The ZnO content seems very good and if it has "only" SPF20 (Properly tested per FDA sunscreen monograph) than it means that the particle size of the ZnO is larger meaning that the UVA protection is very good.
It can be a very good daily sunscreen.
Though I am not sure who can wear so much vegetable oil on their face. (Of course so much ZnO will also absorb some oiliness as well).
What would make this sunscreen even better and cosmetically more elegant providing better distribution of the UV filter and more water resistance? If the Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF would have been substituted with Sorbitan Olivate (EcoCert). It would also respect the natural chemistry of the skin more and is fully compatible with our own lipids (since its ability to form liquid crystals).

One more thing: maybe it is not a very good idea to stay at the beach (or anywhere outside) longer when the UV Index is higher than 5?
Remember there is no such sunscreen (ANY!) that can protect from sunburn when the sun-rays are very high and helped by reflection from water/ snow/ sand etc and additionally you prolong your stay in the sun (esp. between 10-16h).
It is always a good choice not to rely on sunscreens alone for protection. A combination of wearing protective clothing, hat, sunglasses (additionally sunscreen on exposed areas) and seeking shade will protect you far much better than any one of these things alone.

[skein]

I found this article about the importance of particle size:
http://www.personalc...aspx?Story=5243

that's a study from Kobo inc. , here's a slide version of it
:
http://www.koboprodu...om/Downloads/(q)TiO2_ZnO_UV_Bal_InCos08.pdf (copy & paste the link)

from http://www.koboprodu...s.html#"Slides"



And here's something new and interesting from Estee Lauder:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21448497

We have developed a technology to incorporate micronized titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), together with antioxidants, in particles of a UV-visible transparent polymer gel. These particles are coated with silica to avoid clustering and the size of the micronized TiO(2) reduces the back scattering of white light. gel-trapped TiO(2) minimizes the oxidative stress exerted by UV radiation, increases the photo-stability of some accompanying ingredients, such as avobenzone. The size of the particles is in the micrometre range. This favors their permanence on the top of the stratum corneum. Gel-trapped TiO(2)-based sunscreens provide a larger SPF and two-fold larger UVA protection than equal-composition sunscreens that contain larger amounts of untrapped TiO(2).

[Eva Victoria]

Thank you for posting this!

I attach a patent application from EL. Can this be the same as what is published on PubMed?

I found this article about the importance of particle size:
http://www.personalc...aspx?Story=5243

that's a study from Kobo inc. , here's a slide version of it
:
http://www.koboprodu...om/Downloads/(q)TiO2_ZnO_UV_Bal_InCos08.pdf (copy & paste the link)

from http://www.koboprodu...s.html#"Slides"



And here's something new and interesting from Estee Lauder:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21448497

We have developed a technology to incorporate micronized titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), together with antioxidants, in particles of a UV-visible transparent polymer gel. These particles are coated with silica to avoid clustering and the size of the micronized TiO(2) reduces the back scattering of white light. gel-trapped TiO(2) minimizes the oxidative stress exerted by UV radiation, increases the photo-stability of some accompanying ingredients, such as avobenzone. The size of the particles is in the micrometre range. This favors their permanence on the top of the stratum corneum. Gel-trapped TiO(2)-based sunscreens provide a larger SPF and two-fold larger UVA protection than equal-composition sunscreens that contain larger amounts of untrapped TiO(2).

Attached Files

•  US20110014298A1.pdf   688.18KB   37 downloads

[VesperLynd]

Dr. Mercola here in the US, now offers a formulation of 6% Titanium Dioxide and 22% ZnO in a base of water, green tea, Vitamin E and various oils - it is labelled as SPF50.

Can you give us your thoughts on this product? Thank you!

http://products.merc...r-survival-kit/

[happy lemon]

Dr. Mercola here in the US, now offers a formulation of 6% Titanium Dioxide and 22% ZnO in a base of water, green tea, Vitamin E and various oils - it is labelled as SPF50.

Can you give us your thoughts on this product? Thank you!

http://products.merc...r-survival-kit/

Here are the ingredients:

http://mercola.fileb...600-CS3-web.pdf

Given its high percentage of zinc oxide, I wonder if it leaves heavy white cast on the skin.

Edited by happy lemon, 17 July 2011 - 02:53 PM.

[mustardseed41]

Looks like a Mexitan clone.

Dr. Mercola here in the US, now offers a formulation of 6% Titanium Dioxide and 22% ZnO in a base of water, green tea, Vitamin E and various oils - it is labelled as SPF50.

Can you give us your thoughts on this product? Thank you!

http://products.merc...r-survival-kit/

Here are the ingredients:

http://mercola.fileb...600-CS3-web.pdf

Given its high percentage of zinc oxide, I wonder if it leaves heavy white cast on the skin.

[Eva Victoria]

Dr. Mercola here in the US, now offers a formulation of 6% Titanium Dioxide and 22% ZnO in a base of water, green tea, Vitamin E and various oils - it is labelled as SPF50.

Can you give us your thoughts on this product? Thank you!

http://products.merc...r-survival-kit/

6% TiO2 and 22% ZnO seems as a good sunscreen. Though I really don't understand how they got SPF 50 out of this (without the SPF/PF increasers). Unless of course the particle size of the ZnO is smaller which is not good news for UVA protection though.
The formulation is not great. It is very important to get the right formula that can form an even film on the skin. It should also be pleasant for the user to encourage usage. What is a potential irritant doing in this sunscreen (Eucalyptus oil)?

I have to say that the website did not encourage trust.
UVB-biased sunscreens (heavy UVB protection, not-so good or non-existent UVA protection) pose a problem when it comes to protection and Vitamin D production. Many US sunscreens lack modern, state-of-the-art sunscreen ingredients. They are often formulated for great UVB protection but very little UVA protection (and often none in the UVA I region).

The aim for all sunscreens should be providing uniform UVR protection. Like being in the shade. Evenly minimizing UVB and UVA II and I rays, not only some of the rays and letting "the full heat" on on others. (Like it was with sunscreens in the past).

It is very difficult to achieve uniform protection for any sunscreen. There are very few sunscreen agents that are uniformly filter the UV spectrum. ZnO is one of them. It is of course a weak UV-absorber and needs to be used in a high amount to get adequate protection through the UVB, UVAII, UVAI. It will not give a high SPF sunscreen nor a high PPD sunscreen alone. To achieve good UVA protection one needs to have the particle size about 200 nm. It will be whitening on the skin esp. if a higher amount is used.
ZnO is an approved UV filter in the US and most places in the word. (It is also practically non-irritant, mild and highly suitable for children and people with sensitive skin.)

Then you have AVO: that is inherently unstable. It needs to be used with other chemicals to stabilize it. It does not provide uniform protection through out the UVR spectrum either. But it is world-wide approved.

Then you have to truly uniform protection provider (even at low concentrations): Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M. None of them are approved in the US.
There are of course Mexoryl SX (but it is the property of L'Oreal (so no other manufacturer can use it -nor Mexoryl XL), secondly Mexoryl SX is not an approved UV filter in the US, but products containing it and individually registered at the FDA are allowed for sale in the US since July 2006.

The EU versions of the UV products from L'Oreal (many also contain Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL and other UV filters that are not approved in the US) provide a much more uniform UVR protection than most sunscreen products based on organic (and particulate with organic filters) filters in the world. (L'Oreal brands include: La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Garnier, Lancôme, Helena Rubinstein, Biotherm etc).

Uniform UVR protection means less UVR reaching our skin throughout the UVB-UVAI spectrum. Just like (or almost like) being in the shade. It is also proven that Vitamin D production is much higher when using sunscreens that uniformly filter the UVR spectrum than UVB-biased sunscreens (that suppress almost 100% of the production of Vitamin D).

I recommend you to read more on this subject from Brian Diffey, Emeritus Professor at Dermatological Sciences Institute of Cellular Medicine at the University of Newcastle and from Uli Osterwalder Ciba Speciality Chemicals (now part of BASF).

Sun Protection Facts and Fiction
http://www.nrp50.ch/...FP50_080901.pdf

Sun protection factors: world wide confusion
http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/19775352

[happy lemon]

Eva,

I bought the sunscreen that I had your comment in http://www.longecity...ost__p__469130.

The texture is very nice - like a lotion, no white cast, matte finish & hydrating. Compared to other Japanese sunscreen , this one is very moisturizing. Also, even with its high ZnO content, it doesn't leave white cast on the skin. The only thing I don't like is its fragrance.

Active Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.49 W/W%

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.50 W/W%

Zinc Oxide 19.97 W/W%

CYCLOMETHICONE‧ZINC OXIDE ‧WATER (AQUA)‧ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE‧CETYL DIMETHICONE‧ALCOHOL‧DIMETHICONE‧CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE‧POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE‧PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID‧ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE‧MINERAL OIL (PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM)‧PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE‧TRIETHANOLAMINE‧SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE‧ANGELICA ACUTILOBA ROOT EXTRACT‧COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT‧MELOTHRIA HETEROPHYLLA ROOT EXTRACT‧SASA VEITCHII LEAF EXTRACT‧TOCOPHEROL‧TOCOPHERYL ACETATE‧BHT‧CITRIC ACID‧DISODIUM EDTA‧DISODIUM PHOSPHATE‧HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE‧POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID‧SODIUM HYDROXIDE‧TALC‧METHYLPARABEN‧FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)‧

[Eva Victoria]

Eva,

I bought the sunscreen that I had your comment in http://www.longecity...ost__p__469130.

The texture is very nice - like a lotion, no white cast, matte finish & hydrating. Compared to other Japanese sunscreen , this one is very moisturizing. Also, even with its high ZnO content, it doesn't leave white cast on the skin. The only thing I don't like is its fragrance.

Active Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.49 W/W%

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.50 W/W%

Zinc Oxide 19.97 W/W%

CYCLOMETHICONE‧ZINC OXIDE ‧WATER (AQUA)‧ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE‧CETYL DIMETHICONE‧ALCOHOL‧DIMETHICONE‧CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE‧POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE‧PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID‧ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE‧MINERAL OIL (PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM)‧PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE‧TRIETHANOLAMINE‧SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE‧ANGELICA ACUTILOBA ROOT EXTRACT‧COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED EXTRACT‧MELOTHRIA HETEROPHYLLA ROOT EXTRACT‧SASA VEITCHII LEAF EXTRACT‧TOCOPHEROL‧TOCOPHERYL ACETATE‧BHT‧CITRIC ACID‧DISODIUM EDTA‧DISODIUM PHOSPHATE‧HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE‧POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID‧SODIUM HYDROXIDE‧TALC‧METHYLPARABEN‧FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)‧

So glad you like this sunscreen.
Though if it is not whitening at all at 20% ZnO then either you don't apply the required amount or the particles are nano-size.