Complete list of sunscreen ingredients

Octinoxate

Also identified as Octylmethoxy Cinnamate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Parsol MCX, Escalol 557, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, 2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-Ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate.

Chinese name: octinoxate, also known as octyl methoxycinnamate, 4-methoxycinnamate-2-ethylhexyl ester, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone.

Octinoxate is currently the most widely used UVB sunscreen in the world. It is an oily chemical sunscreen that can absorb UVB 290-320 bands and has little irritation to the skin. However, it has been observed in animal experiments that it has an effect on estrogen, and the concentration limit is 10%.

Parsol 1789

Also identified as Avobenzone, Eusolex 9020, Avobenzene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Avobezone.

The Chinese name is: Parsol 1789, also known as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane.

Parsol 1789 is a major UVA sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen that can absorb UVA 320-400 bands and block some UVA-I, but has little effect on UVA-II. Therefore, it is often mixed with Benzophenone-3 (dibenzophenone-3), which can easily cause allergies and other skin discomfort. In addition, the main disadvantage of Parsol 1789 is that it is not highly stable in light. After being exposed to ultraviolet rays, it will gradually be decomposed and lose its sunscreen effect, especially when placed together with certain sunscreen ingredients such as Octinoxate, it will be more unstable and more easily decomposed by light.

Ensulizole

Also identified as 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic Acid, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid.

Chinese name: Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid.

Ensulizole is a UVB sunscreen that can also absorb a small part of the UVA band. It is a water-soluble chemical sunscreen. The disadvantage is that it will produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, thereby damaging skin DNA, and may cause cancer in severe cases.

Tinosorb S

Also identified as Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine.

Chinese name: Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine.

Tinosorb S is a new broad-spectrum sunscreen that can absorb both UVA and UVB. It is an oil-soluble chemical sunscreen and has been approved by the European Union. Tinosorb S is a trade name registered by CIBA. At present, the research on Tinosorb S is not sufficient. It has been confirmed that it is photostable and does not have estrogen activity.

4-MBC

Also identified as 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)bornan-2-one, 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-dl-camphor, Enacamene.

Chinese name: 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor.

4-MBC is a sunscreen that mainly protects against UVB and is a chemical sunscreen. China, Australia, and Japan allow it to be added to sunscreens, but the US FDA does not approve its use. European studies believe that 4-MBC is toxic to the thyroid gland and will interfere with human hormones, requiring that the dosage should not exceed 4%.

PEG-25 PABA

Also identified as Ethoxylated ethyl-4-aminobenzoate.

Chinese name: PEG-25 para-aminobenzoic acid.

PEG-25 PABA is a chemical sunscreen, but it will be absorbed by the skin, so its anti-penetration safety is questionable. It is approved for use in sunscreens in Australia and Japan, but the US FDA does not approve its use and requires that the dosage should not exceed 10%.

Isopentyl trimethoxycinnamate trisiloxane

The Chinese name is: Isopentyl trimethoxycinnamate trisiloxane.

Isopentyl trimethoxycinnamate trisiloxane is a sunscreen approved by the European Union and can also be used as an emollient, but it is not approved by the US FDA.

Ethylhexyl Triazone

It is also marked as Uvinul T 150, Octyl Triazone, 2,4,6-trianilino-p-(carbo-2-ethylhexyl-1-oxi)-1,3,5-triazine.

The Chinese name is: Ethylhexyl triazone.

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a UVA sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, and is allowed to be used in sunscreens in the European Union, Australia, and Japan. The dosage must not exceed 5%, but the US FDA has not approved its use because studies have shown that long-term use of Ethylhexyl Triazone will affect the water environment. Uvinul T 150 is the name of the raw material product produced by BASF.

BP3

Also identified as Oxybenzone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, Benzophenone-3, Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567.

Chinese name: Dibenzophenone-3.

BP3 is a sunscreen with a high risk index. It belongs to chemical sunscreens and can absorb UVB and part of the UVA band. It can only provide a slight sunscreen effect when the concentration is below 5%. Paradoxically, BP3 may induce photosensitivity and will be absorbed by the skin in large quantities. In the experiment, 86 of the 90 girls aged 6 to 8 were found in the urine test. The EU allows its use and requires that the amount should not exceed 6%.

Octocrylene

Also identified as 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3, 3-diphenyl acrylate.

Chinese name: Octocrylene, also known as Otoquire, 2-cyano-3, 3-diphenyl acrylate isooctyl ester.

Octocrylene is a relatively new sunscreen ingredient. It is an oil-soluble chemical sunscreen that can absorb UVA and UVB in the ultraviolet band of 250-360. It is often used with other sunscreens in sunscreens to achieve a higher SPF sun protection index. However, Octocrylene will release oxygen free radicals when exposed to sunlight.

Padimate-O

Also identified as Padimate O, Octyl Dimethyl PABA, Octyl Dimethy PABA, 2-Ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, 2-Ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA.

The Chinese name is: para-aminobenzoic acid, also called pentyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid.

Padimate-O is a UVB sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, and a derivative of the once widely used sunscreen PABA. Padimate-O was developed because of the high allergy rate of PABA. However, later practical data confirmed that Padimate-O also has a high risk index, is more likely to cause skin sensitivity, release free radicals, damage skin DNA, and has estrogen activity. It may also release carcinogenic nitrosamines. When buying sunscreen, try to avoid this ingredient.

Polyacrylamidomethyl benzylidene camphor

Chinese name: polyacrylamide methyl benzylidene camphor.

Polyacrylamidomethyl benzylidene camphor is approved for use in sunscreen in Australia, but the US FDA does not approve its use, requiring that the amount should not exceed 6%.

Glyceryl PABA

Also identified as Glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, Lisadimate.

Chinese name: glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, also known as PABA glyceryl hexyl ester.

Glyceryl PABA is a UVB sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, and a derivative of the traditional sunscreen PABA. It is generally used alone at a concentration of 3%, and in combination with other sunscreens at a concentration of 2-3%. It is approved by the EU for use in sunscreens, but not by the US FDA, because even moderate concentrations are irritating to the skin, so the dosage must not exceed 3%.

Uvinul A Plus

Also identified as Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.

Chinese name: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.

Uvinul A Plus is a UVA sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, approved for use in sunscreens in Australia, but not approved by the US FDA, requiring that the dosage must not exceed 10%.

Camphor benzalkonium methosulfate

Chinese name: Camphor benzalkonium methosulfate.

Camphor benzalkonium methosulfate is approved for use in sunscreens in Australia and Japan, but not approved by the US FDA, requiring that the dosage must not exceed 6%.

BP5

Also identified as Benzophenone-5, Sulisobenzone Sodium, 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy Benzophenone Sodium Sulfonate.

Chinese name: Benzophenone-5

BP5 is a chemical sunscreen that is allowed by the European Union, but it has been clearly proven that the compound is toxic and irritating to human skin, so you should pay special attention to BP5 when you see it in the sunscreen ingredient list.

Titanium Dioxide

Also identified as Titanium(IV) Oxide, Titania, TiO2, CI77891, CI 77891, Titanium Oxides.

Chinese name: Titanium Dioxide.

Titanium Dioxide is a common physical sunscreen that blocks UVB and part of UVA by reflection and scattering. It can completely block UVA only when it reaches a high concentration of more than 5%. Titanium Dioxide is a physical powder sunscreen that is almost not absorbed by the skin, so it is safe. The disadvantage is that it also belongs to the category of pigments. To achieve a good sunscreen effect, it must be added in high concentrations, so it will turn white when applied to the skin. In addition, its high oil and water absorption characteristics can easily cause dry and peeling skin.

Homosalate

Also identified as Homomethyl salicylate.

Chinese name: methyl salicylate, also known as homosalate, methoxycinnamic acid isooctyl ester.

Homosalate is a UVB sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen that can absorb UVB295~315 bands, but studies have shown that Homosalate has a weak effect on hormones and will produce toxic metabolites, requiring that the amount used should not exceed 10%.

BP4

Also identified as Sulisobenzone, Benzophenone-4, 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid.

Chinese name: dibenzophenone-4.

BP4 is a UVB sunscreen, a water-soluble chemical sunscreen, which is allowed by the EU. It is irritating to the skin and eyes. Although it will not be absorbed by the skin, it will increase the skin's absorption of other chemicals in the sunscreen.

Cinoxate

The Chinese name is: Cinoxate, also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.

Cinoxate is a UVB sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, which is not widely used and there are not many related research reports.

Isopropyl methoxycinnamate

The Chinese name is: Isoamyl methoxycinnamate.

Isopropyl methoxycinnamate is a UVB sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, which has been approved for use by the EU, but Japan prohibits the use of Isopropyl methoxycinnamate with certain specific ingredients, limiting its popularity.

Neo Heliopan AP

Also identified as Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate.

The Chinese name is: Disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, also known as the disodium salt of 2,2'-bis-(1,4-phenylene) benzimidazole-4,6-disulfonic acid.

Neo Heliopan AP is a UVA sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, which is allowed in Australia and requires that the dosage should not exceed 10%.

BP9

Also identified as Benzophenone-9.

The Chinese name is: Benzophenone-9.

BP9 is a chemical sunscreen that is allowed in the EU, but it has been clearly proven that the compound is toxic and irritating to human skin, so pay special attention to BP9 in the sunscreen ingredient list.

Benzocaine

Also identified as Ethyl p-aminobenzoate, Ethyl PABA, Anesthesin.

The Chinese name is: Ethyl p-aminobenzoate.

Benzocaine is a chemical sunscreen that is allowed to be used in the European Union, but studies have shown that it is irritating to the skin at medium concentrations. In animal tests, it was found to have an effect on the brain and nervous system at high concentrations, requiring that the dosage should not exceed 4%. Canada has listed it as an unsafe chemical with restricted use.

Mexoryl SX

Also identified as Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Ecamsule.

The Chinese name is: Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, also known as Mexoryl SX.

Mexoryl SX is a relatively new UVA sunscreen, a water-soluble chemical sunscreen. Mexoryl SX is the trade name and is one of the most effective UVA sunscreens available today. It has a low skin absorption rate and is approved by the European Union.

Octisalate

Also identified as 2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octyl Salicylate.

Chinese name: Salicylate, also known as Octyl Salicylate.

Octisalate is a weaker UVB sunscreen, belonging to the chemical sunscreen, which can absorb UVB 280-320 band. Octisalate is a compound made from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol concentration. It is a colorless liquid with a slight plant smell. It is relatively safe, but it will increase the skin absorption of other ingredients. The concentration limit is 5%.

Menthyl Anthranilate

Also identified as Meradimate, Methyl p-aminobenzoate.

Chinese name: Menthyl Lactate, also known as Anthranilate.

Menthyl Anthranilate is a UVA sunscreen, belonging to the chemical sunscreen. It is generally considered to be mild in nature, but there are also some reports that it will produce harmful oxygen free radicals when exposed to sunlight, requiring that the dosage should not exceed 5%. Neither the EU nor Japan allows its use.

Parsol SLX

Also identified as Polysilicone-15.

Chinese name: Polysilicone-15.

Parsol SLX is a chemical sunscreen, a colorless or light yellow liquid, approved for use in Australia and Japan, but not approved by the US FDA.

Tinosorb M

Also identified as Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol.

Chinese name: Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol.

Tinosorb M is a relatively new broad-spectrum sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen that absorbs UVA and UVB. Studies have so far determined that it has good light stability and is not absorbed by the skin, but it will have long-term adverse effects on the water environment. It has not yet been approved by the US FDA and is allowed for use in Australia and Japan.

Ferulic Acid

Chinese name: Ferulic Acid.

Ferulic Acid is mainly used in cosmetics to protect against ultraviolet rays and anti-oxidation. It contains more antioxidant ingredients and is allowed to be used in the EU. It is often used in the medical field to treat coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, but animal experiments have found that high concentrations can induce tumor growth.

Benzylidene camphor sulfonic Acid

The Chinese name is: benzyl camphor sulfonic acid.

Benzylidene camphor sulfonic Acid is a water-soluble chemical sunscreen that is allowed to be used in Australia and Japan. When used as an acid, the dosage must not exceed 6%.

BP2

Also identified as Benzophenone -2, Bis(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl) methanone, 2,2,4,4 Tetra-hydroxy benzophenone.

The Chinese name is: dibenzophenone-2.

BP2 is a chemical sunscreen that is allowed to be used in the EU, but it has been clearly proven that the compound is toxic and irritating to human skin. In animal experiments, it affects sensory organs at low concentrations, causes DNA mutations in mammalian cells in in vitro experiments, and interferes with the endocrine system at high concentrations. The limit is 10%. Pay special attention to BP2 when you see it in the sunscreen ingredient list.

Zinc Oxide

The Chinese name is: zinc oxide.

Zinc Oxide is an ingredient with a long history and wide application. More than 30% of sunscreens contain Zinc Oxide. It is a physical sunscreen. Its physical powder can reflect and scatter ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB, covering almost all bands. Zinc Oxide is a white hexagonal crystal, insoluble in water, soluble in acidic substances, and has a high degree of safety. There has been no research report on harmful health so far, but it will turn white and sticky and heavy when applied to the skin, so nano-particles have always been the main topic of Zinc Oxide under the premise of safety and high sun protection. Zinc Oxide absorbs oil and water, which will dry the skin. It is astringent and has a certain degree of antibacterial and drying effects on acne and acne, and has moderate covering power.

micronized zinc oxide

Also marked as nano-zinc oxide.

Chinese name: micronized zinc oxide, also called nano zinc oxide.

Micronized zinc oxide is to reduce the particle size of the above-mentioned zinc oxide to make it as transparent as possible when applied to the skin, while taking into account the sunscreen effect of reflecting and scattering ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB. However, a research report pointed out that the smaller the particles of micronized zinc oxide or even nano zinc oxide, the more likely it is to be absorbed by the skin pores, indirectly affecting human cells, and therefore the less safe it is, and even toxic, so the use of micronized zinc oxide in cosmetics is still controversial.

Mexoryl XL

Also marked as Drometrizole Trisiloxane.

Chinese name: Drometrizole Trisiloxane, also called Mexoryl Filter Ring.

Mexoryl XL can protect against UVB and most UVA, and is a chemical sunscreen. Studies have shown that although this ingredient is not carcinogenic, it has an impact on the water environment and requires that the dosage should not exceed 15%.

Pentyl dimethyl PABA

Also identified as Amyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate.

Chinese name: PABA ethyl amyl ester, also called dimethyl PABA amyl ester.

Pentyl dimethyl PABA is a chemical sunscreen. Animal experiments have found that when it reaches a medium concentration, it will irritate the skin, so the use of this sunscreen ingredient is restricted in Canada and Japan. The US FDA has not approved its use, but the EU has approved its use, and the dosage should not exceed 10%.

Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate

Also identified as Amiloxate, Isopentyl-4-methoxycinnamate.

Chinese name: p-methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester, also called p-methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester.

Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate is a UVA sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen. Animal experiments have found that high doses may affect the reproductive system, but no harm has been found when used in low doses. Therefore, the European Union, Australia and Japan allow its use, and the dosage must not exceed 10%.

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