Why zinc oxide is important to sunscreens.
January 18, 2021
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+-8.75 oz
250 ml, 8.75 fl oz
Feature :
- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Protection with 10% Zinc Oxide and 5% Titanium Dioxide
- Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free and Chemical Free
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist recommended
- Smart bottle technology turns blue when harmful UVA rays are present
Best For
Skin health [1]; Protection from sun exposure [6, 7]
Strength
4/5
Results
4/5
Safety
5/5
Ingredients of Concern
Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Pros:
- Australian mineral sunscreen recommended by dermatologists that provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum SPF30+ protection for baby's sensitive skin
- Zinc oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the active minerals that provides true broad spectrum protection
- Protects the skin by forming a barrier that reflects UV rays away before they enter the body
- Protects the skin from 97% of the sun's burning rays
- Bottle changes color by turning blue in harmful UV light
- Water resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Dermatologist recommended for over 20 years
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Oxybenzone-free and Octinoxate-free
- Free of chemical active ingredients
Ingredients Concern: Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cons: For topical use only, When using this product, keep out of eyes and rinse with water to remove from eyes if they become exposed to the sunscreen, Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts, If swallowed, get medial help or contact a Poison Control Center, Do not use if allergic to any ingredient
Blue Lizard is an Australian company which produced an awesome suncreen to stand up to the demands of the harsh sun rays in Australia. They started selling sunscreens primarily through dermatology offices in Australia and were also recommended by pediatricians. Then, they started selling in the USA. For over 20 years, they have been one of the most trusted and safe sunscreen brands. However some of their products especially the sunscreen sprays and the sticks have ingredients that are concerning and these particular products have an overall EWG safety rating that is of high concern.
Zinc demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity that is linked to its ability to target skin problems such as acne and it also speeds up the body's natural wound healing capabilities [1-4]. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide frequently added to sunscreens as an inorganic physical sun blocker and a zinc-deficiency is associated with oxidative stress-induced aging due to free radicals and oxygen reactive species, which are skin-damaging particles that zinc targets [5, 7].
Skin health [1]; Protection from sun exposure [6, 7]
Zinc supports skin health by promoting detoxification and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that heighten the wound healing process [1-4]. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are frequently added to sunscreens as it targets free radicals, thereby preventing them from damaging fibroblasts and lipids (fats) that play a role in protecting the skin from UV exposure or skin irritants (e.g., pollution) [5]. Zinc oxide is also linked to anti-aging due to its ability to protect collagen-producing fibroblast and lipids in the skin [6].
Zinc oxide creates a protective layer on the skin that blocks UV light and in doing so, it hinders UV rays from penetrating the skin. The structure of zinc oxide helps it mix easily with other topical agents and zinc does not absorb deeply into the skin [7], which reduces the occurrence of skin irritation and is one of the reasons why it is added to sunscreen for individuals with sensitive skin. These properties make zinc oxide a strong UV-blocking shield.
Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (5%), Zinc Oxide (10%)
All Ingredients: Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (5%), Zinc Oxide (10%) Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Beeswax, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Purified Water, Sorbitan Oleate, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, VP Hexadecene Copolymer
Shake well before each use. Apply liberally to dry skin before sun exposure. Children under 6 months of age: ask a doctor. Reapply to dry skin as needed or after towel drying, swimming or sweating.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1. Hodges RE, Minich DM. Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. J Nutr Metab. 2015;2015:760689.
2. Dreno B, Trossaert M, Boiteau HL, Litoux P. Zinc salts effects on granulocyte zinc concentration and chemotaxis in acne patients. Acta Derm Venereol 1992;72:250-2.
3. Amer M, Bahgat MR, Tosson Z, et al. Serum zinc in acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 1982;21:481-4.
4. Michaelsson G, Ljunghall K. Patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, acne, psoriasis and Darier's disease have low epidermal zinc concentrations. Acta Derm Venereol 1990;70:304-8.
5.Smijs TG, Pavel S. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness. Nanotechnol Sci Appl. 2011;4:95-112.
6. Cabrera ÁJ. Zinc, aging, and immunosenescence: an overview. Pathobiol Aging Age Relat Dis. 2015;5:25592.
7. Mohammed YH, Holmes A, et al. Support for the Safe Use of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Sunscreens: Lack of Skin Penetration or Cellular Toxicity after Repeated Application in Volunteers. J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(2):308-315.
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