The 7 Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Know About

Ever wondered if your sunscreen is fulfilling its promises in protecting your skin from the sun’s evil rays? Or, more than that, is it actually doing your skin any good?

Sun protection is a crucial step in your skincare routine. Granted, we say that about most skincare products but, frankly, they’re all important in their own, unique way. Without an effective cleanser, for example, you might as well throw the rest of your regime in the trash. Similarly, if you don’t moisturize twice daily, your skin is going to punish you in a whole host of not-very-nice ways.

But sunscreen is a little different. Because without it, things get really serious. For starters, broad-spectrum sunscreen – which protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation – is the single, most effective skincare product for reducing the visible signs of premature aging. And that includes fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, leathery skin, the works.

Not only that, but experts agree that exposure to UV radiation is the biggest cause of skin cancer, which makes sunscreen a crucial tool for minimizing your risks.

We reiterate, sunscreen is a very big deal.

Not all sunscreens are created equal, however. There are low SPFs and high SPFs; chemical sunscreens and minerals sunscreens; sprays and lotions; even those that claim to be 100 percent waterproof – which, btw, is impossible. Water resistancy? Yes. Completely waterproof? Nope.

Then there the countless ingredients you may or may not find in your sunscreen. And how are you supposed to know whether they’re any good or not? Simple, read on for some of the good ones…

 1. Zinc Oxide

The most important ingredient in your sunscreen is obviously the one that’s going to shield your skin from the sun. And most of these fit into one of two camps: chemicals and minerals.

Chemical filters include things like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate, and they work by absorbing UV radiation, breaking it down into heat and then releasing it back out through the skin. Minerals, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV radiation from penetrating the surface.

We truly believe that mineral filters have the edge over chemicals because they’re a) tolerated better by the skin, b) work instantly and c) cause no threat to either your health or the environment. Conversely, chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause irritation to sensitive skin types, plus they have to be applied a good 20 minutes before exposure to sunlight. The jury is out on whether or not they have environmental implications but the fact that oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii gives us cause for concern and makes us stick to minerals, thanks very much.

Zinc oxide is the queen of mineral sunscreens, protecting your skin from UVA and UVB radiation while remaining stable when exposed to sunlight. It also helps calm inflammation and won’t clog up your pores, so is a great choice if you suffer with sun-induced redness or breakouts.

Zinc oxide for the win!

2. Vitamin C

Of course, zinc oxide does all the heavy lifting in sunscreen, but once you’ve nailed down the protective side of things, you can think about all the other good stuff. And one of the absolute best is vitamin C.

Vitamin C has been shown to make sunscreen work harder and more effectively. And vice versa. Furthermore, it’s one of the most clinically-proven antioxidants which means it works hard to neutralize any damage caused by sun-induced free radicals. Heads up: if left to their own devices, free radicals can age up your skin in no time.

Studies also show that vitamin C inhibits melanin production which helps to limit dark spots and patchy skin. Seems like a no brainer for every sunscreen ever made, right? Sadly that’s not the case, but thankfully both of our sunscreen formulations contain it. In fact, they’re based around a kind-to-skin derivative of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate. 

3. Vitamin E

On a similar vitamin note, vitamin E also deserves a mention. What makes it so effective in a sunscreen formulation? A few things, actually. First, it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superpowers to further protect your skin from damage caused by those pesky free radicals. Second, it’s one of the best skin moisturizers out there, drawing water to the skin while sealing and repairing tiny cracks that are often produced by dryness and dehydration. And finally, certain studies suggest that it has photoprotective properties of its own.

Now if that’s not enough to get you on board with making vitamin E a must in your suncare routine, we don’t know what is.

4. Aloe Vera

This gentle giant features in almost all TruSkin products so it’s no surprise that it’s right there near the top of the ingredient list of our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C.

Aloe vera is one of the most soothing, ultra-hydrating ingredients nature has to offer your skin. Its medicinal, anti-inflammatory gel is packed with water, enzymes, minerals and vitamins which makes it instantly cooling and healing. It also has antioxidant properties and is chock full of phytosterols which are cholesterol-like molecules that increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin. The result? Deep hydration and less irritation and itchiness. All the things you should want for your skin.

5. Vegan Marine Collagen

As you know, collagen is everything for strong, supple, youthful-looking skin. It basically holds the entire structure of your skin together, giving it resilience and ensuring it doesn’t look old before its time. The thing about collagen, however, is that it doesn’t stick around. In fact, by the time you hit your mid-20s it can start fading away at a rate of around 1 percent every year. Now, that might not sound like a lot, but after 10 years or so, this will start to get real noticeable… real quick.

There are some incredible ingredients for maintaining strong and plentiful collagen, not least of which is vegan marine collagen. Sustainably sourced and kind to the cows (unlike bovine collagen!), vegan marine collagen is composed almost entirely of type I collagen which is a key component in the skin and the most abundant type in the entire body. Studies show that vegan marine collagen provides fantastic benefits to the skin, aiding in healing, improving skin elasticity and reducing the formation and appearance of lines and wrinkles. By strengthening the skin it also helps to arm it from the damaging effects of environmental pollution and UV radiation.

6. Prickly Pear Extract

If you like your skincare products to contain a healthy dose of natural ingredients, look out for prickly pear extract. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants, prickly pear is a fantastic botanical for your sunscreen because it helps your skin to retain moisture while calming inflammation and brightening a dull complexion. Furthermore, prickly pear extract contains linoleic acid which is an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to deeply moisturize and strengthen the skin’s all-important barrier function. Oh, and it’s also thought to help accelerate skin turnover by stimulating new cell growth. Makes you wonder why it’s not a shoo-in for every suncare product, right? Sadly it’s not, but you can find it in our incredible SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum.

Because we truly care about feeding your skin with the very best nature has to offer.

7. Sunflower Extract

One of nature’s most effective soothing agents, sunflower extract is derived from the seeds of the helianthus annuus plant and it’s packed with all the good stuff. Think fatty acids, vitamins and beta carotene which has tons of antioxidant properties to safeguard your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Like vitamin E (which it contains in heaps), sunflower extract is an effective emollient. This means it helps to fill in cracks that often go hand in hand with dry skin to help reduce transepidermal water loss and therefore minimize dehydration and all the effects that go with it.

Want to feed your skin with all of these fantastic ingredients (and more!)? Then check out our dynamic sunscreen duo which has been crafted to protect and care for your skin.