avobenzone

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In the USA there are only 3 FDA approved substances that provide UV-A: avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. According to Paula Begoun it is essential that one of these 3 substances is present at the ingredient list of your sun protection cream. Avobenzone unfortunately has a number of disadvantages: it is a chemical filter, very unstable and it is broken down by sunlight, so it has to be combined with other ingredients to be effective.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are of natural source though. This is the reason why the cosmeceutical brand emerginC does not use avobenzone and chooses to use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UVA protection in the both the SPF30+ and SPF30+ tinted. Besides that vitamin C, E and A are added that all provide natural protection against UV rays: added to the skin they neutralize the free radicals that are formed during exposure to sunlight. This way the help protect against present and future sun damage and premature aging. Besides that: vitamin E is also capable to absorb UVB rays, so they can't penetrate through the skin.

In Europe avobenzone is approved, but only in concentrations of max. 3% (in the USA that is 5%).