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Happy Skin Days Sunscreen test
In deciding whether or not to use a product I apply the following very basic sunscreen test
1) Harmful chemicals present
The harmful chemical present are parabens, which are cheap and effective preservatives. They are also estrogen mimickers and if you are thinking PCOS, then you are not the only one. The second harmful chemical is Oxybenzone, a UVA and UVB filter. This is also a hormonal disruptor and a known skin allergen.
(For more information, see Chemicals to Avoid – Parabens., Chemicals To Avoid – Benzophenone-3)
3) UVA and UVB filters present
Both UVA and UVB have both been implicated in skin cancer and photo-aging and we want filters to protect against both types of damage.
We are looking for filters that protect against both types of UV radiation.
My immediate thoughts on the filters
There are 3 UVB filters: Homosalate (weak UVB filter), Octocrylene and Octyl Salicylate. Given the ingredients are in the first 5 listed ingredients, I am satisfied that this would be an SPF 30 product and you should treat it as such.
I am not at all persuaded that this is a PA+++ rated product providing very effective protection against UVA. Avobenzone is primarily responsible for providing UVA radiation and it is being stabilised by the Octocrylene (which is present as the 3rd ingredient). This is good news for the stability of UVA filter. However, Avobenzone is listed as the 8th ingredient, indicating to me that there is not that much of this ingredient present. Certainly I don’t think there is sufficient amount of Avobenzone to justify a PA+++ rating.
Objectionable labelling: sunblock and preservative-free
India does not have specific sunscreen regulation – so manufacturer’s have a free hand over the labelling. Lotus Herbals have taken complete advantage and have ” SUN BLOCK.”
A sun block implies that the product completely blocks UVR (ultra violet radiation) or provides “complete” or “total” protection. Such a (miraculous) sunscreen does not exist and in the EU – where there is specific sunscreen regulation – manufacturers cannot make such claims.
Please pay no attention to these meaningless words.
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Sources: Data from the product itself
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