(You may also be interested in https://happyskindays.com/top-sunscreen-recommendations)
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 first set of harmful chemical present are parabens (Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben and Methyl Paraben Sodium), which are cheap and effective preservatives. These 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.
The UV filters present are:
- UVB filters are: Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate (5th ingredient), Titanium Dioxide (8th ingredient)
- UVA and UVB filters: Oxybenzone (7th ingredient)
- UVA filter: Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane (also called Avobenzone – 10th ingredient)
Avobenzone is the primary UVA filter. This is a gold standard UVA filter that is notoriously photo-unstable. Available evidence shows Avobenzone degrades quickly upon exposure to sunlight, reducing its efficacy by as much as 50 and 90 per cent after 60 minutes of exposure. This product uses Benzophenone-3 to stabilise this notoriously unstable UVA filter. Usually you’ll find multiple stabilisers in decent products, but let’s forgive Lotus Herbals for the moment. Such generosity I hear you say. Well, the product by adding Octinoxate and Titanium Dioxide make Avobenzone photounstable. Also, Octinoxate becomes unstable in this combination. The study listed below shows that a mixture of Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and Avobenzone shows less absorbance after UV exposure, indicating a photo-unstable formulation. Click on LINK for more information.
PA labelling
This is what the PA labelling means and I think its overtly ambitious for Lotus Herbals to claim that this product provides “significant preventative effect against UVA radiation.”
It is highly unlikely that this is the case.
Objectionable labelling: sun block
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”, “Sweat & Water Proof” on their label.
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 other countries – where there is specific sunscreen regulation – manufacturers cannot sell products with such claims
Please pay no attention to these meaningless words.
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Sources: Data from the product itself
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