Happy Skin Days’ sunscreen test
On paper, this product contains both UVA and UVB filters. However, it fails to provide proper UVA1 protection. This is important because the bulk of UVR is in fact UVA1.
UVA and UVB filters
We want sunscreens to contain effective “filters,” so that they can protect against both UVA and UVB damage.
UVA filters protect against the damage caused by UVA radiation, which in a nutshell is photo-damage (wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and loss of skin elasticity).
UVB filters protect mainly against UVB radiation, namely reddening of the skin (erythema), sunburn and skin-cancer. UVB/UVA filters combine the function of UVA and UVB filters.
What filters does this product contain?
This product is a gel formulation, which means it has to use a ton of UV filters to get the SPF high. Also, it does have a lighter smoother texture than other sunscreens. The filters are:
- UVB filter: Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (PSA) and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)
- PSA gives effective protection in the UVB region (280-320nm) and peaks at 306nm
- Octinoxate which is not too photostable, also gives pretty reasonable protection in the UVB region and peaks at 310nm.
- UVA filter: Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetra-Sulfonate (Neoheliopan AP), which is a new style filter that gives UVA 2 coverage
(Note: all ingredients are present in the first 7 listed ingredients, which I would expect from a gel. See also How to buy sunscreen: the UVA cut)
Concluding remarks
The problem with this product is that the majority of UV radiation is in fact UVA1. This is why so many products use Avobenzone as it gives comprehensive UVA1 protection. And UVA1 penetrates deeper into the skin then UVA2 and it is a big “no, no” if a sunscreen fails to address this.
That’s it from me.
See also: What damage is sunscreen trying to protect against, No 1 sunscreen recommendation: Avene, Top mineral sunscreen: Drunk Elephant, Top 5 sunscreen recommendations