Check Your Sunscreen's Active Ingredients List

Are the active ingredients in your over-the-counter sunscreen safe? A new proposed regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for the testing of 12 out of 16 currently approved active ingredients found in sunscreen, among other provisions like SPF levels, labeling and more.

According to the FDA, the science behind the effects of sunscreen absorption has evolved since their initial evaluation 20 years ago. Based on new clinical data, two ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are designated as safe and effective, while two other ingredients – aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate – are classified as unsafe. The remaining 12 are being tested:

1. Avobenzone
2. Cinoxate
3. Dioxybenzone
4. Ensulizole
5. Homosalate
6. Meradimate
7. Octinoxate
8. Octisalate
9. Octocrylene
10. Oxybenzone
11. Padimate O
12. Sulisobenzone

But don’t throw out your sunscreen stash just yet. Results from testing aren’t expected until November 2019. Meanwhile, choose a mineral sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its active ingredient. Also, remember the basics when it comes to protecting yourself against the sun’s rays.

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