In the clean beauty community, mineral sunscreens—particularly those using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—are often preferred for their environmental and skin health benefits. However, some clean beauty brands incorporate select chemical sunscreen ingredients that meet stricter safety and environmental standards.
What Are Clean-Formulated Chemical Sunscreens?
These sunscreens use chemical UV filters that are considered safer alternatives to more controversial ingredients. They are formulated to be effective, lightweight, and suitable for a range of skin types, while still aligning with clean beauty values.
Chemical Filters More Accepted in Clean Beauty
Clean-conscious brands may include these less controversial chemical filters:
- Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol) and Tinosorb M (Bisoctrizole): Broad-spectrum, photo-stable, and considered reef-safer (not yet approved in the U.S., but commonly used in the EU).
- Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate): UVA filter with high stability and low irritation potential.
- Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone): Highly efficient UVB filter used in small amounts.
- Mexoryl SX/XL (Ecamsule and Drometrizole Trisiloxane): Photostable UVA filters with strong safety profiles.
These ingredients are often used in place of more problematic filters, allowing for effective sun protection without relying on controversial compounds.
Environmental Considerations
Some chemical filters have been shown to contribute to coral reef damage and other environmental concerns. As a result, locations like Palau and Hawai‘i have banned sunscreens containing ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. In contrast, the filters listed above are not currently under the same scrutiny and are considered safer for marine ecosystems.
Why Include These Sunscreens in a Clean Beauty Directory?
Including clean-formulated chemical sunscreens allows for a more inclusive and realistic approach to sun protection. It helps users with diverse needs—such as texture preferences, skin sensitivities, or deeper skin tones—find effective options that still meet elevated safety and formulation standards.
At CleanBeautyDirectory, we aim to feature thoughtfully selected sunscreens that prioritize both human and environmental health. By including cleaner chemical sunscreen options, we support informed choice and broader accessibility within the clean beauty space.