From the FDA Drug Label
Active ingredients Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0% The primary active ingredients in this U.S.-approved sunscreen are:
- Avobenzone
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene 1
From the Research
The primary active ingredients in U.S.-approved sunscreens include chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, as well as physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by either absorbing UV radiation and converting it to heat or reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin 2. The chemical filters mentioned, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, are commonly used in sunscreens to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Some key points to consider when selecting a sunscreen include:
- Looking for products with an SPF of at least 30
- Choosing broad-spectrum sunscreens that contain either mineral ingredients or a combination of chemical filters
- Being aware of the potential environmental impact of certain chemical filters, as highlighted in a study on the toxicological effects of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate on cucumber plants 2
- Considering the FDA's designation of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE), while additional data is being gathered on the chemical filters.
It's also important to note that other studies, such as those on homeopathy 3, stroke rehabilitation 4, curcumin 5, 6, are not directly relevant to the question of primary active ingredients in U.S.-approved sunscreens. Therefore, these studies do not influence the recommendation for sunscreen ingredients.