Avobenzone sunscreen and mineral makeup
Monday, 3 March 2008
While writing the earlier entry Do Mineral Makeup Pose Health Risks, I read that there is evidence that uncoated titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) can degrade avobenzone so it is best not to layer non-micronized mineral makeup with an avobenzone containing chemical sunscreen.
This is apparently confirmed by this Stability Study of Avobenzone with Inorganic Sunscreens by Uyen Nguyen and David Schlossman.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are preferable UVA / UVB sunscreens because of their efficiency and low irritation. In order to increase the protection in the UVA range, in many countries, avobenzone has been used in combination with titanium dioxide and / or zinc oxide. However, in the USA, combinations of avobenzone and physical sunscreens are not permitted. Avobenzone has been reported to be unstable when contained in formulations with uncoated physical sunscreens. Surface coating of the pigment has sometimes been shown to increase its stability.
Based on this, it would mean that for those of us who are using mineral makeup, you need to be aware of the ingredients not only in your mineral makeup, but your sunblock as well. If you’re using mineral makeup without micronized ingredients (which is considered to be safer for our health), then ensure that you’re using a physical sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide without avobenzone.
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March 4th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
does that mean that we cant use Avobenzone with EDM?
Rachel: EDM uses non-micronized minerals so it’s recommend not to use a sunblock with Avobenzone.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:33 am
big thanks for this!! as a mineral makeup user, i was concerned to find that my sunscreen does contain avobenzone. gonna run to the stores to buy the lavera one!!
pamie: I hope the Lavera sunblock will work for you cos it’s pretty rich.
March 6th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
[...] your makeup would be too thick. So, it is still better to use a sunscreen. Also consider the compatibility of your sunscreen with your makeup and it is best not to layer non-micronized mineral makeup with [...]
March 21st, 2008 at 6:38 am
[...] both UVA and UVB rays. So unlike what I’ve discussed in my earlier entry regarding the incompatibility of non-micronized mineral makeup with an avobenzone containing chemical sunscreen, you should [...]
April 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Hi there
Do you know if Loreal True Match Liquid Foundation (W1 porcelain) contains coated Titanium dioxide? It only says Titanium dioxide so i dont know! I am so worried because my sunscreen contains avobenzone!
Thank you so much for your help!
~eliza
Eliza: Hi, if it’s liquid, then I’m not aware of any issue. It’s the power mineral makeup that is of concern.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Is octocrylene ok with mineral products?
I am considering purchasing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ with active ingredients: Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, Titanium Dioxide and Octocrylene.
I want the widest spectrum of UVA, but I use mineral makeup.
Shana: I haven’t read anything that says it’s unsafe with mineral makeup specifically.