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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Posted in Makeup, Sun Protection | 14 Comments »
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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.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Great topic and very good information. I was just looking into this issue. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Grayburn
June 6th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
[...] highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, and I’ve also written that sunscreen with Avobenzone may not be compatible with mineral makeup without micronized ingredients. So for me, especially since I do use mineral makeup, I’m staying away from sunscreens that [...]
October 19th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
[...] taking the sun, Wash with mild soap and then moisturizes your skin. * During the summer months use makeup with sunscreen. And if you want to be radiant on the beach, you can use waterproof makeup, remain unchanged for [...]
May 6th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Hi,
I have been quite suspicious of combining Neutrogena Sunscreen SPF 80 with other products after I broke out in a horrible facial rash last year, which took 3 months of antibiotics to clear. I am so glad I came accross your article. Still I am not sure whether it is the combination of Neutrogena SPF 80 with Clinique foundation (Superbalanced Make Up and Superfit Make Up) or the combination of Neutrogena SPF 80 with Bioque products or a combination of all three. Can you shed any light on this? I know nothing about chemicals. It would be much appreciated.
Rita: Based on some of my readings, it has been said that sometimes using sunscreens with high SPF may actually break us up due to the amount of ingredients or types of ingredients used. I have not found what ingredients Neutrogena SPF80 uses but the SPF is unusually high. Actually SPF30 is good enough or if you feel insecure, then use SPF50 at the maximum. The key is frequent application.
Rita
May 12th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Wow! I am so glad I ran into this article even though I wish it was a lot sooner. Until now I have been using the combination of Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen w/ Helioplex which contains avobenzone along with my Joppa minerals makeup which contains non-micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
No wonder I have not seen much effect with this sunscreen! It makes me sad that I’ve been using this combination for years! It’s time to switch up~ Thanks for such great information! This is my new favorite blog =)
Stefani: You’re welcome! Come back often!
June 14th, 2009 at 7:16 am
I use anthelios xl (fluid extreme) and am a little bothered by the news that sunscreens containing avobenzone should not be used together with makeups containing titanium dioxide and iron oxides. I noticed in an earlier comment you mentioned not having heard anything unsafe about mexoryl sunscreens and mineral makeup. Why is it more safe? Do you know where I could find more information?
sesame Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I haven’t come across anything unsafe about them. Plus at the moment, most of the information are controlled/released mostly by L’oreal. I think the best approach is to write to the company to check.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
[...] if you’re a mineral makeup user, you might be interested to know that in an earlier entry I wrote, I presented evidence that uncoated titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) can [...]