Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ Ingredients in Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ explained: benefits, concerns, and detailed analysis of 23 ingredients including Zinc Oxide, Water, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride A sunscreen with 23 ingredients, including spf. This hybrid sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~97% of UVB at SPF 30. We independently verify ingredients, backed by peer-reviewed research. Suggest an update. Zinc Oxide Water Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Squalane Glycerin Cetearyl Alcohol Methyl Dihydroabietate Sorbitan Olivate Coco-Glucoside Cetyl Palmitate Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract Acacia Senegal Gum Ethyl Ferulate Xanthan Gum Sodium Gluconate Lecithin Sodium Palmitoyl Proline Polyhydroxystearic Acid Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol Isostearic Acid Zinc Oxide, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Sorbitan Olivate, Coco-Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Ethyl Ferulate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Lecithin, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Isostearic Acid Zinc Oxide (ZO) is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter and the broadest-spectrum filter recognized by the FDA. It covers everything from UVB through to long-wave UVA. On top of sun protection, it has skin protectant and skin-soothing properties too. Here's a myth worth busting: mineral filters are usually described as working by "reflecting" or "bouncing" UV off your skin. That's mostly not true: when researchers actually measured it, ZO and Titanium Dioxide reflect only about 4-5% of UV (less than SPF 2 worth of protection). The vast majority of the work (~95%) is done by absorption, similar to chemical UV filters. ZO is a semiconductor that absorbs UV photos through its energy band gap. So the old "physical blocker vs. chemical absorber" framing is really an oversimplification. Zinc Oxide is one of the most effective broad-spectrum UV filters out there. It protects across UVB, UVA2, and UVA1 with a flat, even absorption curve across the whole UVA-UVB range. That uniform UVA coverage is its standout feature; titanium dioxide skews more toward UVB as its particle size drops so ZO gives more consistent and extended UVA protection. It's also very photostable. As an inorganic oxide, ZO doesn't break down in sunlight the way some organic filters can, so it holds up over a day of wear. This ingredient is gentle and soothing, making it go-to for sunscreens aimed at sensitive skin, rosacea, or ecezma-prone skin, babies, and children. It's also unlikely to cause the "eye sting" that some sunscreen ingredients are known for, and regulatory agencies broadly consider it non-toxic and safe for topical use. Beyond sun protection, ZO is also a recognized OTC skin protectant. It forms a breathable barrier that shields skin from moisture and irritation while supporting healing. This is why you'll see it as a classic active in diaper rash creams. The only downside to ZO is that it can leave a visible white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. This is the main reason mineral sunscreens have historically felt less cosmetically elegant than chemical or hybrid formulas. Zinc Oxide comes in both non-nano and nano forms. The dividing line is 100nm and anything under is classified as a nanomaterial by the EU. The nano version scatters less visible light which cuts down white case and gives a lighter, more wearable texture. Another thing worth understanding about formulation: Uncoated ZO has some inherent photocatalytic activity. This just means it can generate reactive oxygen species under UV. It's exactly why cosmetic-grade ZO is almost always surface-coated; this coating suppresses that reactivity and improves how the powder disperses and feels. A well-formulated coated ZO largely sidesteps this issue. Zinc Oxide is commonly used anywhere from 10% up to the regulatory maximum in sunscreens (25%). Mineral-only broad-spectrum products often land in the 15-25% range to hit higher SPF and UVA values. Keep in mind SPF performance depends heavily on particle size, dispersi No written reviews yet. Be the first to review this product. Search reviews by skin type, ingredient, or keyword. Biossance is a American brand With an SPF rating of 30, this product protects against 96.7% of UVB rays We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there. The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team. · Updated March 15, 2024