Ahead, dermatologists explain exactly how this ingredient worksand also weigh in on the controversy surrounding it.
Meet the Experts
Keep reading for more information on octocrylene.
Who Should Use It:Anyone looking for an effective chemical sunscreen formula.
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Works Well With:Other chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly avobenzone.
What Is Octocrylene?
Sunscreens are generally split up into two categories.
These are the two sunscreen ingredients the FDA has deemed GRASE"generally recognized as safe and effective".
How to Use It
Regardless of what active ingredients your sunscreen containsoctocrylene or otherwisethe same rules apply.
The first step in proper usage is toactuallyuse it.
The expert recommendation is to reapply every two hours for the best protection.
Multi-tasking for the win.
This formula combines both chemical sunscreensoctocrylene and octisalatealong with mineral-based titanium dioxide.
Hayag is a fan, particularly of the featherweight texture.
Plus, it has a gorgeous finish that’s slightly dewy but never greasy.
Generally speaking, some mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast, particularly noticeable on darker skin tones.
Fun fact:It also consistently gets top rankings in the annual Consumer Reports sunscreen guide.
Robinson lauds it for being packed with antioxidants and lightweight (making it particularly nice for beneath makeup).
Dealing with a perpetually slick complexion?
Robinson says to try this “lightweight, oil-free, oil-controlling sunscreen for oily skin types.”
Dermatologists recommend that those with sensitive skin or skin concerns such as rosacea or eczema avoid octocrylene.
In fact, many octocrylene-containing sunscreens leave a light, matte finish.
However, f the recent controversy surrounding chemical sunscreens makes you nervous, you have other options.
Opt for amineral SPFinstead (a mineral sunscreen contains titanium dioxide orzincoxide as the main active ingredient).
Whatever you do, don’t just stop wearing sunscreen.
Ewgs guide to safer sunscreens.
Cfr - code of federal regulations title 21.
