Understanding Ingredients, Safety, and the Limits of Protection
Important note: Under European law, sunscreen is not classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) . According to the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, sunscreens are cosmetic products. They are not certified like protective clothing or goggles. That said, daily sun protection is still vital for outdoor workers and should be part of any workplace safety strategy.
What is INCI?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients . It’s a global standard used to list skincare ingredients.
- Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration
- Scientific names are used, not brand names
- Plant extracts are shown in Latin (e.g. Butyrospermum Parkii Butter = shea butter)
Understanding INCI helps you:
- Identify potential irritants
- Compare products
- Make informed choices for your team or yourself
The 5 Main Ingredient Categories
Most sunscreens contain a mix of the following:
- UV Filters – Block or absorb harmful rays (UVA & UVB)
- Emollients – Moisturise and soften the skin
- Film Formers – Help sunscreen stay on in heat or water
- Preservatives – Prevent bacteria and mould
- Skin Conditioners – Antioxidants and soothing agents
Comparison: Two Real Sunscreen Formulas
To explore this in practice, I compared two actual sunscreens—both broad-spectrum.
Bonus points if you can sing the ingredients to the tune of Tom Lehrer's "The Elements Song".
☀️ Sunscreen 1 – Lightweight chemical blend
Aqua, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate,C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine,Cellulose, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone,Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide
🌿 Sunscreen 2 – Chemical + mineral blend with more skin nutrients
Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate,Dicaprylyl Ether, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate,Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone,Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid,Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin,Sodium Hydroxide, Piroctone Olamine, Titanium Dioxide, Silver Chloride, Tocopherol,Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Propylene Glycol
UV Filters Compared
Moisturising & Emollient Ingredients
Preservatives & Stabilizers
Extra Skin Care Ingredients
✅ Final Recommendations
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen for UVA + UVB protection
- Reapply every 2 hours in the sun or after sweating
- Choose mineral filters if you want fewer chemical actives
References
- SCCS Opinion on Octocrylene (2021): EU Commission PDF
- SCCS Final Opinion on Homosalate (2021): EU Commission PDF
- SCCS Safety Opinion on Phenoxyethanol (2016): EU PDF
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