Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to consider the ingredients or materials used in the product. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone are systemically absorbed into the body after one use
. The EWG recommends using sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are classified as safe and effective based on currently available information
. The FDA has also classified these two ingredients as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE)
. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, while physical sunblocks contain minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
. It is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and is fragrance-free
. When trying a new sunscreen, it is recommended to test it on a small area of skin first to check for any allergic reactions
