Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only FDA-approved mineral sunscreen agents. Mineral sunscreens work by blocking, scattering, and reflecting the sun’s UVA and UVB rays from the skin. Chemical sunscreen agents cause a chemical reaction on the skin, absorbing the sun’s rays and converting the energy into heat. Additionally, chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and octinoxate may penetrate the skin to provide sun protection. You will not find any chemical sunscreens in Project Sunscreen products.
Mineral sunscreens are considered to be safer and more gentle than chemical sunscreens. Because mineral sunscreens act as a reflective barrier naturally providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally better tolerated by those with sensitive skin.
Zinc oxide is unique in that it is the only sunscreen active to block the full range of UVA/UVB rays, making it an efficacious sunscreen ingredient. All Project Sunscreen products contain 100% mineral active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.