Click here to visit the Beauty Brains blog.
Welcome to the new Forum. Please feel free to start a new discussion.
Is there a specific chemical sunscreen ingredient that can cause sensitivity?
  • Susan
    I have tried several moisturizers with sunscreen - Clinique's SuperDefense, Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution spf 35, and Olay Rengenerist UV Defense lotion spf 15. In each case, I've developed a burning sensation on my cheeks after a few hours that disappears once I've washed my face or discontinued use of the product. I checked the Mary Kay and Olay ingredients and noticed both contain Octisalate at 5%. Could that be the only ingredient that is causing this reaction, or should I steer clear of all chemical sunscreens?
  • rozy
    Herro! I have this problem too but I put up with the intense burning because I dont want to get sunburned. You cannot avoid "chemical" sunscreens because all sunscreens are made of chemicals as are all beauty products, you would have to figure out which active ingredient in the sunscreen you are reacting to. I have seen people recommend the sunscreen called Clear Zinc for people with sensitivities. You may want to try that they sell it at walmart. There are other zinc based sunscreens of course.
  • lindygirl1960
    Zinc based and/or titanium dioxide based sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists. Or at least the derm I saw highly recommended them to me. (I have oily, sensitive skin.)

    I did have an experience with a sunscreen brand I had used for several years. It had never burned or stung and then...it did. Even though there was no indication on the label, my best guess was they had changed their formula. Not a pleasant experience.

    Susan, maybe you would be able to narrow down your list of possibles for a facial sunscreen by checking the beautypedia.com and the makeupalley.com sites. With makeupalley you can specify sensitive skin when checking a possible product using the drop down menu. I use those sites myself when products I have been using are discontinued and I am in search of replacements. 

    Also, when trying a new product (sample size, if possible) try the product just on a small area instead of using it all over your face so you can find out if you have a sensitivity to it. And, as I am sure you know already, only try one new product at a time so if you do have a reaction it is easy to tell what product is the culprit.
  • Right BrainRight Brain
    The Octisalate is certainly a possible cause. According to this study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17177714) octisalate has been found to be cause acute contact sensitivity. 
  • Ally E.Ally E.
    @rozy, there's chemical and physical sunscreens. octisalate is chemical and OP is correct calling it that way
  • Right BrainRight Brain
    Ah, the endless debate...

    Everything is a chemical so the terms "chemical" and "physical" sunscreen aren't all that accurate. Still, they've caught on in popular usage so Ally is right. 
  • Susan
    Yes - understand the 'chemical vs. physical" but didn't know how else to phrase it. I guess I will stick to titanium or zinc oxides for actives. Thanks everyone!
Add a Comment