The Main Ingredients Used in SPF

With numerous brands proudly proclaiming to be “skincare infused SPF,” we felt compelled to explore what actual ingredients are necessary for creating an effective sunscreen. This way, you can truly evaluate whether these formulations genuinely “care” for your skin or if they’re merely tossing in a dash of “collagen” at 1% as a clever marketing tactic.

While the ingredients in sunscreens can differ across various formulations—especially when comparing chemical versus mineral SPFs—they all adhere to a foundational "base" formulation to ensure that protection remains high and the overall stability is maintained.

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are typically created using a blend of ingredients such as solvents, oils, waxes, emulsifiers, humectants, and, of course, UV filters.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what each of these essential ingredients entails.

Solvents

Solvents are essential ingredients that play a crucial role in dissolving and dispersing other components, creating a harmonious and stable mixture. 

Among the common solvents found in popular sunscreen formulations are:

• Alcohol (Leaves the skin feeling dry)
• Propylene glycol (Commonly known as antifreeze, it finds its way into food products)
• Glycol ethers (Found in paint, pastes, household cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, and hydraulic fluids)
• Dimethicone (A silicone polymer)
• Isododecane (Derived from petroleum) 

What solvent MOTHER uses 

Glycerin: It's fantastic for the skin as it helps retain moisture. It can boost skin hydration, ease dryness, and give your skin a refreshing lift.

Oils

Sunscreens often contain oils for a few key reasons, including improving the product's texture, adding hydration, and offering extra benefits like antioxidant protection.

Among the common oils found in popular sunscreen formulations are:

• Mineral oils (a heavily processed petroleum product)  
• Silicone oils (like Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone)  
• Seed Oils (which can contain pro-inflammatory compounds)  

What oil MOTHER uses:  

Jojoba Oil: This is biomimetic, so its composition is very similar to our skin's own sebum—97% similar, in fact!  

Waxes

Sunscreens often contain waxes to improve their level of water resistance and to enhance the stability and spreadability of the sunscreen. 

Among the common waxes found in popular sunscreen formulations are:

• Beeswax (Not vegan)

What wax MOTHER uses

Candelilla wax: A vegan alternative to beeswax  

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are handy substances that help stabilize and mix two or more ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water. 

Among the common emulsifiers found in popular sunscreen formulations are:

• Ceteareth-30 *
• Peg-100 stearate *

Both of these emulsifiers are occasionally deemed carcinogenic, as the manufacturing process can leave behind a troubling residue known as 1,4-dioxane, which has been connected to uterine and breast cancers. Additionally, they can cause skin allergies—thankfully, they're relatively easy to identify in an ingredient list! Look for PEG!

What emulsifier MOTHER uses

Glyceryl Stearate: With its plant-based emulsifying properties, it beautifully enhances the nourishing effects of skin-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids. Moreover, it creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to guard against water loss and keep your skin radiant and hydrated.

UV Filters 

And lastly, the most vital ingredient in your SPF! The UV filter. Most sunscreens available today rely on chemical UV filters.

Among the common UV filters found in popular sunscreen formulations are:

• Oxybenzone 
• Octinoxate 
• Avobenzone 
• Homosalate 

These common active ingredients used in chemical sunscreens have been found to be endocrine disruptors, interfere with hormones and damaging to the thyroid. 

*This study is not meant to scare anyone or modify behaviours. This study is shedding light on a topic that requires more studies and more data in order to reach an objective, clearly defined conclusion.

What UV filter MOTHER uses:

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide: A wonderfully safe and entirely natural ingredient that serves as a protective shield between your skin and the sun. It goes beyond just offering sun protection; with its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes and calms your skin, bringing comfort and care in every application.

We believe in creating products that truly benefit your skin, so we focus on formulating from the ground up. Our base formulation is designed to include all the essential ingredients that work together harmoniously, ensuring you get a high level of protection without any unnecessary additives.

The Mother of all Skincare