The 5 Key Ingredients to Look For in a Sunscreen (And 3 to Avoid)
Reading a sunscreen ingredient label can be confusing.
It’s hard to know what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s just marketing. As a brand built on science, we believe in transparency. Here is our simple guide to the ingredients that truly matter for protected, healthy skin.
The "YES" List: 5 Ingredients to Look For
1. Titanium Dioxide & Hybrid Filters (The Invisible Shield) The old debate was "Physical vs. Chemical." The future is Hybrid. Our formula uses Titanium Dioxide (a mineral filter) combined with advanced modern UV filters. This "Hybrid" approach gives you the best of both worlds: the broad-spectrum protection of a mineral sunscreen without the thick, chalky white cast. It’s the secret to high protection that feels invisible.
2. Phospholipids & Glycerin (The Moisture Magnets) Oily skin needs hydration too—just not the greasy kind. Instead of heavy oils, look for Phospholipids and Glycerin. These skin-identical ingredients pull moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and plump without clogging pores or adding shine. They are the heroes of a "matte but glowing" look.
3. Vitamin E (The Antioxidant Defender) Sun protection doesn't stop at just blocking rays. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize "free radicals"—unstable molecules created by sun exposure that lead to premature aging. It soothes the skin while the SPF protects it.
4. A High PA++++ Rating (The "Anti-Aging" Shield) SPF only measures protection against UVB rays (the ones that burn). The PA rating measures protection against UVA rays (the ones that age you and cause dark spots). PA++++ is the highest possible rating, offering maximum defense against long-term skin aging.
5. Non-Comedogenic Formula This isn't an ingredient, but a crucial promise. It means the product is specifically formulated not to clog your pores, which is the most important factor for oily and acne-prone skin types.
The "NO" List: 3 Ingredients to Avoid
1. Denatured Alcohol Often used to make a formula feel "lightweight," high amounts of alcohol can strip your skin's natural barrier, causing dryness, irritation, and even more oil production as your skin tries to compensate.
2. Parabens & Sulfates These are common preservatives and cleansing agents that "clean beauty" customers avoid. They can be known irritants, especially for sensitive skin types that react easily to harsh chemicals.
3. Synthetic Fragrance "Fragrance" is the #1 cause of allergic reactions in skincare. For a daily-use product like sunscreen, it's best to choose a fragrance-free formula to avoid any potential irritation or breakouts.
The Takeaway
A great sunscreen protects and improves your skin. Our Days of Beauty SPF 55+ Sunscreen was formulated with this exact philosophy. It contains advanced Hybrid Filters, Phospholipids, and Vitamin E, while being 100% free of Parabens, Sulfates, and Alcohol.
