What are the sunscreens used by Typology?

Sun protection is a fundamental public health issue. By filtering ultraviolet rays, sunscreen products help prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and photoaging. In Europe, cosmetic regulations strictly govern the use of UV filters and only allow 28, all evaluated for their effectiveness and safety. However, some authorized molecules raise questions. Their potential for endocrine disruption, their possible carcinogenic or mutagenic nature, or their impact on aquatic ecosystems, are subject to regular evaluations, but not always conclusive.

At Typology, we have chosen to go further and only use UV filters that are well-documented, both in terms of human safety and ecotoxicology.

As a reminder, we distinguish two types of sunscreen filters : chemical, or organic filters, and physical, or mineral filters. The former are complex organic molecules, often consisting of aromatic rings conjugated with carbonyl groups. Their function relies solely on the absorption of UV rays, which they then convert into heat harmless to the skin. The latter are inorganic compounds that form a screen on the skin's surface. This film plays a dual role: it reflects a small portion of UV rays (about 5%) and absorbs the majority (about 95%), which it then converts into heat. Here are the organic filters present in Typology's sun care products:

• Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.

  The Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, also known as Bemotrizinol, is a lipophilic UV filter known for its high photostability and broad-spectrum nature, meaning its absorption capacity covers the entire UVB and UVA range, from 280 nm to 400 nm. Prohibited in the United States, this UV filter can be used to formulate skincare products in the European Union with a maximum concentration of 10%.

• Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate.

  The Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a synthetic sun protection agent from the benzophenone family. It absorbs, reflects, and disperses UVA rays within a wavelength range of 320 nm to 400 nm, providing maximum protection at 354 nm. This UV filter is also prohibited in the United States, but allowed in Europe up to 10%.

• Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone.

  The Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, or iscotrizinol, is a lipophilic sunscreen filter that protects against UVB and a portion of UVA rays (315-340 nm). It is highly stable and water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. European regulations allow its use up to 10%, while it is not permitted for use in the United States.

• Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate.

  The Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate is an effective water-soluble sunscreen filter against UVA rays, particularly UVA II (315-340 nm). It exhibits a peak absorbance at 335 nm. The maximum concentration allowed in Europe is 10%, while this UV filter is not present in products in the United States.

• Ethylhexyl Triazone.

  The Ethylhexyl Triazone, or octyl triazone, is one of the most effective organic filters for absorbing UVB rays, with a peak absorption at 314 nm. European cosmetic regulations allow its use in sun care products up to a limit of 5%, but it is excluded from American products.

• Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid.

  Also known as ensulizole, the Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid is a water-soluble filter particularly effective against UVB rays. It is often used in lightweight formulations, intended for combination to oily skin types. The use of ensulizole as a sunscreen filter is permitted up to a concentration of 4% in the United States and 8% in the European Union.

Refer to the table below for a list of UV filters that we have chosen to use at Typology to ensure adequate coverage of the UVA and UVB range and provide broad-spectrum protection.