Which ingredients are commonly found in physical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens primarily use mineral-based ingredients to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two most common active ingredients found in physical sunscreens. They work by sitting on the surface of the skin and physically blocking and scattering harmful UV rays, reflecting both UVA and UVB radiation.

These ingredients are preferred for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation compared to some chemical sunscreens. Additionally, both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are often recommended because they provide a broad spectrum of protection and start working immediately upon application, unlike some chemical filters that require time to absorb into the skin before they are effective.

The other options include chemical sunscreen ingredients, which function differently: octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, and homosalate are all chemical filters that absorb UV radiation rather than physically blocking it. Options containing chemical filters and parabens often focus on synthetic ingredients used in sunscreens and other skincare products, but they do not describe physical sunscreens accurately.