The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Sunscreen

As summer approaches, it's essential to think about protecting your skin from the sun. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right sunscreen for your skin, your family, and your specific needs?
In this ultimate guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about sunscreens and help you navigate the world of sun protection.

Whether you're a parent looking for the best option for your kids, a mom-to-be, or simply concerned about your skin, this guide is for you. We've partnered with RoseKin Cosmetics , a brand that shares our commitment to safe and effective sun protection, to bring you this comprehensive guide. Together, we'll help you choose the best sunscreens for the whole family: adults, children, and pregnant women, while also showing you which filters to choose (and which to avoid!).

Understanding UV Filters: Mineral vs. Chemical

Sunscreens contain two main types of UV filters: mineral (physical) and chemical (organic) filters. Each type has its strengths, and both can offer excellent protection for your skin. But not all filters are created equal—so let’s break it down.

Mineral Filters (Physical Filters)

Mineral filters like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are often recommended for sensitive skin, especially for children and pregnant women. These filters sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the body, however, they also work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, so they work in both ways.

They are gentle, effective, and safe for everyone, including babies and pregnant women.

However, it's important to know that not all mineral filters are equal. When you choose mineral-based sunscreens, ensure they are non-nano (meaning the particles are large enough to stay on the surface of the skin), to avoid potential absorption.

Chemical Filters (Organic Filters)

Chemical filters such as Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, and Octilsalate are designed to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. These modern chemical filters provide a lightweight, elegant finish on the skin, which many people love for their comfortable feel and non-greasy texture. They offer fantastic broad-spectrum protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

The misconception some people have about chemical sunscreens is often based on outdated filters used in older products—like Oxybenzone or Avobenzone—which have been known to cause skin irritation or act as endocrine disruptors. That’s why modern chemical filters (such as Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus) are safe, effective, and well-tested for their stability in sunlight, making them ideal for both adults and kids. These new-generation filters are pregnancy-safe and, when used in the right formulations, offer excellent sun protection without compromising your skin’s health.

Which Sunscreen Should I Choose for Children?

Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults', making it even more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV rays. That’s why broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for their protection. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens for kids, which are gentle and provide reliable protection without the risks associated with some chemical filters.

What to look for :

• Non-nano mineral filters : Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (e.g. Pioupiou SPF 50 Sunscreen )
• SPF 50 for optimal protection
• Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays

Tip : Incorporate sunscreen into your children's daily routine to make it a fun and natural habit!

Sunscreen for pregnant women: beware of melasma

During pregnancy, your skin can become more sensitive to the sun, and conditions like melasma (dark spots triggered by hormonal changes) can worsen due to UV exposure. So, choosing the right sunscreen is especially important.

What to prioritize :

• Mineral sunscreens (Zinc or non-nano Titanium)

• Modern, stable and safe chemical filters

• SPF 50+ tinted creams : they protect not only against UV rays but also against visible light, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation (e.g.: RoseKin Daily Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 50 ).

Why choose a tinted cream?
Tinted sunscreens provide a broad-spectrum shield not just against UV rays but also against visible light, which has been linked to melasma. If you’re pregnant or prone to dark spots, tinted sunscreens with SPF 50+ offer excellent protection.

Common Myths about Sunscreen

"It's cloudy, I don't need sunscreen."
→ False : Up to 80% of UVB rays pass through clouds. Sun protection is essential every day .

"I put on my cream in the morning, it's enough for the day."
→ False : You must reapply every 2 hours , especially after swimming or sweating.

"I can make my own sunscreen with natural oils."
→ False : Natural oils (like coconut oil) do not offer reliable or regulated protection . Always use a tested, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

How to choose the ideal sunscreen?

• For adults : Choose modern UV filters that offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with a light, non-greasy texture.

• For children : Choose non-nano mineral filters, SPF 50 minimum, with UVA and UVB protection.

• For pregnant women : Choose mineral formulas or modern chemical filters, and prefer a tinted cream to combat melasma.

Recommended UV filters

These are modern, safe, and effective UV filters that we recommend for their excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. These filters have been rigorously tested and are known for their stability, efficacy, and minimal irritation potential.

Filter Name

UV Coverage

Details

Tinosorb M (Bisoctrizole)	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	Broad-spectrum protection, highly photostable and non-irritating.
Tinosorb S (Bemotrizinol)	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	Advanced UV filter with excellent stability, safe for sensitive skin.
Uvasorb HEB (Iscotrizinol)	UVA2, UVB	Water-soluble, used for long-wear formulas, highly effective.
Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate)	UVA1, UVA2	Effective UVA protection, stable in sunlight, excellent for daily use.
Uvinul T (Ethylhexyl Triazone)	UVB	Excellent UVB protection, light and comfortable on the skin.
Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate)	UVB	Mild UVB protection, safe for daily use, minimal irritation.
Titanium Dioxide (Non-Nano)	UVA2, UVB	Physical filter, stays on the skin's surface for safe protection, ideal for sensitive skin.
Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano)	UVA1, UVA2, UVB	Effective, non-toxic, and safe for babies and sensitive skin, provides broad-spectrum protection.

Filters to avoid

While many sunscreen filters are safe and effective, some older filters and UV boosters are problematic due to their potential to cause irritation, endocrine disruption, or instability under UV light. Also, Here’s a list of filters to be cautious of:

Filter Name	UV Coverage	Problems
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxy Dibenzoyl Methane)	UVA1, UVA2	Becomes unstable under UV light, reduces effectiveness, may be absorbed by the skin.
Enzacamene (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor)	UVB	Associated with hormonal disruptions, may mimic endocrine disruptors.
Homosalate (Homomethyl Salicylate)	UVB	Known for disrupting hormonal balance, easily absorbed by the skin.
Octocrylene (Octocrilene)	UVA2, UVB	Can cause skin irritation, affects the stability of other filters, may have hormonal effects.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)	UVA2, UVB	Known endocrine disruptor, detected in human tissues including breast milk.
Padimate O (PABA)	UVB	Can cause allergic reactions and phototoxicity, deemed unsafe by many health organizations.
Phenylbenzimidazole (Ensulizole)	UVB	Known for potential hormonal effects and allergic reactions.
Butyoctyl salicylate and tridecyl salicylate(see below for more details)	UV Booster	Often used as UV boosters in both mineral and chemical sunscreens to reduce the concentration of UV filters in the formula. However, they share a similar derivation to octisalate and may pose risks for pregnant women and young children, as they can potentially cause irritation and allergic reactions.

Understanding "SPF Boosters"

In recent years, certain SPF boosters like butyoctyl salicylate, tridecyl salicylate, polyester-8, ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, and ethyl ferulate, and others have become more common in both mineral and chemical sunscreens. These ingredients are often used to enhance sun protection while allowing brands to reduce the amount of traditional UV filters, such as zinc oxide or octinoxate. While the goal of improving sunscreen performance isn’t inherently negative, concerns arise when these boosters—closely related to chemical filters—are added to formulas in a way that allows brands to label their products as “all-mineral” or “octocrylene-free,” despite their chemical origin. For ingredient-conscious consumers, this can be misleading. It’s important to understand that while not all SPF boosters are harmful, some may raise questions about transparency, efficacy (especially for UVA protection), and suitability for vulnerable groups like pregnant women or young children.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sunscreen doesn't have to be complicated!
Whether you're protecting your skin, your children's skin, or your unborn baby's, knowing your filters is key to making the best choices.
Opt for broad-spectrum protection , choose modern and safe filters , and consider tinted creams if there is a risk of melasma.

>> At RoseKin Cosmetics and Pioupiou Cosmetics , we are committed to providing you with the safest, most effective sunscreen solutions suitable for the whole family. Find our collaborative sets on our respective e-shops.

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