It's broad-spectrum, smells good, quality company, and claims to "reinforce the skin's natural defenses." This line was recommended to me by a derm, although not this specific product. (Overall, I really like their other products.).
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So I thought this was an excellent option as an everyday sunscreen (you know, when you're just basically indoors all day, but gotta walk out to fetch groceries or drive car or whatever).
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I was wrong. The active ingredients are octinoxate (6%), octisalate (5%), oxybenzone (4%) and titanium oxide (1%). I looked these up--out of all of these, titanium oxide is the ONLY completely safe ingredient, with zero scientific controversy about its usage.
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Oxybenzone: HUGE risks. Derived from a chemical which attacks DNA and causes strand breakage. Basically it messes up your cells. Has been proven to show brain & nervous system damage in animals (so almost certainly, has the same effect on humans). THREE different studies have shown that this toxic ingredient absorbs into the skin with harmful effects. Not good. According to several in-vitro studies, it is almost definitely a CARCINOGEN. Has photomutagenic properties, which basically means your DNA structure can be weakened from using it. It's a photosensitizer, and..wait for it...actually PRODUCES free radicals! Makes you MORE vulnerable to sun-damaged skin! Don't we spend tons on serums and antioxidants to fight off free radicals? Do we need our sunscreen to ADD to free radical damage??
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Octinoxate: It also absorbs through the skin, causes some organ damage over time, through bio-accumulation (it causes toxicity over time). It's not as immediately harmful as the previous ingredient...but still!
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Octisalate: It's supposed to be restricted in cosmetics. Irritates skin. Animal studies show moderately toxic effects on the organs. It's a good UV filter, though.
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Titanium oxide: No researcher questions it. Safe as can be. Passes the radar.
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So yeah. Don't get this product...and be on the lookout for these harmful ingredients in your other sunscreens! Hope this was helpful. continued >>