There are about 20 sunscreens that Clinique markets as of 2010. All of these sunscreens use one, or multiples, of some top sunscreen agents on the market. These are listed with their concentration amounts and will contribute to the SPF (sun protection factor) number on the front of the applicator. SPF numbers tell you what your maximum sun exposure time should be. The formula is to multiply how many minutes it takes you to burn without applying anything with the SPF number. This result gives you the maximum sun exposure time.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate is also known as octyl methoxycinnamate. According to Smart Skin Care, it is used to guard the skin against the effects of the sun’s UVB rays. While it does not block UVA rays, it is the most widely used UVB sunscreen used. It protects against the wavelengths of 280 nanometers to 320 nanometers (nanometers measures the visible light).
Titanium Dioxide
A popular sunscreen in personal-care products, titanium dioxide has been listed as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It can be included in items up to a concentration of 25 percent. It works by scattering the UV radiation and reflecting the wavelengths, according to Cosmetics Info. It will guard against premature aging and help in the prevention of sunburn.
Octisalate
Octisalate is also known as octyl salicylate and ethylhexyl salicylate. This is a sunscreen agent that guards against the sun’s UVB rays on the skin. According to Smart Skin Care, octisalate is a weak UVB blocker but is used to supplement protection. It protects against the wavelengths of 295 nanometers to 315 nanometers, with its peak hitting between 307 to 310 nanometers.
Zinc Oxide
An anti-irritant and possible antioxidant, zinc oxide is a whitening sunscreen, according to Cosmetics Cop. It is considered safe and without a skin irritation risk. It is a very stable form of sunscreen with a minimal amount of breakdown. According to Smart Skin Care, it provides good protection for wavelengths between 290 nanometers and 400 nanometers with slight protection ranging as high as 700 nanometers. It protects the skin from UVA-1, UVA-2 and UVB rays.
About this Author
T.M. Samuels, a freelancer for more than 20 years, writes on health and wellness topics. She typically picks topics on medical conditions, side effects or ingredients in personal care products. Her print credits include “Arthritis Today” and “Mature Years.” She is happy to be a LIVESTRONG writer.
