As summer approaches, it’s time to think about how we protect our skin from the sun. But with so many sunscreen options available, how do you choose the right one for your skin, your family, and your needs? In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sunscreen filters and help you navigate the world of sun protection.
This guide is for everyone—whether you’re a parent choosing the safest options for your kids, an expecting mother, or simply someone looking for the best sun protection for your skin. That’s why we teamed up with Pioupiou Cosmetics, a brand that shares our commitment to safe and effective sun protection, to give you the ultimate guide to navigating the world of sunscreens. Together, we’ll break down the best options for everyone—adults, children, and even pregnant women—and help you understand which filters to look for (and which to avoid!).
Understanding UV Filters: Mineral vs. Chemical Filters
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 The misconception some people have about chemical sunscreens is often based on outdated filters used in older products—like Oxybenzone or Avobenzone—which have been known to cause skin irritation or act as endocrine disruptors.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.
Sunscreen for Kids: Why It’s So Important
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:
✅Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano) (like the Pioupiou Sun Cream SPF 50)
✅SPF 50 for strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays
✅Broad-Spectrum Protection (UVA & UVB)
It’s also crucial to make sunscreen a part of your kids’ routine from an early age. Get them used to the importance of sun protection, and make it a fun habit!
Sunscreen for Pregnant Women: Melasma and Extra Sensitivity
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 Look For:
✅Mineral-based sunscreens with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or modern Chemical Filters are the safest options during pregnancy.
✅Tinted Sunscreens: Tinted sunscreens (such as RoseKin’s Daily Protection Liquid Foundation SPF0 50) are highly recommended for pregnant women as they offer additional protection from visible light, which can worsen melasma. A tinted sunscreen can help shield your skin from both UVA and visible light, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Why Tinted Sunscreens are effective: 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.
We often hear misconceptions about sunscreens, and it’s time to set the record straight:
- “It’s cloudy, so no need for sunscreen.”
Up to 80% of UVB rays can pass through clouds. Always wear sunscreen, no matter the weather. And UVA rays are present 365 days a year. - “I applied sunscreen in the morning, I’m good for the day.”
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating and when exposed to constant sun. - “I can make my own sunscreen with natural oils.”
While natural oils like coconut oil have some SPF properties, they are not reliable or regulated for sun protection. Always choose a tested, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Which Sunscreen Is Right for You?
For Adults:
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Modern UV Filters for superior UVA and UVB protection. For a non-greasy, elegant finish, chemical sunscreens with modern filters are a great option.
For Kids:
Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide (non-nano) for safe, gentle protection. Ensure it’s SPF 50 and protects UVA and UVB for optimal coverage.
For Pregnant Women:
Choose broad protection mineral or modern chemical sunscreens, and for additional protection from melasma, go for a tinted sunscreen with SPF 50+.
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. |
Bonus: Download the UV Filter Guide
Still unsure which filters are safe and effective? I’ve created a free UV Filter Guide to help you better understand which ingredients to look for—and which ones to avoid.
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 difficult! Whether you’re protecting yourself, your children, or your skin during pregnancy, understanding the filters in your sunscreen is the first step toward making smarter choices. Focus on broad-spectrum protection, choose modern, safe filters, and don’t forget to consider tinted sunscreens for additional protection, especially during pregnancy or if you’re prone to melasma.
At RoseKin Cosmetics and Pioupiou Cosmetics, we’re committed to offering you the best, safest, and most effective sunscreen solutions for everyone in the family.
For even more information, be sure to check out our UV Filter Guide to learn more about which filters to look for in your sunscreen.