I’ve always had issues finding a sunscreen that I like, either the sunscreen doesn’t work or if it works it contains chemicals that aren’t good for you. I am trying to stay away from chemical sunscreens in the states because they generally contain benzophenones (oxybenzone and avobenzone) which can cause allergic reactions and be absorbed into the blood stream and disrupt hormones. Avobenzone also breaks down in the sunlight and reduces the potency of the octinoxate which is put in as a UVB filter.
To avoid chemicals I’m currently using a mineral sunscreen (by Devita) which is made up of zinc oxide. The annoying thing is that it leaves a very obvious whitish cast on my face, people are always asking me why i look like a ghost. I have to make sure my face is really well moisturized for it to blend in and when i reapply halfway through the day it barely blends in and flakes off. I find this to be a problem with most mineral/physical sunblocks.
From my research it appears that in Europe sunscreens use Meroxyl and Tinsorb, both chemical filters which provide almost perfect protection but are not approved by the FDA. In Canada both Tinsorb and Meroxyl are approved and I think Ombrelle and Laroche Posay both contain Meroxyl.
So out of curiousity for you Europeans out there, which sunscreens do you use? Which brands do you like? Do you also use products with benzophenones?