The Ingredient List™

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Function: Mineral UV filter for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Zinc oxide is the backbone of mineral sunscreen. It forms a protective barrier on the skin and is the hero active in many SunSafe® mineral picks.

SunSafe® Summary: Essential mineral filter for zinc-based SPF formulas.

Iron Oxides

Function: Mineral pigments for tint, tone balancing and visible-light support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: The finishing touch for tinted mineral SPF. Iron oxides help soften zinc-white and improve complexion wearability.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports tinted mineral sunscreen coverage and cosmetic finish.

Titanium Dioxide

Function: Mineral UV filter, pigment and opacifier.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Titanium dioxide can help filter UV or add visible coverage—it depends on how it is used and listed. Check the active ingredients: in some sunscreens it provides UV protection, while in others it supports colour and opacity.

SunSafe® Summary: Provides mineral UV protection or pigment support, depending on the formula.

Mica

Function: Mineral pigment and light-reflecting ingredient.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Mica gives sunscreen shimmer, luminosity or a pearlescent finish. It changes how the product looks on the skin but does not replace the approved UV filters doing the protective work.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds luminosity and improves cosmetic finish.

Ultramarine Blue

Function: Mineral colour pigment.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This is what gives blue zinc its unmistakable colour. The visible finish also makes it easier to see where the product has been applied.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds visible blue colour to mineral zinc products.

Tocopherol / Vitamin E

Function: Antioxidant and skin-conditioning support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Helps protect oils from oxidation while supporting skin barrier comfort.

SunSafe® Summary: Strengthens formula stability and antioxidant profile.

Green Tea Extract

Function: Antioxidant botanical extract.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Rich in polyphenols that help support skin against oxidative stress.

SunSafe® Summary: Useful antioxidant support in modern SPF formulas.

Pomegranate Extract

Function: Antioxidant and soothing botanical.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: High in polyphenols and used to support skin resilience and repair.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds antioxidant support to SPF skincare blends.

Pink Microalgae Extract (Dunaliella salina)

Function: Marine-derived antioxidant and skin-conditioning extract.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This tiny saltwater algae produces protective carotenoids to survive extreme conditions. These antioxidants help defend skin against oxidative stress—the damage that happens when UV exposure and pollution create more free radicals than the skin can neutralise. Over time, this can weaken the skin barrier and break down collagen.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports the skin’s antioxidant defences alongside, not instead of, UV protection.

Spirulina Extract (Arthrospira platensis)

Function: Antioxidant-rich microalgae extract.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Spirulina is a tiny blue-green algae containing pigments, amino acids and antioxidants. In SPF skincare, it helps condition the skin and support its defence against free-radical damage.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds marine-derived antioxidant and skin-conditioning support.

Carrot Oil / Daucus carota

Function: Botanical emollient and antioxidant source.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Carrot-derived ingredients contain skin-conditioning oils and protective plant pigments called carotenoids. They help nourish the skin and support antioxidant defence, but they are not approved UV filters and do not replace sunscreen.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds botanical nourishment and antioxidant support.

Aloe Vera

Function: Soothing skin hydrator.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Nature’s after-sun ally — cools, calms and hydrates.

SunSafe® Summary: Provides skin-soothing support in mineral blends.

Tasmanian Kelp Extract

Function: Marine antioxidant and skin-conditioning extract.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: A marine bioactive rich in minerals and skin-supporting compounds.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds marine antioxidant and hydration support.

Banana Extract

Function: Skin-conditioning botanical.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Nutrient-rich botanical used to soften and support skin feel.

SunSafe® Summary: Gentle botanical support for hydrating SPF formulas.

Thuja Plicata Extract

Function: Botanical preservative and aromatic support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Woodsy botanical extract with natural antimicrobial and insect-deterring properties.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports preservation and functional botanical positioning.

Vanillin

Function: Fragrance modifier and functional botanical.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Softens sharper botanical scent profiles and adds a gentle vanilla note.

SunSafe® Summary: Used for scent balance in natural-leaning SPF formulas.

Essential Oil Blend

Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Vetiver and Geranium

Function: Naturally derived fragrance and sensory botanical blend.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This blend adds a botanical scent and makes everyday SPF feel a little more like self-care. Natural still means fragrance, though, and does not automatically mean irritation-free for sensitive or reactive skin.

SunSafe® Summary: Provides natural fragrance and sensory appeal.

Jojoba Oil

Function: Natural emollient and conditioning oil.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Mimics skin’s natural sebum to soften, balance and improve comfort.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports glide and balm consistency.

Shea Butter

Function: Natural moisturiser and skin barrier support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Rich butter that hydrates, softens and supports dry or sensitive skin.

SunSafe® Summary: Helpful nourishment in mineral SPF bases.

Cocoa Butter

Function: Natural emollient and conditioning butter.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Luxuriously rich and gives balm formulas a smooth, nourishing feel.

SunSafe® Summary: Enhances texture and hydration.

Avocado Oil

Function: Emollient and skin conditioner.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Rich in fatty acids and useful for barrier-supporting formulas.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds nourishment and comfort to mineral SPF bases.

Coconut Oil

Function: Moisturiser and emollient.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Softens, nourishes and helps zinc spread smoothly.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds slip and hydration.

Sunflower Oil

Function: Lightweight emollient and antioxidant source.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Softens skin and supports a comfortable finish.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports barrier comfort and formula feel.

Medium-Chain Triglycerides / Caprylic-Capric Triglyceride

Function: Lightweight emollient and ingredient carrier.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Usually derived from coconut, these lightweight oils help carry ingredients and make sunscreen easier to spread without feeling overly heavy or greasy.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports smooth application, softness and glide.

Castor Oil

Function: Conditioning oil and mineral dispersant.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This rich botanical oil conditions the skin and helps spread zinc oxide and pigments evenly through the formula. In plain English, it helps stop the minerals from clumping together.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports moisture, mineral dispersion and smooth application.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Function: Thickener and formula stabiliser.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This is castor oil made firmer so it can give sticks, balms and waterless sunscreens their structure. It helps the product hold its shape while still gliding across the skin.

SunSafe® Summary: Builds structure and improves product stability.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Function: Lightweight emollient and spreading agent.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This coconut-derived ingredient gives sunscreen a light, silky glide. It helps richer mineral formulas spread more easily and feel less greasy.

SunSafe® Summary: Improves spreadability and skin feel.

Soybean Oil

Function: Botanical emollient and skin conditioner.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Soybean oil contains skin-softening fatty acids. It helps reduce moisture loss and creates a smoother base for mineral sunscreen.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds botanical moisture and supports comfortable wear.

Octyldodecanol

Function: Emollient, solvent and texture enhancer.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Despite “alcohol” appearing in the name, this is a moisturising fatty alcohol—not the drying kind. It helps ingredients blend together and gives sunscreen a smoother, softer finish.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports ingredient blending, glide and skin comfort.

Candelilla Wax

Function: Vegan wax and texture stabiliser.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Firm in the tin, soft on skin. A smart structure-builder for balm formats.

SunSafe® Summary: Provides structure, glide and durability.

Carnauba Wax

Function: Natural wax and thickener.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Hard plant wax that boosts balm durability and structure.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds heat resistance to solid SPF formulas.

Xanthan Gum

Function: Natural thickener and stabiliser.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Helps keep formulas smooth and prevents separation.

SunSafe® Summary: Adds viscosity and spreadability.

Glycerin

Function: Humectant and hydration support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Draws water into the skin to support comfort under SPF.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports hydration and barrier feel.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Function: Dispersant and emulsion support.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Helps zinc and pigments stay evenly suspended for smooth application.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports even mineral filter dispersion.

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

Function: Plant-based emulsifier.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Helps oils, water and mineral filters hold together in a stable cream.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports creamy, stable SPF texture.

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Function: Emulsifier and mineral dispersant.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This ingredient helps oils, pigments and mineral filters stay evenly mixed. That means a more stable sunscreen and a smoother, more consistent application.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports stable formulas and even mineral dispersion.

Isostearic Acid

Function: Emollient, binder and dispersing agent.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This fatty acid softens the feel of a sunscreen and helps mineral filters and pigments spread evenly instead of clumping together.

SunSafe® Summary: Improves mineral dispersion, texture and application.

PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate

Function: Water-in-oil emulsifier.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: An emulsifier keeps ingredients together that would normally separate. This one helps water and oil stay mixed in rich or water-resistant sunscreen formulas.

SunSafe® Summary: Keeps the formula stable and supports even application.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Function: Fatty alcohol, emollient and thickener.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This is a moisturising fatty alcohol—not the drying alcohol people often worry about. It thickens creams, softens the skin and creates a smoother finish.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports creamy texture, stability and skin comfort.

Cetearyl Glucoside

Function: Plant-derived emulsifier.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This ingredient helps water and oil blend into a smooth, stable cream. It is often paired with cetearyl alcohol to improve texture and spreadability.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports stable formulas and even application.

Gluconolactone

Function: Humectant and formula-supporting ingredient.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: Gluconolactone helps attract moisture to the skin while supporting formula stability. It is also known as a PHA, but what it does in a product depends on how much is used.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports hydration, stability and skin comfort.

Sodium Benzoate

Function: Preservative.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This ingredient helps protect water-based sunscreen from unwanted bacteria, yeast and mould. Preservatives are not glamorous, but they help keep a formula safe during everyday use.

SunSafe® Summary: Protects formula safety and shelf life.

Disodium EDTA

Function: Chelating agent and formula stabiliser.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: What the heck is a chelating agent? It binds stray metal ions that could affect a product’s colour, texture or preservation. In plain English, it helps the formula stay stable and work as intended.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports preservation, consistency and formula stability.

Silica

Function: Absorbent, texture enhancer and anti-caking ingredient.

The Sunscreen List™ POV: This mineral ingredient helps absorb excess oil, control shine and keep powders and pigments evenly distributed.

SunSafe® Summary: Supports a smoother, less greasy finish.