Editing Sunscreen (section)

== Inactive ingredients ==
It is known that SPF is affected by not only the choice of active ingredients and the percentage of active ingredients but also the formulation of the vehicle/base. Final SPF is also impacted by the distribution of active ingredients in the sunscreen, how evenly the sunscreen applies on the skin, how well it dries down on the skin and the pH value of the product among other factors. Changing any inactive ingredient may potentially alter a sunscreen's SPF.<ref>{{Cite web | author = Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration |date=2019-08-30|title=Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Sunscreens (ARGS)|url=https://www.tga.gov.au/resource/australian-regulatory-guidelines-sunscreens-args|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)|language=en|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727000206/https://www.tga.gov.au/resource/australian-regulatory-guidelines-sunscreens-args|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Gao T, Tien JM, Choi YH  | publisher = Croda Inc , North American Technical Center |title=Sunscreen Formulas With Multilayer Lamella Structure|url=https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/function/viscositymod/2696511.html|access-date=2021-08-13| work = Cosmetics & Toiletries|date=June 24, 2009|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813154806/https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/function/viscositymod/2696511.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

When combined with UV filters, added [[antioxidant]]s can work synergistically to affect the overall SPF value positively. Furthermore, adding antioxidants to sunscreen can amplify its ability to reduce markers of extrinsic photoaging, grant better protection from [[Liver spot|UV induced pigment formation]], mitigate skin [[lipid peroxidation]], improve the photostability of the active ingredients, neutralize reactive oxygen species formed by irradiated photocatalysts ''(e.g., uncoated TiO₂)'' and aid in DNA repair post-UVB damage, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of sunscreens.<ref name="Wu_2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wu Y, Matsui MS, Chen JZ, Jin X, Shu CM, Jin GY, Dong GH, Wang YK, Gao XH, Chen HD, Li YH | display-authors = 6 | title = Antioxidants add protection to a broad-spectrum sunscreen | journal = Clinical and Experimental Dermatology | volume = 36 | issue = 2 | pages = 178–187 | date = March 2011 | pmid = 20804506 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2010.03916.x | s2cid = 25145335 }}</ref><ref name="Sunscreens Containing Cyclodextrin">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dahabra L, Broadberry G, Le Gresley A, Najlah M, Khoder M | title = Sunscreens Containing Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Enhanced Efficiency: A Strategy for Skin Cancer Prevention | journal = Molecules | volume = 26 | issue = 6 | pages = 1698 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 33803643 | pmc = 8003006 | doi = 10.3390/molecules26061698 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="Darr_1996">{{cite journal | vauthors = Darr D, Dunston S, Faust H, Pinnell S | title = Effectiveness of antioxidants (vitamin C and E) with and without sunscreens as topical photoprotectants | journal = Acta Dermato-Venereologica | volume = 76 | issue = 4 | pages = 264–268 | date = July 1996 | pmid = 8869680 | doi = 10.2340/0001555576264268 | s2cid = 45260180 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dorjay K, Arif T, Adil M | title = Silymarin: An interesting modality in dermatological therapeutics | journal = Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology | volume = 84 | issue = 2 | pages = 238–243 | date = 2018 | pmid = 29350205 | doi = 10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_746_16 | url = https://ijdvl.com/?view-pdf=1&embedded=true&article=6d28812c6c2103e3ad1d17bc15c089c1haeLWQ%3D%3D | url-status = live | s2cid = 46884296 | doi-access = free | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220321191152/https://ijdvl.com/?view-pdf=1&embedded=true&article=6d28812c6c2103e3ad1d17bc15c089c1haeLWQ%3D%3D | archive-date = March 21, 2022 }}</ref> Compared with sunscreen alone, it has been shown that the addition of antioxidants has the potential to suppress [[Reactive oxygen species|ROS]] formation by an additional 1.7-fold for SPF 4 sunscreens and 2.4-fold for SPF 15-to-SPF 50 sunscreens, but the efficacy depends on how well the sunscreen in question has been formulated.<ref name="Lim S91–S99" /> Sometimes [[osmolyte]]s are also incorporated into commercially available sunscreens in addition to antioxidants since they also aid in protecting the skin from the detrimental effects of UVR.<ref name="Rai_2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rai R, Shanmuga SC, Srinivas C | title = Update on photoprotection | journal = Indian Journal of Dermatology | volume = 57 | issue = 5 | pages = 335–342 | date = September 2012 | pmid = 23112351 | pmc = 3482794 | doi = 10.4103/0019-5154.100472 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Examples include the osmolyte taurine, which has demonstrated the ability to protects against UVB-radiation induced immunosuppression<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rockel N, Esser C, Grether-Beck S, Warskulat U, Flögel U, Schwarz A, Schwarz T, Yarosh D, Häussinger D, Krutmann J | display-authors = 6 | title = The osmolyte taurine protects against ultraviolet B radiation-induced immunosuppression | journal = Journal of Immunology | volume = 179 | issue = 6 | pages = 3604–3612 | date = September 2007 | pmid = 17785795 | doi = 10.4049/jimmunol.179.6.3604 | s2cid = 26059060 | doi-access = free }}</ref> and the osmolyte ectoine, which aids in counteracting cellular accelerated aging & UVA-radiation induced premature photoaging.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Buenger J, Driller H | title = Ectoin: an effective natural substance to prevent UVA-induced premature photoaging | journal = Skin Pharmacology and Physiology | volume = 17 | issue = 5 | pages = 232–237 | date = September 2004 | pmid = 15452409 | doi = 10.1159/000080216 | s2cid = 44762987 }}</ref>

Other inactive ingredients can also assist in photostabilizing unstable UV filters. [[Cyclodextrin]]s have demonstrated the ability to reduce photodecomposition, protect antioxidants and limit skin penetration past the [[Stratum corneum|uppermost skin layers]], allowing them to longer maintain the protection factor of sunscreens with UV filters that are highly unstable and/or easily permeate to the lower layers of the skin.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yang J, Wiley CJ, Godwin DA, Felton LA | title = Influence of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin on transdermal penetration and photostability of avobenzone | journal = European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics | volume = 69 | issue = 2 | pages = 605–612 | date = June 2008 | pmid = 18226883 | doi = 10.1016/j.ejpb.2007.12.015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shokri J, Hasanzadeh D, Ghanbarzadeh S, Dizadji-Ilkhchi M, Adibkia K | title = The effect of Beta-cyclodextrin on percutaneous absorption of commonly used Eusolex® sunscreens | journal = Drug Research | volume = 63 | issue = 11 | pages = 591–596 | date = November 2013 | pmid = 23842944 | doi = 10.1055/s-0033-1349089 | s2cid = 206350641 }}</ref><ref name="Sunscreens Containing Cyclodextrin"/> Similarly, [[Film-forming agent|film-forming polymers]] like polyester-8 and polycryleneS1 have the ability to protect the efficacy of older petrochemical UV filters by preventing them from destabilizing due to extended light exposure. These kinds of ingredients also increase the water resistance of sunscreen formulations.<ref>{{Cite web| vauthors = Schaefer K |title=Polycrylene for Photostabilization and Water Resistance|url=https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/suncare/161093645.html|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Cosmetics & Toiletries|date=July 3, 2012|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727221939/https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/suncare/161093645.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Hallstar develops photostabilizer for sun care products|url=https://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Article/2012/07/02/Hallstar-develops-photostabilizer-for-sun-care-products|access-date=2021-07-27|website=cosmeticsdesign.com|date=July 2012 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[File:Commercial Sunscreens with UV and Non-UV solar radiation protection.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.35|right|“Advanced Protection” sunscreens from around the world, all utilizing different additives to protect the wearer beyond the ultraviolet spectral range]]
<!--Deleted image removed: [[File:AdvancedSunscreenProducts.jpeg|thumb|right| “Advanced Protection” sunscreens from around the world, all promising to provide broad spectrum UVR protection and defend from air pollution damage]]-->

In the 2010s and 2020s, there has been increasing interest in sunscreens that protect the wearer from the sun's [[high-energy visible light]] and [[infrared|infrared light]] as well as ultraviolet light. This is due to newer research revealing [[Spectral color#Table of spectral or near-spectral colors|blue & violet visible light]] and certain wavelengths of infrared light ''(e.g., [[Infrared#Commonly used sub-division scheme|NIR, IR-A]])'' work synergistically with UV light in contributing to oxidative stress, free radical generation, dermal cellular damage, suppressed skin healing, decreased immunity, erythema, inflammation, dryness, and several aesthetic concerns, such as: wrinkle formation, loss of skin elasticity and dyspigmentation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lademann J, Meinke MC, Schanzer S, Albrecht S, Zastrow L | title = [New aspects in the development of sunscreening agents] | language = de | journal = Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete | volume = 68 | issue = 5 | pages = 349–353 | date = May 2017 | pmid = 28280909 | doi = 10.1007/s00105-017-3965-9 | s2cid = 195671296 | trans-title = New aspects in the development of sunscreening agents }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Krutmann J, Berneburg M | title = [Sun-damaged skin (photoaging): what is new?] | language = de | journal = Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete | volume = 72 | issue = 1 | pages = 2–5 | date = January 2021 | pmid = 33346860 | doi = 10.1007/s00105-020-04747-4 | s2cid = 229342851 | trans-title = Sun-damaged skin (photoaging): what is new? }}</ref><ref name="Souza 2017 81–89">{{cite journal | vauthors = Souza C, Maia Campos P, Schanzer S, Albrecht S, Lohan SB, Lademann J, Darvin ME, Meinke MC | display-authors = 6 | title = Radical-Scavenging Activity of a Sunscreen Enriched by Antioxidants Providing Protection in the Whole Solar Spectral Range | journal = Skin Pharmacology and Physiology | volume = 30 | issue = 2 | pages = 81–89 | date = 2017 | pmid = 28319939 | doi = 10.1159/000458158 | s2cid = 6252032 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Michalski B, Olasz E | title = What You Didn't Know About the Sun: Infrared Radiation and Its Role in Photoaging | journal = Plastic Surgical Nursing | volume = 40 | issue = 3 | pages = 166–168 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 32852443 | doi = 10.1097/PSN.0000000000000334 | s2cid = 221347292 }}</ref><ref name="Piras_2018">{{Cite web | vauthors = Piras E |date=2 May 2018 |title=Synergy of mica and inorganic UV filters maximizes Blue Light Protection as first defense line |url=https://ifscc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Emanuele-Piras-_Synergy-of-mica-and-inorganic-UV-filters-for-Blue-Light-Protection.pdf |website=[[International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists]] |publisher=Merck |location=Germany |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727221939/https://ifscc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Emanuele-Piras-_Synergy-of-mica-and-inorganic-UV-filters-for-Blue-Light-Protection.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zastrow L, Groth N, Klein F, Kockott D, Lademann J, Ferrero L | title = [UV, visible and infrared light. Which wavelengths produce oxidative stress in human skin?] | language = de | journal = Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete | volume = 60 | issue = 4 | pages = 310–317 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19319493 | doi = 10.1007/s00105-008-1628-6 | s2cid = 115358035 | trans-title = UV, visible and infrared light. Which wavelengths produce oxidative stress in human skin? }}</ref><ref name="Conselho Regional de Química - IV Região_2017">{{Cite web |date=June 2017 |title=Advanced Sun protection with Titanium Dioxides and Functional Fillers |website=Conselho Regional de Química - IV Região |publisher=Merck |url=https://www.crq4.org.br/sms/files/file/eventos/seminario_prot_inoutdoor_2018/palestra_advanced_alexander_kielbassa.pdf |url-status=dead |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728183624/https://www.crq4.org.br/sms/files/file/eventos/seminario_prot_inoutdoor_2018/palestra_advanced_alexander_kielbassa.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2021}}</ref> Increasingly, a number of commercial sunscreens are being produced that have manufacturer claims regarding skin protection from blue light, infrared light and even air pollution.<ref name="Conselho Regional de Química - IV Região_2017" /> However, as of 2021 there are no regulatory guidelines or mandatory testing protocols that govern these claims.<ref name="Lim S91–S99">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lim HW, Arellano-Mendoza MI, Stengel F | title = Current challenges in photoprotection | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 76 | issue = 3S1 | pages = S91–S99 | date = March 2017 | pmid = 28038886 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.09.040 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Historically, the American FDA has only recognized protection from sunburn ''(via UVB protection)'' and protection from skin cancer ''(via SPF 15+ with some UVA protection)'' as drug/medicinal sunscreen claims, so they do not have regulatory authority over sunscreen claims regarding protecting the skin from damage from these other environmental stressors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use — Small Entity Compliance Guide |url=https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-over-counter-human-use-small-entity |website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration |publisher=Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |access-date=31 July 2021 |language=en |date=22 March 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731192208/https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-over-counter-human-use-small-entity |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since sunscreen claims not related to protection from ultraviolet light are treated as [[cosmeceutical]] claims rather than drug/medicinal claims, the innovative technologies and additive ingredients used to allegedly reduce the damage from these other environmental stressors may vary widely from brand to brand.

Some studies show that mineral sunscreens primarily made with substantially large particles ''(i.e., neither nano nor micronized)'' may help protect from visible and infrared light to some degree,<ref name="Conselho Regional de Química - IV Região_2017" /><ref name="Lim S91–S99" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim SJ, Bae J, Lee SE, Lee JB, Park CH, Lim DH, Park MS, Ha J | display-authors = 6 | title = A novel in vivo test method for evaluating the infrared radiation protection provided by sunscreen products | journal = Skin Research and Technology | volume = 25 | issue = 6 | pages = 890–895 | date = November 2019 | pmid = 31338921 | doi = 10.1111/srt.12754 | s2cid = 198194413 }}</ref> but these sunscreens are often unacceptable to consumers due to leaving an obligatory opaque white cast on the skin. Further research has shown that sunscreens with added [[Iron oxide|iron oxide pigments]] and/or pigmentary titanium dioxide can provide the wearer with a substantial amount of HEVL protection.<ref name="Lim S91–S99" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dumbuya H, Grimes PE, Lynch S, Ji K, Brahmachary M, Zheng Q, Bouez C, Wangari-Talbot J | display-authors = 6 | title = Impact of Iron-Oxide Containing Formulations Against Visible Light-Induced Skin Pigmentation in Skin of Color Individuals | journal = Journal of Drugs in Dermatology | volume = 19 | issue = 7 | pages = 712–717 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 32726103 | doi = 10.36849/JDD.2020.5032 | s2cid = 220877124 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bernstein EF, Sarkas HW, Boland P | title = Iron oxides in novel skin care formulations attenuate blue light for enhanced protection against skin damage | journal = Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | volume = 20 | issue = 2 | pages = 532–537 | date = February 2021 | pmid = 33210401 | pmc = 7894303 | doi = 10.1111/jocd.13803 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lyons AB, Trullas C, Kohli I, Hamzavi IH, Lim HW | title = Photoprotection beyond ultraviolet radiation: A review of tinted sunscreens | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 84 | issue = 5 | pages = 1393–1397 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 32335182 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.079 | s2cid = 216556227 }}</ref> Cosmetic chemists have found that other [[cosmetic-grade]] pigments can be functional filler ingredients. [[Mica]] was discovered to have significant synergistic effects with UVR filters when formulated in sunscreens, in that it can notably increase the formula's ability to protect the wearer from HEVL.<ref name="Piras_2018" />

There is a growing amount of research demonstrating that adding various vitamer antioxidants ''(eg; [[retinol]], [[Gamma-Tocopherol|alpha tocopherol, gamma tocopherol]], [[tocopheryl acetate]], [[Vitamin C|ascorbic acid]], [[Vitamer#List of vitamins with some of their active forms|ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate]], [[Coenzyme Q10|ubiquinone]])'' and/or a mixture of certain botanical antioxidants ''(eg; [[Epigallocatechin gallate|epigallocatechin-3-gallate]], [[Beta-Carotene|b-carotene]], [[vitis vinifera]], [[Silybum marianum|silymarin]], [[Spirulina (dietary supplement)|spirulina extract]], [[Chamomile|chamomile extract]] and possibly others)'' to sunscreens efficaciously aids in reducing damage from the free radicals produced by exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, visible light, near infrared radiation and infrared-a radiation.<ref name="Wu_2011" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Grether-Beck S, Marini A, Jaenicke T, Krutmann J | title = Effective photoprotection of human skin against infrared A radiation by topically applied antioxidants: results from a vehicle controlled, double-blind, randomized study | journal = Photochemistry and Photobiology | volume = 91 | issue = 1 | pages = 248–250 | date = January 2015 | pmid = 25349107 | doi = 10.1111/php.12375 | s2cid = 206270691 }}</ref><ref name="Souza 2017 81–89" /><ref name="Lim S91–S99" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Carlotti ME, Ugazio E, Gastaldi L, Sapino S, Vione D, Fenoglio I, Fubini B | title = Specific effects of single antioxidants in the lipid peroxidation caused by nano-titania used in sunscreen lotions | journal = Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology | volume = 96 | issue = 2 | pages = 130–135 | date = August 2009 | pmid = 19527937 | doi = 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2009.05.001 | bibcode = 2009JPPB...96..130C }}</ref><ref name="Darr_1996" /><ref name="Rai_2012" /> Since sunscreen's active ingredients work preventatively by creating a shielding film on the skin that absorbs, scatters, and reflects light before it can reach the skin, UV filters have been deemed an ideal “first line of defense” against sun damage when exposure can't be avoided. Antioxidants have been deemed a good “second line of defense” since they work responsively by decreasing the overall burden of free radicals that do reach the skin.<ref name="Piras_2018" /> The degree of the free radical protection from the entire solar spectral range that a sunscreen can offer has been termed the "radical protection factor" (RPF) by some researchers.