Hello! It’s your skincare obsessed bestie. Thanks for inviting me to drop by, and I can’t wait to start sharing my recs with you. Here is what you can expect from me this week.

• ICYMI: News, trends, and things to chat about over brunch

• WAY TO GLO: Authentic skincare tips

• GLOSSIP: Sales events you won’t want to miss

ICYMI

• TRENDS🤟 

  - The trending mineral at the moment

  - Let’s take a look at gelatin water 

• BUSINESS🤝 

  - Adidas’ strategy for unloading Yeezys

  - How to sell a serving of ice cream for $6,600

• RANDOM🙌 

  - And Just Like That…Samantha is coming back to season 2

  - Lizzy here, checking in for a 11-year stay

• FOR FUNSIES 😁💖 

  - Everything coming to Netflix this month

  - Check out The New Yorker’s book recs for this week

WAY TO GLO!

Sunscreen is a well-known necessity for protecting our skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB radiation. To fulfill this purpose, most sunscreens use "active ingredients" that are meant to physically or chemically block out harmful rays.

But not all active ingredients are equal in their effective and interaction with our skin. As revealed by a recent report from consumer advocacy group EWG, which found that a staggering 75% of sunscreens on store shelves may contain potentially harmful ingredients.

This week, I want to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the spectrum of active ingredients used in commercially available sunscreens in the US, ranging from the safest to the most concerning. Join me on this enlightening journey as we explore the best and worst offenders among cosmetic ingredients and discover the optimal approach to selecting sunscreens.

FDA: Active Ingredients and Latest Verdict  

The FDA rigorously regulates sunscreen ingredients for safety and effectiveness. In December 2022, the FDA released the latest sunscreen standards, providing an update on the safety and effectiveness of 16 previously approved active ingredients. However, only two ingredients were granted the definitely safe, or GRASE status (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Two other ingredients were banned due to safety issues, and the FDA is requesting additional data for the remaining 12 ingredients.

FDA’s Safe List (Naturally Occurring Minerals)

• Zinc Oxide

• Titanium Dioxide

FDA’s Ban List

• Aminobenzoic acid

• Trolamine salicylate

FDA’s Watch List - Requesting Further Data

• Chemical UVB filters: Cinoxate, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, Padimate O

• Chemical UVA filters: Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Sulisobenzone or Dioxybenzone

• Physical UV filters: Ensulizole, Meradimate, Octocrylene

What Makes Certain Ingredients Unsafe

• It has the ability to penetrate the skin and enter bloodstreams

• It can impact the hormone (endocrine) system

• It may be carcinogenic (cancer causing)

• It can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis

• It has a negative impact on marine life (kills corals)

• It may be unstable and become ineffective after exposure to the sun

• It may produce harmful byproducts after exposure to the sun

Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen

• Go for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the ingredients

• Go for physical blockers rather than chemical blockers

• Look for “broad spectrum” as that indicates protection from both UVA and UVBs

• SPF: Opt for SPF 15 or higher

• Go for sunscreen lotions rather than sprays

• Abide by the expiration date

Like this stuff? It would mean the world to me if you can share with your friends and family! Your support is the best kind of motivation 😃 😃 😃 😃

GLOSSIP

• CASHBACK

  Rakuten 8% cashback on Sally Beauty online, 5% cashback on First Aid Beauty, use my referral link to receive $30 when you sign up.

• SALES EVENTS

  HUDA Beauty up to 60% off on beauty favorites

  The Body Shop 20% off 2 or more Skincare & Accessories (code: FRESH)

  GHD 25% off sitewide until 06/13

That’s it for today friends! Will see you again next week~