To choose your sun protection products well, you must start by understanding their components! In a previous article, we discussed SPF and how to protect yourself, but how do you choose your sun protection products?

1. How do sunscreens work?

When you're looking for sunscreen, you'll often find two types of UV filters:

• Organic filters

Organic filters in sunscreens are composed of molecules that absorb UV rays instead of the skin. When UV rays reach the skin, they are absorbed by the filters. Organic filters convert the energy of UV rays into heat, which is then dissipated.

The most commonly used organic filters in sunscreens are avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, oxybenzone, and homosalate. These filters are often combined in sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

• Mineral filters

Mineral filters, also known as physical filters, are natural mineral particles found in nature. Mineral filters act as a shield by reflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin.

The two mineral filters commonly used in sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

2. Organic and mineral filters: their differences

Most commonly, you'll find organic filters in your sun protection products. Renowned for their effectiveness in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB, they are also appreciated for their complete transparency during application. With no white residue or greasy effect, these filters penetrate the skin very well.

However, it's important to avoid using controversial chemical UV filters. Indeed, some are suspected of having an irritating and easily sensitizing effect for sensitive skin, or of having a negative impact on marine biodiversity. The organic filters mentioned above, for example, should be avoided.

Mineral filters have the advantage of offering immediate UV protection, they remain on the skin's surface and are less likely to be absorbed by the skin. They have good heat stability: they do not lose their effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures.

However, the particle size of mineral filters is often reduced to minimize the whitening effect. These filters then take the form of nanoparticles: a size that promotes deep infiltration into your body but is also very polluting for marine ecosystems.

3. How to make your choice?

The creation of new generation filters has revolutionized sun protection products. Organic and ocean-friendly filters do exist! Here are examples of non-controversial new generation organic filters:

• Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
• Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
• Ethylhexyl Triazone
• Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

They are particularly appreciated for:

• Their light texture and zero white trace

They have the advantage of being formulated in easy-to-apply textures, which facilitates the penetration of sunscreen. For an ultra-fluid texture, a no white trace and non-greasy finish, it's a mission accomplished!

• Their effective protection

Organic filters often offer better protection against UVA rays than mineral filters, which tend to offer stronger protection against UVB rays. They offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they can protect you from sunburn, premature skin aging, and other risks associated with sun exposure. They can also be combined with moisturizing and soothing agents such as aloe vera, probiotics, or provitamins B5.

•  Algae & Corals: some of the most eco-friendly UV filters on the market.

New generation organic UV filters are recognized as among the most eco-friendly on the market for algae & corals. It has been recognized that the cellular viability of corals was much higher for new generation organic filters than for mineral filters.

4. Les Petits Prödiges sunscreen

We have therefore designed a high-protection sun product that combines the many benefits offered by new-generation filters. Les Petits Prödiges Sunscreen is suitable for body and face with an SPF50+. Our sunscreen has undergone strict ecotoxicity tests, showing that our UV filter complex has a lesser impact on the cellular viability of corals compared to other filters on the market. It is suitable for children from three years old, non-irritating, and water-resistant. It's the no-compromise sun protection to have this summer 😊