Product Description
The sun is definitely not man's best friend. Get comprehensive coverage against its harmful UV rays with advanced anti-aging protection thrown in for good measure. Lightweight texture wears comfortably, even over the body. Micronised physical sunscreen provides the first level of protection by blocking UV rays on skin's surface. Antioxidant Gingko Biloba Leaf extract and skin-revitalising amino acids back it up by fighting damage at the cellular level
After coming across rave reviews on Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ on Luxola, I decided to try it out myself. At $108 for a 50ml size, it is not exactly cheap and doesn't contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide in its list of ingredients. It is not a physical sunscreen ( read difference between physical and chemical sunscreen ) and uses the following sunscreen ingredients :
Octocrylene protects against partial UVA and full UVB rays
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane ( also known as avobenzone ) protects against full UVA and partial UVB rays
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate protects against partial UVA and full UVB rays
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Maximum recommended by FDA: 7.5%) :
Often listed on sunscreen products as Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also called Octyl Methoxycinnamate) is used in products that are applied to the skin to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays; it protects the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of the sun. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate also protects cosmetics and personal care products from deterioration caused by UV rays and allows them to last longer in high UV conditions.
It is a chemical sun blocking agent that absorbs ultraviolet radiation in UVB range.
However, when Octinoxate is exposed to sunlight, "it is converted into a less UV absorbent form hence it is not very stable. This conversion can be partly prevented by certain other UV blockers, particularly bemotrizinol (Tinosorb M).
Note that if Octinoxate combined with Avobenzone, it degrades even faster.
According to the EWG, Octinoxate is a moderate hazard, primarily because it can lead to developmental and reproductive toxicity through enhanced skin absorption. It can produce estrogen-like effects and should not be used by pregnant women and children.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane :
In the United States, when this ingredient is used in sun protection products, it will be listed on the label as Avobenzone. Avobenzone, when applied to the skin, absorbs UV rays. In addition to causing sunburn, UV radiation is a significant cause of premature aging of the skin and contributes to the development of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
According to this source, tests have revealed Avobenzone’s tendency to significantly degrade in light over time, lessening its sun protection capabilities. For this reason, most sunscreens containing the ingredient also include photo-stabilizing ingredients likeoctocrylene.
Avobenzone appears to be relatively non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. However, because it is often used in conjunction with photo-stabilizers, there is a greater risk for skin irritation and low-level toxicity. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated it to be absorbed by the body and secreted into urine, and is therefore not recommended to use on children or pregnant women
In this link, the writer mentioned that though this ingredient may be a somewhat more safe product than oxybenzone but after it has been on the skin for a period of time, it could actually lead to increased reactive oxygen series (free radical damage) from what has penetrated a little deeper into the skin.
Octocrylene :
According to TIA, Octocrylene can penetrate into the skin and act as a photosensitizer, resulting in an increased production of free radicals. Free radicals can induce indirect DNA damage and potentially contribute to the increased incidence of malignant melanoma in sunscreen-users. Maximum recommended by FDA is 3%. You can also read more about it in EWG.
From this source, Octocrylene appears to be a strong allergen leading to contact dermatitis in children and mostly photoallergic contact dermatitis in adults with an often-associated history of photoallergy from ketoprofen. Patients with photoallergy from ketoprofen frequently have positive photopatch test reactions to octocrylene. These patients need to be informed of sunscreen products not containing octocrylene, benzophenone-3, or fragrances. There is a conflicting theory about this ingredient here.
According to TIA, Octocrylene can penetrate into the skin and act as a photosensitizer, resulting in an increased production of free radicals. Free radicals can induce indirect DNA damage and potentially contribute to the increased incidence of malignant melanoma in sunscreen-users. Maximum recommended by FDA is 3%. You can also read more about it in EWG.
From this source, Octocrylene appears to be a strong allergen leading to contact dermatitis in children and mostly photoallergic contact dermatitis in adults with an often-associated history of photoallergy from ketoprofen. Patients with photoallergy from ketoprofen frequently have positive photopatch test reactions to octocrylene. These patients need to be informed of sunscreen products not containing octocrylene, benzophenone-3, or fragrances. There is a conflicting theory about this ingredient here.
4-Methylbenzyibene Camphor :
According to this source, 4-Methylbenzyibene Camphor is an ultraviolet light blocker used in cosmetics and sunscreen preparations that has estrogenic activities, resulting in changes to the reproductive organ and brain development in both males and females. When applied topically, it is absorbed systemically and can be detected in urine. This ingredient is not approved as an ingredient in sunscreens in the USA as it may be an endocrine disruptor and lead to hypothyroidism as well as causing photo-allergic dermatitis.
Dr. Georgia Lee is a renowned doctor with an interest in well-being and skincare ( as claimed on her website ) and this is my first foray into her brand. Frankly speaking, I really love this sunblock, in terms of application and texture but unfortunately, I will prefer a physical sunblock, rather than a chemical one. You can read more about the ingredients used in a chemical sunblock here.
I managed to snag Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ at $68, instead of the retail $108 due to a 40% storewide discount on Luxola. Made in Korea, the packaging is simple and sleek with a clinical vibe to it. The sunblock is kept in an opaque bottle which makes it difficult to gauge the quantity and whether its truly depleted or just because the pump dispenser cannot reach it. It lasts me for a short while as I used it on both hands and body. That is how much I like the texture.
A tiny nozzle on the bottle makes it easy to dispense the sunblock in a white creamy form that is never greasy or sticky. It has a light silicon feel which makes it smooth and glides well onto the skin. Lightweight and fast-absorbing makes this sunblock a winner in our hot and humid condition.
Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ also offers advanced anti-aging benefits, hydrating the skin and improving blood circulation while neutralising free radicals and fighting the sun's damaging effects.
As the 3rd last ingredient in the list, Oligopeptide-34 is a revolutionary synthesized peptide that consists of 13 amino acids strung together to create a highly efficient and active molecule to address melanin formation. ( source )
An awesome product, in my personal opinion but a pity about its ingredients. Try it out, if you prefer a chemical sunblock.Dr. Georgia Lee is a renowned doctor with an interest in well-being and skincare ( as claimed on her website ) and this is my first foray into her brand. Frankly speaking, I really love this sunblock, in terms of application and texture but unfortunately, I will prefer a physical sunblock, rather than a chemical one. You can read more about the ingredients used in a chemical sunblock here.
I managed to snag Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ at $68, instead of the retail $108 due to a 40% storewide discount on Luxola. Made in Korea, the packaging is simple and sleek with a clinical vibe to it. The sunblock is kept in an opaque bottle which makes it difficult to gauge the quantity and whether its truly depleted or just because the pump dispenser cannot reach it. It lasts me for a short while as I used it on both hands and body. That is how much I like the texture.
A tiny nozzle on the bottle makes it easy to dispense the sunblock in a white creamy form that is never greasy or sticky. It has a light silicon feel which makes it smooth and glides well onto the skin. Lightweight and fast-absorbing makes this sunblock a winner in our hot and humid condition.
Dr. GL Sun Protection SPF 30 PA++ also offers advanced anti-aging benefits, hydrating the skin and improving blood circulation while neutralising free radicals and fighting the sun's damaging effects.
As the 3rd last ingredient in the list, Oligopeptide-34 is a revolutionary synthesized peptide that consists of 13 amino acids strung together to create a highly efficient and active molecule to address melanin formation. ( source )
Source : DrGL
