Recent studies have confirmed alarmingly high levels of benzene—up to 17.5 times above permissible limits—in some popular personal care products, including acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide. Benzene, a known carcinogen, poses significant health risks, raising concerns about product contamination and ingredient degradation. Learn why consumers should demand stricter safety measures from the personal care industry and how the FDA is addressing these serious contamination issues ..read more

Discover the truth behind SPF boosters like butyloctyl salicylate, tridecyl salicylate, polyester-8, ethylhexyl methoxycrylene, and ethyl ferulate in sunscreens. These chemical analogs are increasingly found in both mineral and chemical sunscreens, often used to reduce the concentration of active UV filters like zinc oxide. Learn how these ingredients affect sunscreen performance and whether they compromise true all-mineral formulations ..read more

Here is why we chose to get our Ava Isa daily facial sunscreens EWG Verifed, the top 3rd party verification program for product safety and brand transparency. Sunscreens are confusing, full stop. We were actively looking for a trust symbol like the one from the EWG Verified program to help our customers easily choose a safe and effective sunscreen. Sunscreens are the most complex of all the personal care products to both formulate and for a customer to understand. We would argue they are also the highest stakes as you are meant to use them every single day for the prevention of skin cancer and ..read more

Introduction: Looking at the connection between SPF boosters in Mineral Sunscreens Pick up your all-mineral sunscreen and you'll see formulas with 25% zinc oxide and some with 2% zinc oxide. Why is there such a range or difference between different formulas? Can 2% zinc oxide ever be the same as 25%? Most consumers focus on the labelled SPF of a product and if both concentrations of the UV filter can give similar SPF’s then clearly there is no meaningful difference between the 2% vs the 25%. And then SPF boosters enter the chat. Sunscreen chemistry is arguably the most complicated within the ..read more

We’ve had a floodgate of previous Beautycounter fans writing to us looking for alternatives to some of their favourite skincare products. We put together this quick guide of easy swaps you can make for some skincare essentials from skin brighteners, adaptogenic moisturizers, AHA based exfoliators, and serums to promote radiance. Meanwhile, don’t sleep on our mineral suncare that offers the best in daily protection while meeting the most stringent clean beauty standards and appears on the EWG 2024 Annual Sunscreen Guide. Our general formulation style never includes fragrances or essential oils ..read more

Introduction: are salicylates safe in pregnancy? Which Salicylates are banned in sunscreens due to safety issues in pregnancy? Should you avoid all salicylates in pregnancy and in young children? Reviewing the safety of Octisalate, butyloctyl salicylate, tridecyl salicylate, and homosalate in pregnancy Pregnancy safe sunscreen recommendations Introduction: are salicylates safe in pregnancy? Understanding Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens: When it comes to pregnancy, many expectant mothers are rightfully cautious about the products they use, including sunscreen. Sun protection is arguable the ..read more

What is perioral dermatitis? What are common triggers? What skincare should you avoid? Which type of sunscreen is best? ‘Chemical’ versus mineral sunscreens What other sunscreen ingredients should you avoid Reviewed by Dr. Sharyn Laughlin, Dermatologist Ava Isa Every Morning SPF 30, mineral sunscreen with 25% zinc oxide. Excellent sunscreen for perioral dermatitis 1. Introduction: What is perioral dermatitis? What are common triggers? Perioral dermatitis is commonly mistaken for a rash or rosaceous acne and occurs around the mouth, nose and around the eyes (periorbital dermatitis ..read more

Introduction: Comparing Mineral UV Filters for the best daily mineral facial sunscreen. Titanium Dioxide versus Zinc Oxide How have these Mineral UV filters changed over time and how does this affect newer mineral SPF formulas Which Mineral UV Filter looks better on the skin? Which Mineral UV Filter gives the least amount of white cast? Which Mineral UV Filter gives the best SPF protection (UVB protection)? Which Mineral UV Filter gives the best UVA protection? Introduction: Comparing Titanium Dioxide versus Zinc Oxide for best overall facial mineral sunscreen for every day If yo ..read more

Has prescription tretinoin been discontinued in Canada? What are the best alternatives to tretinoin that I can get without a prescription? Tretinoin dosage and strengths being discontinued and or on back order Best alternatives to tretinoin that do not require a prescription How does tretinoin compare to retinoid esters, retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate and bakuchiol? 1. Tretinoin dosage and strengths being discontinued and or on back order Tretinoin is a prescription form of Vitamin A that is currently facing availability issues in Canada while several doses and forms are either be ..read more

The future of sunscreens in the US and the ongoing debate about the safety and efficacy of organic UV filters. Introduction: Is the FDA going to ban ‘chemical’ UV filters in the US? Understanding ‘Chemical’ UV filters The FDA’s Regulatory Concerns The FDA’s Stance and Proposed Regulations The Sunscreen Industry’s Response Misconceptions and Industry PR Campaigns A New UV Filter to Be Approved in the US Conclusions Introduction: The FDA has proposed February 15, 2024 as the deadline for submitting safety data for 7 UV filters. Considering this deadline but even with all of the ..read more