Active ingredients in sunscreens are those which scatter, absorb or block UVA or UVB rays. There are two basic categories of active ingredients: inorganic and organic.

Organic actives refer to those actives that contain carbon; they are chemical in nature and are often referred to as chemical actives. Examples or organic (chemical) actives are Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Octinoxate and Octocrylene. Organic actives act by absorbing UV rays; diffusing the power of the rays to prevent skin damage.

Inorganic refers to actives that do not contain carbon and are sometimes referred to as mineral, physical or natural blocks. Two inorganic (mineral - physical - natural) actives approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens are Zinc Oxide (Zn) and Titanium Dioxide (Ti). Inorganic actives scatter or reflect UV rays, effectively blocking them from penetrating the skin and causing damage.

Not all actives absorb or block all UVA and UVB rays (see chart). There are only five FDA approved UVA actives. Beyond Coastal uses three of them: Avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Zn and Ti. To get broad spectrum protection your sunscreen should contain both UVA and UVB active ingredients.

Beyond Coastal Daily and Active formulas contain Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene and Octisalate to give you broad spectrum protection. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide is used in our Natural and Kids formulas gives you broad spectrum protection.

Active Ingredients	Function
Protects
Avobenzone	UVA Active Sunscreen
Octinoxate	UVB Active Sunscreen
Octisalate	UVB Active Sunscreen
Octocrylene	UVB Active Sunscreen
Oxybenzone	UVB Active Sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide	UVA/UVB Natural Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide	UVA/UVB Natural Sunscreen