SPF 50 Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick

A natural wax secreted by honeybees, used as an emollient and texture builder in balms and salves. It is generally well tolerated. People with bee or pollen allergies should patch test, as rare sensitization has been documented.

A lightweight salicylate ester used mainly as a solvent to keep avobenzone stable and to give modern sunscreens a non-greasy finish. It has not drawn any published safety flags and functions cosmetically rather than as an active.

A mineral thickener and anti-caking agent widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics to control texture and prevent ingredient separation. CIR has reviewed silica in cosmetic use and found no basis for concern at the levels used topically.

A palm/coconut-derived fatty ester used to soften skin and help dissolve oil-soluble UV filters. It sits fairly high on lab comedogenicity scales, so some acne-prone users report clogged pores, though this does not translate into a broader safety concern for general use.

A plant-derived wax extracted from the Euphorbia cerifera shrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It provides emollient and thickening benefits and has a long history of traditional use with no documented sensitization or irritation concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

A refined mineral wax used to firm up ointment and balm texture and help form an occlusive barrier alongside petrolatum. Highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral waxes have long been reviewed as inert at the concentrations used in personal care products.