1. Organic Coconut Milk
• UV Role: Contains medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid that form an occlusive layer, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helping the skin maintain resilience under heat and radiation stress.
• Mechanism: The fats stabilize the lipid barrier, while minor phenolic compounds have weak antioxidant activity, potentially lowering oxidative stress from UV.
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2. N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)
• UV Role: Precursor for hyaluronic acid and keratin synthesis, helping maintain hydration and barrier function under UV-induced dehydration.
• Mechanism: Can reduce UV-induced hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin transfer, limiting photo-induced dark spots.
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3. Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)
• UV Role: A potent lipophilic antioxidant that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation, protecting membrane lipids from peroxidation.
• Mechanism: Stabilizes cell membranes and works synergistically with vitamin C to regenerate antioxidant capacity after UV stress.
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4. Organic Colloidal Oat
• UV Role: Provides a protective film on the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation triggered by UV.
• Mechanism: Contains avenanthramides, which inhibit NF-κB pathways, decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by UV damage.
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5. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP — Vitamin C Derivative)
• UV Role: Strong ROS scavenger and collagen protector during exposure.
• Mechanism: Regenerates oxidized vitamin E, inhibits UV-induced melanogenesis, and stabilizes collagen cross-links by preventing UV-triggered matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity.
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6. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
• UV Role: Not directly photoprotective, but as a mild surfactant it can aid even distribution of other actives across the skin, enhancing uniform antioxidant coverage during application.
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7. Selenomethionine
• UV Role: Selenium-containing amino acid with powerful ROS scavenging capacity that directly shields DNA from UV-induced oxidative damage.
• Mechanism: Acts as a mimic of glutathione peroxidase, neutralizing peroxides before they damage cell structures.
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8. Ectoine
• UV Role: Natural extremolyte that protects proteins, lipids, and DNA from UV-induced denaturation.
• Mechanism: Forms a hydration shell around biomolecules, reducing ROS formation and stabilizing cell structures against heat and UV stress.
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9. Glutathione
• UV Role: Master antioxidant that neutralizes UV-generated free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C and E during exposure.
• Mechanism: Also plays a role in melanin modulation, potentially reducing post-exposure pigmentation.
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10. Vetiver Root Extract
• UV Role: Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, helping reduce oxidative stress and heat-related inflammation.
• Mechanism: Its sesquiterpene components may help protect lipid membranes from peroxidation under UV stress.
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11. Lactic Acid
• UV Role: At low levels, supports natural moisturizing factor (NMF) replenishment during exposure and helps maintain pH balance, supporting the skin’s acid mantle.
• Mechanism: A healthy acid mantle reduces microbial overgrowth and barrier damage when skin is stressed by sun.
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12. <3% Non-GMO Cassava Maltodextrin
• UV Role: Stabilizes other actives (especially antioxidants) during formulation, reducing degradation under sunlight.
• Mechanism: Works as a carrier and moisture binder, improving skin feel and delivery during application.
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13. Vetiver & Eucalyptus Essential Oils
• UV Role: Provide antioxidant and mild antimicrobial activity, potentially protecting skin from secondary infection or irritation while exposed to sun and heat.
• Mechanism: Eucalyptus’ 1,8-cineole also has a cooling sensory effect that can make sun exposure more comfortable.
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Overall Synergy During UV Exposure
• Antioxidant Network: Vitamin E acetate + MAP + glutathione + selenomethionine form a regenerative antioxidant cascade that continuously neutralizes ROS generated by UV.
• Barrier + Hydration Protection: Coconut milk + colloidal oat + ectoine + lactic acid keep the skin hydrated and resilient during exposure.
• Pigment Control: NAG + MAP + glutathione help control UV-induced melanogenesis.
• DNA & Protein Shielding: Selenomethionine + ectoine directly protect biomolecules from UV-induced mutation and denaturation.