What is an effective ingredient for sun protection?

Zinc oxide is recognized as an effective ingredient for sun protection because it acts as a physical blocker that reflects and scatters UV radiation. This ingredient provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for skin damage, sunburn, and increased risk of skin cancer. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation, zinc oxide remains on the skin's surface, creating a barrier that protects the skin from harmful sun exposure.

The other ingredients listed have different roles in skincare: vitamin C is primarily an antioxidant that helps to brighten skin and combat free radicals, hyaluronic acid is beneficial for hydration by attracting water to the skin, and salicylic acid is widely used for its exfoliating properties, particularly in treating acne. None of these options provide the same level of sun protection as zinc oxide, underscoring its uniqueness as an essential component of effective sunscreen formulations.