Active Sunscreen Ingredient:
- Zinc Oxide: This is a physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum sun protection by reflecting and scattering UV rays.
- Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract: Contains natural salicylates, which can help exfoliate and improve skin texture.
Other Ingredients:
- Water: A common base for skincare products.
- Cyclopentasiloxane: A silicone-based ingredient that can improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
- PEG-12 Dimethicone and PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone: Silicone-based ingredients used for emulsification and texture enhancement.
- Lauroyl Lysine: An amino acid-derived ingredient that can help improve the feel of the product on the skin.
- Sodium Chloride: Common table salt.
- Trihydroxystearin: A thickening agent.
- Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A silicone-based ingredient that helps create a smooth texture.
- Resveratrol, Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate: Antioxidant ingredients.
- Tocopheryl Acetate: A form of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: A stable form of vitamin C, which can have antioxidant properties and help brighten the skin.
- Adenosine: A soothing and skin-restoring ingredient.
- Bisabolol: A soothing ingredient often derived from chamomile.
- Punica Granatum Extract: Pomegranate extract, which can have antioxidant properties.
- Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract: An antioxidant-rich microalgae extract.
- Hydrolyzed Corn Starch: A texture-enhancing ingredient.
- Polysorbate 80: An emulsifying agent.
- Hydrated Silica: A thickening agent and texture enhancer.
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane: An ingredient that helps improve the spreadability and texture of the product.
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate: An emollient.
- Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate: A texture-enhancing and film-forming agent.
- Caprylyl Glycol: A skin-conditioning agent and preservative.
- Hexylene Glycol: A solvent and viscosity agent.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: A skin-conditioning agent and preservative.
- Iron Oxides: Colorants used in the product.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative.
It can be seen that the Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract which is derived from willow tree bark and contains natural salicylates. They are chemically related to salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly found in skincare products and is known for its exfoliating properties. In high concentrations and when used in certain skincare treatments, salicylic acid is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to its potential to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect fetal development.
As a precaution, many healthcare providers advise pregnant individuals to avoid high-concentration salicylic acid products (such as chemical peels or acne treatments) during pregnancy and opt for gentler alternatives.
It’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances and any pregnancy-related concerns you may have