Summary of Mexitan's Ingredient Benefits

The following ingredients are the ONLY ones in Mexitan! Unlike chemical suncare products, it doesn't contain numerous synthetically-made components. Mexitan contains no emulsifiers, no fragrances, and no chemical preservatives, and it's biodegradable! It is formulated and manufactured under the strict guidelines of a FDA-approved bottler, and Made in the USA.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND ZINC OXIDE - These active ingredients in Mexitan SPF sunscreen lotions are natural minerals derived from clay and beach sand deposits; they are not harsh synthetically-produced chemicals. Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as sunscreens. Zinc oxide has been used worldwide for over 75 years as a blocking agent to prevent excessive sun exposure. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb ultraviolet light, Mother Nature has provided titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays away from the body--forming a physical barrier to shield skin, without irritating or clogging the pores. The natural mineral sunblock, on certain skin types when applied heavily, may leave a mild white appearance, providing the comfort that it remains on the surface of your skin where you need the protection. The SPF 30 is our most concentrated lotion and it leaves a more visible white shield on your skin than the SPF 8 or SPF 15 formula. Mexitan SPF 8 Lotion contains 2.5% zinc oxide and 2.5% titanium dioxide. Mexitan SPF 15 Lotion contains 3.5% zinc oxide and 3.5% titanium dioxide. Our SPF 30 Lotion contains 6% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide. Mexitan SPF 50 contains 22.5% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide. As with all sunscreen lotions, re-apply frequently and after swimming, perspiring, or towel-drying. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide used in Mexitan is micronized. This allows our sunscreen lotions to be more cosmetically appealing, compared to coarser particles. The protection is less visible, yet remains on the skin's surface.

SUNFLOWER OIL - Is a superior moisturizer, with unusually high amounts of Vitamins A, D and E. It's highly recommended to treat dry, weathered, aged, and damaged skin.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT - Is effective in reducing sunburn, according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University and the dermatologist who headed the study. More than 20 studies have indicated that it may prevent some cancers including those of the skin. Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV radiation and helps protect skin cells.

COCONUT OIL - Used by the islanders through the centuries to protect and moisturize their skin while aiding in acquiring a glorious, glowing dark tan. It's mild and gentle for those with skin sensitivities.

COCOA BUTTER (In the Dark Tanning Oil and Moisturizer Only) - Is an excellent salve, extracted directly from cocoa beans, for chapped areas and is used in the prevention of stretch marks. It is also gentle enough for a baby's tender skin.

SWEET ALMOND OIL (In the Dark Tanning Oil and Moisturizer Only) - Is obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree and is used in cosmetics for its rejuvenating qualities. It is an excellent emollient used for chapped hands and skin inflammation for it's ability to soften and soothe the skin. Almond oil is high in mono polyunsaturated fatty acids, and contains naturally occurring vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E.

GLYCERINE (In Sunscreen Lotion Only) - Used as an emollient, glycerine shores up the skin's natural protection by attracting just the right amount of water to maintain the skin's homeostasis. There is also research indicating that the presence of glycerine in the intercellular layer helps other skin lipids do their jobs better.

LECITHIN (In Sunscreen Lotion Only) - Found in the membranes of plant cells, it is widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent.

XANTHAN GUM (In Sunscreen Lotion Only) - A natural thickener and emulsifier.

JOJOBA OIL (In Sunscreen Lotion Only) - A non-fragrant natural emollient with excellent moisturizer and skin conditioning properties.

SHEA BUTTER (In Sunscreen Lotion Only) - A natural plant lipid that is used as both a thickener and an emulsifier. Also has effective moisturizing and skin protecting characteristics.

VITAMIN E - offers antioxidant protection, which may reduce cancer risk, slows cell damage, and provides anticarcinogenic protection. Also acts as a natural preservative.

EUCALYPTUS OIL - Is a pore opener. It is an essential oil that when mixed with other oils is easily absorbed by the skin and assists other oils to likewise be absorbed, thus aiding in the moisturizing process. Also well-known as a natural insect repellent.

VITAMIN C (In the Dark Tanning Oil and Moisturizer Only) - protects against UV rays, skin damage and aging. It is often used in the treatment of burns, surgical wounds and scarring.

BEESWAX (In Moisturizing Lotion Only) - A natural moisturizer and emulsifier.

ETHYL VANILLIN (In Moisturizing Lotion Only) -  An ingredient derived from vanilla that provides a natural vanilla scent with antioxidant properties.

CARROT EXTRACT (In Moisturizing Lotion Only) - A skin conditioning agent.

CETEARYL OLIVATE (In Moisturizing Lotion Only) - A conditioning agent derived from Olive Oil.

SORBITAN OLIVATE (In Moisturizing Lotion Only) - An emulsifier derived from Olive Oil.

Be sure to shake all Mexitan products well prior to use, since settling of some of the ingredients is normal. Mexitan's perfect blend of ingredients results in a pleasant-smelling product without the addition of chemical fragrances. The largest human organ is your skin, and from head to toe, it's important that you preserve and protect this precious organ. Make it part of your daily routine to keep your skin healthy, protected, and glowing with Mexitan.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Information

Mexitan sunscreen lotions contain Z-Cote and T-Lite, which are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide products in very fine-powdered form manufactured by BASF. These micronized ingredients serve as a physical barrier that actually reflects the damaging UVB and UVA rays before they reach the living tissues in your skin. Mexitan mineral sunblocks are more effective and safer to make and use than chemical sunscreens which have been shown to interfere with the body’s hormonal systems.
These ingredients have a coated variable particle size in the mean and median range of 100-200nm. This allows our sunscreen lotions to be more cosmetically appealing compared to coarser particles. The protection is less visible, yet remains on the skin's surface. Depending on the particle size, a micronized pigment may or may not be considered a nanoparticle. A nanoparticle is a particle with one or more size dimensions less than 100nm. Very-well intentioned consumer groups have recently raised the controversy regarding nanoparticles posing many "what if" scenarios regarding uncertain possible negative effects on human health, primarilly relating to the outer dead layer of the skin.

Nanoparticles and micronized particles are not new to the sunscreen and cosmetics industry. The micronized pigments are common ultraviolet light (UV) filtered ingredients and have been used safely for more than a decade in a variety of applications. In particular, products offering high protection levels can only be formulated effectively using these products. A number of authorities and committees have evaluated the available data on the safety of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreens in recent years and widely they came to similar conclusions:

USA

The FDA's position is that sunscreens containing these ingredients are safe and help protect the skin from cancer. Recently, a Task Force within FDA concluded that although micronized materials may have different properties from the larger size of the same substance, there is no evidence that they present greater safety concerns than their bigger counterparts and, therefore, no special regulations or labeling is required based on current science.

Germany

In April 2005, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin approved the use of the two UV filter pigments in sunscreens without any reservations. The safety of the microfine filter pigments was confirmed regarding possible dermal intake. On the risk issue the experts came to the conclusion that, at the present time, there are no indications of a specific "nano-toxicology".

Australia

The Therapueutic Goods Administration of Australia completed in 2006 a review of the use of nanoparticles (or micronized) of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in sunscreens and concluded that the weight of current evidence is that these materials remain on the surface of the skin in the outer dead layer.

European Union

In December 2007 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products in the EU adopted a report on the safety of nanomaterials in consumer products. The report, which was made public in March 2008 widely confirms the value of nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as UV filters in sunscreens. In addition, some further tests are suggested to confirm that these materials are not able to penetrate even diseased or compromised skin. While these studies may help to remove any uncertainties about dermal penetration, even through compromised skin, the importance of this information for sunscreen applications is questionable. Data from recent studies with systemic administration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles suggest that even following administration of high dose levels of titanium dioxide, there would be no adverse effects. So, if low amounts are absorbed by the skin it is unlikely that these small amounts would result in any significant health hazard. In addition, published data with pharmaceutical compounds do not indicate that nanoparticles would penetrate compromised skin more easily than intact skin.

A potentially greater risk of skin damage, even skin cancer would be the results of unprotected exposure to sun irradiation. The best protection from the sun is to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing and a hat, but if you’re going to be in the sun you should protect your skin, and a mineral-based sunblock such as Mexitan is the safest and most effective approach.

*The above information and any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by Health Canada. Mexitan products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.