Claire, they’re banned because the FDA hasn’t gotten round to approving them. Sunscreen is considered a drug in the US and the process to apply drugs can take YEARS. I understand the good intent but these UV filters have been used for ages by most countries, so you’d think the FDA got a move on. Bureaucracy, hey?

I’d go with Biore. It has a very lightweight texture that works well under makeup and for combo skin.

Hi Gio! Are the Asian sunscreens banned because they’re not good for us? Would you use them if you could? I don’t wear sunscreen on a daily basis – usually only in the summer if I’m going out directly in the sun for hours. I want to be wearing it all year round though – especially now that I’m using a Retinol product and some other anti-aging ones. So I’m looking at Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++, Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50, Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, and derma e Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen Face, based on your recommendations and after reading all the comments. I was going to try Sunnumbra but you said it was a bit greasy and I have combination skin with breakouts so I don’t need anything that will make my skin more oily! Is there one of those that you would recommend over the others since none of them were mentioned in your original post? Thanks so much! I’m really loving going through all your blog posts – learning lots! 🙂 Thanks!

Hi Gio!

Are they banned because they’re not good for us?

Lorna, I don’t think so. Usually brands mention it when they use nano zinc oxide.