Skincare ingredients for sun damage
Our research data links 23 ingredients to sun damage. Strongest evidence comes first, each with the studies behind it.
A research list, not medical advice. If a skin condition worries you, see a dermatologist.
Which ingredients have the most evidence for sun damage?
In our data, the strongest evidence for sun damage is behind All-trans-Retinol, L-Ascorbic Acid, and α-Tocopherol.
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| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-trans-Retinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 0.075%, 0.4% | Moderate concern |
| L-Ascorbic Acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 5% | Low concern |
| α-Tocopherol | 📄 Literature evidence | Studied only mixed with other actives | Low concern |
| trans-Ferulic Acid | 📄 Literature evidence | Studied only mixed with other actives | Low concern |
| All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde) | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 0.05%, 0.1% | Moderate concern |
- All-trans-RetinolModerate concern
Retinol
Studied at 0.075%, 0.4%
- Korea approved amount: about 0.075%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Kafi et al., 2007
- Reference: Kikuchi et al., 2009
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 752 products
- L-Ascorbic AcidLow concern
Ascorbic Acid
Studied at 5%
The 5% 6-month study showed improvement of existing photoaging; the 15% LAA + 1% alpha-tocopherol + 0.5% ferulic acid study assessed photoprotection before irradiation.
- Reference: Humbert et al., 2003
- Reference: Murray et al., 2008
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 2,002 products
- α-TocopherolLow concern
Tocopherol
Studied only mixed with other actives
Reduced damage from a combination applied before UV exposure. Not a study that repaired all DNA damage that had already occurred.
- Reference: Murray et al., 2008
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 11,005 products
- trans-Ferulic AcidLow concern
Ferulic Acid
Studied only mixed with other actives
Reduced damage from a combination applied before UV exposure. Not a study that repaired all DNA damage that had already occurred.
- Reference: Murray et al., 2008
- Reference: Lin et al., 2005
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 368 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate concern
Retinal
Studied at 0.05%, 0.1%
- Reference: Kwon et al., 2018
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 192 products
- BakuchiolLow concern
Studied at 0.5%
- Reference: Dhaliwal et al., 2019
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 576 products
- Glycolic acidModerate concern
Studied at 8%
- Reference: Stiller et al., 1996
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 843 products
- L-(+)-Lactic acidModerate concern
Lactic Acid
Studied at 8%
- Reference: Stiller et al., 1996
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 1,452 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at 2-5%
- Korea approved amount: 2-5%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 12,904 products
- Anacystis nidulans CPD photolyaseLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
CPD reduction under specific enzyme, liposome and photoreactivation conditions. It does not guarantee the same efficacy as general photolyase extracts.
- Reference: Stege et al., 2000
Pregnancy: – · Not in our product list yet
- IdebenoneLow concern
Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
Studied at 0.5% (uncontrolled), 1% (uncontrolled)
- Reference: McDaniel et al., 2005
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 280 products
- MadecassosideLow concern
Studied only mixed with other actives
- Reference: Haftek et al., 2008
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 3,532 products
- Ubiquinone-10Low concern
Ubiquinone
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Knott et al., 2015
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 468 products
- trans-ResveratrolLow concern
Resveratrol
Studied only mixed with other actives
- Reference: Farris et al., 2014
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 294 products
- Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateLow concern
Studied only mixed with other actives
- Reference: Fitzpatrick and Rostan, 2002
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 300 products
- Hydroxypinacolone 9-cis retinoateModerate concern
Studied at 0.03%
- Reference: Hu et al., 2026
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
- Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateLow concern
Studied at 0.2%, 0.1%
- Reference: Meunier et al., 2022
- Reference: CIR, 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 3,685 products
- Hydroxypinacolone retinoateModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Wang et al., 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 124 products
- Methoxy PEG-12 RetinamideModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Korea approved amount: 0.05-0.2%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 9 products
- Retinyl palmitateModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Korea approved amount: about 0.55%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 594 products
- Retinyl propionateModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Green et al., 1998
- Reference: Wang et al., 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 10 products
- Bacteriophage T4 endonuclease VLow concern
Endonuclease V
Study dose: not found yet
A liposome study in the special disease XP. In the general-skin photoaging efficacy assessment it is handled as evidence not confirmed.
- Reference: Yarosh et al., 2001
Pregnancy: – · Not in our product list yet
– = no pregnancy research data yet
Which ingredients for sun damage need a doctor?
1 ingredient here is prescription-only or for in-clinic use in the US. We list them so you can look them up; they never go into a PERBETE routine.
Retinoic Acid
Studied at 0.025-0.1%
- Reference: Griffiths et al., 1995
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for sun damage are advised against in pregnancy?
In our data, pregnancy guidance advises avoiding All-trans-Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), All-trans-Retinol, All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde), Hydroxypinacolone 9-cis retinoate, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Methoxy PEG-12 Retinamide, Retinyl palmitate, and Retinyl propionate. Each ingredient page names the source.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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