The Ombrelle line of sunscreens was introduced to Canada in 1990 with the assistance of Canadian dermatologists. Ombrelle’s products are recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) and is the brand most recommended by healthcare professionals. It was the first brand to recognize the necessity of protection not only against UVB rays, but UVA rays as well.
The key ingredients in Ombrelle sunscreens include Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, titanium dioxide and avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Ombrelle sunscreens are photostable and offer broad spectrum protection; the results of ongoing suncare research.
The absorption range of the UV spectrum is specific to each active ingredient. In order to get broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, Ombrelle sunscreens contain a combination of active ingredients that complement one another. The term “photostable” indicates that a sunscreen’s protection system includes active ingredients that don’t loose their effectiveness under sunlight. With a patented filter system, Ombrelle products offer a photostable protection which maintains its effectiveness during sun exposure.
Ombrelle offers a range of products to suit individual needs. Some of the best selling products in the Ombrelle line are:
Ombrelle Cream SPF 60
Ombrelle Face Stick SPF 60 and Ombrelle Face Cream SPF 60 – with Mexoryl XL
Ombrelle XL Milk (Lait) SPF 60 – New with Mexoryl XL
Ombrelle Kids Lotion SPF 30, and SPF 45.
Hi, my boys (age 6&8) have very fair skin. What function does oxybenzone and octisalate found in ombrelle kids 45 serve?
I’ve also used Extreme 30 on my boys, is that better coverage? (the 2 chemicals mentioned above are not in 30).
Thank you
To Kristina
Oxybenzone is a blocker of UVB and short UVA rays. Octisalate blocks UVB rays.
There are reports now linking oxybenzone to skin allergies and the generation of free radicals. Octisalate is considered a weak hormone disruptor. Note that newer formulations of Ombrelle seem to be avoiding these chemicals – you may want to consider their latest product Ombrelle Kids Protection Milk SPF 60 . It contains Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL. It does not contain oxybenzone, but does have octisalate.
Has Ombrelle changed their formulation again to remove octisalates?
Thank you
Hello Terra, Octisalate is a weak UVB absorber with a generally good safety profile among sunscreen ingredients. As a form of BHA, it is a kind of salicylic acid. In this capacity, it functions as a penetration enhancer. This does cause some concern about allowing chemicals which might be harmful in the bloodstream to pass through the dermis. Having said that, it’s nothing like as worrying as something like oxybenzone, which has been associated with skin allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage.
Ombrelle does seem to be updating its formulations this year as well as its packaging. The Ombrelle manufacturers do not, however, release their formulations on their website. I can say that of the Ombrelle products we currently have in stock Ombrelle Complete SPF 60 still contains octisalates. Its formulations is so far unchanged from last year. Ombrelle 60 Face, the lip balm and the face stick do not. Hope this helps. Sharmani
I used Ombrelle for decades, but since they have converted to the non-greasy, oil free formula, I have had nothing but problems with this sunscreen.
After wearing this product my skin becomes inflamed and extremely painful. Weeping Eczema occurs and it takes weeks for my skin to heal. I’m up in arms because my “safe” sunscreen is no longer there for me. I don’t know what to do.
Dear Jennifer
I’m sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced with the new Ombrelle formulations. Perhaps you call us at your convenience to discuss some possible alternatives? 1-866-876-3649.
Best
Sharmani
Hello,
I used Ombrelle in the mid 90s as a child and had terrible hives. I never used it again until the mid-2000s, and once again I broke out into hives. This has never happened with any other sunscreen, do you happen to know if there is a certain ingredient in Ombrelle that is not in the majority of other sunscreens? I always wondered what ingredient it was that caused my reaction so that I could avoid it.
For Sara,
Thank you for your question regarding Ombrelle sunscreen. We’re sorry to hear that you experienced hives after using Ombrelle. Although we have not heard of any one specific ingredient in the Ombrelle formulas that is more likely to trigger hives, it is possible that in your case, one ingredient or the combination of that with another chemical may be causing the outbreak. Identifying allergens is, unfortunately, not an easy task. You may want to start by comparing the list of ingredients of the Ombrelle product you used to another sunscreen product that does not cause reactions.
Best, Sharmani