Here are the ingredients you should look for and stay away from to protect your skin from sun damage.
Summer is here! But with sunny days can come sun damage – yikes! Being a fair skinned Floridian sunburns are something I have to battle so of course finding a sunscreen that I feel good about is a top priority. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US and the rates continue to rise each year. Almost all of us have heard that we should use sunscreen to protect our skin from damage by the sun and the possibility of skin cancer. But is it possible that the toxic chemicals in sunscreen we are putting on our skin damaging us?
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What you may not have heard is that so many sunscreens are made with toxic ingredients that when absorbed into our skin and blood stream can be hazardous to our health. These toxic sunscreen ingredients can cause issues from hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and are known to be carcinogens (leading to cancers).
So, how do we know which sunscreens are safe? Educating ourselves is key and I have a list for you of what to look for along with a list of some healthy, safe sunscreens that will be fantastic options.
Here’s the good news; not all sunscreens are created equal – not all of them contain toxins. Let me explain that there are different types of sunscreens and likely what you want to truly keep your skin safe is a mineral sunblock. What’s the difference in a physical/mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens – These options absorb the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. While these sunscreens might be easier to rub into your skin and not leave a white film, these ingredients are likely toxic.
Mineral Sun Blocks (also called physical sunscreens) – these are sun blocks as they act more like a shield. Instead of absorbing into the skin they sit on top and block and contains active ingredients zinc, titanium dioxide or both. While this type of sunscreen may be harder to blend into your skin, this is typically a safe and toxin free sunscreen and the best for sensitive skin.
Knowing this, Here are some common toxins found in sunscreen to stay away from:
Oxybenzone: I’ve listed this ingredient 1st because it’s so widely used in sunscreens. This chemical is the one that helps the other chemicals absorb into the skin. It undergoes a reaction when it’s exposed to UV rays. For some people when this chemical is absorbed it may cause an eczema type reaction. This chemical can also build up quicker in our bodies than we are able to get it out of our system. (a)
Homosalate: This ingredient is considered an endocrine disruptor and may throw your hormones off balance. It is also known to enhance absorption of pesticides including bug sprays. (3) It’s not environmentally friendly either as it doesn’t break down easily.
Octinoxate: There’s an abundance of data that links octinoxate to hormone disruption as well as reproductive toxicity. According to Chemsec Sin List this includes affecting development, the brain and metabolism. While many people wear SPF products to protect their skin from aging, this ingredient octinoxate may actually bring on premature aging. It produces alarming free radicals that damage skin cells. (1) Yikes!
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): While it’s function in a sunscreen is supposed to be anti- aging against UV exposure certain forms can be cause for concern. (1) Certain forms of retinol and palmitic acid, an ingredient found in coconut and palm when exposed to UV rays break down and produce destructive free radicals that are toxic. It may damage DNA and may potentially lead to cancer. Even an FDA study found that retinyl palimitate may speed up the development of malignant cells and tumors when mixed with sun exposure. (1)
Paraben preservative: Certain parabens are banned in Europe and they are linked to cancers. Mostly watch out for ingredients that end in “thyl” – they will be the ingredients on the label that contain: butyl-, ethyl-, mthyl- and propyl-. Parabens can cause allergic reactions, hormone disruption as well as developmental and reproductive toxicity. No thank you.
Octocrylene: When this chemical absorbs UV rays it produces oxygen radicals that can damage skin cells and cause mutation. (1) It absorbs easily into your body, can build up over time to measureable amounts and it can create a toxic environment.
For a more longer list of ingredients check out this guide from EWG.
Sunblock’s that are safer will have the active ingredient zinc in them – so look for a label that says this! They may also have titanium dioxide. This ingredient is safe in lotion form, however in spray form be careful since it is considered a known carcinogen when inhaled.
Here’s a few safe sunscreen/sunblocks that I have researched and found:
Babo Botanicals offers several effective mineral sunscreen options and I’m excited to try this brand soon as the are recommended by MadeSafe.org.
Try the Babo Botanicals SPF 40 Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen, Unscented, 1.7oz, Best Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc SPF 30 Natural Continuous Spray Fragrance Free Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin – finally a spray sunscreen that’s toxin free!
Pacifica Brand – This toxin free sunscreen brand makes mineral sunblock that is safe and vegan.
Body Butter Blood Orange SPF 50 5.0 fl oz
PACIFICA Sun + Skincare Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 1.7 fl oz
I have used these products, however this one isn’t my favorite. The next brand is. While this brand is safe, it seems to not feel as smooth on my skin and the facial sunscreen makes this already fair skinned girl look quite pasty as it doesn’t blend well at all. But, if you’re vegan, it might be up your alley.
Bare Republic – This brand offers safe mineral sunscreen. You can get it here on Amazon or at Target like I do.
Bare Republic Mineral Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (5 oz)
Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (1.7 oz)
I use both of these and love them!
Further, you can always go with some SPF clothing and a hat or a trusty shady spot to keep yourself safe from sun damage. Don’t forget that about 15 minutes of exposure to the sun a day is actually good for you and helps produce that much needed vitamin D – hello sunshine! Now go out for the boat, beach or biking day with no sunburn regrets!
Do you know any toxin free mineral sunscreens? Feel free to leave a comment below.
References:
- Women’s Health
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19919520/6-scary-sunscreen-ingredients-and-6-safe-spf-products/ - EWG – https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
- MadeSafe.org
https://www.madesafe.org/toxic-chemicals-in-sunscreen-safer-alternatives/ - https://sinlist.chemsec.org/search/search?query=octinoxate
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