toxic sunscreen ingredients: what to look for and what to avoid

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, especially during the summer months. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. Some contain harmful ingredients that can be detrimental to your health. In this blog post, we will discuss which sunscreen ingredients to avoid and why. We will also provide some tips on how to choose a safe and effective sunscreen.

What are some bad sunscreen ingredients to avoid?

• Oxybenzone: This chemical filter is a hormone disruptor and can be absorbed into the skin, potentially causing endocrine disruption.

• Avobenzone: While it protects against UVA rays, it can degrade quickly and become less effective, sometimes requiring stabilizers that can be irritating.

• Homosalate: Another chemical filter that can disrupt hormones and may enhance the penetration of other harmful chemicals into the skin.

• Octinoxate: This chemical filter is a known endocrine disruptor and can be absorbed into the skin.

• Octisalate: While it's a weaker UVB absorber, it's often used to boost the SPF of other chemicals and may increase skin's sensitivity to the sun.

• Retinyl Palmitate: This form of vitamin A can be a pro-oxidant, potentially increasing the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.

• Fragrance: Often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, fragrance can irritate the skin and trigger allergies.

• Parabens: These preservatives are known endocrine disruptors and can mimic estrogen in the body.

What are some good sunscreen ingredients to look for?

• Zinc oxide: A mineral sunscreen ingredient that sits on top of the skin and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's gentle and considered safe for sensitive skin.

• Titanium dioxide: Another mineral sunscreen ingredient that works similarly to zinc oxide, offering broad-spectrum protection with minimal risk of irritation.

How to choose a safe and effective sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to read the label carefully and look for the following:

• Broad-spectrum protection: This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

• SPF 30 or higher: This is the minimum SPF that is recommended for adults.

• Water-resistant: This means that the sunscreen will stay on your skin even when you sweat or swim.

• No harmful ingredients: This means that the sunscreen does not contain any of the ingredients listed above.

Here are some additional tips for effective sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and hands.

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

• Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when you are in the sun.

• Seek shade during the sun's peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Looking for a safe and effective sunscreen?
We recommend our Organic Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50. This sunscreen prioritizes your skin's health by utilizing zinc oxide as its primary sun-blocking agent. Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays while being gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Furthermore, this sunscreen is formulated with organic ingredients that nourish your skin while protecting it from the sun's harmful rays. It's also tinted, providing a touch of coverage to even out your skin tone and give you a healthy glow. And, it's SPF 50 and water-resistant, ensuring your skin stays protected even during prolonged sun exposure and water activities.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.