Ever since making the conscious effort to transition to cleaner products, it’s truly been eye-opening on what chemicals we put onto our skin. Our skin is our largest organ so it’s important to be mindful that what we put on our skin absorbs into our body. The transition to clean skincare can be difficult or daunting at first but the products you use on a daily basis are a good place to start replacing.
But where do you begin when it comes to clean and safe sunscreen? Here are three ingredients to be mindful of:
Oxybenzone
The FDA has stepped up in the past when it comes to a specific chemical ingredient called oxybenzone which is used in over 2/3 of the sunscreen that is available for purchase in retail stores. The study shows that oxybenzone, which is found in plastics and toys, works as a sunscreen absorbing UV radiation; however, a chemical reaction occurs and the sun’s UV rays are converted into heat.
Oxybenzone is classified as a potential hormone disruptor and it can interfere with biological processes such as metabolism, growth and development, sexual function and reproduction, and more. The EWG and FDA have also classified oxybenzone as allergenic as well and has been detected in breast milk, urine, and blood.
The state of Hawaii has even banned all sunscreens that contain oxybenzone because it causes damage to the coral reefs there. Can you imagine if it damages sea life what putting that on our skin can do?
Benzene
Recently, Johnson & Johnson recalled 5 of their aerosol sunscreens because it contained trace amounts of benzene which is a known carcinogen.
Fragrance
Outside of oxybenzone and benzene, it’s important to avoid products that contain fragrance. Due to the lack of FDA regulation, companies are not obligated to share what ingredients make up the fragrance and it could be an opportunity for a company to add harmful chemicals for the sake of achieving a specific scent.
We’re on board now with using clean and safe products, so below are some top picks that can help you in your sunscreen purchasing experience.
BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion – The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which the EWG has classified as excellent UV protection. This is my personal every day sunscreen I use. It does apply thick so it’s great for your body but I would opt for 100% Pure for a lighter texture on your face.
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen – This is another mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide that scores excellently on the EWG. If you’re planning to be in the water more, this one is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body – It can be easy to forget about our body but this is a great, thick body sunscreen to use. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient and is free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles and chemical UV absorbers.
100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick – This sun stick was rated highly on EWG and is fragrance-free and safe for all skin types. This is good to apply in the morning but if you do plan to reapply outside, know that it does leave a bit of a white residue so you will have to blend in appropriately.
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