It’s that time of year again—sunshine, pool days, and the constant reminder to wear your sunscreen! But before you slather on that SPF 50 from the drugstore shelf, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s actually in your sunscreen—and how it might be doing more harm than good.
What’s Lurking in Conventional Sunscreens
Most mainstream sunscreens are loaded with synthetic chemicals that absorb UV radiation—but they often come with a toxic price tag. Here are a few of the most common culprits:
- Oxybenzone – This chemical is linked to hormone disruption, allergic skin reactions, and potential harm to coral reefs.
- Octinoxate – Another hormone disruptor that’s been found in breast milk and urine, suggesting widespread bioaccumulation.
- Homosalate – Can build up in the body over time and has been shown to disrupt estrogen, androgen, and progesterone.
- Fragrance – Often a blanket term for dozens of mystery chemicals, some of which may be carcinogenic or cause skin irritation.
- Parabens & Phthalates – Used as preservatives and fragrance carriers, these are known endocrine disruptors.
Let’s not forget that your skin is your largest organ—whatever you put on it goes in it. That’s especially important when you’re applying sunscreen over large areas, multiple times a day.
How to Choose a Less Toxic Sunscreen
When shopping for a safer sunscreen, I look for products that:
- Use mineral-based active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays.
- Are free of chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone.
- Avoid synthetic fragrance, parabens, and other preservatives.
- Are reef-safe, which is a good sign that they’re also human-safe.
My Go-To Less-Toxic Sunscreen Brands
Here are a few cleaner options I’ve used personally or would be willing to use. Fortunately, many of them can be found in regular stores like Walmart or Target, in case you’re looking last minute:
- Badger – Their broad-spectrum sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide, organic oils, and natural ingredients. As a plus, their packaging is biodegradable or recyclable.
- Thinksport – A great option for active adults and kids. It’s EWG-rated and free of biologically harmful chemicals.
- Babo Botanicals – Especially good for sensitive skin or babies, this line uses plant-based ingredients and mineral sun blockers.
- Raw Elements – Reef-safe, non-nano zinc, and certified natural. I love the stick version for easy application.
- Earth Mama Organics – Designed for babies and pregnancy-safe, but great for anyone wanting something gentle and toxin-free. I always carry a stick of this in the diaper bag.
A Note on Vitamin D and Balance
Of course, it’s always good to remember: Not all sun exposure is bad. A little bit of unprotected time in the sun can help your body naturally produce vitamin D, which supports immunity, mood, and hormone balance. Like most things in holistic health, it’s all about balance.
If you’re taking care of your skin, make sure your sunscreen isn’t silently working against your health. Switch to mineral-based, toxin-free options that protect you and the planet.
If you have a favorite healthier-option sunscreen, let me know! I’m always open to finding a new favorite.
Resources
The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health – PMC
The Banned Sunscreen Ingredients and Their Impact on Human Health: A Systematic Review – PMC
