The 411 on All Natural Sunscreens

We just had 90-degree days and I am nowhere near a place that should be having 90 degree days right now. Ready or not, it is time to get the sunscreens out.

We are all told to slather ourselves with loads of sunscreen every two hours to prevent getting burned and ultimately to prevent skin cancer. But more and more information is coming out indicating that many sunscreens aren’t exactly safe and might even be doing more harm than good. Did you know that most sunscreen options on the market use chemical filters as the active ingredient to block the sun’s rays? Chemical ingredients come with consequences.

Four things to know about chemical sunscreens:

Endocrine Disruptors

Oxybenzone is one of the most common active ingredients (it’s in about 70% of sunscreens) and is a known endocrine disruptor. It mimics estrogen and is associated with endometriosis and lowered sperm counts. To make matters worse it is often paired with ingredients that help it adhere to the skin but also support penetration into your skin. It has been measured in blood, breast milk and urine samples. According to the CDC, oxybenzone has been detected in over 96% of Americans (Calafat 2008). Not surprisingly, the EWG recommends avoiding oxybenzone. Homosalate and octinoxate are also known endocrine disruptors.

Free Radical Formation

Many of the active ingredients, including Oxybenzone, are actually not very stable when they come in contact with sunlight. When the sunlight hits them, their composition changes and forms free radicals. Free radicals attack cell structures and degrade collagen and elastin fibers – aka, they make your skin age.

‘Broad Spectrum’ is Not a Regulated Term

Most chemical sunscreens are actually not that awesome at blocking UVA rays and therefore, allow skin cell damage. The FDA isn’t very strict on which products can use this term and which can’t. A product may call itself 'broad-spectrum' even when it really isn't. The challenge here is that UVA damage doesn’t burn you, it just changes the cell structure, so you have no idea it is happening.

Allergenic Ingredients

Many of the active ingredients are known skin allergens, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and avobenzone. When sunscreen products are used over large portions of the body and in large quantities, repeatedly throughout the day, this is a big concern.

On the positive side, there is an increasing trend towards more and more physical (mineral) sunscreen options on the market. My favorite active ingredient to use is zinc oxide. Titanium Dioxide is also used as an active ingredient in physical sunscreens, but some research shows it isn’t all that photo-stable either nor is it a strong UVA blocker, so I avoid it.

Benefits of Zinc Oxide:

Strong UVA protection in addition to UVB

Zinc Oxide is one of the strongest UVA blockers available to us and it is photo-stable, unlike most of its chemical counterparts. Does not penetrate the skin. When using non-nano particle forms of zinc oxide, the molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. (Always ensure you are using non-nano particles! Better to be safe than sorry.)

No known allergic reactions or hormonal interference. Win-win.

Safe for coral reefs. So, this is a no brainer.

 

Here are some mineral-based sunscreens with clean ingredients:

Face:

Annmarie Sun Love SPF 20

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Juice Beauty Tinted Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30

Suntegrity 5 in 1 SPF 30

Lotion:

Beautycounter Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF 30

Burn Out Eco Sensitive SPF 35

Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen SPF 30

Sunstick:

(I really like the sunsticks because they help ensure you get a consistent amount of zinc oxide throughout the product. This also helps give this mom some peace of mind when her kids are applying it themselves!)

Beautycounter Protect Stick Sunscreen Face and Body SPF 30

Babo Clear Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen Face SPF 30, Body SPF 50

Badger Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 35

Bonus:

Primal Life Organics Sun-Up Before Sun Protector

This one doesn’t use zinc oxide (or titanium dioxide), instead it uses red raspberry seed oil which has a natural SPF of 28-50. If you are looking for a safe alternative to zinc oxide (because I know there are some who just can’t do zinc oxide because of sensitivity/allergy) try this one.

You may be wondering why I didn't list any sprays. I don’t recommend sprays because the coverage is often lighter than needed to protect you from the sun and regardless of it being chemical or natural, you don’t want to be inhaling it. The risk just isn’t worth it to me. For the kids, I am partial to the Beautycounter Face Stick, this is what I pack in my kids backpacks because it is so easy for them to apply themselves and they actually do. (Full Disclosure: I am a BC consultant, because I love the mission of getting safer skincare products into the hands of everyone and the products really perform!)

Wishing you all a safe sun-filled summer!

If you are looking to read more about sunscreens check out these articles on the EWG site:

The Trouble with Sunscreen Chemicals

Nanoparticles in Sunscreen

EWG's Sunscreen Guide