Non-Toxic sunscreen
- Jenessa Lloret
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
What you put on your skin is very important. Our skin is considered to be the largest organ of the body. It's part of the integumentary system, which includes your hair, skin, nails, and glands. Dermal absorption is the process where a substance passes through the skin. If a harmful chemical is absorbed this way, it could potentially damage organs.
Here are just a few chemicals you should watch out for:
Avobenzone: A chemical compound known to be photounstable, meaning it degrades in sunlight, requiring the use of other chemicals to stabilize it, some of which may also be harmful. This chemical compound can also affect hormones, cause allergic reactions, and be harmful to the environment, such as coral reefs.
Oxybenzone: This chemical is readily absorbed by the skin and can enter the bloodstream. Studies have shown levels exceeding the FDA's safety threshold after just one use. This chemical can disrupt hormones and cause skin reactions.
Homosalate: This ingredient is quickly absorbed into the skin and can disrupt hormones. Some research suggests that there is a link between homosalate exposure and increased breast cancer cell growth.
Octinoxate: This chemical is easily absorbed and can disrupt the endocrine, thyroid, and reproductive systems.
Parabens: These are used as preservatives; they can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormones.
Fragrances: Anything labeled "fragrance" is synthetic fragrance, which means it is man-made, and who knows what chemicals are in that.
Phthalates: These chemicals are linked to reproductive and developmental disorders, especially in children.
Most spray sunscreens are convenient, but they also contain butane, which is a flammable colorless gas with the chemical formula C4H10. You are intentionally putting a flammable gas on your body.
While you are trying to protect your skin, you could actually be harming other parts of the body in the process. Using products to absorb some of the sun's UV radiation, such as natural sunscreens or even putting on a cover-up/cotton shirt, can help prevent a sunburn while also keeping the rest of your body healthy. Make sure to read the ingredients and always do your own research.
Shown below are some better alternatives for sunscreens:
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