Dangers of Chemical Sunscreens
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide customers with accurate and up-to-date information regarding skin protection, empowering them to make informed decisions that prioritize both skin health and environmental well-being.
SPF Claims
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, serves as a measure of a sunscreen's efficacy in protecting against sunburn-causing UVB rays. However, it's important to note that SPF solely addresses UVB protection and not UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and contribute to skin aging and potential cancer risks.
When evaluating SPF ratings, it's essential to understand their practical implications. For instance:
- SPF 15: It blocks roughly 93% of UVB rays, extending sunburn protection to around 150 minutes or 15 times longer if a person normally burns in 10 minutes without sun protection.
- SPF 30: blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, providing more protection than SPF 15. However, real-world factors such as sweating, swimming, or towel drying can diminish its effectiveness, making reapplication crucial.
Furthermore, it's important to recognize the limitations of SPF, including its exclusive focus on UVB protection (neglecting UVA) and the potential for companies to manipulate high SPF values for marketing purposes, as highlighted in a study conducted by a reputable organization such as the EWG.
In summary, effective sun protection requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond SPF ratings. This includes regular reapplication, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak UV times during midday.
By prioritizing a zinc-oxide mineral based SPF15 to an SPF30 sunscreen and adhering to recommended reapplication intervals, individuals can significantly enhance their sun protection regimen, promoting skin health and overall well-being.
Broad Spectrum Sun Protection
Effective sunscreens provide comprehensive "broad spectrum" coverage, safeguarding against both UVA and UVB rays. Wild Thingz Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen products, formulated with zinc oxide, offer precisely this broad spectrum protection.
As illustrated below, research demonstrates that zinc oxide singularly provides the most extensive coverage across the UVA and UVB spectrum. Not only does it ensure robust protection against harmful rays, but it also maintains safety for both human health and the environment.
Image credit: EWG.org
Understanding the Risks of Chemical Sunscreens
While sunscreens play a vital role in shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, it's important to be aware of potential risks associated with chemical sunscreens:
- Environmental Impact: Chemical sunscreens, with ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene, are still found in some “reef safe” sunscreens and have been linked to coral bleaching and harm to marine life.
- Hormone Disruption: Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene have been associated with hormone disruption, potentially affecting testosterone levels. These chemicals can interfere with hormone function, raising concerns about long-term health effects as discussed in this EWG article.
- Allergic Reactions: Chemical sunscreens often contain synthetic fragrances and preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Common reactions include rashes, itching, and irritation.
- Skin Irritation: Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as avobenzone and octocrylene, can cause skin irritation and inflammation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Sunscreens
The following is a list of the most common dangerous chemicals found in sunscreens and divided into two groups of dangers they pose:
- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Benzophenone-1
- Benzophenone-8
- OD-PABA
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
- 3-Benzylidene camphor
- Nano-Titanium dioxide
- Nano-Zinc oxide
- Avobenzone
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Octisalate
- Oxybenzone
Image credit: NOAA
Avobenzone in “Reef Safe” Sunscreens
There have been efforts to classify certain sunscreen active ingredients as “not generally recognized as safe and effective” by the FDA due to insufficient safety data. Currently, only zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide are listed as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA.
While Avobenzone is still present in some “reef safe” sunscreens, its environmental impact and rapid breakdown under sunlight raise concerns about coral bleaching as well as risk of endocrine disruption in humans as discussed and studies cited in this EWG article.
Zinc Oxide vs. Titanium Dioxide
We advocate for non-nano zinc oxide as the superior option. While studies suggest that non-nano titanium dioxide is generally safe for humans, it may react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide, which can harm marine life. Moreover, zinc oxide tends to offer more robust protection compared to titanium dioxide, as illustrated in the EWG infographic above.
Important Dates
- January 1, 2021: Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the sale and distribution of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The statewide law went into effect on this date. In Hawaii, since only these two chemicals were banned, Avobenzone and some of the remaining chemicals listed above can still be found in some “reef safe” sunscreens.
- October 1, 2022: Maui implemented a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of sunscreens with any active ingredient other than ‘non-nanotized’ zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, unless the user has a prescription. Violations of this law can result in fines of up to $1,000. We commend Maui for its proactive stance on this issue.
Choosing Safer Alternatives
A sunscreen is considered eco-friendly if it meets the following three criteria:
- Mineral-based: The active ingredient should be non-nano zinc oxide. Avoid sunscreens that contain any of the chemicals listed above, including nano-particle sized zinc-oxide (sometimes simply labeled as “zinc oxide”). Given the less effective nature of titanium dioxide and its potential harm to reefs discussed before, it seems rational to focus on zinc instead.
- Non-nano: This means the particles are large enough that they won’t be absorbed by coral reefs or your skin.
- Pharmaceutical-grade: This means the zinc oxide is as pure as possible, free of harmful heavy metals like lead, nickel, cobalt, and aluminum. Rest assured, we only use pharmaceutical-grade, uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide at Wild Thingz Botanicals.
Why do chemical sunscreens even exist?
Chemical sunscreens, especially those not zinc-based, are typically cheaper to manufacture and easier to apply, such as in spray form. They absorb into the skin, preventing easy removal, and can be made to leave no visible residue. However, these advantages have been linked to significant health risks for both humans and marine life. Chemical sunscreens penetrate our skin, our body’s largest organ, and enter our bloodstream, leading to a variety of problems. Spray forms have also been found to be harmful to humans as users and bystanders can inhale the chemicals. Mineral sunscreens work by suspending non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the skin’s surface, unlike chemical sunscreens which are absorbed.
At Wild Thingz Botanicals, we’re committed to offering alternatives to chemical sunscreens and promoting sustainable packaging. Our mineral-based sunscreens are crafted with top-quality ingredients that provide broad-spectrum protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
Contrary to popular belief, chemical sunscreens are not more advanced or effective than their mineral-based counterparts. This misconception has led to increased demand for these products. In reality, it requires careful formulation to balance botanicals and zinc oxide to deliver optimal sun protection and skin nourishment. Our mineral sunscreens work by suspending non-nano zinc oxide on top of the skin, never being absorbed like chemical sunscreens.Our products are easy to apply, don’t sting your eyes, and don’t leave an oily or greasy feel.
Proper Application
Proper application of mineral sunscreens is crucial, including reapplication as necessary based on your activity level and exposure to the elements. Don’t forget to protect your sensitive lips! You can safely use any Wild Thingz Botanical sunscreen products on your face and lips, or try our specially formulated Lipsceens on your lips and face as makeup. Remember, protected lips are happy lips.
Further Reading
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes well-researched information on the safety of sunscreens and has a handy mobile phone app that allows you to scan barcodes of personal health products at the store and see any dangerous ingredients! They also publish annual reports on sunscreen safety.
We hope this information helps you make informed decisions about sun protection. Remember, your choices can impact both your health and the environment.
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/top-sun-safety-tips/
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/methodology/
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/imperfect-protection/
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12738