Guide For The Worst Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid.
As a nutrition therapist, I understand that protecting your skin health is about more than just applying sunscreen, it’s also deeply connected to the foods you eat.
The rise in ultra-processed food consumption has introduced an abundance of unhealthy oils, sugars, and artificial ingredients into our diets, leading to chronic inflammation and weakening the skin’s natural defences against UV damage.
When the skin is inflamed and undernourished, it’s more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.
Sunscreen remains a vital tool in protecting your skin from UV rays, but it works best with a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods that support skin health from the inside out.
By addressing both sun protection and nutrition, we can create a more holistic approach to safeguarding your skin against the damaging effects of the sun.
While the necessity of sunscreen is clear, it’s important to recognise that not all sunscreens are created equal.
The effectiveness and safety of a sunscreen largely depend on its ingredients.
Some sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that, while effective at blocking UV rays, may have harmful side effects. These ingredients can potentially cause allergic reactions, disrupt hormones, or even contribute to environmental damage.
Understanding what goes into your sunscreen is crucial for making informed decisions about the products you choose to use on your skin.
The goal of this post is to guide you in identifying and avoiding the worst sunscreen ingredients that may pose risks to your health.
By learning about these potentially harmful substances, you can select sunscreens that offer effective protection without compromising your well-being.
We’ll explore which ingredients to look out for, why they might be problematic, and provide tips on choosing safer alternatives. Your skin deserves the best care, and that starts with knowing what’s in your sunscreen.
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients Chemical vs. Mineral
When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, it’s important to understand the difference between chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens, as each type protects your skin in distinct ways.
Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
These ingredients absorb UV radiation, converting it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
While effective, some chemical sunscreens can irritate, especially for sensitive skin, and there are growing concerns about their potential hormonal effects and environmental impact.
On the other hand, physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These work by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting UV rays away, acting like a shield.
Physical sunscreens are often recommended for people with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to irritate. They also begin working immediately upon application, whereas chemical sunscreens typically require about 20 minutes to become effective.
Understanding the differences between these two types of sunscreens can help you choose the one that best suits your skin type and health needs.
Reading Labels of Sunscreens
Navigating the world of sunscreen can be daunting, but understanding product labels and ingredient lists is key to making informed decisions.
Sunscreen labels provide crucial information, including the type of UV protection (broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays), the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and the active ingredients.
When reading the ingredient list, it’s important to be aware of what each component does and to watch out for potentially harmful chemicals, like oxybenzone, which has been linked to hormone disruption and environmental damage.
Labels can also tell you whether a sunscreen is water-resistant, reef-safe, or formulated for sensitive skin.
By taking the time to read and understand these labels, you can select a sunscreen that not only protects you effectively from the sun but also aligns with your personal health and environmental values.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens
The following are the top 10 ingredients to look out for.
You may not be able to avoid them all but depending on your unique lifestyle but you may be able to avoid the worst sunscreen ingredients for you;
1. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
- Why to Avoid: Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that has been associated with hormone disruption, as it can mimic estrogen in the body and interfere with endocrine function. It’s also a common cause of skin allergies and can lead to photoallergic reactions. Environmentally, oxybenzone is highly toxic to marine life, particularly coral reefs, contributing to coral bleaching even at low concentrations.
2. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)
- Why to Avoid: Octinoxate is another chemical filter linked to hormone disruption. It can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it may mimic estrogen and disrupt the hormonal balance. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is harmful to marine ecosystems and is known to cause coral bleaching, making it environmentally problematic.
3. Homosalate
- Why to Avoid: Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that can disrupt hormone function by breaking it down into harmful byproducts that accumulate in the body over time. It may also enhance the skin’s absorption of other toxic ingredients found in sunscreen, increasing overall exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, there are concerns about its potential to degrade into toxic compounds when exposed to sunlight.
4. Octocrylene
- Why to Avoid: Octocrylene is a UV filter that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals. It has been found to generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight, potentially leading to oxidative stress and skin damage. Furthermore, octocrylene has been detected in aquatic environments, where it may accumulate and pose risks to marine life.
5. Octisalate
- Why to Avoid: Octisalate is used to stabilize other sunscreen ingredients, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. While it is considered less harmful than some other chemical filters, it is still a synthetic compound that can contribute to the overall chemical load on the skin and body, potentially leading to long-term health effects.
6. Avobenzone
- Why to Avoid: Avobenzone is a widely used UVA filter, but it is chemically unstable and can break down when exposed to sunlight, reducing its effectiveness and potentially generating harmful free radicals. This degradation can be mitigated by combining avobenzone with stabilizing agents, but concerns remain about its potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
7. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
- Why to Avoid: Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is added to some sunscreens for its antioxidant properties. However, when exposed to sunlight, it can break down and produce free radicals that may increase the risk of skin cancer. Studies have suggested that retinyl palmitate can accelerate the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight.
8. PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
- Why to Avoid: PABA was once a common sunscreen ingredient but has largely fallen out of favour due to its high potential to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. It can also stain clothing and has been linked to hormone disruption and DNA damage, raising concerns about its long-term safety.
9. Fragrance
- Why to Avoid: Fragrance is often added to sunscreens to make them smell pleasant, but it can be a source of numerous chemicals, including phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Fragrances can also trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The specific ingredients in “fragrance” are often not disclosed, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are being exposed to.
10. Parabens
- Why Avoid: Parabens are preservatives used in many personal care products, including sunscreens, to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. However, they are known endocrine disruptors, mimicking estrogen in the body and potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. Parabens have been detected in breast tissue and are suspected to contribute to the development of breast cancer. Additionally, they can be harmful to marine life when washed off into water systems.
These ingredients should be avoided in sunscreens due to their potential to cause health issues such as hormone disruption, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even increased cancer risk.
Additionally, many of these compounds pose significant environmental threats, particularly to marine ecosystems. Opting for sunscreens with safer, non-toxic ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can help protect your skin without exposing you or the environment to these harmful substances. Even if you don’t go into the sea or swim in lakes think about washing the sunscreen off in the bath or shower and where that water ends up…
How to Choose Safe Sunscreens
When selecting a sunscreen, it’s essential to prioritise both your unique health requirements and the environment. Here’s a guide on how to choose a safe and effective sunscreen;
1. Look for Mineral-Based Options
Opt for sunscreens that use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These physical blockers sit on top of the skin and reflect harmful UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are known for being gentle on the skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin types, children, and anyone concerned about potential hormone-disrupting chemicals. They provide broad-spectrum protection and are generally considered safer for both human health and the environment.
2. Check for Broad Spectrum
Always choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. This ensures that the product shields your skin from both UVA rays, which cause premature ageing and long-term skin damage, and UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect against the full range of ultraviolet radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancer and maintaining overall skin health.
3. Choose Reef-Safe Products
To protect marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, look for sunscreens labelled as reef-safe. These products avoid harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral bleaching and other environmental damage. By choosing reef-safe sunscreens, you can enjoy the sun while minimizing your environmental footprint, ensuring that your sun protection choices don’t harm the planet’s fragile ecosystems.
4. Consider Certified Products
For added assurance, consider sunscreens that have earned certifications such as EWG Verified or those that are dermatologist-approved. These certifications indicate that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets high standards for safety, effectiveness, and ingredient transparency. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates sunscreens based on their safety and efficacy, making it easier for consumers to find products that align with their health priorities.
By following these guidelines, you can choose a sunscreen that not only protects your skin but also supports your overall well-being and the health of the environment.
EWG Verified is a certification given by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. The EWG Verified mark is awarded to personal care products, including sunscreens, that meet strict standards for ingredient safety, transparency, and manufacturing practices.
Tips for Safe Sun Protection
While sunscreen is one option for protecting your skin, incorporating additional strategies can enhance your sun safety and reduce the risk of skin damage.
Here are some tips to help you stay protected;
1. Clothing and Accessories
Wearing protective clothing is one of the most effective ways to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and wide-brimmed hats that cover more skin. Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates the level of protection the fabric provides. Sunglasses can also be helpful as they protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from UVA and UVB rays. Choose sunglasses with UV protection but remember natural daylight at the beginning of the day supports your circadian rhythm. Read more about the importance of this for menopause health HERE.
2. Timing and Shade
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to limit your sun exposure during these hours. If you need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sunlight hours. Use umbrellas, trees, or other shelters to create your own shade, and remember that UV rays can still reach you, even in the shade, so continue to be careful.
3. Regular Application
Even the best sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly to maintain its effectiveness. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Water-resistant sunscreens offer protection for a limited time while in the water, but they still need to be reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating. Make sure to cover all exposed areas, including often-forgotten spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
These strategies help you to reduce your risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. However it is also important to remember that exposing our skin to the sun is the best way for our body to make vitamin D. You can learn more about vitamin D and four other essential nutrients for a healthy menopause in my 5-Day Menopause Nutrition Challenge, this self-paced mini program is available now.
Making Informed Choices for Healthier Sun Protection
Navigating the world of sunscreens can be challenging, especially with the growing awareness of harmful ingredients that may compromise your health and the environment. By understanding which ingredients to avoid—such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens—you can make safer choices for your skin and overall well-being.
Choosing the right sunscreen is not just about avoiding harmful ingredients but also about selecting products that align with your values of safety, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
The following brands offer high-quality sunscreens that are free from harmful chemicals, providing broad-spectrum protection while being gentle on your skin and kind to the planet.
Tropic Skincare’s products are known for their all-natural, reef-safe formulations that nourish the skin while offering effective sun protection. UpCircle, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, creates sunscreens that repurpose ingredients and minimize environmental impact. Evolve Organic Beauty offers organic, cruelty-free sunscreens that are packed with natural antioxidants and moisturizers to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Tropic Skincare Skin Shade provides 100% mineral sun protection, this broad-spectrum, reef-friendly sun cream harnesses the power of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to defend against UV rays. Ideal for ultra-sensitive skin types and those who are naturally fair, it’s long-lasting, sweat-resistant, and fast-absorbing, available in Factor 50 and 30.
Their Great Barrier is ideal for all skin tones. This reef-friendly, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant sun lotion uses super-safe mineral and chemical filters to defend against harmful UVA and UVB rays. While green algae extract protects skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors, coconut extracts and vitamin E nourish and soothe, and aloe vera and hyaluronic acid hydrate. Available in SPF30 and SPF50
UpCircle is an SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen. This reef-safe dermatologically approved mineral sunscreen provides an essential physical defence against premature ageing caused by the sun. Naturally derived non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin whilst powerful antioxidant raspberry seed oil defends against free radical damage formulated using only the highest quality zinc oxide that seamlessly blends in to leave nothing but a natural glow. Our SPF 25 blocks 96% of UV rays.
Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Defence Facial Cream is an untinted, reef-friendly, non-nano Zinc Oxide-based SPF 30 face cream which provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Lingonberry stem cells help protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun radiation and free radicals whilst improving skin texture. Prickly pear cactus extract deeply hydrates and soothes the skin from irritation and Hyaluronic acid helps promote a firmer, plumper appearance whilst locking moisture into the skin.
By choosing these recommended sunscreens, you can confidently enjoy the sun, knowing you’re protecting your skin with safe, effective, and environmentally conscious products. I am an ambassador for Tropic Skincare and use and recommend these products to my clients, the links above will take you to my shop. Upcircle and Evolve Organic Beauty have provided me with samples which were lovely to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the risks associated with harmful sunscreen ingredients, such as chemical filters and additives, cannot be overlooked, they could be negatively impacting your menopause experience.
Not only can they cause hormone disruption but these substances can pose potential health risks and negatively impact the environment.
It’s essential to make informed choices when selecting sunscreens, prioritising products that offer safe, effective protection without compromising your well-being.
I encourage you to review the ingredients in your current sunscreen and consider switching to safer, more natural options if needed. Your skin and the planet will thank you. If you are interested in making a natural sunscreen yourself, check out this blog post.
If you would like to chat with me about your unique menopause transition, book a Wild Well-Being call and come away inspired and motivated to begin your journey to optimal health.