When it comes to the ingredients in products I put on my skin and the skin of my children, I take it very seriously. That’s why I made the switch to mineral sunscreen many years ago. The traditional, big-name, chemical sunscreens on most store shelves are known to contain endocrine disrupting chemicals, some of which have even been linked to cancer. Many of these chemicals have also been linked to coral reef damage by bleaching.
Some of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens that are known endocrine disruptors include oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and avobenzone. These are ingredients you definitely want to avoid.
Mineral sunscreens are a safer alternative. The active ingredient in mineral sunscreens is either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike the ingredients in chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin and get absorbed into the body, the active ingredients in mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, working by reflecting the sun’s rays.
According to the Environmental Working Group, while super convenient, sunscreens in spray form are generally not recommended – even mineral sunscreen sprays. This is because of the risk of inhalation. If you do use mineral sunscreen sprays, avoid spraying around the upper body, especially the face as to limit exposure to the breathing pathways.
Here are some of my favorite non-toxic sunscreens for the family:
For babies and young children:
Here are my favorite sunscreen picks for babies and young children:
For children and adults:
One really great source I definitely recommend checking out is EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. You can search all your favorite sunscreens there and see how they rate for safety.
While the above non-toxic sunscreens are linked to the products on Amazon, I personally purchase them from Thrive Market. I also use and like Thrive’s own f.a.e. mineral sunscreen, sold exclusively at Thrive Market.
Sources:
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
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