I'm going to an event and I'll know I'll be outside.
WHAT TO AVOID
It really surprised me when I first started becoming an "Ingredient Geek" that one of the most popular ingredients
in many sunscreens and moisturizers is Retinyl Palmitate.
I was SHOCKED to learn that it actually is like a sun magnet to draw the sun's rays to you, and has been linked to skin cancer, accelerating the process (WHAT?!)
- Oxybenzone (EWG Rating 8: a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Endocrine disruption and Persistence and bioaccumulation)
- Octinoxate (EWG Rating 6: ingredient is shown to have hormone-mimicking effects on laboratory animals. Endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity, organ system toxicity)
- Octisalate (EWG Rating 4: Suspected to be an environmental toxin. May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals)
- Octocrylene (EWG Rating 3: HIGH CONCERNS: Biochemical or cellular level changes. Also, ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people. Suspected to be an environmental toxin. It may cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.)
- Avobenzone (EWG Rating 2: Sunlight can cause this ingredient to break down and lose its effectiveness for skin protection). A recent study found when that chemical comes into contact with sun and chlorine, it can become toxic. (WHAT?!)
The top ingredient I look for is NON-Nano Zinc Oxide. I suggest looking for a Physical Sunscreen rather than a Chemical Sunscreen. Chemical based sunscreens must be absorbed into the skin to be effective via a chemical reaction with the UV rays. Since most have crazy ingredients (as noted above) that often degrade in sunlight and can have lasting ill effects, I don't recommend them.
Physical sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect damaging UV rays. They are kind of like wearing hats and long sleeves to physically block the sun. Zinc Oxide seems to be the safest sun protection available since it protects from the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays and doesn't degrade in the sun.
PUREhaven Essentials has a new lightweight sunscreen formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Tested and registered to meet SPF 30 FDA standards. It has clean ingredients, including Aloe Vera Gel, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Almond Oil, Sesame Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter.
Item #16500
Learn more at: ✔ Kitchen Stewardship ✔ EWG's Guide to Sunscreens
✔ Campaign for Safe Cosmetics ✔ News about the published study of Avobenzone in the Chemosphere Journal ✔ Sunscreens and the Ocean | Here's a great quick video from Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship who's family tested over 80 sunscreens. Her 3rd point was frightening!! |