To help you save time, I’ve gathered a list of some of the worst sunscreens containing one or more of these ingredients. But don’t worry - it’s never too late to make simple swaps to support your health. Package all these ingredients together, and you have a toxic recipe for a hormone disaster. Some research reveals it can disrupt the thyroid and harm developing fetuses. Like many other chemicals in sunscreen, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor is an endocrine disruptor that is not safe for our health. Free radicals are molecules that damage our health, speed up ageing, and even increase the risk of cancer. When this chemical breaks down, it can release free radicals. It produces free radicals that can damage our cells when exposed to the sun.Īvobenzone is another commonly used ingredient in sunscreens that is highly toxic, especially when exposed to other chemicals, sun, and water (which pretty much describes what happens on a beach day, right?) Like other disruptors, octocrylene has high rates of skin allergy. Octocrylene also has endocrine-disrupting effects and can increase estrogen levels. Homosalate is known to linger in the body, adding toxic chemicals to our systems. It can pose great risks to our body’s hormones and overall health. Yet again, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor. Studies show these chemicals may be particularly damaging for pregnant/breastfeeding women and young children whose systems are still developing. It’s known to mimic estrogen - and as a result, some studies show it can cause issues with our reproductive systems and thyroid function. Octinoxate is another chemical that disrupts our hormones and endocrine system. Some places like Hawaii have banned sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether due to its impact on damaging and killing corals in our oceans. The chemical is also not safe our oceans. The EWG warns against the dangers of oxybenzone each year, especially for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The worst part? It's often absorbed beyond our skin’s outer layer and found in blood, urine, and even breast milk. It helps manage our metabolism, growth, sexual health, thyroid function, and other important biological processes.īecause of this, research shows oxybenzone can even decrease sperm quality, potentially contributing to male fertility problems. Without getting too scientific, the endocrine system is in charge of producing our hormones. However, it’s widely linked to several serious health problems both short-term and long-term. Oxybenzone is a common active ingredient found in many name-brand sunscreens. As a fellow ingredient reader, stay on the lookout for these harmful chemicals in your sunscreens and other skincare products: The following list of chemicals is backed by research and data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other organisations dedicated to protecting our health and the health of our planet. Sadly, many traditional sunscreen formulas are made with harsh chemicals that can irritate our skin, put our health at risk, and even pollute our oceans! It should protect us from the sun and not harm us in any way. It's time to be more mindful of the sunscreen we use. This summer, we’re breaking up with all things toxic - starting with our sunscreens. TO- DON’T LIST: Ditch These Toxic Sunscreens! Going without non-toxic sunscreen isn’t an option, especially in the New Zealand and Australian heat! As someone with delicate skin, I’ve dedicated time and research to find the best (and worst) sunscreens that are safe for our health, safe for our skin, and safe for our oceans. Protecting your skin doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. However, some still do - like the ones found in the average sunscreen bottle. The bad news is: We can also absorb the harmful chemicalsand ingredients we apply to our skin.įortunately, many chemicals don’t make it past the outer layer of our skin. The good news is: Our skin can absorb the nutrients we give it, from Vitamin D to natural skincare remedies. But just as much, I’m intentional about the products I put on my body. You see, I’m what I like to call an “ingredient reader.” Can you relate? As a qualified nutritionist & GAPS practitioner, I’m intentional about the food I put in my body. Summer is just around the corner here in New Zealand! While I’m ready for more time in the sun, I’m already planning and preparing to protect my well-being.
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