The temperature is rising, the kids are starting to leave school, and data from airlines tells us that everyone has vacation in their brains.1We hope you have your sunscreen ready for beach trips.
But not only Any sunscreen.
You’ve probably heard that many sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. Toxic to oceanic ecosystemsParticularly coral reefs. Since 2008, scientists have been sounding this alarm.2
Yet, we cannot just Stop wearing sunscreen. It is important to protect ourselves from the sun. sun’s harmful UV raysSunburns, skin cancer, and other skin damage can be caused by these sunscreens. The question of whether certain sunscreens are causing harm to marine ecosystems begs for further investigation. Is this sunscreen safe for humans?
EcoWatch spoke to the CEOs of two ecoconscious sunscreen companies Certified safeBy the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, (HEL), Stream2Sea and Badger. They had some alarming words to say about sunscreen bottles you might have in your beach bag, even ones that claim to be reef safe. Lets dive in.
Jump to: Understanding Labels | How sunscreen affects ocean health | How sunscreen affects human health | Sunscreen buying guide | Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen | EcoWatch Sunscreen Selections
What does Reef Safe and Reef Friendly Labels mean?
Summary: Another example of reef safe and reef friendly language in sunscreen products could be GreenwashingA deceptive marketing tactic used by brands to present themselves as more environmentally-friendly.
These labels are intended to mean: This product is not dangerous to coral reefs. There is no regulation regarding reef-safe labels.
There’s no universally recognized definition of what is reef safe. Autumn Blum, founder and CEO of Stream2Sea said that the definition of reef safe can mean different things to different people.
A sunscreen company will often claim that their product does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients that have been proven to be harmful to both. Humans Marine life. However, research has shown that these are not the only harmful chemicals in sunscreens.
Blum said that they replaced oxybenzone with octinoxate by using avobenzone, which is now being shown to be equally, or even worse, than the original. It is not safe just because it does not contain two toxic chemicals. But who decides that?
Sunscreens have a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems
After a coral bleaching event in 2008, scientists discovered that sunscreen and other personal care products had a negative impact on marine systems.3There are several places to do this, including Hawaii Key West, FloridaWhile the government has banned certain sunscreens that can harm the reefs, new data suggests that this is still a serious concern.
For instance, more that 90% of the Great Barrier Reef654 of the 654 coral reefs experienced some form of bleaching during the 2021-2022 Australian Summer. While bleaching can not be solely caused by harmful chemicals, climate change and ocean heating play major roles in the problem. Researchers are currently studying the environmental effects of sunscreen ingredients. Results are expected to be available in 2022.4
Coral reefs are an important part of the ocean ecosystem, and a major draw for tourists. Therefore, it makes sense that sunscreen companies use the term reef friendly. Corals are not the only species at high risk. Sunscreen chemicals can also negatively impact dolphins, fish and green algae, mussels, and sea urchins.5
Scientists are still researching the effects of sunscreen on marine life. However, recent studies have shown that active chemicals in sunscreen can also cause harm to freshwater ecosystems such as lakes and rivers.6
Aquatic species are not the only ones at high risk.
Rebecca Hamilton, Co-CEO at Badger, an organic skin care company, stated, “I think there is also a real concern about human health.”
Sunscreen can be toxic to humans
Summary: Research has shown that sunscreens are effective in protecting skin. Toxic chemicalsThey have been linked with skin reactions as well birth and reproductive defects, as well cancers.
Sunscreen is a double-edged weapon. Sunscreen is a double-edged sword. It contains ingredients that have been proven to protect our skin against damaging UV rays. But at what cost? The table below lists some of the human concerns regarding eight common sunscreen ingredients approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
| Common Sunscreen Ingredient | FDA Classified as Safe & Effective | Potential Risks for Humans* |
| Oxybenzone | No | Allergy to skin reactions; breast cancer; hormonal disruptors; abnormal birth patterns; endometriosis |
| Octinoxate | No | Hormonal disruptor: affects the metabolism, thyroid and progesterone signaling. Allergic reactions |
| Homosalate | No | Hormonal disruptor that produces toxic breakdown byproducts over the course of time |
| Octisalate | No | Allergic contact dermatitis; potential hormonal disruptor |
| Octocrylene | No | High rates of skin allergy; often contaminated by carcinogen benzophenone |
| Avobenzone | No | Hormonal disruption; allergic reactions |
| Titanium dioxide | Yes | Inhaled spray and powder products could be carcinogenic. |
| Zinc Oxide | Yes | Inhaled spray and powder products could be carcinogenic. |
*Note: Although these findings have been supported by scientific studies, they are not a definite outcome of chemical exposure. Data: Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Sunscreen Chemicals Leak Into the Bloodstream
Studies dating back to 2008 have shown that breast milk and urine samples may contain sunscreen ingredients.7,8However, an FDA study in 2019 revealed that Sunscreen chemicals seep into our bloodstreamsThey can be found on our skin and in blood. weeksAfter we have applied it.9
The FDA classified only two sunscreen ingredients in the 2019 study as safe and effective, and they were zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The FDA said that although the presence of these ingredients is not necessarily a danger to our health, it is high enough to warrant further testing.10
Blum points to the fact that we are still waiting for that research.
[The FDA]The FDA declared that only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safe and effective for humans. This is a great start. So all of those other ingredients that we’re seeing that are still allowed in our sunscreens, the FDA says, We’re not so sure about that, can you give us more data? The result? [sunscreen]Blum said that the industry has yet to provide more data.After the 2019 study was published, the FDA proposed additional data and tighter regulations for sunscreen companies. However, the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), changed the FDA’s regulations for certain over-the-counter products, including sunblock, and put those plans on hold.11
Sunscreen contains cancer-causing chemicals
A 2021 study found that the sunscreen ingredient Octocrylene is degraded into benzophenone. This compound is suspected to cause cancer and interfere in the body’s hormones.12
That same year, we saw recalls for five Johnson & Johnson aerosol sunscreen products that contained the carcinogen benzene.13These recalls covered products from several top brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat and Aveeno.14
Sunscreen concerns for nursing and pregnant women
Oxybenzone products pose a risk to nursing mothers and pregnant women.
Studies have shown that this chemical is found in the urine, blood, and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women.15The correlation between women who had high levels of oxybenzone and giving birth to Hirschsprungs Disease-related babies was evident. Hirschsprungs Disease is a colon condition that makes it difficult to pass stool.16
Sunscreen Product Guide: What to look for and what to avoid
Despite numerous studies that raised concerns about many of these chemicals’ safety, the majority of them are safe. These areFDA-approved sunscreen chemicals are still available. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to do more research to find safe products.
It really is up to the consumer to move beyond what’s on the front package and flip over the bottle and be informed, Blum said. These ingredients must be read.
EcoWatch has created the following list of things you should avoid, according to the EWG & HEL.15,16Again, the FDA has not explicitly stated that any of these sunscreen ingredients are FDA-approved. UnsafeHowever, none of these are considered safe or effective by the administration.17
This list of ingredients can be saved for easy access when you shop at the sunscreen aisle. Hamilton suggests a simpler approach: Look for products that contain fewer, more natural ingredients.
She said that the simpler the ingredients, it is easier to tell the difference. Because it can get really complex.
Here are some other products to avoid.
Avoid sunscreen sprays
Spray sunscreens are very popular due to their convenience and ease. However, you should avoid them. Spray sunscreens are more likely to cause sunburn than people who use them.18
Aerosol sunscreens can also cause damage to your lungs, and the ecosystems it is affecting.
You’re using all of these chemical ingredients that have been shown to be harmful for the environment, and you’re just spraying them all over the place, Blum said of aerosol sunscreens. It can be smelled 100 yards away if you spray it on your skin on a boat. That’s been proven.
EWG reports that the FDA determined that three of the 14 tested sprays did not meet the proposed inhalation standard. However, it did not disclose which three products failed the test. It is best to avoid them altogether.19
Human and environmental hazards aside, Blum also points out that spray sunscreens are a boat owner’s worst nightmare, shown to stain and damage vinyl.
Avoid sunscreen powders
Sunscreen powders or brush-on sunscreens have been shown to be effective in preventing UV rays damaging our cells. However, they pose an inhalation risk similar to spray sunscreens. Powder form of the safe sunscreen ingredients (titanium oxide and zinc oxide), can be dangerous.
When titanium is inhaled in fine powder form, it behaves in your lungs like asbestos. Thats bad news you shouldn’t inhale these things, Blum said.
Avoid: SPF Above 50+
Sun Protection Factor (SPF 100) claims are misleading.
In 2011, the FDA tried and banned sunscreen companies from using SPF 50+ labels. The FDA tried to ban sunscreen companies from using SPF 50+ on labels in 2011.20
EWG recommends that products with SPF labels over 50+ be avoided.
Mineral sunscreen is what you should look for
Mineral sunscreens use only organic ingredients and the FDA has certified them safe and effective. If you see a mineral sunscreen, you can avoid having to remember all the long and confusing products you should avoid.
Blum however says that not all mineral sunscreens can be used equally.
I would recommend that you only use sunscreen that does not contain nano-zinc oxide and nonnano titanium dioxide. Anything else that’s in there has not been proven safe, she said.
For UV effectiveness, mineral sunscreens must still be approved by FDA.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
People will need to become familiar with mineral-based sunscreens. It’s a different experience than the chemical sunscreens, Hamilton told EcoWatch. It requires people recognizing that, you know, to have sunscreen that’s safe for them and safe for the environment, it might be a little bit of a different user experience.
What is so special about mineral sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens take longer to apply
Chemical sunscreens are quick and easy to apply.
Blum stated that the best way to apply mineral sunscreen is to use a small amount of it on your face, then another small amount on you chest. Then, place it on your shoulders. It may take a little longer to apply the sunscreen properly. But it’s so well worth the extra effort [to use]The safer product for you, and the planet.
Mineral sunscreens may leave a white cast
Mineral sunscreen is basically a combination of chalky ingredients in lotion. This can leave a white sheen on the skin. EcoWatch was informed by Hamilton and Blum that this problem is being addressed with new technology.
Blum said that while it doesn’t look exactly like the old zinc lifeguard streak across your nose, it is still a mineral powder dispersed in a lotion. If you tried mineral sunscreen 20 years ago, and hated it, [know that]Technology has advanced a lot.
Mineral Sunscreens Wont Break You Out
Mineral sunscreens are skin-calming because they contain zinc oxide. They are best for sensitive skin and those with acne-prone skin.
With mainstream sunscreens, a lot of people will say, I can’t wear sunscreen because it burns my eyes or it causes me to break out. Blum stated that these are often the ingredients in the chemicals.
EcoWatch’s Favorite Mineral Sunscreens
We are sorry, we know that we have overloaded you with information about sunscreen. If youre a little overwhelmed, heres a short list of EcoWatch-recommended, human and environmentally safe sunscreen products that have been Protect Land and Sea Certified by the HEL:
- Badger
- Stream2Sea
- Olen
- Tropic
- Odacit
You can see how these products performed in the HELs lab Here.
Looking for a safe, nonmineral sunscreen? The EWG has a list non-mineral sunscreens that meet its environmental standards. Here.
Kristina ZagameShe is a journalist and content creator with expertise in solar and related topics. Kristina was previously a producer and TV news reporter covering a variety of topics, including hurricane relief efforts and wildfires on the West Coast. Kristina’s reporting has taken Kristina all over the U.S. as well as to Puerto Rico, Chile, and Chile.
