Ewg sunscreen ingredients to avoid free#

Studies show that PABA breaks down and releases free radicals when exposed to sunlight. It may also encourage the formation of cancer cells in the skin. PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid may cause hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. The big problem with this chemical is that it forms damaging free radicals when exposed to sunlight.

Meradimate, as it sometimes appears on labels, is in some sunscreens in the US but not in Japan or in the EU.

developmental and reproductive toxicity,.

The main concerns for benzophenone derivatives are: Unlike benzophenone-4, benzophenone-8 or dioxybenzone isn’t approved as a UV filter in the European Union. The chemical and its derivatives are associated with cancer and endocrine disruption. Studies have shown that benzophenone bioaccumulates and persists in the environment. These active ingredients are uncommon in sunscreens in the US, but you’ll find them in sunscreens in Australia.Īlso known as sulisobenzone, this benzophenone derivative may cause contact dermatitis. Sunscreen isn’t your only line of defence: wear a hat, sunglasses, a shirt and get into the shade. In 2010, researchers advised caution when using octocrylene-laden sunscreen on children.

Ewg sunscreen ingredients to avoid skin#

The EWG notes that this active ingredient poses a risk of skin allergies.

On sun-exposed skin, it produces free radicals that speed up skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Like octinoxate, this one is a photosensitiser. This becomes problematic when octisalate is accompanied by harmful ingredients (like hormone mimickers or synthetic fragrances). The problem with octisalate is that it’s a “penetration enhancer.” This means that it increases the amount of chemicals that passes into the skin. Octisalate blocks UVB rays but not UVA, which is why it often comes paired with other active sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone. There’s also concern that it releases toxic by-products as it breaks down. HomosalateĪnother one that mimics hormonal activity, this one disrupts oestrogen, progesterone, and androgen. You’ll find it in ingredient lists as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or octyl methoxycinnamate. Research has found that the chemical produces free radicals that can damage skin cells and induce premature skin ageing. While we use sunscreen to protect our skin from sun damage, studies have found that octinoxate may actually do the reverse. The main concerns with this chemical are:Īnimal studies have linked octinoxate with delayed puberty, lower sperm counts, and sperm abnormalities. It stays in the body and is detectable in human breastmilk. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is a very common sunscreen ingredient.

On the other hand, the American Academy of Dermatology says that the ingredient is safe and that no data conclusively shows that it poses significant health problems. In women, it is associated with endometriosis. Studies have shown that it mimics oestrogen and blocks testosterone, especially in adolescent boys. Oxybenzone penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. Of all the popular sunscreen chemicals it warns us about, EWG calls oxybenzone “the most worrisome.” The main concerns about oxybenzone are: It has been detected in over 96% of the American population. If you’re shopping for your next sunscreen, watch out for these ingredients.Īlso called benzophenone-3 or BP-3, oxybenzone is in nearly 65% of all chemical sunscreens in the Environmental Working Group’s 2017 sunscreen database. cause skin irritation and allergic reactions,.Studies indicate that ingredients found in popular sunscreens can:

Ewg sunscreen ingredients to avoid full#

You’d think that because of this, sunscreen ingredients would be safe and non toxic.īut as we now know, conventional sunscreens can be full of harmful ingredients. Unlike soap or shampoo that’s quickly washed off, sunscreen stays on our skin for hours.ĭownload the FREE natural sunscreen cheat sheet ebook here. And you should put it on thick enough that it actually protects us from the sun. Isn’t it ironic that something created to protect us from life threatening illnesses may actually harm us?