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.
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. But just as much, I’m intentional about the products I put on my body.
Our skin is our largest organ.
The good news is: Our skin can absorb the nutrients we give it, from Vitamin D to natural skincare remedies.
The bad news is: We can also absorb the harmful chemicals and ingredients we apply to our skin.
Fortunately, many chemicals don’t make it past the outer layer of our skin. However, some still do — like the ones found in the average sunscreen bottle.
Protecting your skin doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. 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.
TO-DON’T LIST: Ditch These Toxic Sunscreens!
This summer, we’re breaking up with all things toxic — starting with our sunscreens.
It's time to be more mindful of the sunscreen we use. Sunscreen should be safe for our skin. It should protect us from the sun and not harm us in any way. 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!
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. As a fellow ingredient reader, stay on the lookout for these harmful chemicals in your sunscreens and other skincare products:
CHEMICALS TO AVOID WHEN BUYING SUNCREEN
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a common active ingredient found in many name-brand sunscreens. However, it’s widely linked to several serious health problems both short-term and long-term. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor. Without getting too scientific, the endocrine system is in charge of producing our hormones. It helps manage our metabolism, growth, sexual health, thyroid function, and other important biological processes.
Because of this, research shows oxybenzone can even decrease sperm quality, potentially contributing to male fertility problems.
The worst part? It's often absorbed beyond our skin’s outer layer and found in blood, urine, and even breast milk.
The EWG warns against the dangers of oxybenzone each year, especially for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The chemical is also not safe our oceans. Some places like Hawaii have banned sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether due to its impact on damaging and killing corals in our oceans.
Octinoxate/Octyl methoxycinnamate
Octinoxate is another chemical that disrupts our hormones and endocrine system. It’s known to mimic estrogen — and as a result, some studies show it can cause issues with our reproductive systems and thyroid function.
Studies show these chemicals may be particularly damaging for pregnant/breastfeeding women and young children whose systems are still developing.
Homosalate
Yet again, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor. You know the drill. It can pose great risks to our body’s hormones and overall health. Homosalate is known to linger in the body, adding toxic chemicals to our systems.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene also has endocrine-disrupting effects and can increase estrogen levels. Like other disruptors, octocrylene has high rates of skin allergy. It produces free radicals that can damage our cells when exposed to the sun.
Avobenzone/Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Avobenzone 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?)
When this chemical breaks down, it can release free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that damage our health, speed up ageing, and even increase the risk of cancer.
4-Methyl benzylidene Camphor
Like many other chemicals in sunscreen, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor is an endocrine disruptor that is not safe for our health. Some research reveals it can disrupt the thyroid and harm developing fetuses.
Package all these ingredients together, and you have a toxic recipe for a hormone disaster. But don’t worry — it’s never too late to make simple swaps to support your health.
WORST SUNSCREEN BRANDS
To help you save time, I’ve gathered a list of some of the worst sunscreens containing one or more of these ingredients. Many of these brands have had products recalled in the past for containing dangerous levels of cancer-causing chemicals, such as Benzene:
Baby Bum Sunscreens
Banana Boat Sunscreens
Bondi Sands Sunscreens
Cancer Council Sunscreens
Nivea Sunscreens
Surf Life Saving Sunscreens
Neutrogena Sunscreens
Le Tan Sunscreens
NON-TOXIC SUNSCREEN SWAPS: Safe for Our Health, Safe for Our Skin, & Safe for Our Oceans
Beyond your favourite hat and sunglasses, a non-toxic sunscreen should be your go-to summer accessory.
Non-toxic sunscreens are a great alternative as they contain natural ingredients that won't harm you or the environment. They are free of toxic chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and homosalate, which can do more harm than good when exposed to UV rays.
There are many non-toxic sunscreens that provide just as much protection against UVA and UVB rays while still being safe for our skin.
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the two all-natural, non-toxic active ingredients available on the market. Look for these two ingredients instead of those listed above!
Let's switch to non-toxic sunscreen and show a little extra love for our bodies and the planet:
BETTER SUNSCREENS
While these aren’t the best sunscreens out there, they are far better options compared to our previous list:
Invisible Zinc SPF 50
Surf Mud SPF 30
Natio Sun SPF 50
Sukin SPF 30
MooGoo SPF 40
Simple As That SPF 30
BEST NON-TOXIC SUNSCREENS
Now, for the best sunscreens. Based on my research, these are some of the best non-toxic sunscreens available that are safe for our oceans, safe for our skin, and safe for our bodies. These are best used on your body rather than your face.
Overall, opt for SPF 30 and above — and don’t forget to look at the ingredient list!
Eco Sonya SPF 30 (Organic)
Avocado Zinc SPF 50
The Kind Sunscreen SPF 30
WotNot Naturals SPF 30
Mother SPF 30
People 4 Ocean SPF 30 - (you can order this through Jivita and use my discount code “jordiepieface” for 15% off your first order)
Ethical Zinc SPF 50
Green + Kind SPF 50
BEST CHILDREN’S NON-TOXIC SUNSCREENS
When buying non-toxic sunscreen for children, look for all-natural, organic ingredients. Non-toxic sunscreens for children may be less likely to cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you may want these brands for yourself!
123 Nourish Me SPF 40
Little Urchin SPF 30
Little Innocents SPF 30 (Organic)
Wotnot Naturals SPF 30
Natural Instinct SPF 30
Simple As That Children SPF 50 - (you can order this through Jivita and use my discount code “jordiepieface” for 15% off your first order)
BEST NON-TOXIC SUNSCREENS FOR YOUR FACE
Pro Tip: Use different sunscreen for your face vs. body. Many sunscreens aren’t designed for our faces and can cause acne or breakouts.
When buying face sunscreens, look for brands that support sensitivity and are safe for your skin. Even more, try to find a brand with options for dry, normal, and oily skin to empower your skin’s health:
Twenty8 Hydrating Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF50 - I’m currently using these sunscreens on my morning walks (you can order this through Jivita and use my discount code “jordiepieface” for 15% off your first order)
Twenty8 Anti-Aging Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF50 - I’m currently using these sunscreens on my morning walks (you can order this through Jivita and use my discount code “jordiepieface” for 15% off your first order)
Mukti SPF15
Sunny Skin SPF50
Sun Juice SPF15
Sunslayer SPF50
Wotnot Naturals SPF40
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NON-TOXIC SUNSCREEN BRAND
Overall, keep these tips in mind when looking for a non-toxic sunscreen brand that’s safe for our ocean, safe for our skin, and safe for our health:
Choose a non-toxic sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, or 4-methyl benzylidene camphor.
Choose a non-toxic sunscreen that does contain Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen: One that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Protect yourself with SPF 30 or higher rating.
Look at all ingredients (even the natural ones!).
Reapply at least every two hours.
FOLLOW FOR MORE TIPS + RESOURCES ON LIVING A HEALTHY, LOW-TOX LIFESTYLE
With the harsh sun heating up in New Zealand and Australia, keeping our skin safe is more important than ever. Many major sunscreen brands contain chemicals that can enter our bloodstream or be inhaled (for example, spray sunscreens) — both of which can have a huge negative impact on our health and the environment.
It’s important to note that not all natural ingredients are harmless, either! Some can cause allergies or even lead to increased UV exposure if they don't provide adequate protection from the sun's harmful rays.
That’s why it’s important to read labels carefully and invest in high-quality sunscreen that’s safe for our health and safe for our oceans. Don’t settle for anything less than non-toxic sunscreens — your body will thank you! Now, go enjoy all those sunny days, knowing you’re protecting yourself from both UV rays and harsh chemicals.
A big big big thank you to Amelia from @a.glimpse.of.amelia who helped me create the original sunscreen post on Instagram and rank all of the sunscreen brands. You can see our Instagram post below if you missed it and be sure to give Amelia a follow if you like this type of content too!
Looking for more inspiration on how to support your health and live a low-tox lifestyle? Check out my blog post, “What Are Organ Supplements, and Will They Make You Healthier?”