Safer Swap: Sunscreen

Summer is here! Actually, here in Southern California, I think summer started in January with 100 degree days! But with the stronger UV rays of summer, it’s important to protect our skin. This is a confusing topic, I see parents buy spray sunscreens, and toxic sunscreens trusting that they are safe and effective for their children. But most of them are not.

I’ve been wanting to write this blog for a long time. Sending my 4 year old to summer camp, with her toxin-less and cleaner sunscreen. Yet, at pool time, the 20+ other kids are getting sprayed with toxic, fragrance laden sunscreen that ultimately my 4 year old is also breathing in. I would ask her to stand far away from all the spraying. But why do we have to ask our kids to do this, just to protect their bodies. So let’s get in to it…

But first let’s not bury the lead, what sunscreens are SAFER?

1. Always choose solid, a lotion, a stick, maybe even a powder - no aerosols or sprays

2. Ensure the active ingredient is non-nano Zinc Oxide (sometimes labeled “mineral sunscreen”) - nano particles can get lodged in your nose, you want larger particles that can’t get trapped in your sinuses (another reason not to use sprays and aerosols)

3. Another Mineral Sunscreen “safer” active ingredient is Titanium Oxide

4. Make sure there is NO fragrance, read the label!

5. And of course ensure there are no parabens, PEGs, phthalates or synthetic preservatives

Here are some of my favorites!

1. Kids face stick - Sunly (EWG verified)

2. Kids, Baby and Infant body lotion - Sunly (EWG verified)

3. Kids, Baby and Infant coverage SPF 50 - Babo Botanicals (EWG verified) (*also sold at Target)

4. Whole Family body lotion - Pipette (EWG 2) (*also sold at Target!)

5. Adult, Family body lotion - Sunly (EWG verified)

6. Adult face lotion and anti-oxidant protection - Suntegrity (EWG 2)

7. Adult mineral oil/lotion - Necessaire (EWG 2)

8. Adult tinted face lotion - True Botanicals (EWG verified)

9. Adult tinted serum - RMS (EWG 2)

Most clean brands also have sunscreens, just be sure to check the label to ensure there is NO fragrance which is a sneaky ingredient to hide toxins and that it is a mineral based, zinc oxide formula.

You can also download the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Healthy Living app to assess the safety of your skincare products, they also have a Safe Sunscreen guide.

One more tip, I download a UV app on my phone and monitor it. Natural sunlight is great for our Vitamin D levels, mood, energy and most importantly to resent our circadian rhythm every morning. I try to get us out of the house first thing in the morning to absorb natural sunlight, sans sunscreen. Typically, around 10ish the UV hits 2. As long as it’s under 2, I choose for my family to enjoy the sun without sunscreen, letting our body absorb the natural sunlight and Vitamin D. But when the UV meter hits 2, we apply and reapply sunscreen all day. Now, this can be difficult with a child going to school/camps. I have taught Eloise how to apply her Sunscreens, and I send it with her to camp and ask her, and her teachers to apply at snack time (usually around 10am) and for lunch/afternoon play. This is just my tip, and my choice, but obviously do what you think is best for your family, genetics and medical history.

Now, why are most sunscreens toxic, here is an overview and list of what to avoid. The active ingredient in most toxic sunscreens is Oxybenzone or Octinoxate which is usually labeled for “sensitive skin”. Both Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are endocrine disruptor and neurotoxins. Another common ingredient is BHT, BHT is a preservative that was just restricted for use in food but can still be used in personal care products, BHT is neurotoxin. Another common ingredient is Propylparaben, part of the paraben family known as both an endocrine disruptor and neurotoxin. Benzaldehyde, another common ingredient is added for aromatics and is an endocrine disruptor, as is Fragrance found in most toxic sunscreens. And finally, also steer clear of Homosalate, Octisolate and Octocrilen which are deviants of the active ingredients above and both endocrine disruptor and neurotoxins.

A summary of what to avoid:

1. Sprays and aerosols. Both are propellents that are powered by petroleum which is toxic, also typically nano particles are used (nano particles make the product invisible/clear) which when sprayed can get lodged in your nose and sinuses

2. Fragrance. Period. ALL fragrance includes toxic ingredients, if it didn’t the brand would list and disclose each ingredient on the label

3. Oxybenzone / Octinoxate / BHT / Benzaldehyde / Homosalate / Octisolate / Octocrilen

4. Other filter chemicals, parabens, PEGs, pthalates

Stay safe and protected this Summer!

**Endocrine disruptors mimic hormones in your body, this is documented as the number one reason that infertility, PCOS and early puberty is on the rise. These chemicals mimic estrogen and other sex hormones causing the body to not produce or over produce it’s own hormones

***Neurotoxins disrupt the nervous system, causing symptoms of erratic behavior, most neurodivergence is caused by neurotoxins

I am a certified nutrition and health coach, but not a medical practitioner or doctor. The above is not medical guidance.