🌞 The Truth About Sunscreen: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Sunscreen is a must for protecting your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. But not all sunscreens are made the same—and what’s in the bottle matters.

Let’s break down the latest facts about sunscreen ingredients, what to avoid, and how to choose safer options for you and your family.

What’s Really in Your Sunscreen?

Most people assume that if something is on store shelves, it must be safe. But that’s not always the case—especially when it comes to sunscreen.

The FDA, the government agency responsible for sunscreen safety in the U.S., reviewed 16 common sunscreen ingredients and found that only two—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—are “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE).

❌ Ingredients That Need More Research

Twelve other commonly used ingredients haven’t been proven safe or effective, simply because there isn’t enough data. These include:

• Oxybenzone

• Avobenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octocrylene

• Homosalate

• Octisalate

• Ensulizole

• Meradimate

• Padimate O

• Cinoxate

• Sulisobenzone

• Dioxybenzone

  
  

Despite the lack of safety data, these ingredients are still legal in the U.S. and commonly used in many mainstream sunscreen products.

🚫 Definitely Not Safe

Two ingredients—aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate—were found to have clear safety issues and are no longer recommended for use.

🩸 Sunscreen Ingredients Absorb Into Your Body

In FDA studies, just one application of certain chemical sunscreens led to absorption into the bloodstream at levels above the safety threshold (0.5 ng/mL). These ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octocrylene

• Homosalate

• Octisalate

• Avobenzone

• 
  

These chemicals can remain in the body for days or even weeks after use. Some have even been detected in blood plasma, urine, and breast milk

Hormone Disruption Concerns

Several of these ingredients are suspected endocrine disruptors—meaning they may interfere with your hormone system. This is especially concerning for pregnant women, children, and anyone dealing with hormone-related health conditions.

• Oxybenzone and octinoxate have the strongest evidence for hormone disruption.

• Homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene are also raising concerns in emerging research.

  
  

In fact, the European Union now restricts the use of oxybenzone and homosalate due to safety concerns—limits that are stricter than current U.S. standards.

Safer Alternatives: Mineral Sunscreens

The safest, most effective sunscreen ingredients are:

• Zinc oxide

• Titanium dioxide

  
  

These mineral-based filters sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. They don’t penetrate the skin and are not linked to hormone disruption.

🛍 What to Look for When Shopping for Sunscreen

Here’s a simple checklist for choosing a safer sunscreen:

• Look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

• Avoid chemical filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate

• Choose fragrance-free options to reduce allergy and irritation risks

• Make sure it says “broad spectrum” (protects from UVA + UVB)

• SPF 30–50 is ideal

• Choose creams or lotions instead of sprays or powders, which can be inhaled

🌿 Favorite Clean Sunscreen Brands

Two brands I personally love and recommend:

• Sky and Sol – A clean, mineral-based sunscreen that’s effective, luxurious, and reef-safe.

• OGEE –A weightless mineral moisturizer formulated with organic ingredeients with a a skin-shielding blend of antioxidant-rich Gooseberry Fruit Juice and Cranberry Seed Oil, infused with Zinc Oxide for the ultimate sun protection.

  
  

Both brands offer high-quality, non-toxic sunscreens that align with the latest safety research—and feel amazing on your skin.

👶 Sunscreen Tips for Kids

Children have more sensitive skin and are more vulnerable to hormone disruption. Use mineral sunscreens for babies and kids, and keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight altogether.

🌎 Protecting Your Health and the Planet

Many chemical sunscreens also damage coral reefs and marine life. Look for sunscreens labeled “reef-safe”—which means they don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxae

Sunscreen is essential—but so is knowing what you’re putting on your body. Choose products with proven safety like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and steer clear of questionable chemical filters.

Protect your skin and your health—because both matter.