Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Sunscreen

While many sunscreens effectively protect against UV radiation, some chemical ingredients can have negative effects on human health and the environment. Here’s a list of chemicals commonly found in conventional sunscreens that are best avoided, especially for a reef-safe and health-conscious brand like Ethosun.

Reef-Harming UV Filters:

1. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) – Causes coral bleaching, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption in marine life.

2. Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) – Disrupts coral reproduction and accelerates bleaching.

3. Octocrylene – Breaks down into toxic benzophenones, which harm corals and accumulate in marine organisms.

4. Homosalate – Endocrine disruptor that accumulates in the environment.

5. Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) – Alters hormone function in marine life and humans.

Preservatives & Additives:

6. Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben) – Toxic to coral and marine ecosystems.

7. Triclosan – A strong antibacterial agent that disrupts algae and marine bacteria essential for ocean ecosystems.

8. Phenoxyethanol – Toxic to marine invertebrates and accumulates in aquatic environments.

Nanoparticles & Chemical Stabilizers:

9. Titanium Dioxide (Nano) & Zinc Oxide (Nano) – Can be toxic in nanoparticle form, accumulating in marine environments and harming aquatic life.

10. Avobenzone – Can degrade into toxic byproducts when exposed to chlorine (found in pools).

11. Benzophenone-1 & Benzophenone-8 – Harmful to marine life and linked to coral bleaching.

Other Harmful Ingredients:

12. Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane) – Non-biodegradable and accumulate in the ocean.

13. Petroleum-Based Ingredients (Mineral Oils, Petrolatum, Paraffins) – Coats marine life and prevents oxygen absorption

Ethosun

1. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Hormone Disruption: Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone function. It has been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues.
  • Allergic Reactions: It can cause skin allergies and irritations, especially in sensitive skin types.

Environmental Impact:

  • Coral Bleaching: Oxybenzone is toxic to coral reefs, even at low concentrations. It contributes to coral bleaching and DNA damage in marine life.
  • Better Alternatives: Use mineral UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.

2. Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Hormone Disruption: Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor and can mimic estrogen in the body.
  • Skin Irritation: It can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations, particularly in people with sensitive skin.

Environmental Impact:

  • Reef Damage: Octinoxate is linked to coral bleaching and is toxic to marine organisms.

Better Alternatives: Consider using non-nano zinc oxide, which is safer for both skin and the environment.

  • 3. Homosalate

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Endocrine Disruption: Homosalate may disrupt hormone activity and has been found to accumulate in the body, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
  • Skin Absorption: It can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, raising concerns about systemic exposure.

Environmental Impact:

  • Limited data on direct environmental effects, but its persistence in the environment raises concerns about accumulation.

Better Alternatives: Use natural UV blockers like raspberry seed oil or mineral sunscreens.

4. Octocrylene

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Skin Sensitizer: Octocrylene can cause allergic skin reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
  • Potential Contaminant: It may contain benzophenone, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

Environmental Impact:

  • Harmful to Marine Life: Octocrylene can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and is toxic to coral reefs and fish.

Better Alternatives: Opt for non-nano titanium dioxide for effective and safer sun protection.

5. Avobenzone

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Instability: Avobenzone is not stable when exposed to sunlight and can break down, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential skin irritation.
  • Skin Sensitivity: It can cause skin irritation, especially when used in combination with other chemical filters.

Environmental Impact:

  • Potentially harmful to aquatic ecosystems when it degrades into toxic by-products.

Better Alternatives: Use zinc oxide, which provides stable, broad-spectrum protection.

  • 6. PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
  • Why It’s Harmful:
  • Skin Allergies: PABA is a known skin allergen and can cause rashes, irritation, and sensitivity.
  • Hormone Disruption: It has been linked to potential hormone-disrupting effects.

Environmental Impact:

  • PABA can be toxic to marine life, although it is less commonly used in modern sunscreens due to health concerns.

Better Alternatives: Choose formulations with safe, natural ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera for added skin benefits.

7. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Potential Skin Damage: When exposed to sunlight, retinyl palmitate may break down and form free radicals, which can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.
  • Irritation: It can cause skin sensitivity and irritation, especially in high concentrations.

Environmental Impact:

  • Minimal direct environmental impact, but its potential health risks make it a questionable ingredient for sun-exposed products.

Better Alternatives: Use vitamin E (tocopherol) as a safer antioxidant alternative.

8. Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Endocrine Disruptors: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially interfering with hormone balance.
  • Allergic Reactions: They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Environmental Impact:

  • Bioaccumulation: Parabens can persist in the environment and have been detected in marine species, raising concerns about their long-term impact on ecosystems.

Better Alternatives: Use natural preservatives like rosemary extract or vitamin E.

9. Phthalates (e.g., Dibutyl Phthalate)

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Endocrine Disruptors: Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruptions and reproductive health issues.
  • Allergic Reactions: They can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.

Environmental Impact:

  • Toxic to Aquatic Life: Phthalates are persistent pollutants that accumulate in the environment, posing a risk to marine life.

Better Alternatives: Choose phthalate-free formulations with natural fragrance oils.

10. Synthetic Fragrances

Why It’s Harmful:

  • Allergenic: Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are skin irritants or allergens.
  • Potential Hormone Disruption: Some fragrance components, like musk ketone, are linked to endocrine disruption.
  • Environmental Impact:
  • Harmful to Marine Life: Many synthetic fragrance chemicals are toxic to aquatic organisms.
  • Better Alternatives: Use natural, essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for fragrance.

Bottom Line: Choose Safe, Natural Ingredients

For a reef-safe and health-conscious sunscreen like Ethosun, prioritize mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and natural, plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients. This approach ensures effective sun protection while aligning with eco-conscious and sustainable values.