As Summer is in full swing, each day feels sunnier and warmer. More sunshine means more surf trips and family days at the beach. It also means it’s time to shop for sunscreen.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a sunscreen. SPF, coral reefs, toxic ingredients – it’s a lot to take in! But we’ve got you (and your skin) covered. Read on for our tips for choosing a sunscreen that’s safe for you, and coral reefs too.
Ingredients of Concern
Oxybenzone: This ingredient is one of the most commonly-used sunscreen chemicals. Oxybenzone is linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, contact allergies, and photoallergies, meaning exposure to light is required to generate an allergic response. This ingredient, sometimes called benzophenone-3, is not to be confused with benzophenone, another common sunscreen ingredient.
Oxybenzone is also harmful to aquatic life. This chemical is so harmful that in 2018, Hawaii banned it to protect coral reefs.
Octinoxate: A commonly used UV filter that protects from UVB rays, but not UVA sun rays. On packaging, it may be listed as OMC, methoxy-cinnamate or ethylhexyl methoxy-cinnamate.
Octinoxate is linked to endocrine disruption by an abundance of data, as well as to reproductive toxicity. Researchers have detected this chemical in breast milk, urine, and blood. Like oxybenzone, this ingredient was targeted in Hawaii’s ban, as it harms coral reefs.Homosalate:A common sunscreen ingredient that absorbs UVB rays to prevent direct skin exposure. Homosalate absorbs UVB rays only.
This ingredient is linked to hormone disruption and it may also enhance the absorption of pesticides, including bug sprays. It may also enhance the penetration of other harmful ingredients found within the formulation. This ingredient is persistent in the environment, meaning it doesn’t break down readily.
Nanoparticles:Nanoparticles can be 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. In sunscreen, they’re most commonly found as nanoparticle titanium dioxide of zinc oxide.
Ingredients of Awesomeness
If you can’t eat it, would you put it on your skin? Here is a list of what goes into a tub of SurfYogis…
- Chocolate
- Beeswax
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- Coconut oil
It’s 100% water and sweat proof, one application will last up to 6-8 hours. One tin of 60g will last you up to 10 months and is nice and compact for those frequent travellers who are concerned about space!
It’s pretty simple… The planet has bigger problems than just a bit of chemicals in sunscreen. Yet, it’s something small, do your part. Try not be apart of the chaos that’s destroying our oceans.
SurfYogis: The Natural Alternative!
