Oxybenzone and octinoxate, along with other chemicals on the HEL list, are being banned by many coastal communities. These have been shown in studies to damage coral by causing them to expel their symbiotic algae — a process called bleaching.
Avoid sunscreens with octinoxate, octoerylene and oxybenzone and non nano mineral sunscreens are a better alternative.
Sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infections. We conclude that sunscreens, by promoting viral infection, potentially play an important role in coral bleaching in areas prone to high levels of recreational use by huma …
The products—including several of Johnson & Johnson's Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens—were recalled in July after tests by the company detected benzene in multiple samples.
Mineral sunscreens (i.e., physical sunscreens) are safer than chemical sunscreens for your health and the planet. They contain the minerals titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which physically sit on the skin's surface (rather than penetrating the skin) and reflect or refract UV radiation from the skin.
Sunscreen protects us, but harms the environment. Classic chemical sunscreens also contain some problematic substances, which is why they have already been banned in some countries in order to protect sensitive ecosystems and coral reefs in particular.
The most common reef safe sunscreen ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. They work by reflecting and scattering sunlight away from the skin, rather than absorbing it like chemical sunscreens do.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil, Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Glowing Sunscreen Lotion with Vitamin E, 5 oz, 2 Pack.
Aside from the failure to prevent skin cancer, many sunscreens' toxic ingredients + lack of broad-spectrum coverage can lead to other types of skin damage. These damages are usually precursors to premature aging and more specific concerns like glycation of the skin.
The popular sunscreen brands made by Neutrogena, Coppertone, and Banana Boat are all not recommended, according to dermatologists.
Johnson & Johnson Inc. is recalling all lots of Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer children and adult sunscreens, in aerosol spray format, after testing conducted by the company detected elevated levels of benzene.
"While recent studies have shown that some chemical sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed into the body through the skin, the data does not show that there are any effects on a person's health," Dr. Seemal R. Desai, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, tells TODAY.com in a statement.
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Wet Sun Block, Water Proof, Reef Friendly, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15, 8oz. - Walmart.com.
Supergoop! currently ships only to locations within the 50 United States although some Products cannot be shipped to addresses in Alaska or Hawaii due to federal regulations. Shipments will be made via standard ground service unless otherwise specified at the time of purchase.
While melanin does protect Africans (and those of African descent) from the sun's rays more than, say, an Asian or European, it only gives about SPF13-SPF15 protection and this doesn't block the harmful effects of the sun. There can be abnormal melanocytes formed and distributed in the skin.
You can also advocate for local legislation that bans the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii passed the first ever statewide ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens, soon after, island nations including Palau, Bonaire and Aruba followed suite.
Revenue of the sun protection skin care market worldwide by country 2023. In 2023, the United States was the leading country in the sun protection skin care market by a considerable distance, with revenues amounting to nearly two billion U.S. dollars. It was followed by China and South Korea.
The Best Sunscreen
Blue Lizard has reformulated its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, our top pick. It now contains an aloe extract and the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, among other inactive ingredients. The active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (8%), remain the same.
Dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, for people with sensitive skin. If your sunscreen doesn't contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, you have a chemical sunscreen.
Blue Lizard is regarded as one of the best skincare brands when it comes to sun care — at one point, its products were only really available at dermatologists' offices.