Sunscreens protect skin from the sun, but the chemicals in sunscreen actually pose more harm than good. All Good Chemicals In Skin Care products intentionally try to preserve the skin. However, anything inorganic is bound to have negatives effects.
Sunscreen ingredients are proven to be carcinogens, hormone disruptors, nano-particles, allergens, harsh preservatives, and skin irritants. Here are some banned chemicals in sunscreen that you need to be aware of.
1. Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
A typical substance in sunscreens that acts as a UV filter to protect the body from the sun. However, in long term usage, it is also endocrine disruptor where an average topical usage equivalent to a dose of hormonal replacement therapy for menopausal women. Oxybenzone mimics the estrogen level within the body.
Moreover, after people using this sunscreen wash it away after bathing or swimming it harm the environment, particularly aquatic plants, and animals. Moreover, this substance has a high dose of harmful Chemicals In Cosmetics that infection corals by its bleaching effects.
Oceanic pollution is a wide range of coverage that takes more than one person to make any meaningful changes. However, by changing our sunscreen with more environmentally friendly, in this case not using oxybenzone. Therefore, we can help to make corals healthy again. The change is not big but surely create a significant improvement. Especially if beaches and swimming pools help to spread this news.
2. Octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate)
This substance Chemicals To Avoid During Breastfeeding due to its risk of developing endometriosis on the woman. Moreover, some studies also suggest its relation to low birth weight on babies.
It also becomes a dangerous water pollutant in streams, rivers, lakes and in marine environments from the Arctic Circle way to the beaches and coral reefs along the equator. The United Nations Global Harmonized System (GHS) in the United States (US) and also other European and Asian countries, and identifies this compound as an environmental hazard and carries a warning label of H413 which means “May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life”
3. 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor
A crucial ingredient in sunscreens that poses as an effective UV-filter. Recent studies suggest the filter may exert a weak estrogenic activity which suggests potential antagonistic properties. Moreover, it also shows mild dermatitis issues with low blood metabolism.
4. Triclosan
You immediately think of Uses Of Triclosan In Toothpaste when someone mentions Triclosan. it is widely popular in most commercial toothpaste ads. However, actually, sunscreens also have this substance in their tubs.
It contributes to flame retardant that can cause fatal effects. The toxic chemical increase awareness for environmental and human health issues.
5. P-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
Studies show sunscreens with this substance in it is among the many Chemicals Avoid Skin Creams. It is a great Examples Of Organic Compound Uses in skincare items. The long complicated formula of H2NC6H4CO2H clams to protect the skin from the sun damages.
However, it has been reported to cause various dermatitis issues such as allergic reaction and skin irritation.
6. Parabens
A preservative substance that goes through the body after it is absorbed by the skin. All kind of Parabens act as estrogen mimicker and bind to estrogen receptors in your body and creates a negative feedback system where tumors can flourish.
It also poses a role as “Trans-Fats” that do not only exist in our sunscreens but also in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, moisturizers, makeup, and lipsticks. It can lead to skin and breast cancer. Moreover, it is also in the List List Of Banned Chemicals In Cosmetics In Europes as well as other countries. All parabens are equally harmful includes Ethyl, Butyl, Benzyl, and Methyl Paraben.
7. Phenoxyethanol
Another type of preservative in cosmetics and skincare products mostly sunscreens. This colorless oily liquid has a weak rose-like odor that also exists in the List Chemicals In Shampoo.
Some studies suggest that this chemical can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, or skin. Moreover, it can also lead to mild discomfort symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and headache. in a long term exposure, it can lead to a shut down of the CNS, and also contact dermatitis. It poses most thread to the direct contact to the skin, particularly in a thick application and reapplication.
8. Retinyl Palmitate
An induce of vitamin A and its derivatives, that actually very good for the skin and can effectively block any UV light if it is really organic. Any chemicals that claim to have vitamin A also has been linked to the risk of skin cancer.
It is also very toxic in the long List Chemicals In Shampoo. Both shampoo and sunscreens use this Retinol chemical that even put ads into beneficial with vitamins it poses great danger.
9. Titanium Dioxide
When sunscreen come in nanospray form, titanium dioxide a mineral based compound which is safe for the skin but inhaling it is a whole different story. Most studies to date suggest that it is FDA List Of Approved Cosmetic Ingredients and unlikely to penetrate your skin during topical usage, as long it is not in nano size form.
If people inhale it, they will have some irritation lung tissues problem, with various serious health issue than worsen as the particles become finer.
Sunscreen is a unique body care product where people usually apply a thick coat over large areas of the body and constantly reapply. Therefore, it is such a pity that advantage of this product that protects the skin, in the end, it does more damages than good. Further, sunscreens commonly include various additives that act as “penetration enhancers” but add more dangerous chemicals to the body and also the environment.