In the US, the FDA requires sunscreens to list the active ingredients on the top of the drug facts label.
Check the active ingredients -- these are what make the biggest difference in sunscreens.
Mainly: is there oxybenzone or octinoxate? These two chemical filters have been banned in Hawaii due to their bleaching of coral reefs.
Other concerns may be staining, in which case you're looking for avobenzone. It is highly reactive with bleach as well as sunlight.
If you're looking for a safe option, look for solely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are the only two mineral UV filters and are the #1 and #2 rated filters due to their reflection of broad spectrum UV Radiation and stability.
It may be the last thing on some of our minds, but its so important to wear sun protection as we enjoy the outdoors with our family this weekend and thought the summer season.
Life took a screeching halt mid-March for most of us. We were going a hundred miles an hour through a life filled with work, travel, and seemingly never-ending plans that suddenly has stopped.
Sunscreen cannot be called “sunscreen” anymore… There are 2 types of sunscreens and it makes a big difference!
Mineral sunscreens have been proven safe and effective for over a century, and are the only filters recommended for children and sensitive skin.
Chemical filters need to be proven safe in the large concentrations now used, which could be a challenge for companies….
