(inspired by MdTL parent Melissa Parker)
Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are bad news because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Oxybenzone is aderivative of benzophenone and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. According to the CDC 97% of Americans are contaminated with this widely-used sunscreen ingredient.
Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens are common in sunscreens so avoiding them may prove difficult. They are preservatives that have estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following on laboratory rodents, particularly male, resulting in decreased testosterone levels and other abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.
In general, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are good choices as they scatter or reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. And since traditional formulations are not absorbed into the skin (thus the white streaks on the skin), there is less risk of the substance building up in your body.
Here is a helpful article about the analysis of sunscreens. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) based in Washington DC, has released an in-depth analysis of the safety and effectiveness of more than 700 brand name sunscreens on sale in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Here is is a link to view the entire article: http://www.news-medical.net/?id=26620
Here is a list of some of the safer sunscreens:
TruKid’s SunnyDays sunscreen - Safe and affordable.
California Baby SPF 30 + Sunblock Stick - No Fragrance - This is a non chemical sunscreen. It uses non-penetrating titanium dioxide (no nano particles) to protect against the sun. It is also made with organic & sustainably grown ingredients.
California Baby SPF 30 - This is specially for children.
California Baby SPF 30 + Bug Repellent - This is a good sunblock/bug repellent combo that is DEET free.
Badger Face & Body Sunblock SPF 30 - There was huge run on this sunscreen not long ago and you could hardly get it. It is known to be one of the safest sunscreens out there.
Miessence Organics Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 - Very clean smelling and not sticky. It is also made by a great company with organic ingredients. It has added antioxidants and beta carotene to help nourish skin and protect it.
Lavera Baby and Children Sun Screen Lotion, SPF 30 - Contains organic peach seed, apricot seed oil and calendula and protects against UV A, B and C rays with waterproof protection.
Jason Natural - Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sun Block SPF30+ - Chemical, Fragrance and Paraben Free Complete UVA & UVB Protection Ideal for Sensitive Skin.
Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF 25 - Another chemical free sunblock using non-penetrating titanium dioxide. This has a hint of color…most likely to hide the streaky whiteness of the natural titanium dioxide.
Sunscreen SPF 30 by Soleo Organics - Made with Zinc Oxide, it provides 3 hours of water resistant protection without the use of chemical UV-absorbers or synthetic preservatives. This sunscreen is made with nano particles.
Also don’t forget your protective gear…so you won’t need sunscreen as much:
Legionnaire Hats - These hats for kids have flaps on either side that protect the face, head, and neck areas from getting burned. They are also made with UV protective fabric.
Sunday Afternoon’s Kid’s Play Hat UPF 45 - Made of lightweight water-resistant supplex fabric, blocks UVA and UVB rays, rated 45 UPF. Full veil covers back of neck, mesh panels for ventilation, down-sloped flexible brim shades face.
Baby Banz Sunglasses - 100% UV/UVA & UVB ray protection. You can also get a sunglasses/hat combo.
Also Frubi Shades.
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Check out Coolibar for great protective clothing. They are a company based out of New Zealand and have some cool kids choices. Also, Alba Botanicals makes nice mineral (non-chemical) sunscreens.
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