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Sunscreen Chemicals Harm Children & Coral Reefs, Except For These Brands 22

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Are chemical sunscreens safe for your family and will also keep you safe from sunburn & skin cancer? Recent studies linked chemicals inside sunscreens to birth defects, infertility, hormone disruption in children, and the destruction of the coral reefs. But never fear, Mamavation is here! You’ve trusted Mamavation to cover topics like safest shampoos, best non-toxic lotions, and best non-toxic dry shampoo, now join us as we share with you the problems that are arising out of chemical sunscreens formulas and rank products based on the science available on sunscreen ingredients so you can find the best non-toxic sunscreen for your family.

Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. It contains affiliate links. 
Woman With Suntan Lotion At The Beach In Form Of The Sun

Sunscreen Chemicals Linked to Hormone Disruption

The chemicals in common sunscreen are problematic to human health, especially pregnant women and young children. This is partly because the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) grandfathered in chemicals used in sunscreen during the 1970s without reviewing any evidence of potential health hazards. In other words, they didn’t bother to look into it. They just gave them approval.

Today this is proving to be a very unwise decision because these chemicals are proving to be a nuisance to human health and the environment.

Most recently, researcher Craig Downs of the non-profit Haereticuls Environmental Laboratory published a study in the Clinical Dermatology Research Journal on oxybenzone in sunscreen products. They were trying to determine the safety of this chemical around children assuming exposure levels were under normal circumstances. They looked at oxybenzone in particular, but also considered other chemicals like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate & octinoxate. They determined oxybenzone is detrimental to the health of children under normal conditions for several reasons, but the ones that stood out the most are:

  • Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor to most species
  • It has a low molecular weight allowing it to pass through human skin easily and get into the bloodstream
  • Concerns have been expressed about potential systemic toxicity in children, especially considering children under two don’t have the enzyme needed to break it down inside their body
  • Combining sunscreen chemicals together can cause them to become reactive at even lower levels, meaning they are more dangerous when combined with other sunscreen chemicals mentioned

oxybenzone chemical sunscreens linked to hirschsprung's disease

Study Links Birth Defect Hirschsprung’s Disease to Oxybenzone Exposure During Pregnancy

Most recently researchers have tied Hirschsprung’s Disease with exposure to oxybenzone during pregnancy. In a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicity researchers found that pregnant women with medium to high levels of oxybenzone in their urine had a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with Hirschsprung’s Disease. Later testing of the human cell lines demonstrated that very low levels of oxybenzone have the ability to disrupt cell migration in a similar fashion as Hirschsprung’s Disease.

The amount of oxybenzone to do this disruption would be easily found in the body after normal sunscreen use. This confirms that oxybenzone could very well be the hidden link behind this disease that has impacted so many lives in the United States.

In Hirschsprung’s Disease, the baby is missing vital nerves in the large intestine. For newborns, this prevents nerves from growing beyond the large intestine to the anus, and that prevents the baby from having bowel movements. Babies with Hirschsprung’s Disease face a lifetime of intestinal issues. HD affects 1 in every 5,000 babies. Children experience fecal retention, constipation, or abdominal distention. The only treatment is surgery.

Beautiful coral reef and mach fish

Sunscreen Chemicals Bleach Coral Reefs Causing Cell Death

Corals reefs around the world have been stressed to death, literally. Coral reefs turn white when they expel the algae inside of them that gives them energy. This phenomenon is happening globally around the world putting coral reefs in serious danger of extinction. Most of the time, warming oceans from climate change are cited, but initial research on this phenomenon has demonstrated that chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, both in sunscreens, are also causing the disruption.

Around 1980-1985 was when researchers started noticing coral reef decline. This was ironically the same time that tourism to islands like Hawaii increased. Craig Downs, a forensic ecotoxicologist and the executive director of the Virginia-based nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, says oxybenzone is an “ecologically threatening chemical” that when you add to other issues like sewage pollution, erosion of dirt and sand, and rising oceanic temperatures can damage the corals beyond what can be fixed.

In the short documentary “Reefs at Risk” he stated that “oxybenzone can do damage to corals at 62 parts per trillion, which is the equivalent to one drop in 6.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” Considering 14,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals come off the skin of people swimming in the ocean around the coral reefs every year, it’s no wonder there is a problem.

There is debate as to whether banning oxybenzone is a prudent reaction to the problem, but for most scientists in the industry, taking an action is better than no action. “There are so many things about coral reefs that are a problem, and not many of them are easily tackled, whereas the sunscreen is easily tackled,” says Crane, a coral reef biologist and professor at Cabrillo College. “I think we should be grabbing at anything we can in getting the public involved in trying to protect these habitats.”

How Coral Reefs Compete With The Rainforest In Oxygen Production

The Coral Reefs are incredibly important to our eco-system, so losing them would be a travesty to our planet and to our health. Coral reefs represent 1% of the ocean, yet they house 25% of marine life. When compared to the Rainforest, they rival the amount of oxygen produced and carbon captured making them “some of the most productive eco-systems on the planet” says John Burns, Marine Biologist at the University of Hawaii.

Coral Reefs also represent over $9 TRILLION dollars in terms of tourism, biomedical research, coastal protection, and food production. To give you an idea of how much that is, the oil industry represents about $3 TRILLION. In other words, they are more important to our economy than oil production and just as productive as the Rainforest to our survival.

Damage can be done to the coral reefs at 62 parts per trillion (ppt), which is an incredibly small amount. We better hurry and protect them because the damage done to the coral reefs is very serious already:

Hawaii Becomes First State to Ban Oxybenzone Prompting Feds To Take A Closer Look

Oxybenzone is still legal in most places to put in sunscreen, but some states and municipalities have taken action.

This movement to remove oxybenzone from products in the stores started years ago as a way to protect the coral reefs and human health. But what it also did was prompt the FDA to take a closer look at the safety of these chemicals and how they got into sunscreens into the first place.

cute child applying oxybenzone sunscreen at the beach

FDA Has Warned The Public About Oxybenzone & Other Sunscreen Chemicals Causing Panic Among Brands

The FDA recently announced it will be proposing new regulations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of chemical sunscreens. They have admitted there is a lack of scientific data to declare any of these ingredients safe other than titanium dioxide and zinc.

Then in February 2019 the U.S. FDA published a proposed rule to update the regulation of sunscreens reviewing 16 active ingredients and dividing them into three groups:

  1. Safe and effective ingredients: only zinc oxide and titanium oxide
  2. Not safe and effective: PABA and trolamine salicylate (these ingredients have actually been abandoned long ago and you won’t really find in American formulations.)
  3. Insufficient data for use: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, cinoxate, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, meradimate, padimate O, sulisobenzone.

Behind the scenes, this has caused somewhat of a panic among brands that are selling chemical sunscreens with toxic chemicals inside. What we noticed from our first investigation in 2018 to this one in 2021 is most brands have taken oxybenzone out of their formulations.

However, Craig Downs warns that “reef safe” sunscreens may be using other chemicals like octocrylene, homosalate, and octisalate that are also harmful to marine life. 

woman putting on oxybenzone sunscreen on her leg in a bikini on the beach

Some Mineral Sunscreens Use Nanoparticles in Their Formulations, Which Are Also Problematic to Human Health

Another issue in the sunscreen industry is the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology hides inside brands you may think are “natural” but they are not. Some brands will use nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc oxide, instead of regular titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Nanoparticles are particles that are so small they have to be measured in nanometers. To put it into perspective, If the Earth represented a particle, a tennis ball in your hand would represent a nanoparticle. In others words, very very tiny.

When nanoparticles are used in sunscreen, it’s to lessen the whiteness of sunscreen on the skin. Who wants to look like a ghost, right?

Nano Titanium Dioxide is linked with accelerating the aging process of your skin. As in, using it can make you look older faster. Nanoparticles tend to heat up when they are exposed to UV radiation and that produces oxidative stress, which causes aging and wrinkles. To solve this problem, manufacturers added a coating of silicone and aluminum to the titanium dioxide nanoparticles to protect them. However, this has caused some of those formulations to go sour quicker, meaning they stop working.

Nano titanium dioxide is also linked to problems during pregnancy. A recent study found that during the first trimester when pregnant mothers are exposed to nano titanium dioxide through aerosol, it can impact the growth of the baby by damaging the main artery and umbilical vein, while exposure later cut off blood flow to the fetus.  Less is known about nano zinc oxide, but years ago it was linked to mitochondrial damage.

Sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone

Mamavation Investigation on Sunscreens

Mamavation took a look at close to 230 of the most popular sunscreen products on the market today to assess the safety of the products for families. Always check the label of your sunscreen to avoid contaminants. We recommend that you do not rely on sunscreen alone, but also use the following tips from our advisors so you won’t need to use as much sunscreen in general and can minimize your sun exposure to UV rays and up your sun protection factor.

  • Purchase a mineral-based non-toxic sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide.
  • Seek shade between 10am and 2pm when the sun is the most dangerous and has the ability to do the most damage to your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
  • Take more precautions to stay out of the sun like purchasing a sun umbrella or staying undercover of the sun in general.
  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that protects your body from the sun such as hats and long pants.

Sunscreen Chemicals Harm Children & Coral Reefs, Except For These Brands 5

Not Our Favorite Sunscreen Products

These are all chemical sunscreens. These brands contain oxybenzone, or other chemical sunscreen chemicals like octinoxate, homosalate, or octisalate. We are also putting products here that contain parabens or other hormone-disrupting chemicals like benzene that were discovered in brands in 2021.

  • 365 by Whole Foods Market Kid’s Clear Spray Fragrance-Free, SPF 50
  • Alba Hawaiian
  • Alba Botanica Maximum Sunscreen Fragrance-Free Spray, SPF 70
  • Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen Fragrance-Free Spray, SPF 50
  • Australian Gold Botanical Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
  • Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Avon Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition SPF30
  • Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
  • Banana Boat Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
  • Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
  • Bare Republic Clearscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Lotion for Face & Body, SPF 50
  • Black Girl Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
  • Blue Lizard Australian Kids Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Blue Lizard Australian Regular Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Coola Scalp & Hair Mist, SPF 30
  • Coppertone Water Babies Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70
  • Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous AccuSpray, SPF 70
  • Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50
  • Coppertone Wet’n Clear Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50+
  • Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
  • Coral Isles Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Coral Isles Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
  • CVS Health Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 70
  • CVS Health Sun Lotion, SPF 60
  • EltaMD UV Clean Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 46
  • EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 40
  • Equate Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
  • Hawaiin Tropic Island Sport High-Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Hawaiin Tropic Island Silk Hydration Continious Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Hint Sunscreen Pineapple Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Hint Sunscreen Grapefruit Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Hint Sunscreen Pear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Kiss My Face Cool Sport Air-Powered Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, SPF 60
  • La Roche-Posay Antheilios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion, SPF 50
  • Mary Kay Sun Care Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Mary Kay Timewise Repair Volu-Firm Day Cream with SPF 30
  • Melaleuca Sun Shade Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil, SPF 30
  • Nature’s Gate Aqua Vegan Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+
  • Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, SPF 60+
  • Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Stick & Spray Sunscreen, SPF 70+
  • Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture, SPF 50
  • NO-AD Sun Care Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • NO-AD Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 45
  • Ocean Potion Scent of Sunshine Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85
  • Raw Elements Face & Body Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Raw Elements Baby + Kids, SPF 30
  • Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Broad Spectrum
  • Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
  • Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30
  • Sunright® Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50
  • SuperGoop Everyday Sunscreen with Sunflower Extract, SPF 50
  • Super Goop City Sunscreen Serum, SPF 30
  • Super Goop Play Antioxidant Body Mist, SPF 30
  • Super Goop Play Everyday Lotion, SPF 30
  • Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40
  • Trader Joes Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
  • Target Generic Brand up & up Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Stick & Spray, SPF 55 & 50
  • Vanicream Sport Sunscreen, SPF 35

beautiful beach scene with an umbrella

Better Sunscreen Products

These brands may contain octisalate, octocrylene, harsh preservatives, nanoparticles, formaldehyde releasers or undisclosed fragrances. That basically means they are better than the ones in the “bad” category, but still have some concerning ingredients.

Wooden plank leading to a beach scene

Best Sunscreen Products

These are all mineral sunscreens containing either nano-free titanium dioxide or nano-free zinc oxide. These brands do not contain UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, & octocrylene. They also do not contain harsh preservatives, nanoparticles, formaldehyde releasers, parabens or undisclosed fragrances. An asterisk * means this brand has sent me laboratory results to prove they do not have heavy metal contamination and are well within California Prop.65 recommendations. We linked up as many best brands as we could find on Amazon for your easy purchase! Let me know which is your favorite! Leave a comment if we have missed a brand you’d like us to look at.

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Sunscreen Chemicals Harm Children & Coral Reefs, Except For These Brands 26

Recent Product Investigations

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris

    Think sport contains octisalate….. as many of these “mineral” sunscreens do, and it is the second ingredient! So it’s must contain a lot!

    Reply

  3. Kelli

    I’ve been using eltaMD tinted face sunscreen and u see it’s on the worst list, although I looked at the ingredients and I don’t see what the bad ingredient would be?

    Reply

  4. Gemma Evans

    Vanicream Sport SPF 35 is in the Not Our Favorite list as well as the Best list. Can you advise which is correct?

    Reply

  7. Emily

    I tried the Biossance Sunscreen for my face and ended up with almost an anaphylactic reaction. My face burned and got swollen, had to go to urgent care for steroids and more Benadryl.

    Reply

    • Adri

      I’m confused about Raw Elements being listed as a chemical sunscreen. I’ve seen it highly recommended in nontoxic groups. Can you elaborate on why it’s not highly recommended? Thanks!

      Reply

  9. Ana

    Why is the Kabana Tinted product listed in the “Better” sunscreen — yet the tinted version is linked (Amazon link) under the “Best” section?

    I love their regular version and have been thinking of trying out the tinted version to use as a foundation (of sorts) on the rare days that I want to wear makeup.

    Thank you,
    Ana

    Reply

  10. Mom of 4 with a new pool

    Thanks so much for this giant list of options. I also really appreciate those of you that commented on the ones you like/use because it’s a little overwhelming on what to purchase!

    Reply

  12. Jenny

    Can you please give your impressions of the Sprouts Essentials Clear Spray Sunscreen line?
    Octinoxate, oxybenzone & homosalate free

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Debra Shapiro

      Cosmedix Zinc Defense SPF 50 was recommended by an aesthetician. Active ingredient is zinc oxide but certainly lots of other chemicals listed.
      Thank you so much!
      Debra

      Reply

  13. Rula

    I would like to inquire about the sunscreen I use on my toddler son. Is it clean and safe enough. It is:
    live-clean kids 100% mineral sunscreen spray SPF30 hypoallergenic and paediatrician tested, reef-safe, UVA/UVB protection broad spectrum, 40min water resistant, 98% naturally derived, Eco-friendly system with no chemical propellants, no synthetic chemical sunscreen, non-nano, petrolatum free, non-whitening, silicone free, paraben free, phthalate free, phosphate free, dye free, pure vegan, never tested on animals, package recyclable, fragrance free.
    Zinc oxide 16.5% Non-medicinal ingredients: aloe barbadensis leaf extract*, aqua (water/eau), caprylic/capric triglyceride, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract*, dilauryl citrate, ethylhexylglycerin, glycerin, gluconolactone, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, hydrogenated methyl abietate, hydroxyacetophenone , isopropyl palmitate, lauryl glucoside, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract*, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, methylcellulose, octyldodecyl citrate crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, populus tremuloides bark extract, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sorbitan laurate, tocopherol, xanthan gum. *certified organic

    Reply

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