Chemical Free Sunscreens
If you subscribe to my newsletter, you know that I’m a little freaked out about this chemical sunscreen thing. What chemical sunscreen thing, you ask?
Well, I’ll recap. Basically, researchers discovered that the chemicals that are in many of the sunscreens that we use are absorbed into the skin. This can happen within 24 hours of applying. So, I am in the market for the best safe, chemical-free sunscreen for kids. Our summer fun depends on it!
One researcher even stated: “When sunscreens were first evaluated by the FDA back in the ’70s, we all thought the ingredients sat on the surface of the skin and didn’t do anything,” says Dr. Theresa Michele, director of the division of nonprescription drug products in the office of new drugs at the Center for Drug Evaluation Research at the FDA. “But we’ve learned over the years that’s not actually the case, so we started looking at them more closely.”
What Sunscreens are Safe for Kids?
And today, doctors from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said this: Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using physical or mineral sunscreens (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) with young children and anyone with dry skin or eczema. They also caution against using spray-application sunscreen, which might be inhaled.
As with anything, I am not a doctor nor do I play one on the internet. If you have concerns about your sunscreen, talk with your child’s pediatrician. I bet many moms already use natural and organic sunscreen because their kids have sensitive skin, skin allergies or eczema.
Chemical Free Sunscreen
The following brands of sunscreen have options that are mineral-based. I am no longer buying chemical-based sun protection. There are other precautions like wearing hats, SPF shirts and staying out of the sun during prime hours.
Other dangers of chemical sunscreen
If the CHOP doctors don’t convince you to switch to mineral sunscreen, maybe this will.
- Key West is banning sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate due to the damage they’ve caused to coral reefs and ocean life.
- Hawaii has banned the same chemicals for the same reasons.
- Other countries including Palau, Mexico and Bonaire are doing the same.
- Some of these chemicals are known hormone/endocrine disruptors.( Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems at certain doses. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. wiki )
- These active sunscreen chemicals have not been studied much, if at all.
- Many of our kids are medically complex, medically fragile, have different genetic makeup than the general public, and are on multiple medications. Is it dangerous? We just don’t know.
- 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡: Two Peas Organics all natural sunscreen uses highly effective plant derived and certified organic ingredients to provide superior sun protection that is biodegradable and coral reef safe.
- 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Provides reliable SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection. Gentle enough for babies sensitive skin yet strong enough coverage for kids and adults.
- 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 / 𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗖 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡: Extra thick formula with 20% Zinc Oxide helps to prevent sunburns and help decrease the risk of skin damage and early skin aging caused by the sun. Leaves a thin white layer allowing you to see where you’re covered.
- 𝗡𝗢 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 & 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘: Fragrance free formula that is gentle on your skin and free from all chemicals found in most sunscreens making it ideal for delicate or sensitive skin. Note that natural oils and organic ingredients separate, so massage the tube to mix ingredients before application.
- 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧: Industry leading water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes of sun protection. Our 3oz travel friendly sunscreen goes on easy leaving your skin feeling smooth and protected.
- One 6 oz. bottle of Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Clear Spray Sensitive SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Lightweight, air powered mist made with botanical ingredients
- Provides broad spectrum protection, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is coral reef safe
- No oxybenzone, octinoxate, synthetic fragrances
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and top-rated by EWG since creation in 2010 with a “1” rating. Recipient of a tremendous amount of awards
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalates, PABA, 1,4 dioxane, and UV chemical absorbers
- Highly effective with an SPF at 50+. Highest level of water resistance per the FDA (80-minute water resistance) and broad-spectrum coverage for UVA and UVB
- Reef Friendly: Free of known reef damaging chemicals and highly biodegradable. Non-nano zinc oxide formulation, non-aerosol formulation
- Applies and absorbs easily without the oily feeling or obtrusive smell of traditional sunscreens. Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free, gluten free & vegan
- 3-fluid ounce travel-size tube of Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 for superior broad spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays for your child's skin
- This effective mineral sunscreen lotion is as mild as water to sensitive skin and applies to kids' skin easily to lock in moisture without stinging or irritation. It's suitable for use on both the face and body
- Specially formulated for children's delicate skin, it contains naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active and skin-soothing oat, and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- From the pediatrician-recommended brand, this sunscreen lotion features a tear-free formula that is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free, phthalate-free and fragrance-free
- Use this sunscreen with zinc oxide on your children every day during outdoor activities with the family to help prevent sunburn. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours
- First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and top-rated by EWG since creation in 2010 with a “1” rating. Recipient of a tremendous amount of awards
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalates, PABA, 1,4 dioxane, and UV chemical absorbers
- Highly effective with an SPF at 50+. Highest level of water resistance per the FDA (80-minute water resistance) and broad-spectrum coverage for UVA and UVB
- Reef Friendly: Free of known reef damaging chemicals and highly biodegradable. Non-nano zinc oxide formulation, non-aerosol formulation
- Applies and absorbs easily without the oily feeling or obtrusive smell of traditional sunscreens. Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free, gluten free & vegan
What sunscreen chemicals to avoid?
According to the website BanToxicSunscreens, these are the chemicals they say you should avoid. I’ve only read up on a few of them, but I am not using any sunscreen for my kids if it contains these chemicals. Especially Kevin, since he is on multiple medications for his seizure disorder.
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Avobenzone
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Cocamide DEA
- Propylene Glycol
- Phenoxyethanol
- Nano-Particles
- Fragrance
For now, I have purchased the Sun Bum and Bare Republic sunscreens for our family. I also have ordered us new hats and SPF shirts from Lands End. Happy Summer!
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