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.
- 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 TO PASS - Whole Foods Premium Care requirements & Top-Rated by EWG in 2010 with a #1 Rating
- FREE from BIOLOGICALLY HARMFUL CHEMICALS - Paraben & PABA Free, Vegan, Safe for Babies & Toddlers
- HIGHEST WATER RESISTANCE - Per the FDA with Broad Spectrum Coverage UVA & UVB Coverage for Babies
- REEF FRIENDLY - Highly Biodegradable, Non Toxic & Non Aerosol Formula Earth Safe EWG Top Rated (#1)
- APPLIES & ABSORBS EASILY - No Oily Feeling or Smell, Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty & Gluten Free
- First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and top-rated by EWG
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalates, PABA, 1,4 dioxane, and UV chemical absorbers
- 30 SPF with 80-minute water resistance and broad-spectrum coverage
- Applies and absorbs easily without the oily feeling or obtrusive smell of traditional sunscreens
- Convenient stick for easy application and travel purposes
- 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
- SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR CHILDREN: Hypoallergenic sun protection with organic calendula, chamomile, sunflower and coconut to protect and moisturize delicate skin
- EASY-TO-APPLY AND WATER-RESISTANT: Light and creamy formula is very water-resistant up to 80 minutes and never stings the eyes
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 25% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Baby + Kids Lotion Tin provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Zero Waste, reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and in plastic-free, recyclable, compostable packaging. Perfect for the eco-conscious kid!
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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