Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreen

Here’s what you need to know to make informed decisions about the sunscreens you use.

1) A staggering 14 of 16 sunscreen ingredients are under scrutiny by the FDA, acknowledging that chemicals used in sunscreens absorb into the skin.

• 2 ingredients - PABA and trolamine salicylate are currently not deemed safe.
• 12 of the 16 currently approved ingredients are marked as having insufficient safety data to deem them as safe.
• Only 2 ingredients - Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, used IN MINERAL SUNSCREENS, HAVE BEEN DEEMED SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.

• Hawaii, Key West, Florida, Aruba, and the US Virgin Islands have passed regulations to ban Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (learn about sunscreen bans here)
• Regulations have been introduced in the state of Florida to do the same

• It doesn't sting the eyes
• It goes on cleanly and doesn’t leave that ghostly glow
• It is effective as it passes the U.S. 80 and the Australian 240 minute water resistant test.

• See for yourself. View our mineral sunscreen products here.

Scott Gottlieb, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, shared the catalyst for this new proposal, “Since the initial evaluation of these products, we know much more about the effects of the sun and about sunscreen absorption through the skin. Sunscreen usage has changed, with more people using these products more frequently and in larger amounts.” He continued with a statement that may change the trajectory of the billion-dollar sunscreen industry, “Consumers should know that the products they’re using to protect themselves are effective at guarding them against harmful UV radiation and safe to use on themselves and their families. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.”

Rethinking Sunscreen

With mounting scientific evidence indicating that these chemicals are harmful to humans, the FDA had no choice but to re-evaluate the toxicity potential of these chemicals. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate have already been banned in Hawaii and Key West, FL due to indications of their damaging impact on reefs and marine life. We fully expect that many other states, cities, and municipalities will be joining the movement. 96% of sunscreens contain these active ingredients, based on a study by the Center for Disease and Control.

How Does Chemical Sunscreen Work - The Real Danger

Here’s how chemical sunscreen works and why you should rethink your sunscreen – the chemical ingredients under examination work by creating a chemical reaction on the skin surface. As chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, the penetrating UV rays can also create a similar chemical reaction. Yes, a chemical reaction inside your skin! 

Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreen - For Those That Love the Science

Some chemical sunscreens can also become endocrine disruptors and may interfere with thyroid and other hormone processes in the body. Oxybenzone, specifically, can reduce sperm count in men and may contribute to endometriosis in women. Oxybenzone is dangerous to both children and pregnant/breastfeeding women - polluting breast milk. One research study even showed that Oxybenzone changed the sex of a young fish! It’s time the FDA thinks about saying NO to the O’s in sunscreen.

FDA Approved Sunscreen Ingredients

In the FDA announcement, only 2 ingredients - Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide - found in mineral sunscreens were deemed safe or “GRASE” (Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective). These ingredients create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin that reflects the sun’s harmful rays vs. chemical sunscreens that absorb the sun’s rays - and sometimes inside your skin.

When choosing a sunscreen, flip it over and read the active ingredients. If it contains any of the chemicals Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, and Octinoxate – it’s good to avoid until they are deemed safe. In the meantime, only choose sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Don’t be fooled by misleading language on the front saying “no Oxybenzone”; many have removed that ingredient, but still have chemical ingredients that are unproven as safe.

Chemical Free Sunscreen - TropicSport

The FDA validated the reason we started our company. We’ve believed from the beginning that there had to be a safer way to offer sun protection. The simple truth is that it is hard work to make a sunscreen that protects while avoiding potentially toxic chemicals, and the big sunscreen manufacturers know this too. Using high-quality mineral sunscreens cost more than chemical sunscreens, yet consumers have the choice when selecting what sunscreens to use. It took us over 5 years to develop a sunscreen with no compromise – no potentially toxic active ingredients, great sun protection - meeting the U.S. 80 and Australian 240-minute water resistance tests, easy to apply and no ghostly white residue, smells great and no eye-sting. Whether you choose TropicSport or not, we urge you to find a mineral sunscreen that works for you – it’s that important!

What can I do?

Once the FDA proposal is issued, the FDA will seek public comment on the proposed rule and will consider those comments as the agency works towards developing a final rule. You can listen to the science and start using sunscreens that include only GRASE ingredients, like TropicSport.