We had an interesting chat in a break out room earlier today; people were talking about getting sunburn. Which then led onto discussing suncreams. Lotions we slather it on with good intentions, protecting our skin from sunburn, ageing, and worse.
But what if the very product meant to shield us is quietly doing harm? Many mainstream sunblocks contain a cocktail of chemicals that do more than just block UV rays. Some of them are absorbed into the skin, disrupt hormones, trigger allergic reactions, and even damage the environment.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the common chemical culprits:
1. Oxybenzone (also called Benzophenone-3): A widely used UV filter, but highly controversial. Oxybenzone has been linked to:
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Hormone disruption: mimics oestrogen and may interfere with thyroid function
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Allergic skin reactions: especially in children or sensitive individuals
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Coral bleaching: contributes significantly to damage in marine ecosystems
It’s banned in some places like Hawaii for environmental reasons and frankly, that says a lot.
2. Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate): Another UV filter absorbed quickly by the skin. Risks include:
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Endocrine disruption: affects hormone levels, including reproductive hormones
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Cell damage: shown to generate free radicals when exposed to sunlight
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Environmental harm: toxic to coral and marine life
3. Homosalate: Used to boost UVB protection, but it accumulates in the body over time. Concerns involve:
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Hormonal interference: may affect androgen, oestrogen, and progesterone systems
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Toxic breakdown products: degrades into harmful by-products when exposed to sunlight
4. Octocrylene: Often added for water resistance and stability, yet:
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Linked to allergies: particularly in those with sensitive or reactive skin
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Forms benzophenone: a potential carcinogen that accumulates over time
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Persistent in the environment: not biodegradable and toxic to aquatic organisms
5. Avobenzone: Provides broad-spectrum UVA protection but is chemically unstable:
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Breaks down in sunlight: leading to reduced effectiveness and increased skin penetration
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Combined with stabilisers like octocrylene: creating a double dose of potential toxicity
6. Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.): Often used as preservatives in sunscreens:
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Endocrine disruptors: can mimic oestrogen and have been found in breast tissue
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Skin irritation: especially when combined with UV exposure
7. Fragrance and Synthetic Preservatives: Not always listed in detail but can cause:
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Photosensitivity: skin becomes more reactive to the sun
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Respiratory irritation: particularly in those with asthma or allergies
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Long-term exposure risks: some are known carcinogens or linked to neurotoxicity
Thankfully, safer alternatives exist. Mineral-based sunblocks that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide act as physical barriers, sitting on the skin rather than being absorbed. They’re less likely to irritate, don’t mess with your hormones, and are far kinder to marine life.
When shopping, check for labels that say things like: “Reef-safe”, “Non-nano”, “Certified organic” or “Natural ingredients”, “No parabens, oxybenzone, or synthetic fragrance”
It’s easy to assume that if a product is sold in a shop or chemist, it must be safe, but sadly, regulation doesn’t always keep pace with emerging science. Choosing a cleaner sunblock is a small switch with big benefits for your health and the planet.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Protect it, not just from the sun, but from the bad sunscreens !
Photo by Philippe Murray-Pietsch
