Is your Sunscreen Safe?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit environmental organization that specializes in the research of toxic chemicals, has found that only about 25% of 800 tested sunscreens are effective at protecting your skin without the use of potentially harmful ingredients. The toxic offenders: oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.

Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone’s function when used in sunscreen is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows it can be adsorbed through the skin. And, if oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin it can cause “hormone disruption,” which means studies have linked the chemical with disrupting endocrine function. It can also cause cell damage and low birth weight when used by pregnant women. The EWG found 56% of beach and sport sunscreens contain oxybenzone.

Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that was introduced into sunscreens to rejuvenate skin. While studies have shown this is safe for products used indoors, there are possibilities it may accelerate the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied for outdoor use. The EWG found 25% of sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate.

What are the best types of sunscreens for you and your family? Visit ewg.org to see a complete list of the best options.