Sunscreen ingredients to avoid! | A safer alternative

Hello everyone!

My previous post was all about SPF and misconceptions about sunscreen.  Read it here.  Today's post is about sunscreen ingredients you should avoid!

So, what’s wrong with our sunscreens?

Research has found that many sunscreens contain chemicals that mess with our hormones and can play a significant role in cancer development.  You should avoid these chemicals and find a safer alternative.  

More on Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, mineral and non-mineral/chemical filters.  Each ingredient has different uses for protecting the skin and keeping its stability under sunlight.  Yet each may be hazardous to human health. 

The most common sunscreens on the market contain chemical filters.  These products typically include a combination of two or more of these active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, retinyl palmitate and paraben preservatives.  

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.  Also, a small amount of sunscreens combine zinc oxide with chemical filters.

Read the infographic below and learn why you need to skip sunscreen products that contain these chemicals.

Source 1 & Source 2

Looking for a safer alternative?  Why not try to make your own sunscreen using the ingredients below?

You can find the recipe, here!


Does your favourite sunscreen contain any of the above mentioned hazardous ingredients?  Will you be making your own sunscreen this summer?  Do you want more DIY sunscreen recipes?  Do let me know in the comments below!