Posted by Jenny Reagan ☀️

Sunscreen helps to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. The chemical filters used in common sunscreen brands have been stirring up some health and environmental controversies over the past few years with allegations of hormonal system disruption and destruction of coral reefs. Oxybenzone is one of the main chemicals found in mainstream sunscreens since it offers a broad spectrum of protection from UV radiation.

Several studies have found that oxybenzone mimics estrogen in both humans and animals, which can disrupt the endocrine system (responsible for regulating many bodily functions such as metabolism and reproduction). I think it’s important to remember that a few studies are not enough to slap a “FACT” label on the chemical. Oxybenzone is FDA approved and found in sunscreens in almost every drugstore. However, if you look up the chemical compound summary for oxybenzone, you will find this list under section 11, Safety and Hazards:

Signal: Warning
GHS Hazard Statements
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin – Category 1]
H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard – Category 1]
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard – Category 1]
Precautionary Statements
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water.
P321: Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P333+P313: IF SKIN irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P391: Collect spillage.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to …

I can understand that people have to protect their skin (I’m as pale as they come and wear it all the time), but I don’t want to put something with that many warnings on my skin. Or in my water supply as that filters out to the ocean. I think that more studies need to be conducted to understand the long-term impact oxybenzone and other chemical sunscreen filters have on people and the environment.

One alternative to using traditional sunscreen products is to try out earth friendly sunscreens made with biodegradable minerals. Some drawbacks are that they can be expensive, and do not always offer broad UV protection in one bottle like the other mainstream chemical products currently offer. It doesn’t have to stay this way though. I think that consumers often forget how influential they are over the products that are available on the market. If consumers want create change, one way to do it is to stop buying products they don’t like, and purchase the ones that they do like. This creates the demand, which creates the supply. For example, how many gluten free products do you remember finding on store shelves 10 years ago? Now they are everywhere.

The next time you need to purchase sunscreen, consider getting a brand that is made with biodegradable ingredients. The following sites list some environmentally friendly options on the market: EWG’s Best Beach & Sports Sunscreen and Xel Ha Approved Sunscreen.

1. Worland, Justin. “How Sunscreen May Be Destroying Coral Reefs.” Time. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.

2. “The Trouble With Sunscreen Chemicals “| EWG’s 2015 Guide to Sunscreens. The Trouble With Sunscreen Chemicals | EWG’s 2015 Guide to Sunscreens. Web. 2015.

Please note that I am not a doctor or a scientist, but a curious and thoughtful member of society expressing some concerns.