Is Octocrylene in Sunscreen Safe? And Why We Never Use It

Stuck in the sunscreen aisle, wondering if your favourite sunscreen is full of BS chemicals? 

You’re in the right place to find out! 

Short Answer: If you can see Octocrylene on the sunscreen ingredients list, we wouldn’t touch it… 

At Skorcha Organic Suncare, our unwavering dedication to delivering premium mineral sunscreen choices has led us to avoid Octocrylene, an active ingredient that has sparked concerns.

Sunscreens have long been seen as symbols of health and protection, with manufacturers emphasizing their SPF protection levels and claiming to offer a shield against the sun’s harmful rays. Yet, in the midst of the discussions on UV threats and SPF ratings, we have discovered unsettling realities – facts that lead us to reject the use of Octocrylene in our sun-protection lineup.

Article at a Glance:

Quick Brand Check: Sunscreens That Contain Toxic Chemicals

3 Reasons We Will Never Use Octocrylene in Our Sunscreen Products

Natural Alternatives to Octocrylene

What exactly is Octocrylene?

For those unfamiliar, Octocrylene is a common active ingredient in chemical sunscreens, often combined with others to boost sun protection. However, there are drawbacks to this compound. Here, we look into the research to explain why we oppose its use.

Before discussing our stance on Octocrylene, it’s crucial to understand this compound. Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter that absorbs, reflects, or disperses UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This ingredient has been widely used in sunscreens but is now facing scrutiny.

As consumer awareness grows, concerns about Octocrylene have surfaced.

Quick Brand Check: Sunscreens That Contain Toxic Chemicals

https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html

Why You Need To Know About Octocrylene

When it comes to sunscreens, a little education about ingredients can go a long way in safeguarding your health. Here’s why:

• Ensuring Safety for Your Family, Especially Kids and Pregnant Women: It’s crucial to consider the potential risks associated with the blood stream absorption of octocrylene and the issue of bioaccumulation when choosing sunscreens for your loved ones.

• Eco-conscious Sun Protection: When choosing sunscreens with high SPF, let’s not overlook environmental impact. For instance, octocrylene, a common sunscreen ingredient, may have consequences for marine ecosystems where we hike, fish, camp, and surf.

Understanding sunscreen ingredients is crucial for health and the environment. Consider risks like blood stream absorption and environmental impact when choosing sunscreens.

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html

3 Reasons We Will Never Use Octocrylene in Our Sunscreen Products

Leaving out Octocrylene from our mineral sunscreen is a purposeful decision based on our belief in creating formulas that put health first. 

This choice is backed by careful thought, covering everything from the tiniest details to bigger pictures. It considers consumer health, the environment, and the connection between sunscreen makers in these areas.

Chemical Concerns Beyond Skin

Every sunscreen application is a personal connection with your body’s largest and most prominent organ – the skin. 

It’s crucial to remember that sunscreen’s protective chemicals can not only shield but also seep into the body. Research has found sunscreen components in human blood, urine, and breast milk, leading to growing worries about potential hormonal imbalances and allergic responses. 

This highlights the importance of being mindful of the products we use on our skin. Especially for children and pregnant women.

Environmentally Unfriendly Formulations

A sunny day at the beach may mark the beginning of your sunscreen’s aquatic journey, yet its destination poses a more ominous concern. Ingredients such as Octocrylene have been associated with aquatic toxicity, particularly endangering the health of marine life and coral reefs. 

This risk extends beyond the confines of a laboratory, presenting a tangible threat to the deterioration of our vast marine ecosystems.

Octocrylene: The Standpoint of Authorities and Research

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a paramount authority in consumer health safety, has conducted rigorous evaluations of sunscreen ingredients, including Octocrylene. 

Their ongoing research aims to get safety data and clarify which ingredients are safe and effective. 

While awaiting definitive rulings, the cautionary stance towards Octocrylene tells us that not all that glitters is gold, especially when it comes to chemical UV filters. 

Consumers must stay informed about the evolving landscape of sunscreen safety to make well-informed decisions about protecting their skin from harmful UV rays. Vigilance in understanding the ingredients in personal care products is key to maintaining health and well-being in the long run.

Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group ( EWG.org ), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, has raised its voice against Octocrylene. 

Their research highlights the compound’s potential to cause skin allergies and its presence in mother’s milk, raising significant concerns about reproductive toxicity and its impact not just on individuals, but also on future generations.

These concerns underscore why, at Skorcha Organic Suncare, we steadfastly refuse to include Octocrylene in our products. Our commitment is to your health, the environment, and the integrity of our formulas. 

By choosing our sun care products, you’re safeguarding your skin against the sun’s harmful rays and aligning with a healthier, more sustainable future.

Popular sunscreens that contain octocrylene to avoid

ewg.org

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Considerations When Choosing Healthier Octocrylene Free Sunscreen Products

Here are key points to navigate your journey in choosing the perfect natural mineral sunscreen:

• SPF is Just the Beginning: While high SPF might seem like the silver bullet, a more comprehensive shield against UVA and UVB is crucial. Look for ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreens, designed to cover a wider gamut of UV rays.

• Read the Ingredient List Like a Pro: Familiarize yourself with the active ingredients that make up your sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens will include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens may sport names like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Ensure your mineral sunscreen isn’t using a mixture of mineral and chemical UV filters in the active ingredients list. We prefer products that only use non nano zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection.

• Inactive Ingredients Matter: Look for mineral sunscreens with nourishing inactive ingredients like sunflower oil, shea butter, coconut oil, bees wax or jojoba oil for a healthy and effective base that promotes skin hydration and protection. Research any ingrediets on the list at using the Skin Deep ingredient data base at ewg.org

Natural Alternatives to Octocrylene

In the barter between effective and health-conscious sunscreens, these natural mineral uv filters are our top picks!

Zinc Oxide: The all-natural mineral that sits comfortably atop the list of preferred sunscreen ingredients. Gentle on the skin, yet fierce in its both UVA and UVB repulsion, it is the stalwart of the mineral sunscreen market.

Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral champion, it completes the tandem for broad-spectrum protection. With its immaculate credentials of safety and shielding ability, it’s an ally in the battle against sun damage.

Make Sure Your Mineral Are “Non Nano”: Non-nano mineral UV filters in sunscreens offer vital health benefits. These larger particles are not easily absorbed, providing a safer alternative for those worried about nano-sized particles’ health risks. Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer robust UVA and UVB protection, creating a barrier on the skin to reflect harmful radiation. This eco-friendly approach protects the skin and the environment, lessening the impact on marine life and coral reefs.

Wrapping Up and Skorcha’s Stance On Chemical UV Filters Like Octocrylene

At  Skorcha Organic Suncare , we’re embarking on an adventure of discovery and resilience against BS chemicals in the suncare industry. 

Our formula embodies this ethos, guiding those in pursuit of effective, safe, and nurturing ingredients. By swapping out Octocrylene with zinc oxide, we’ve harnessed the power of these minerals for your skin.

The next time you reach for sunscreen, check the ingredients, not just the SPF. Prioritize your skin, body, and surroundings – let them influence your decision. While sunscreens can’t ward off all skin cancers and high SPF doesn’t shield from every sun-related issue, make a knowledgeable, conscious choice for sun protection and a connection with nature.

It goes beyond sunscreen application; it’s about health-centered choices. Embrace the sun responsibly. Here’s to cleaner, safer sun care.

Why you can trust us:

• Real-World Experience: Mick founded Skorcha Organic Suncare to provide effective organic and natural suncare products based on his 10 years of working under the sun as a roofer and door-to-door salesman.

• Self-Testing: We live and breathe suncare and everything related to taking care of your skin under the sun. If we haven’t tried it ourselves, we have researched it thoroughly.

• Continuous Learning : Always learning about the power of natural ingredients for suncare and our skin health.

Want to know more? Visit our store

FAQ

Is octocrylene in sunscreen safe?

The FDA deems it safe and effective in products with concentrations up to 10%. Yet, there’s a potential for side effects like allergic reactions from octocrylene. Studies indicate that octocrylene and other chemical sunscreen components may pose a threat to marine life and have been shown to accumulate in our blood, urine and breast milk.

What does octocrylene do to your body?

Octocrylene acts as a UV filter, absorbing harmful rays to shield the skin from sun damage. However, it’s important to note potential issues. In some cases, it may cause allergic reactions like rashes. Recent studies suggest octocrylene can enter the bloodstream, potentially disrupting hormone balance. Choosing products without octocrylene could be wise to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

What are the disadvantages of octocrylene?

Octocrylene, effective at absorbing UV rays, raises concerns. Allergic reactions and skin sensitivities are common. It’s flagged for environmental harm, notably to marine life and coral reefs. Evidence suggests hormonal interference and long-term accumulation issues. Demand grows for octocrylene-free sunscreens, promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Why avoid octocrylene?

There are many reasons to avoid octocrylene in sunscreen! It’s not just about your skin but also the environment. Octocrylene poses risks to marine life, especially coral reefs. Using octocrylene can lead to allergic reactions or sensitivities, unsuitable for sensitive skin. Studies show it may absorb into your body, affecting hormone levels. Opting for octocrylene-free sunscreens is a smart, safe choice for you and the planet. Choose wisely for sun protection!

Can octocrylene cause acne?

While octocrylene isn’t universally recognized as a direct cause of acne, it’s important to consider how skincare ingredients interact with your skin type. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, sunscreens containing octocrylene could worsen existing conditions. This ingredient, common in many chemical sunscreens, may clog pores and trigger breakouts. If acne is a concern, choosing non-comedogenic, octocrylene-free options like mineral sunscreens (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) can make a difference. These alternatives offer sun protection without heavy, pore-clogging formulas that may cause acne flare-ups. 

Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Skorcha recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition.