Is Octinoxate in Sunscreen Safe? And Why We Never Use It
Caught in the sunscreen section, questioning if your favourite brand is riddled with suspicious chemicals?
You’ve landed at the right spot to discover the truth!
Brief Answer: If you notice Octinoxate listed amongst the sunscreen active ingredients, we suggest steering clear…
At Skorcha Organic Suncare, our relentless commitment to healthy organic mineral sunscreen alternatives makes us totally veer away from Octinoxate, an active component that has ignited apprehensions.
Article at a Glance:
Quick Brand Check: Sunscreens That Contain Toxic Chemicals
3 Reasons We Will Never Use Octinoxate in Our Sunscreen Products
Natural Alternatives to Octinoxate
Quick Brand Check: Sunscreens That Contain Toxic Chemicals
https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html
What Exactly Is Octinoxate?
Octinoxate is a regularly used active ingredient in chemical sunscreens, often paired with other ingredients to enhance sun protection.
However, this compound is not without its disadvantages. We delve into the research to elaborate on why we are against its usage.
As the level of consumer awareness rises, apprehensions about Octinoxate have begun to emerge.
One of the major concerns is the degradation of octinoxate into Benzophenone… a known carcinogen (see video below)
Why You Need To Know About Octinoxate
In sun protection, knowing about ingredients like octinoxate is vital for your health and marine life preservation. Here’s why:
Family Safety: Given the risks of octinoxate, including absorption into the bloodstream and potential endocrine disruption, it’s important to choose sunscreens wisely, particularly for children and pregnant women who are more at risk.
No Good for Sensitive Skin: Octinoxate can trigger allergic reactions or irritations in sensitive skin. If you have skin conditions, octinoxate might make them worse. Choose octinoxate-free sunscreens for sensitive skin.
Reef Preservation: When picking high SPF sunscreens, consider the environmental impact. Octinoxate harms marine ecosystems.
Breakdown to Benzophenone: Octinoxate turning into benzophenone is concerning due to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and a cancer link. Select sunscreens carefully, focusing on ingredients beyond SPF. Avoiding harmful substances like octinoxate is key for health and the environment.
Global Action Against Octinoxate: Awareness of octinoxate’s dangers has led countries like Palau and Hawaii to ban its use in sunscreens to protect coral reefs. These bans aim to safeguard marine life and public health.
Understanding ingredients like octinoxate is crucial for both our health and the environment. Consider the health and environmental impacts when choosing sunscreen.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html
3 Reasons We Will Never Use Octinoxate In Our Sunscreen Products
Choosing not to include Octinoxate in our organic mineral sunscreen products is a deliberate decision that underscores our commitment to health & preserving the environments we enjoy. Bearing in mind consumer health, environmental safety, and our responsibility as a sunscreen brand.
Chemical Concerns Beyond Skin Coverage
Studies have detected sunscreen ingredients such as Octinoxate in human blood, urine, and even breast milk, raising pertinent concerns about possible hormonal irregularities and allergic reactions.
Gaining awareness of the products we use is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
Threat to Aquatic Life
A relaxing day on the beach might initiate your sunscreen’s voyage into the ocean, but the subsequent journey bears more significance.
Octinoxate, a common ingredient in mainstream sunscreens, has been linked with aquatic toxicity, posing a severe threat to marine life and coral reefs.
This hazard is not isolated to the lab; it is a real danger contributing to the degradation of our expansive marine ecosystems.
Octinoxate: A Viewpoint Informed by Research and Authorities
Agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a leading authority in consumer health safety, have embarked on thorough examinations of sunscreen ingredients, including Octinoxate.
The goal of this ongoing research is to obtain safety data on sunscreen chemicals and determine which ingredients can be considered safe and effective.
Even as definitive conclusions are awaited, the cautionary approach towards Octinoxate reminds us that not all ingredients are as beneficial as they appear, particularly when it comes to chemical UV filters.
Additionally, the Environmental Working Group ( EWG.org ), a non-profit dedicated to human health and environmental protection, has vocally expressed concerns about Octinoxate.
According to their research, Octinoxate has the potential to trigger skin allergies and it has been found in mother’s milk, prompting serious worries about reproductive toxicity and its implications for present and future generations.
These considerations are the driving force behind our decision at Skorcha Organic Suncare to not include Octinoxate in our product range.
Our commitment extends to your health, environmental preservation, and the integrity of our formulas.
Organic Face Sunscreen Tinted Mineral SPF 50
Hydrating, antioxidant-boosted natural face sunscreen crafted for adventure and endurance sports.
Popular sunscreens that contain octinoxate to avoid
Considerations When Choosing Healthier Octinoxate Free Sunscreen Products
Choosing the ideal natural mineral sunscreen isn’t just about high SPF; understanding the ingredients is key to making the healthier choice:
Navigating SPF: It’s easy to think that a high SPF is all you need, but a proper shield against both UVA and UVB is vital. Choose ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreens that are designed to protect you from a wider range of harmful UV rays.
Understanding the Ingredients: Get to know the active ingredients that make up your sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens will include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens may list ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene and avobenzone. It’s important to verify your mineral sunscreen isn’t mixing both mineral and chemical UV filters in the ingredient list. We advocate for products that solely use non-nano zinc oxide for the best broad-spectrum protection.
The Importance of Inactive Ingredients: Mineral sunscreens with nourishing inactive ingredients, such as sunflower oil, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax or jojoba oil, help maintain skin hydration and offer enhanced protection. It’s beneficial to research any unfamiliar ingredients using the Skin Deep ingredient database at ewg.org to make sure your sunscreen not only shields you from the sun but promotes skin health too.
Natural Alternatives To Octinoxate
When it comes to balancing efficacy and health-consciousness in sunscreens, these natural mineral UV filters are our highest recommendations!
Zinc Oxide: This all-natural mineral takes the crown as our favorite among sunscreen ingredients. It is gentle on the skin, has an array of skin health benefits, while guarding it against both the UVA rays and UVB rays, thus making it the mainstay in the mineral sunscreen market.
Titanium Dioxide: As another mineral superstar, it is safe but provide less broad spectrum protection than zinc oxide and doesn’t have as many skin health benefits as zinc.
Don’t Forget Your Minerals Should Be “Non Nano”: Non-nano mineral UV filters in sunscreens are pivotal for health benefits. These larger particles are not easily absorbed, making them a safer alternative for individuals concerned about the health implications of nano-sized particles.
Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer strong UVA and UVB protection, producing a barrier on the skin to deflect harmful radiation. This environmentally-friendly strategy not only safeguards the skin but also lessens the toll on marine life and coral reefs, making the exchange from octinoxate a smart option.
Wrapping Up And Skorcha’s Stance On Chemical UV Filters Like Octinoxate
At Skorcha Organic Suncare, we’re launching a revolution against harmful chemicals in the suncare sector.
Our organic mineral based formula is a representation of this philosophy, helping those seeking effective, safe, and nourishing suncare.Â
Next time you reach for the sunscreen, consider the ingredients and not only the SPF number. Prioritize your skin, body, and environment – allow these factors to shape your choices.
Embrace the sun wisely. Here’s a toast to more pure, safer sun care.
Why you can trust us:
- Real-World Experience:Â 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:Â 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 octinoxate safe?
While octinoxate is a common chemical sunscreen ingredient, it’s important to understand its potential impacts. In some animal studies, octinoxate has been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and its presence may disrupt hormone activity. Moreover, it’s worth noting that octinoxate is suspected to cause significant harm to marine life, particularly coral reefs, as it can bleach and ultimately kill them. Given these concerns, we believe it is essential to consider safer alternatives to products containing octinoxate.
Is oxybenzone and octinoxate bad for you?
While octinoxate is an ingredient commonly found in many sunscreens, it’s important to understand its potential impacts. In some studies, octinoxate has been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and its presence may disrupt hormone activity. Moreover, it’s worth noting that octinoxate is suspected to cause significant harm to marine life, particularly coral reefs, as it can bleach and ultimately kill them. Given these concerns, we believe it is essential to consider safer alternatives to products containing octinoxate.
Is octinoxate a physical or chemical sunscreen?
Octinoxate is a chemical sunscreen. While it’s known for sun protection, we advise against using it due to health and environmental risks. Studies show potential harm to coral reefs and human hormones. Choose octinoxate free sunscreen for safety and the environment.
Why avoid octinoxate in sunscreen?
Octinoxate, a common chemical in sunscreens, is scrutinized for potential harm. While it prevents sunburn, it poses risks to the environment and health. Research indicates harm to aquatic ecosystems, especially coral reefs. Concerns also exist about hormone disruption. Our company prioritizes safety and sustainability, excluding octinoxate from our formulation. We choose safe ingredients for you and the environment, aiming to be part of the solution.
Where is octinoxate banned?
Octinoxate, found in many personal care items, raises environmental concerns. Hawaii banned octinoxate in sunscreens in 2018 due to coral reef harm. US Virgin Islands and Key West also prohibited octinoxate. Avoiding this chemical protects health and marine ecosystems.
Mick Wadley – Founder of Skorcha
After a decade in the scorching sun as a roofer and going door-to-door in sales – I was forced to take my skin health seriously following a skin cancer scare before the age of 30.
So began my passion for suncare, which is both effective and natural. Crafted for adventure and endurance sports, Skorcha formulas are non-greasy, have no eye sting and absolutely no bullshit (100% Organic).
My goal is to share what I’ve learned about skin health and safe ingredients, inspiring happier, healthier lives through adventure, organic goodness and conservation!
Help us plant a mangrove tree with every Skorcha product sold to protect fragile marine ecosystems and support underprivileged communities around the world.
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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.