What's in your sunscreen?

Summer is finally here! But that means sun, sunburn, and sunscreen! We all know how important sunscreen is, but do we all know just how dangerous it could be as well?

Store-bought sunscreens contain some of the most toxic ingredients we can apply to our bodies. And the worst part is that sunscreen is typically slathered on, over the entire body. The FDA raised concerns about the dangers of oxybenzone, its potential to affect hormone levels and the increased absorption susceptibility of children (FDA 2019). Lab studies have shown that some chemical UV filters may mimic hormones. Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor that messes with human sex or thyroid hormones. Oxybenzone was detected in roughly 96% of Americans. That means that 96% of Americans have an endocrine disruptor, that could affect their reproductive and/or thyroid hormones, lurking on their skin. Higher oxybenzone measurements were correlated with significantly lower total testosterone levels in  males. (https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/).

Luckily, there are a few reputable brands that make reliable and safer sunscreens. Beauty Counter, Garden Goddess, ThinkBaby and Badger are all mineral-based and do not contain unnecessary, harmful ingredients. Do some research into the products you are using, you might be surprised just how unhealthy most everyday products can be, with very little regulation protecting your safety.