The Healthy Sunscreen Search
Image Credit by Deanna Alys
I am on a mission.
I want to get healthier.
Outside in. I am starting right now, with what I choose to put on my body and onto the little bodies of my babes.
Related Post: Never underestimate the power and influence of New Year’s Resolutions for Moms!
We have choices every single day that affect the lives of our families. Including teaching them healthy habits and that they have to be proactive in choosing what to put in and on their bodies. (or if you are like me, what you say about your body..ouch)
The other day at work (I’m a labor and delivery nurse) everyone was talking about safe sunscreen and how it’s been all over the news. I didn’t have a clue about what they were talking about.
I was thinking MORE SUNSCREEN, HIGHER SPF? OMG, can we even go outside anymore? But then I heard someone mention they were talking about chemicals in sunscreen. The thing that stopped me in my tracks was that studies found that 30 minutes after applying chemical sunscreens, toxins were found in the bloodstream.
Into the bloodstream, means into the placenta and into the baby!
WHAT THE HECK? Aren’t we good moms by lathering everyone up before we go outside? If they can slide there suits down without getting stuck on their sunscreen coated thighs, then we didn’t put enough, right?
Yes and no. Yes, use sunscreen but no, not chemical sunscreen.
Also, this post may contain some affiliate links (which means if you purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here for our full
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens
The first thing I did was research the whats and the whys.
Chemical Sunscreens
Four chemicals readily used in toxic sunscreens and not in the healthier sunscreens are avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, and octocrylene. The FDA flagged all of them and is suggesting that they need to be investigated further for the safety of use.
Yes, please!
Um…Hello! Shouldn’t all the chemicals that we are putting on our bodies be investigated further.
Did you know what your largest organ is? It’s your skin. Your skin covers about 20 sq yards. Think of it as a coat; it’s on to protect you. Unless your coat rips, it protects your internal happenings.
Chemical sunscreen goes right through your coat into your bloodstream. Girl, that is not good for you or your babies!
FDA has put the entire sunscreen industry on alert by proposing that in just two instances do we have enough safety information about ingredients to determine whether they’re safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For 12 other ingredients, the FDA has said there isn’t enough data to determine whether they’re safe. In particular, FDA raised concerns about the substantial skin absorption of oxybenzone, its potential to affect hormone levels and the increased absorption susceptibility of children (FDA 2019). Lab studies shows that some chemical UV filters may mimic hormones, and physicians have reported sunscreen-related skin allergies, which raises important questions about unintended human health consequences from frequent sunscreen application. EWG.ORG
Four Common Issues
- Skin Rashes
- Hormonal Disruptions
- Pregnancy Exposure
- Fertility Issues
We will skip rashes, cause most people won’t continue to use if they get a rash. But let’s briefly talk about the hormonal issues. I know I don’t need any more hormone problems in my household.
The studies found that the toxic ingredients in sunscreen, especially oxybenzone, lowered testosterone in men and adolescent boys. People argued that it is not that much but compared to the amount of exposure, it’s pretty significant.
Exposure to oxybenzone during pregnancy is also a risk. The study also claimed a few specific issues concerning pregnancy.
- Shorter pregnancies in mamas carrying boys.
- Higher birth weights in baby boys
- lower birth weights in baby girls.
For all the other risks, including the lower sperm rates and length of time to conceive, read the article. It’s super informative.
Mineral Sunscreens
So the low down and the point of my post is that we have healthier options. Remember that I am on a healthier living kick right now. (I had a health scare, and well, that’s that!)
We now know to avoid toxic chemicals in sunscreen, but what should we look for in healthier sunscreens? That’s easy. Natural ingredients.
Healthier options for sunscreens use a mineral based product. The most common main ingredient being zinc oxide.
Yes, I know that one reason we don’t like mineral-based healthier sunscreens is the white overlay it leaves on us. But girl, if this Florida girl can get over that, so can you!
Young Living
(CONTAINS NON-NANO ZINC OXIDE, which provides a physical barrier, preventing sunburn while not being absorbed in the bloodstream!)
You can buy it now through my link (join as a member and get 24% off or continue as a retail customer)
Badger
Badger sunscreen is all natural and certified organic, making them one of my number one choices for healthy sunscreen.
Available in: Tinted, unscented, sport stick, baby, and face!
You can also buy it on Amazon!
Babo
Available in: Clear, unscented, sport stick, face, and baby!
You can also buy it on Amazon!
Raw Elements
Available in: Clear, stick, tinted, face, and baby!
You can also buy it on Amazon!
DIY Recipe
This final option may not be your thing, but I have been on a healthier living DIY kick. (Sign up for my email newsletter to get my latest DIY healthy living recipes. (Laundry soap is coming next!)
I found several recipes, but this one is mainly from WellnessMama.com with my twist.
Keep in mind, there is no way to know the SPF for sure!! You can guess, but when it comes to sun exposure. Don’t guess!! BE smart. Use a hat, sunglasses, shade, reapplication, and common sense!
1/2 cup Almond Oil
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide Powder (***be sure it is nano version to avoid being absorbed into your bloodstream***)
1 teaspoon Carrot seed oil (I use young living, who supports Farming and Seed to Seal, and I get a big discount, get it here or go to Amazon)
2 Tablespoons Shea Butter
1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (choose any you like as long as it is a natural extract)
Essential Oils: (No citrus as it may compromise the sunscreen)
These are based on your personal preferences, but I chose:
10 drops Lavender or any essential oil besides citrus!
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, Vitamin E oil, and beeswax in a double boiler (I use a mason jar inside a shallow pan of water). Keep in mind: the beeswax will be the last to melt.
- When the mixture melts, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Carefully add zinc oxide powder, taking care to cover your nose and mouth, so you don’t inhale the dust. I’m a nurse, so I wear a mask! Mix thoroughly.
- Cool the mixture in the fridge for 15-30 minutes, until it starts to set up.
- Using a mixer, beat it. Add carrot seed oil and any essential oils, if using them and continue beating until it is light and fluffy.
- Store in a dark glass container in the fridge between use.
Additional Notes:
- Not waterproof and will need to be reapplied after getting sweaty or swimming.
- Add more beeswax =’s thicker sunscreen, less =’s smoother sunscreen
- I recommend lavender essential oil for fragrance
- Take away the Zinc Oxide “wahlah” you have an excellent lotion gift for a mama to be!
- Store in a cool, dry place or the fridge
- Apply like a body butter because it is thick girl, think coconut oil!
DISCLAIMER: The statements I’ve made have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure, or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
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Great ideas for sunscreen! I too, make my own since one child has developed a rash every time we use anything that contains chemicals other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Only one brand uses just these 2 ingredients and its expensive! Glad to hear more mommas are researching this stuff!
I lovvvve the EWG website for things exactly like this / ranks based on ingredients in all kinds of products! Check it out
This is great information! I’m excited to give the Young Living sunscreen a shot this summer 🙂
OMG YES!!! So much this!! When I was pregnant with my almost 4 year old I started doing some research on sunscreen (well, basically everything) and learned the big difference between chemical and mineral and making sure it is non-nano zinc oxide. It’s crazy the toxins in our every day life that we believe are safe, or even beneficial!! Love this and definitely sharing it!
It really is crazy that we use things in blind faith. I have been reevaluating everything lately!
Thank you for the list of sunscreen options. I was just thinking to myself that I wanted to find better options for my family since we now have a pool.
Trish. I LOVE this post. I was super crazy about sunscreen when my little was an infant. We now use Think Baby and Blue Lizzard (would love to know your opinion on the brands) but I was SHOCKED when I found out that most “baby” sunscreen had toxic chemicals included. I feel this needs to be shouted from the roof tops.
It truly is unfortunate that so many companies could care less about toxins and only about money. I will check out both of those brands!
Thank you for this information!! I am also trying to minimize the chemicals going into my body and those of my kiddos. The DIY sunscreen sounds interesting and I may have to try it. However, I may try switching to a mineral one first.
Either one would be a better choice than chemical based sunscreen!! Good job momma!
I had no idea how quickly the chemicals in sunscreen were absorbed into the blood stream or that there were options that don’t contain all the chemicals. I will definitely have to investigate the sunscreen we use more closely.
I always look for sunscreen without those extra ingredients… it’s amazing what is allowed to be in our products. I just learned that the US hasn’t updated its list of banned ingredients for body products since the 1930s!!! That’s just crazy. Get with the times, US!
WAIT WHAT????? Can you send me that info, so I can add it to the blog post?
Omg I totally preach this ! It’s so crazy how toxic a lot of the sunscreens are!! There’s also studies showing that oxybenzene cause skin cancer ! I have made my own sunscreen used badgers and think baby sport is another good one ! Thank you for posting this important post!
Let’s scream it Erin! Isn’t it ironic that the very thing we use to prevent skin cancer, causes it? WHAT?
I haven’t heard of some of those brands before! I’ll definitely have to check out the Raw Elements – gotta love when you can grab stuff on Amazon! We use Thinkbaby on our toddler and we love it.
It’s scary when you learn what’s in sunscreen! Thanks for some great alternatives.
Thanks for sharing! Sunscreen safety is so important!