Sunscreen without Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate
If you are looking for organic skin care products, you might want to avoid sunscreens that contain Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, or Octinoxate. These are chemical filters that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, but they can also have negative impacts on your health and the environment. Here is a brief overview of each substance and why you should steer clear of them.
Oxybenzone:
This is one of the most common ingredients in chemical sunscreens, but it is also one of the most controversial. Oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it can act as an endocrine disruptor and interfere with hormone levels. It can also cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some people. Oxybenzone is also harmful to coral reefs and marine life, as it can bleach and damage coral tissues and affect the reproduction and development of fish and other organisms.
What is Avobenzone:
This is another widely used chemical filter that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. However, avobenzone is not very stable and can degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, losing its effectiveness and producing free radicals that can damage the skin cells. Avobenzone also needs to be combined with other chemical filters to work properly, which can increase the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. More on this substance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avobenzone
Is Avobenzone reef safe?
Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that primarily shields skin from harmful UVA rays, responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Unlike mineral sunscreens, avobenzone absorbs rather than reflects sunlight. While generally considered safe, it has faced scrutiny for potential endocrine disruption. Some individuals avoid it due to allergies or concerns about its environmental impact, particularly on coral reefs.
Due to its potential breakdown in sunlight and concerns about its environmental effects, the sunscreen industry often combines avobenzone with other ingredients to enhance its stability and protection. The safety and environmental impact of avobenzone continue to be studied, and there’s growing interest in alternative sunscreen options, such as mineral-based sunscreens, to minimize potential risks.
Octinoxate:
This is another chemical filter that mainly protects against UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburns. Octinoxate is easily absorbed by the skin and can also act as an endocrine disruptor, altering hormone levels and thyroid function. Octinoxate can also cause skin allergies and sensitization in some people. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is also harmful to coral reefs and marine life, as it can affect their growth, reproduction, and survival.
The good news is that there are natural alternatives to these chemical filters that are safer for your skin and the environment. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which reflect and scatter UV rays instead of absorbing them.
Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, and they do not harm coral reefs or marine life. Some examples of natural sunscreens that use mineral filters are Coola Organic Mineral Sun Silk Crème, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion, and Kinship Self Reflect.
However there is a catch:
Why is micronized better than Nano?
Because the application of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide leaves the skin with a telltale white sheen, the cosmetic companies have developed nanoparticles (tiny microscopic particles) for the use in sunscreen.
However, recent research studies now link nanoparticles of zinc oxide to the generation of free radicals and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide to DNA changes.
Especially organic and all-natural brands therefor use “micronized” particles, instead. These are larger than nanoparticles and should not penetrate a cell membrane.
Here is our list of Sunscreen without Parabens and Oxybenzone or Benzophenone-3. They all use micronized zink oxide or titanium dioxide:
Coral Safe Sunscreen for the whole Family
Butterbean Organic SPF 30 Good Sun Sport Stick
Butterbean Organics SPF 30 Original Formula Sunscreen is a natural and effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This sunscreen is made with certified organic and fair trade coconut oil and shea butter, which nourish and moisturize your skin. It also contains non-nano particle, uncoated pure zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. The sunscreen has a pleasant coconut scent derived from the virgin oils and butters, and a touch of sweetness from the local beeswax. Butterbean Organics SPF 30 Original Formula Sunscreen is cruelty-free, reef safe, and biodegradable, making it a great choice for both people and the planet.
COOLA Organic Sun Silk Creme and Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
This sunscreen product is a moisturizer that protects your skin from blue light and UV rays. It is dermatologist-tested and contains plant-derived ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily under makeup. This product helps prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer caused by sun exposure.
Check current prices on Amazon.com* >>>
Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 is a natural and organic sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UV rays with zinc oxide. It is reef friendly, water resistant, and unscented, making it ideal for sport and outdoor activities. It contains only four simple ingredients: organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and uncoated zinc oxide. This sunscreen is gentle on your skin and the environment, and it is certified non-GMO and cruelty free.
Check Prices on Amazon.com* >>>
COTZ Sensitive Sunscreen for Body and Face SPF 40
CōTZ Sensitive SPF 40 is a mineral sunscreen that protects and soothes sensitive or easily irritated skin. It contains 20% zinc oxide, which is dermatologist recommended for its broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance. It is a gentle, non-tinted cream that blends translucent, leaving a soft, sheer finish. It is free of oils, chemical screens, fragrances, preservatives, PABA, gluten, and phthalate. It is also cruelty-free and vegan.
Check COTZ offers on Amazon.com* >>>
Cotz, The Healthier Sunscreen, Sensitive, SPF 40 – for irritated Skin
- especially for skin issues like acne, rosacea or psoriasis
- free of oils, chemical UV blockers, fragrances, preservatives, PABA, gluten and phthalates
- Water Resistant (up to 40 Minutes)
- Not Tested On Animals
For Kids
TruKid Daily & TruKid Sports SPF 30+
If you are looking for a natural and safe sunscreen for your kids, you might want to check out the new trukid sunscreens that are based on mineral filters and do not contain harmful substances such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate.
TruKid Daily SPF 30+ Sunscreen: This sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection with naturally nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and green tea oil. It has a light citrus scent and is non-toxic, reef-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. It is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Check Price on Amazon.com >>>
TruKid Sunny Days Sport SPF 30+ Sunscreen: This sunscreen is designed for active kids who love to play outdoors. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. It also contains natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and green tea oil. It has a fresh citrus scent and is non-toxic, reef-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. It is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Check Price on Amazon.com >>>
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream SPF 40
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream Tangerine & Vanilla SPF 30 is a mineral-based sunscreen that protects children’s skin from harmful UV rays. It is made with organic ingredients and clear zinc oxide, which does not leave a white residue on the skin. It has a pleasant tangerine and vanilla scent that kids love, and it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is also reef friendly and biodegradable, making it a safe choice for the environment.
Check Badger Kids Offerson Amazon.com* >>>
For Babies
Raw Elements Baby + Kids SPF 30 Organic Sunscreen Lotion
If you are looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for your children, you might want to try Baby + Kids Lotion Stick SPF 30+. This product is made with organic and natural ingredients that protect and moisturize delicate skin, such as calendula, chamomile, sunflower and coconut. It is hypoallergenic, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and non-GMO. It is also very water-resistant and does not sting the eyes. Plus, it is reef-safe, cruelty-free and comes in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. With 25% non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, this product provides broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection for your little ones.
Find Raw Elements Baby Sunscreen on Amazon.com* >>>
California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion
California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and does not contain any added fragrance or irritating chemicals. It is suitable for newborns, babies, kids, and adults with sensitive skin or eczema. It is also coral reef safe and free of Benzene, a carcinogen found in some sunscreens. This sunscreen is made with non-nano Titanium Dioxide, a physical barrier that reflects the sun’s rays without being absorbed into the skin.
Current California Baby Sunscreen Offers on Amazon*>>>
For Sports
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a safe and effective sunscreen for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It contains 20% zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and does not contain any harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, or phthalates. Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is also coral-friendly and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. It has a light citrus scent and a smooth texture that blends well with the skin without leaving a white residue. Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is dermatologist recommended and Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free and vegan.
Thinksprt Sunscreen Offers on Amazon* >>>
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Badger Sunscreen Unscented SPF 40 >>> is a mineral sunscreen cream that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays with clear zinc oxide. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and biodegradable, making it safe for coral reefs and other ecosystems. It is also moisturizing and gentle, with 98% organic ingredients and no fragrance. Badger Sunscreen Unscented SPF 40 is suitable for vegetarians and cruelty-free, and certified by NSF and B Corporation. It is ideal for beach, swimming, and light activities.