Most sunscreens are filled with toxic chemicals that get absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause various health issues in the body, including cancer. Some of the most problematic chemicals are:
- Oxybenzone which absorbs UV light but is a hormone disruptor and causes cell damage.
- Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A derivative) when exposed to sun increases malignant cells.
- Parabens are a synthetic preservative that is a hormone disruptor.
- Phthalates are a synthetic preservative in many fragrances that is carcinogenic and a hormone disruptor.
Perhaps the advice to put on (toxic) sunscreen may be putting you at more risk than the sun itself.
When selecting a safer sunscreen I’d recommend using the Think Dirty app, where you scan the bar code of the product and can find out how safe the product is. Another great reference is the EWG sunscreen list.
