Here’s a list of potential toxic chemicals that may be learking in you sunscreen:
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), including octyl-dimethyl PABA
- Benzophenones, especially benzophenone-3, Oxybenzone
- Cinnamates, namely octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)
- 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)
- Retinyl Palmitate
Luckily, there are ways to protect your skin from overexposure without the use of harsh chemicals. Many natural oils offer protection from the sun and offer varying levels of SPF.
Get sun protection without the toxins
When shopping for sunscreens be sure to read the labels and avoid buying sunscreens containing toxic chemicals, such as those found in the above list. Or you could try making your own using safe oils (some which you can find in your kitchen!).
Here are some natural alternatives to traditional sunscreens that feature some built-in SPF protection:
Coconut oil can provide a SPF of 8. Even though this isn’t a very high SPF, multiple applications can provide extra moisture and prevent skin from burning.
Wheat-germ oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins and antioxidants. These nutrients not only moisturize and heal dry or cracked skin, they also help prevent scarring. In particular, wheat-germ oil has a natural SPF of and is a great source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage.
Shea butter has an SPF of about 6, which is perfect for low sun levels or people with naturally dark skin. It works wonders on dry skin and eczema because it’s readily absorbed into the skin and contains so many fatty acids.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Red Raspberry Seed Oil is a great additional to skin care products due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, this fruit oil has been found to contain an SPF as high as 28-50 which is equal to that of titanium dioxide.
Carrot Seed Oil
This essential oil is contains a natural SPF of 38 to 40. Carrot seed oil therapeutic benefits include antioxidant, antiseptic and high levels of Vitamin A. Make sure to use with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.