Sunscreen is a unique body care product: consumers are directed to apply a thick coat over large areas of the body and reapply frequently. Thus, ingredients in sunscreen should not be irritating or cause skin allergies, and should be able to withstand powerful UV radiation without losing their effectiveness or forming potentially harmful breakdown products. People can potentially inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients they apply to their lips, so ingredients must not be harmful to lungs or internal organs. Further, sunscreens commonly include ingredients that act as “penetration enhancers” and help the product adhere to skin. As a result, many sunscreen chemicals are absorbed into the body and can be measured in blood, breast milk, and urine samples.
Research by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) reveals that the chemicals commonly used in sunscreen are endocrine disruptors, estrogenic, and may interfere with thyroid and other hormone processes in the body. The most common sunscreen chemical, Oxybenzone, was found in 96% of the population in a recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This is especially alarming since oxybenzone is considered an endocrine disruptor, can reduce sperm count in men, and may contribute to endometriosis in women. The EWG warns against using oxybenzone, especially on children or pregnant/breastfeeding women.
Even more alarming? Of the 1,400+ sunscreens tested by the EWG, only 5% met their safety standards and over 40% were listed as potentially contributing to skin cancer.
These health concerns are why we carry all natural mineral based sunscreens by Badger and Jason to provide you with an alternative from the chemical laden suncreens you commonly see.
Badger uses zinc oxide as the only active ingredient in all of their sunscreens. Zinc oxide is a safe mineral that sits on top of your skin, scattering, absorbing and reflecting UVA and UVB rays before they reach your living cells. We consider it the safest and most effective active sunscreen ingredient. Their natural and organic sunscreens contain simple, safe, USDA Certified Organic ingredients. The only active ingredient, zinc oxide, is also the main ingredient for commonly used products such as diaper rash cream and calamine lotion, and it is approved for use even on sensitive skin. Badger is a signer and “Champion” of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which means they’re committed to making products that are free of questionable and potentially harmful ingredients.
Pick up the right kind of sun protection for your family now for those fun ski trips and sledding adventures as well as be prepared for the soon coming warmer weather!
Read the complete EWG article by clicking here.
