How green are sunscreens?

Enjoying nature and the outdoors is part of a healthy life but heading out into the sun poses a dilemma. Protecting skin from sun exposure is recommended to reduce the risk of developing Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. However, sunscreen use is under debate for its effectiveness and possible health hazards.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives March 2001 made headlines for pointing out that certain chemicals commonly found in sunscreens can disrupt endocrine activity. The study, In Vitro and in Vivo Estrogenicity of UV Screens, concluded

that several frequently used UV screens possess estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo, in the range of other known xenoestrogens. With the exception of some benzophenones, these chemicals do not appear to have been considered as potential environmental endocrine disruptors (37). Considering the widespread use of UV screens, we suggest that toxicokinetics, in particular skin penetration, and systemic toxicology of these chemicals should be investigated more extensively. In view of possible long-term effects, screening for endocrine activity seems important. From our data and from observations in other fields (see above), it appears that there is a need to reconsider the potential benefits of extensive UV screen use both from a medical and an ecologic perspective.

This study is specific to chemical sunscreen ingredients. Another type of sunscreen component is minerals, specifically zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Natural sunscreens use these minerals to reflect the sun ray’s and these are also the active ingredients in biodegradable sunscreens which are now a requirement in many nature parks and ocean sanctuaries.

Wow. Skin cancer, endocrine disrupting chemicals, coral reef protection – suddenly the AM skin routine becomes a weighted process. And the question remains, do sunscreens work?

In 2006, no less than nine lawsuits charged popular sunscreen brands with dangerously misleading the public that their products were effective in blocking harmful UV rays. Turns out that most sunscreens don’t live up to their claims.

The public watchdog Environmental Working Group recently released a report on research into sunscreen effectiveness. The results revealed “that 84% of the 783 sunscreen products examined contain ingredients with significant safety concerns, or which do not offer adequate protection from the sun”, according to the Health & Environment Alliance.

EWG has compiled a comprehensive list of recommended sunscreens including ingredients, health concerns and effectiveness. Number one on EWG’s recommended list, UV Natural Sport SPF 30+. The complete list is available at the Cosmetics Database.

Read more:

• EWG research shows many sunscreens are unsafe or ineffective
• Sunblock SSC: Best Sun Protection Tips—Why Sunscreen Alone is Not Enough
• Sun Safety: Avoid chemicals in sunscreens
• USDA Agency Grants License on Soy-based Sunscreens