If you have been paying attention to the news lately, you probably have heard about the dangers of using essential summer products like sunscreen. The hazardous ingredients of sunscreen have even been found to go into your bloodstream. Since sunscreen contains ingredients that are linked to cancer and endocrine disruption, this calls for concern, especially considering sunscreen is commonly used to prevent skin cancer. Not only are these products a danger to your personal health but they are also harming our oceans and reefs! Below, we’ve provided ingredients to avoid, as well as more natural alternatives! By using these healthier alternatives, you can enjoy your summer without worry!

Sunscreen

Ingredients to avoid

• minobenzoic acid
• octisalate
• octocrylene
• oxybenzone
• nano (often if it says it goes on clear!)
• Aerosols (you breathe it in and so does everyone else)
• Petroleum based products (bad for reef)

Better ingredients to look for:

• NON NANO
• titanium dioxide
• zinc oxide

The key for a safe sunscreen is to look for a mineral sunscreen. Since mineral sunscreens actually block the sun rays instead of soaking them into your skin. A great resource for safer sunscreens is the environmental working group! You can visit them here for their most toxic, as well as their safest sunscreen list!

On top of the worries for personal health, there is a growing concern about protecting our reefs from the dangerous chemicals in sunscreen. Look for “reef safe” to avoid the chemicals that harm reefs but know that doesn’t mean it is the safest choice for people. The chemicals of concern for reefs are oxybenzone, octinoxate and petroleum based products. Avoid nano particles.

After-Sun Care

So you got too much sun…what’s next? Don’t slather yourself with chemicals! Here are the ingredients to avoid and look for in after-sun care.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• fragrance
• parabens
• PEGs
• products with tons of ingredients

Better Ingredients to Look For:

• Try 100% aloe. This is a fantastic option and works so great! Avoid those that look green (which have additives) or that have lots of random ingredients and preservatives
• Calendula

Sunless Tanning

This is tricky as there is no “common” ingredient for sunless tanning. Look for organic products with ingredients you recognize. If you would rather use a service, there are now organic spray tan places in Atlanta with safe products! Yay!

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Fragrance
• Parabens
• PEGs
• Products with lots of ingredients
• DHA: very common but is known to be able to penetrate deeper skin layers

Better Ingredients to Look For:

• Natural Cocoa or Fruit Extracts
• Natural Oils

Hair Care

With the humidity that summer brings, many hair issues like frizziness and greasiness arise during the season! Relying on products filled with dangerous chemicals may provide short-term relief but they only hurt your hair in the long-run!

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Fragrance
• Parabens
• PEGs
• Products with lots of ingredients

Better Ingredients to Look For:

• Coconut-based products
• Glucoside
• Natural oils like shea butter and castor oil

By following this guide to purchasing products this summer, you can both look and feel your best this season!