06/25/2025
Summer is officially here and I’m always asked for the best Sunscreen. One of my
mentors wrote an article and I’m sharing it with you.
First, getting sunburned is not safe and hurts. So, how do we protect ourselves and not
raise the toxic burden of our already overburdened toxic exposured world?
Second, some of the chemical ingredients commonly used to block UV rays—like
oxybenzone—have been linked to hormone disruption or skin irritation. Others haven’t
been studied thoroughly. Do you ask yourself: “What do those long ingredient names
actually mean on the back of the bottles?” Some of the most common chemical filters
have raised red flags for their potential effects on human health and the environment.
Here are a few you may want to avoid:
Oxybenzone and octinoxate: linked to hormone disruption and banned in some
locations for harming coral reefs.
Homosalate: under review for safety due to potential hormone disrupting effects.
Octocrylene: can break down into benzophenone, a possible carcinogen.
One thing to keep in mind: The biggest concern with these ingredients isn’t occasional
use on a beach vacation. It’s about cumulative exposure—using them regularly, over
large areas of the body.
If you’re in a pinch, and the only sunscreen available contains one of these ingredients,
it’s still better than getting burned. But when you have options, choosing a cleaner
formula is a simple way to lower your overall exposure.
So, how do you choose a Safer Sunscreen?
When it comes to sunscreen, mineral-based formulas are generally your best bet.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and can include ingredients linked
to hormone disruption, mineral sunscreens use physical blockers—usually zinc
oxide—to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV light. They start working immediately, are
less likely to irritate sensitive skin, and don’t absorb into the bloodstream the way some
chemical filters can. Look for sunscreens that use non-nano (large size) zinc oxide,
which refers to the particle size. Non-nano particles are less likely to be absorbed
through the skin, making them a safer choice for both people and the environment.
If you’re trying to figure out whether your sunscreen makes the cut, check out the
Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Sunscreens. You can search by brand,
see how your current product rates, and explore safer options that meet EWG’s strict
criteria for ingredient safety and UV protection. Here are three favorites:
Annmarie Gianni Sun Love Natural Sunscreen SPF 20
This all-natural, mineral-based sunscreen isn’t rated by EWG, but it’s a team favorite for
everyday use. It uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and includes
antioxidant-rich botanicals. Sunflower seed oil adds hydration and helps support the
skin barrier, especially helpful if you’re applying it daily.
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40
A reliable, water-resistant mineral sunscreen that’s earned a top rating from the EWG. It
features non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient and keeps the rest of the formula
simple: just a few clean ingredients to nourish the skin while you’re out in the sun.
Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
This EWG Verified™ sunscreen stick is a convenient, mess-free option for kids. (They
also have an adult version.) It uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection
and glides on easily without leaving a heavy residue. The formula is fragrance-free,
gentle on sensitive skin, and made with moisturizing ingredients.
What about Sunblock Sprays?
If you’ve checked the Environmental Working Group (EWG) sunscreen guide, you
might’ve noticed that no spray sunblocks or sunscreens score better than a 3 on their
1–10 hazard scale (where 1 is the safest and 10 is the most concerning).
A 3 isn’t terrible—it often means the ingredients themselves are relatively safe. But even
mineral-based sprays that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide fall short for one big
reason: inhalation risk.
When sprayed into the air, small particles can become airborne and enter the lungs,
where they may cause harm—especially over time or in children. That concern is
enough to drop the product’s overall safety score, even if what’s on your skin is
relatively clean.
Sprays also raise another issue: uneven coverage. It’s easy to miss spots or apply too
lightly, especially on windy days or when you’re in a hurry. What looks like a fine mist
doesn’t always translate to full protection.” Nutrition is always important for all health
and wellness considerations. Sun exposure is no less important.
THANK YOU, Dr. John Brimhall for this article. Dr Jim Di Blasi
