Sunscreen is used to protect the skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. Some ingredients in sunscreen can be harmful to the skin and body because they contain potentially hazardous substances. On the flip side, many toxin-free ingredients are used in sunscreens, many of them derived from botanicals. Further, some brands of sunscreen contain only toxin-free ingredients. Reading the labels on sunscreen containers is an effective way of looking for toxic-free ingredients.
Nano-Free Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide has a long history of use in sunscreen. It is effective in blocking the sun’s UV rays from being absorbed by the skin. However, most brands of sunscreen that use zinc contain nanoparticles. Nanoparticles do not penetrate skin but may be toxic if inhaled. You can find brands of sunscreen that use zinc oxide without nanoparticles, which is much safer, according to the Environmental Working Group, which reviews the ingredients in cosmetic products for their safety and associations with harmful effects.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is not only safe to use in sunscreen, it is highly beneficial for the skin as well. It contains significant amounts of vitamin E, which increases circulation and blood flow to the skin and prevents skin damage. It also contains active phytonutrient compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been found to be significantly anti-inflammatory. In addition, olive oil is high in omega-3 and 6 fats, which provide exceptional hydration to the skin.
Organic Shea Butter
Shea butter is a creamy substance derived from the fat in the fruit of the karite tree, a tree grown in the Shea region of West Africa. This cream is 100 percent botanical ingredients and received nearly a perfect safety rating from the EWG. However, the processing of shea butter is not well-regulated, leading to variations in the quality of imported shea butter, according to the American Shea Butter Institute. Shea Butter soap that is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guarantees that it is of good quality.
Cocoa
Cocoa received a perfect safety rating from the EWG. It is used in sunscreens because it is rich in the antioxidants, which support the immune system and help prevent disease and aging.
About this Author
Radha McLean has worked in publishing for more than 15 years. She is the author of the book, “The Green Pregnancy Diet,” and her writing has been published in numerous magazines, including “Diabetes Health,” “Nurseweek” and “Pregnancy.” She has a Master of Arts in journalism from New York University.
