Sunscreen keeps your skin protected from harmful UV rays.
But not all sunscreens are safe, as certain ingredients may do more harm than good in the long run.
So, in this article, we'll have a look at some of the toxic sunscreen ingredients that you should avoid right now.
Irrespective of the season, sunscreen is a must-have addition to your skincare regime. It helps fight the UV rays, thus reducing your risk of developing several issues such as sunburn, rashes, or even sun cancer. However, most of the store-bought sunscreens contain some ingredients that are known to be extremely harmful. As your skin absorbs whatever is applied to it, you should read the label carefully and avoid those ingredients to ensure positive results.
Oxybenzone triggers allergic skin reactions
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient to be found in most of the sunscreens available in the market. It's a form of synthetic estrogen that is highly effective at protecting your skin from UV rays. However, it instantly absorbs into the skin and causes various allergic reactions. Also, as research has found, it can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to many critical health diseases.
Avobenzone is an eye irritant
Used as an alternative to oxybenzone, avobenzone is equally harmful to your skin. It also absorbs quickly into the skin and results in causing allergic reactions. When exposed to sunlight, it photodegrades and then promotes free radical damage on your skin. With time, it can leave your skin dull in appearance.
Octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor
Octinoxate, also known as octyl methoxycinnamate, is banned in Hawaii and several other countries. It penetrates the skin quickly and also helps other chemicals to penetrate. Like oxybenzone, it causes allergic reactions on your skin. Moreover, if used regularly, it can disrupt the production of your thyroid hormones. It also has some negative impacts on your metabolism.
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative
Formaldehyde, a colorless gas, is used as a preservative in sunscreen and many other skincare products. It prevents the growth of bacteria and keeps the product smooth. But it's extremely toxic and can cause permanent damage to your skin. What's more, regular use can lead you to many life-threatening issues like neurotoxicity, asthma, or even cancer.
Homosalate is an organic UV filter
A widely used sunscreen ingredient, homosalate helps the product to quickly absorb into your skin. Research has found that homosalate produces byproducts over time, that cause acne, rashes, and several other types of irritation. Moreover, it's also a hormone disruptor and triggers many health issues including cancer.
Apart from these, the list also includes paraben, phthalate, sulfate, octocrylene, octisalate, cyclomethicone, zinc oxide, etc.
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