What You Need To Know 

Skin cancer (melanoma) is on the rise. Protecting you and your family from harmful UV rays is essential, but putting harmful chemicals on your skin–and your child’s–is not the way to go. Fortunately, your family can be sun-safe as well as toxic-free.  

• Chemical UV filters  effectively absorb UV rays, but can cause dermal sensitization, persist in the environment and can cause harm to aquatic life. Certain chemical UV filters, particularly  oxybenzone,  octinoxate, or sulisobenzone, have been shown to interfere with normal hormone function in humans and wildlife. 

• Synthetic antioxidants, like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), are ethoxylated ingredients and can contain trace amounts of carcinogenic byproducts, notably 1,4-Dioxane. They can be tricky to spot on a label, but checking for polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs) or ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and chemicals that end with ‘-eth’ (like laureth, ceteareth or steareth) is a good start. 

• Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents are made with a range of synthetic chemicals that destroy or reduce the growth of microbes and bacteria. Sounds like a good thing, but these chemicals, such as parabens, usually work by releasing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. Plus, exposure to some of them may increase the risk of cancer, reproductive and neurological impairments as well as contribute to allergies, asthma and eczema. The overuse of antimicrobial and antibacterial chemicals is also spawning new “superbugs” that don’t respond to antibiotics when we really need them. 

• Ethanolamine compounds (MEA, DEA & TEA)  are  amino alcohols that are used to balance pH levels in personal care products. They are also used as emulsifiers and foaming agents. Studies suggest these may raise the risk of cancer with chronic exposure.   

• Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates to boost the scent’s staying power. The phthalate commonly used in fragrance products is  diethyl phthalate (DEP). Sometimes this won’t be listed, so be cautious if you simply see “fragrance” as an ingredient. Some phthalates are known to be carcinogenic and others may contribute to reproductive and neurodevelopmental problems. 

• More sunscreen sprays are now on the market, but users risk inhaling some toxic ingredients, so it's best to stick with the lotion. 

BETTER CHOICES  

• Choose sunscreen lotions that use mineral UV blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical UV filters. 

• Buy fragrance-free products.  

• Remember: the very best way to prevent overexposure and possible skin cancer is covering up with UV protective clothing and hats as well as staying out of the mid-day sun.  

DIY 

Though making your own sun lotion may sound like a good idea, getting the right balance of effective ingredients is challenging and can result in more skin damage. On this one, it’s best to use professionally manufactured sunscreens with the least toxic ingredients.   

The Australian campaign for sun safety is: "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Slip on a shirt, Slop on the sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade or shelter, Slide on some sunglasses!”