We’ve been told our whole lives: “Wear sunscreen every day or you’ll damage your skin.” But here’s the thing — most store-bought sunscreens are full of chemicals you probably wouldn’t want anywhere near your body, let alone soaking into your skin.
Your skin isn’t just a barrier — it’s like a sponge. Whatever you put on it can get absorbed right into your bloodstream. That’s why it matters what’s in your sunscreen.
What’s Really in Most Sunscreens
A lot of the common ingredients in big-brand sunscreens aren’t just “not great” — they can actually be harmful. Some mess with your hormones, others cause skin irritation, and some are bad for the environment too.
Ingredients I Avoid Completely:
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Oxybenzone: A known hormone disruptor that can mimic estrogen.
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Octinoxate: Another hormone disruptor, plus it’s toxic to coral reefs.
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Homosalate: Builds up in your body and can throw off your hormone balance.
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Octocrylene: Often contaminated with benzophenone, a possible carcinogen.
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Avobenzone (unstabilized): Breaks down in sunlight and creates free radicals.
When you think about it, slathering chemicals on your skin to “protect” yourself from the sun doesn’t make much sense — especially when there are safer, natural options.
The Sun Isn’t the Enemy
We’ve been taught to fear the sun, but sunlight in the right amounts is actually essential for health. Your body uses UVB rays to make vitamin D, which supports your immune system, hormones, mood, and even bone strength.
The key is balance — not baking for hours, but not hiding from the sun completely either.
My Go-To Natural Tinted Sunscreen
I’ve been using Activist Skincare’s Zero‑Waste, Low‑Waste Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30, and it’s a gem. It’s mineral-based (24.5% non‑nano zinc oxide), comes in shades that blend nicely, and has nourishing oils like jojoba, sunflower, tamanu, argan, raspberry seed—and more—all packed into a refillable, low-waste pouch. It scored low hazard on the EWG rating, too, so it’s really just clean, mindful protection.
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