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Sunscreen 101: Why You Should Switch to a Non-Toxic Sunscreen
(and How to Find a Sunscreen That You’ll Actually Love)
Let’s talk sunscreen. You probably already know you should wear it daily. But did you know the kind you choose can make a big difference for both your health and the planet?
Here’s the thing: not all sunscreens are created equal. Many popular brands contain questionable ingredients that can mess with your hormones, irritate your skin, or even harm coral reefs. The good news? Once you know what to look for and what to avoid, shopping for a safer sunscreen is actually pretty easy.
Why Choosing a Non-Toxic Sunscreen Matters
Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs some of what you put on it. Some chemical UV filters found in conventional sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to hormone disruption and skin allergies. Studies have even found these chemicals in people’s blood, urine, and breast milk.
Plus, when we swim or shower, those chemicals wash off and end up in rivers and oceans, where they can damage marine life and coral reefs. So by choosing a non-toxic, reef-safe sunscreen, you’re protecting both your body and the environment.
Why You Should Skip Spray Sunscreens (No Matter How Convenient)
Spray sunscreens can seem like a totally great hack when you’re wrangling kids at the pool. But here’s the catch: when you spray sunscreen, you inhale those tiny particles. And those same chemical UV filters you don’t want on your skin? You definitely don’t want them in your lungs.
Even mineral spray sunscreens can pose inhalation risks if the particles are small enough to get deep into your respiratory system. Stick with lotion, sticks, or non-aerosol pump sprays instead.
How to Read a Sunscreen Label (Without Getting a Headache)
Flip that bottle over and check the “Active Ingredients” section first. This tells you what’s actually doing the UV blocking.
✅ Look for:
- Zinc oxide (non-nano)
- Titanium dioxide (non-nano)
These are physical (mineral) blockers that sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun’s rays. They’re generally considered safer and less irritating, especially for sensitive skin.
🚫 Watch out for:
- Oxybenzone — linked to hormone disruption and coral bleaching
- Octinoxate — another hormone disruptor and reef-harming ingredient
- Homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, avobenzone — these chemical filters can be irritating or have environmental concerns
Don’t Ignore the Inactive Ingredients!
The inactive ingredients make up the bulk of the lotion or cream — so they matter too!
✅ Look for:
- Simple, organic oils or butters (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter)
- Natural emulsifiers (like beeswax or lecithin)
- Botanical extracts with skin benefits (like green tea or chamomile)
- Unscented or naturally scented with pure essential oils (if you’re not sensitive)
🚫 Watch out for:
- Synthetic fragrance/parfum — can contain dozens of hidden chemicals linked to allergies and hormone disruption
- Parabens — used as preservatives, but may mess with hormones
- Phthalates — sometimes hidden in fragrance
- Phenoxyethanol — a common synthetic preservative that can irritate sensitive skin
- Silicones & PEGs — can be irritating for some, and PEGs can be contaminated with harmful byproducts
If the ingredient list looks like a chemistry experiment and you can’t pronounce half of it? Might be a sign to keep looking!
Check out my segment on Mass Appeal (from MANY years ago with my old coaching practice!) but the information is still relevant.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
To recap, here’s a quick list:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Avobenzone
- Parabens
- Synthetic fragrance
Sunscreen Ingredients to Look For
Stick with simple, mineral-based sunscreens that use:
- Non-nano zinc oxide (best broad-spectrum protection)
- Non-nano titanium dioxide
- Organic plant oils or butters for moisturizing (like coconut or jojoba)
- Natural, unscented, or lightly scented with essential oils if you’re not sensitive
How to Know What SPF to Choose
Okay, so you’ve found a safer, mineral sunscreen. But what SPF should you get? It can feel confusing, but here’s a quick guide:
✅ SPF 30 is plenty for most people
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher numbers don’t add much extra protection. SPF 50 blocks about 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100%!
✅ Reapply!
The biggest mistake people make isn’t choosing too low an SPF, it’s not reapplying enough. Reapply every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
✅ Daily face use
If you’re wearing sunscreen under makeup, a lightweight mineral SPF 30 is perfect. Just remember to reapply if you’ll be in direct sun for long stretches. MyChelle Dermaceuticals has a great, lightweight tinted sunscreen that you can use as a foundation.
✅ Higher SPF for high-exposure days
If you’re spending a long day at the beach or hiking, an SPF 50 can be helpful but don’t let a higher number fool you into staying out forever without reapplying.
✅ Look for broad-spectrum
Always choose a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum.” This means it protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
5 Safer Sunscreens to Try
Ready to swap? Here are some Milly-approved, non-toxic sunscreens that get good marks for safety and performance:
- Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream
Great for face & body, organic ingredients, reef-safe. - ThinkSport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
High protection, water-resistant, and no hormone disruptors. - Beauty By Earth Mineral Sunscreen SPF 25
Lightweight, blends well, they even have a great self-tanner to get some color before the beach. - Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30
Reef-safe, biodegradable, super clean ingredients. - Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 Made with 24 plant-based ingredients including shea butter to moisturize and soothe skin.
Bottom Line
Choosing a non-toxic sunscreen is one simple swap that protects you and your family from hidden chemicals and helps keep our oceans healthy. Next time you’re stocking up for pool days, flip that bottle over and check those ingredients. it feels good to know that you are limiting your exposure to things that don’t need to be in your body.
Where to Go from Here: Resources to Keep You Empowered
Your non-toxic journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one.
You can stay connected on social media Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram where I share daily tips, product recommendations, and encouraging messages to keep you inspired on your journey.
And if you’re looking for trustworthy, non-toxic products to add to your routine, my online shop is curated with only the best low-toxic and non-toxic items I personally use and recommend.
Get started:
– Follow on social media: Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
– Shop Curated Non-Toxic Products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and block UV rays physically. They’re less likely to irritate sensitive skin or disrupt hormones, and they’re safer for coral reefs too.
Are all spray sunscreens bad?
Most spray sunscreens pose inhalation risks. If you need a spray, choose a non-aerosol pump version with non-nano mineral ingredients and apply it in a well-ventilated area.
What does ‘reef-safe’ really mean?
“Reef-safe” usually means the sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals shown to harm coral reefs. But “reef-safe” isn’t regulated, so always check the ingredients yourself.
How do I get mineral sunscreen to rub in better?
Try warming it up between your hands first and apply in sections. Many newer formulas use clear zinc, which leaves less of a white cast.
Meet Jen
Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. I help women like you ditch toxins and create a healthier, non-toxic home without the stress or overwhelm. Together, let’s make clean living feel simple.