Banned Ingredients

Two chemical sun protectant ingredients have recently been banned in several countries as well as in Hawaii and the Florida Keys. 

Oxybenzone was found in over 65% of non-mineral sun protectants tested by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 96% of Americans were found to have oxybenzone in their bloodstream.  This ingredient was also found in nursing mothers’ breastmilk.

Octinoxate is another ingredient and one of the most common ingredients found in sunscreens.  Studies have shown this ingredient may contribute to free radicals in the body. 

Why the Ban

Both of these ingredients have demonstrated their link to be hormone/endocrine disruptors.  This means that they are responsible for mimicking, blocking or altering hormones in humans, as well as wildlife.  Studies conducted around the world have shown these ingredients killing coral reefs by either bleaching the reef or causing changes to the DNA of corals leading to coral death.

These are some of the many reasons we feel it is important to understand what you are applying to your skin and how it may impact you, those around you and the environment.