Article: Is Sunscreen Helpful or Harmful? - The Science of Sunscreen and your Morning Routine

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Is Sunscreen Helpful or Harmful? - The Science of Sunscreen and your Morning Routine

You slather it on to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but have you ever wondered if your sunscreen could pose hidden risks? Recent studies have revealed a troubling truth: some sunscreens contain a chemical called mono-n-hexyl phthalate (MnHexP), which could endanger your health.

The Problem with Phthalates

Research published by Chemical Research in Toxicology highlights the significant risks of phthalates. These chemicals can disrupt metabolic and inflammatory processes, interfering with critical biological pathways and potentially leading to metabolic disorders and inflammation. Regulatory bodies, such as the European Commission, classify certain phthalates, including DBP and Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), as endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxicants. Alarmingly, prenatal exposure to these chemicals has been linked to developmental issues in male infants, hormone imbalances, reduced sperm quality in men, and infertility in women. The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) has also identified DEHP as a probable human carcinogen, raising serious concerns about its long-term health effects.

Phthalates, including MnHexP, interfere with the body’s hormonal systems, creating a ripple effect of potential health issues. Their widespread presence in everyday products—such as cosmetics, personal care items, food packaging, and even children’s toys—magnifies the exposure risk. This makes raising awareness and taking action to minimise phthalate exposure more important than ever.

Why Are Phthalates in Sunscreen?

Phthalates, used in sunscreens to stabilise fragrances and texture, are known endocrine disruptors. Now, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB)—a widely used UVA filter—has been found to contain phthalate contaminants, raising similar health concerns.

Once considered a safer "next-gen" UV filter, DHHB is now under scrutiny, with the Consumer Advice Center (Verbraucherzentrale) advising against its use due to potential hormonal disruption. This highlights the importance of choosing well-researched, non-toxic UV filters for both skin and overall health.

How Phthalates Impact Your Health

Phthalates mimic hormones in your body, disrupting their delicate balance and leading to a range of health issues:

Fertility Problems: Both male and female reproductive systems can be affected, potentially causing infertility.
Developmental Concerns: Children are particularly vulnerable, with early exposure linked to developmental delays.
Other Health Risks: Studies have associated phthalate exposure with obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Are "Natural" Sunscreens Truly Safer?

While mineral sunscreens with Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide are generally considered safer, not all "natural" or "organic" sunscreens are free from harmful additives. Some newer "natural" formulations contain Nano particles of Zinc or Titanium dioxide or Aluminium as Alumina also known as Aluminium Oxide, an ingredient many prefer to avoid in personal care products. Dimethicone is also often found in sunscreens and is a silicone-based polymer in the top position of the Microplastics Chart. Always scrutinize ingredient lists to ensure your sunscreen is free of questionable ingredients.

How to Choose Safer Sunscreen

To protect your skin while avoiding harmful chemicals:

Check Labels: Look for "phthalate-free" sunscreens and avoid products with synthetic fragrances, Aluminium or Dimethicone.
Opt for Mineral Formulas: Choose sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient/UV filter.
Limit Fragrances: Use unscented or naturally scented products whenever possible.

Taking Action for Safer Sunscreens

Both consumers and manufacturers have a role in ensuring sunscreen safety. Consumers can demand transparency about ingredients and support stricter regulations, while companies must prioritise safe and sustainable formulations. By making informed choices and raising awareness, we can collectively push the industry towards safer sun protection.

Learn more:

Pollitt, K. (2014, March 21). Is it safe? Plasticizers in personal products. Yale School of Public Health.

Osterwalder, U. (2024, March 21). Plasticizer in children's urine – are we about to lose another UV-filter? EURO COSMETICS Magazine.

Wang, Y., & Qian, H. (2021). Phthalates and their impacts on human health. Healthcare, 9(5), 603.

Sunscreen #SPF #Skincare #SkinProtection #SunscreenSafety #UVProtection #SafeSunscreen #HealthySkin #SPFAwareness #SunDamagePrevention #Best Sunscreen #SunscreenUse #NaturalSunscreen #SunscreenAgeing #SPF50