HARMFUL SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS

 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

OXYBENZONE
OCTINOXATE
AVOBENZONE
OCTOCRYLENE
HOMOSALATE
OCTYL SALICYLATE
OCTISALATE

PRESERVE CORAL REEFS
USE MINERA-ONLY BASED SUNSCREEN WITH THESE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 


NON-NANO ZINC OXIDE
NON-NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Using reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens that offer effective protection without the negative impacts associated with harmful sunscreen chemicals UV filters.  Flip the bottle and check your ingredients.

  • Chemical UV Filters: Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, but they have been linked to various health concerns.
  • Hormone Disruption: Some chemical UV filters can disrupt hormone function in humans, potentially leading to reproductive issues, thyroid disruption, and developmental abnormalities, especially in children.
  • Skin Irritation and Allergies: Chemical UV filters can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to discomfort and potential long-term skin issues.
  • Coral Bleaching: Oxybenzone and octinoxate, in particular, have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and coral reef degradation, even in small concentrations. This can disrupt marine ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.
  • Bioaccumulation: Chemical UV filters can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, posing a threat to marine life up the food chain and potentially impacting human health through seafood consumption.
  • Water Pollution: Chemical UV filters can leach into the water when swimming or during showering, contributing to water pollution and further endangering marine ecosystems.
  • Regulatory Concerns: Several regions and countries have started to ban or restrict the use of certain chemical UV filters due to their harmful effects on both human health and the environment.

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MĀLAMA MOANA

take care of the ocean

The information provided is based on various scientific studies, reports, and expert opinions from reputable sources such as:

1. Environmental Working Group (EWG)
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5. International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)
6. Research published in peer-reviewed journals such as Environmental Science & Technology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Marine Pollution Bulletin.

These sources compile research findings and expert opinions on the effects of chemical UV filters on human health and marine life, including their role in coral bleaching, hormone disruption, and environmental pollution.