Harmful Ingredients Causing Scrutiny of Sunscreens, Should You Ditch Yours?
Though many of us opt for whichever brand of sunscreen is on sale or the first bottle we see on the shelf, the truth is that not all sunscreen is created equal. All sunscreens are intended to help prevent the sun’s UV radiation from damaging our skin, but some are formulated with harmful ingredients that can potentially harm our bodies in other ways. Among the top of this list are parabens, a class of widely used product preservatives that can lead to increased risk of certain cancers and reproductive issues.
Because they are an effective preservative that cost very little to produce, parabens have become very commonly used. Nonetheless, they are thought to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen, which can trigger growth of tumors and increase breast cell division. Studies conducted with rats have demonstrated that parabens could cause breast cancer, but only when dosed at a higher level than what humans typically encounter.
The verdict is not out on just how detrimental the effects of parabens can be, but consumers who are concerned about potential ramifications are advised to use products that are free of this synthetic chemical. The most common types of parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben, which can be spotted on the ingredients label of products you use.
The FDA requires all personal care products to include a list of ingredients so that consumers can make informed decisions regarding what they put on or in their bodies. Parabens are not found in only cosmetic products, but in a variety of foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals as well.
Being that many people use a lot of sunscreen during the summer season on both themselves and their children, purchasing paraben-free sunscreen is a great place to start cutting back on the use of paraben-containing products. Many brands have created sunscreen that is formulated sans parabens, meaning that you have many options to protect your skin from the sun without subjecting yourself to synthetic chemicals. Paraben-free sunscreens offer the same protection as traditional sunscreen and can be purchased online or at your favorite drugstores.
Many popular brands like Neutrogena, Bare Republic, Banana Boat, Australian Gold, Hawaiian Tropic, Sun Bum, etc. all have certain lines of sunscreen that do not contain parabens. Make sure you read the ingredients carefully to know what is and what isn’t in your sunscreen.
Before your next outdoor adventure, rethink your sunscreen situation and pick up a more natural sunscreen for you and your family. With so many to choose from you’re sure to find one you’ll love.
Written by Brianna Pisacane
Brianna joined WJBR as a digital content producer intern in June 2020 after graduating with latin honors from the University of Delaware. Her interests extend into the areas of writing, journalism, marketing and production. She previously worked as an intern at The Biden Institute where she prepared daily news briefings and developed content for the organization’s digital platforms.
