Five reasons to use chemical-free sunscreen!
We know you look forward to summer every year but hesitate to apply chemicals to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Well, now you can protect yourself naturally with our line of certified organic mineral sunscreens! We developed our sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as safe active ingredients, and infused them with antioxidant Canadian-grown strawberry extract to ensure good hydration. Choose the product that is best for you and your family, and benefit from up to 40 minutes of protection (against sweat and water). As always, our products are natural, gluten-free, non-nano, and 100% biodegradable!
Do you have sensitive skin? Don't worry! Our line is formulated to be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It’s safe for your baby's skin and powerful enough to combat harmful ultraviolet rays! Discover Health Canada's tips on sun protection.
Is there a difference between adult and child versions of sunscreens?
Surprisingly, the only difference is the packaging! We learned that if a sunscreen doesn't have "KIDS" on its label, most parents won't buy it. Well, now your little ones can also be proud to have their own version of "adult" sunscreen!
Our sunscreens are free of chemical sun filters, nanoparticles, artificial fragrances, and chemical preservatives.
Reasons NOT to use chemical sunscreens:
- They can irritate the skin. Some chemical filters are known to cause contact dermatitis in some people, leading to red rashes, itchy skin, blisters, and red bumps.
- They can penetrate the skin and circulate in your body. Studies have shown that several chemical filters can penetrate the skin to some degree. They can then enter your bloodstream. So, it's not surprising that chemical sunscreens have been found in the blood, urine, and breast milk of humans. An American study detected oxybenzone in over 96% of the 2,500 children and adults tested.
- Some chemical sunscreens are suspected endocrine disruptors. Laboratory studies indicate that some chemical sunscreens can mimic human hormones. Endocrine disruptors can cause birth defects, abnormal development in growing children, and contribute to the development of cancers. Preliminary studies suggest a link between high concentrations of oxybenzone in the body and an increased risk of endometriosis and lower birth weight in girls.
- They are bad for the environment. Common chemical sunscreens have been shown to kill or bleach coral even at low concentrations.
- Many chemical sunscreens also contain other undesirable chemicals. Not only can they contain more than 20% chemical filters, but they can also contain artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, and synthetic polymers. Other common chemicals found in sunscreens that you will want to avoid include: octylacrylamide/acrylates copolymer, butane, diethylhexyl-2, 6-naphthalate, dimethicone, methylparaben, PEG, phenoxyethanol, and triethanolamine.
Not all "natural" sunscreens are created equal
You can avoid chemical filters by choosing a sunscreen containing the natural minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. But you must use caution. A sunscreen that contains these minerals does not guarantee that it is 100% natural. Many sunscreens that claim to be "natural" still contain some potentially harmful chemicals.
To be truly natural, the zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide minerals in the product must not be coated with chemicals like silicone or micronized into nanoparticles. The base formula must not contain other chemicals such as artificial fragrances or chemical preservatives. Rather, a natural sunscreen will contain additional non-chemical ingredients that are beneficial for the skin.
To ensure that a natural sunscreen truly lives up to its claims, it must be certified by an independent, reputable third-party certifier. This ensures that the product is authentic. So, be sure to do your homework and read the label of any product claiming to be 100% natural before purchasing.