Both chemical and mineral sunscreens effectively protect the skin, but zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are found in mineral formulas, are the only two sunscreen ingredients currently “generally recognized as safe,” by the FDA.
That doesn’t mean chemical sunscreens are classified as dangerous, experts explain. It just means that the FDA needs to collect more data to ensure the rest of the ingredients meet their safety standards. In particular, the use of oxybenzone in sunscreen has drawn safety concerns, as it has been detected in human blood and breast milk, as well as coral reefs.
However, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that sunscreens containing chemical filters are still safe to use when it comes to human health in adults. If you are concerned about the ingredients, opt for mineral-based natural sunscreens—they work just as well, and are considered reef-safe.
In May 2021, an independent lab announced it had discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several popular sun-care products. Certain aerosol spray sunscreens were recalled. None of the products on this list were found to contain concerning amounts of benzene, and it will be updated as new information is presented.
Read the full article here