Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid: What’s Really Hiding in Your SPF?

When summer hits and the sun starts shining, most of us reach for sunscreen without a second thought. After all, we’ve been told time and again that protecting our skin from harmful UV rays is crucial—and it is!

But it’s important to know that not all sunscreens are created equal. In fact, many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that really aren’t so great for your health…

Let’s break down what you really need to know about what’s in your sunscreen and why it matters.

Why Sunscreen Matters (But Choosing the Right One Matters More)

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA (which cause aging) and UVB (which cause burns). Using sunscreen can help reduce your risk of sunburn, skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

But while the protection part is non-negotiable, the formula you choose is important!

Conventional sunscreens often contain a mix of chemical filters and ingredients that might protect you from the sun—but can also be absorbed through the skin and cause adverse effects.

Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: A Quick Breakdown

I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot about mineral sunscreens, and are probably wondering what the difference is. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two types of sunscreens and how they provide sun protection.

There are two main types of sunscreen:

• Chemical Sunscreens: These absorb UV rays using chemical ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin (meaning they are absorbed into the top layer and have even been found in the bloodstream).
• Mineral (or Physical) Sunscreens: These use natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays away from your skin. Mineral sunscreens sit on-top of your skin.

Mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer and more eco-friendly, but let’s dig into why some chemical sunscreen ingredients raise red flags.

Ingredients to Watch Out For (and Avoid) In Sunscreen

Many chemical sunscreens lining shelves today (or those that are highly marketed) contain a concoction of chemical and questionable ingredients. Here are a couple of the “big ones” to avoid when shopping for a better sunscreen.

1. Oxybenzone

Why it’s used: It absorbs UV rays and prevents sunburn.

Why to avoid: Oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It’s also known to cause coral bleaching, making it harmful to marine life. In fact, it’s banned in places like Hawaii for this reason.

2. Octinoxate

Why it’s used: Like oxybenzone, it helps absorb UVB rays and prevents skin damage.

Why to avoid: It can disrupt hormone function and accumulate in the body over time. It’s also harmful to aquatic ecosystems.

3. Homosalate

Why it’s used: It helps sunscreen stay effective longer by improving the stability of other UV filters.

Why to avoid: Homosalate may accumulate in the body and interfere with estrogen, androgen, and progesterone levels.

4. Avobenzone

Why it’s used: It’s one of the few chemical filters that protects against UVA rays.

Why to be cautious: On its own, avobenzone breaks down quickly in sunlight, so it’s often combined with stabilizers that may be toxic. It can also degrade into harmful byproducts.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of every ingredient to be on the lookout for, but if you’re ever unsure you can check the EWG Sunscreen Guide to check out each ingredient in the sunscreen you’re thinking of buying.

It’s a great tool to use because it flags any questionable ingredients, shows you potential risks, and gives the product an overall safety rating.

Other Ingredients to Watch Out For

Fragrances and Preservatives

Many conventional sunscreens contain synthetic fragrances (such the classic coconut or tropical scents). Synthetic fragrances in sunscreens can be sneaky and show up under a variety of different names which can make it hard to spot!

Here’s a list of common terms and ingredient names to look out for when trying to avoid synthetic fragrance:

• fragrance
• parfum
• aroma
• perfume oil

Sunscreens also often contain preservatives like parabens, which can irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones.

Pro tip: When shopping for a sunscreen look for “fragrance-free”, “unscented” or ” naturally scented with essential oils” to avoid synthetic fragrances and opt for one’s with a short ingredient list.

Nano Particles

Some mineral sunscreens use nano-sized zinc or titanium particles for a smoother feel. But research suggests these particles may actually penetrate the skin or harm marine life if washed off into the ocean.

What to do: Choose non-nano mineral sunscreens if you want to play it safe.

How to Choose a Safer Sunscreen

Okay, so what now that you’re familiar with the big things to avoid and watch out for, what should you actually look for in a sunscreen? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

✅ Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano)
✅ Broad-spectrum protection: Covers both UVA and UVB rays
✅ SPF 30 or higher: More isn’t always better, but SPF 30 is a good baseline
✅ Fragrance-free and paraben-free
✅ Reef-safe labeling (but check the ingredients anyway)

If you’re stuck and don’t know which sunscreen to get, I’ve created a list of the 27 best toxin-free sunscreens!

Don’t Skip Sunscreen—Just Choose Smarter

I’ve been seeing a lot of content on social media encouraging others to ditch sunscreen altogether due to many conventional sunscreens containing harmful ingredients.

While sunlight is a powerful natural healer, it’s just as important to practice sun safety—especially during the summer months or when spending extended time outdoors.

Your skin is your largest organ and works hard to protect your body! So, it’s essential to take care of it.

That’s why it’s so important to choose a sunscreen that not only protects your skin from burns and damage but also doesn’t pose a risk to your overall health.

By being a little more mindful of the ingredients in your sunscreen, you can protect both your skin and overall health and wellness.

P.S. Want to switch to a cleaner sunscreen? Here is a list of clean sunscreen brands that are truly toxin-free, non-nano, and keep your skin safe without any nasties.

Stay sun-safe (and smart)! 🌞