Sunscreen is supposed to protect us, but what if it’s doing more than just blocking UV rays?

​​Most of us slap on sunscreen without a second thought, but there are emerging concerns from scientists about the safety of common sunscreen ingredients. In fact, recent research shows these ingredients can actually make their way into your bloodstream, along with other negative effects of toxin-laden conventional sunscreen.

In this article, we will discuss:

• The dangers of conventional sunscreen ingredients to human health

• How common sunscreen ingredients harms marine and wildlife

• A natural mineral-based sunscreen alternative, zinc oxide

Sunscreen Toxins at 500x the Safety Limit!

Recent research shows that common sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone (BP-3) and octinoxate (OMC), don’t just sit on your skin. They absorb into your bloodstream at levels exceeding FDA safety thresholds–which are questionable to begin with, especially when compared to European safety standards (source).

Another clinical trial tested 4 different sunscreen formulations—lotion, aerosol spray, nonaerosol spray, and pump spray—on 48 healthy participants. They measured the absorption of 6 common sunscreen ingredients, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene, over 21 days.

Every single sunscreen tested resulted in active ingredients entering the bloodstream, surpassing the FDA’s threshold of 0.5 ng/mL after just one application. Some ingredients, like oxybenzone, reached levels as high as 258 ng/mL–500x higher than the safety limit–and many were still detectable in the body up to 21 days later (source).

Despite these studies, and others which found BP-3 in blood, urine, semen, and even breast milk, what is the general scientific consensus? “Inconclusive”. However, emerging research shows that many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even dermatitis. These compounds have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic reactions, making them unsuitable for sensitive skin.

Studies have linked oxybenzone, for example, to:

• Reproductive toxicity in fish, raising concerns about its impact on human fertility.

• Decreased birth weight and gestational age in neonates when pregnant women were exposed to high levels.

• Potential estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects, which could interfere with hormone function.

• Possible brain toxicity, as some UV filters have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain (source 1, 2). 

Science moves slowly, which is why the Precautionary Principle is key: if a substance may cause harm, we should take preventive measures—even without definitive proof.

Sunscreen’s Effects on Wildlife and Marine Life

If the negative effects of common sunblock ingredients on human health weren’t enough, there is evidence that these ingredients may affect wildlife. Sunscreen chemicals don’t just stay in the water; they get absorbed by marine life. Studies have found that ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and parabens accumulate in fish, dolphins, and even sea turtles, affecting their hormone systems. This can lead to reproductive issues, deformities, and abnormal behavior, which in turn affects the entire food chain (source).

Zinc Oxide and Sunlight = A Combo for Optimal Health

While we’ve been conditioned to fear the sun, there’s more to the story. Sun exposure, in the right amounts, is actually essential for optimal health. While excessive UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, moderate sun exposure is essential for optimal health. 

Here’s why:

• Vitamin D Production: UVB rays trigger the skin’s production of vitamin D, a critical nutrient for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

• Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Natural light exposure helps synchronize your body's internal clock, leading to better sleep, hormonal balance, and metabolic function.

• Mood and Mental Health: Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” which can help combat depression and anxiety.

• Immune Support: Moderate sun exposure enhances immune resilience by supporting antimicrobial peptide production, which helps defend against infections.

But while moderate sun exposure has its benefits, prolonged and unprotected exposure can lead to sunburn, DNA damage, and increased skin cancer risk. This is where sunscreen comes into play—but as you know, not all sunscreens are created equal.

Enter Mineral-Based Sunscreen

Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical (mineral) sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed. Research has shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles do not significantly penetrate the skin, making them a safer option for sun protection.

When it comes to mineral-based sunscreen, one safety concern is: does zinc oxide get absorbed into the bloodstream? A study put this to the test The results? While tiny amounts of zinc were detected in blood and urine—peaking 14 days after application—the levels were incredibly low, less than 0.01% of the applied dose (source).

Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, zinc oxide sits on top of the skin, physically blocking harmful radiation. However, other studies show that zinc oxide in aerosol/spray sunscreens can be inhaled deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream which may cause damage (source). 

This is why it is important to be cautious and stay away from aerosol or spray sunscreens, despite having zinc oxide, and instead opting for a cream, such as Vita Prima’s Mineral Sunblock, a tallow-based sunblock with zinc oxide.

The Bottom Line: Is Your Sunscreen Toxic?

According to the FDA, the risks of conventional sunscreen ingredients aren’t fully understood, but do you really want to wait for science to catch up? If you’re looking for a safer alternative, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide offer broad-spectrum protection without questionable absorption. 

There’s no better natural, full spectrum UVA and UVB sunblock formulation than Vita Prima’s Mineral Sunblock, protecting your skin with the power of non-nano zinc oxide without the harsh chemicals.

REFERENCES

1. Suh S, Pham C, Smith J, Mesinkovska NA. The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(9):1033-1042. doi:10.1111/ijd.14824

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6990686/#H1-4-JOI190143

3. Dréno B, Alexis A, Chuberre B, Marinovich M. Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33 Suppl 7:34-46. doi:10.1111/jdv.15943

4. Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, Giovannelli D, Damiani E, Astolfi P, Greci L, Pusceddu A. Sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infections. Environ Health Perspect. 2008 Apr;116(4):441-7. doi: 10.1289/ehp.10966. PMID: 18414624; PMCID: PMC2291018.

5. National Ocean Service. Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html?

6. Gulson B, Wong H, Korsch M, et al. Comparison of dermal absorption of zinc from different sunscreen formulations and differing UV exposure based on stable isotope tracing. Sci Total Environ. 2012;420:313-318. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.046

7. Environmental Working Group. Nanoparticles in sunscreens. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/