8 BEST Sunscreens for Summer 2025 (Toxicologist Approved)

Summary

In this video, a toxicologist and mom shares her expert insights on choosing the safest sunscreens for 2025. She explains how many sunscreens, even those labeled 'natural' or 'dermatologist recommended,' can contain harmful chemicals that disrupt hormones and irritate skin. Highlighting key ingredients to avoid, such as oxybenzone and synthetic UV filters, she offers her top picks for sunscreens that are safe, effective, and non-toxic. From options for the face to kid-friendly choices and body sunscreens, the video empowers viewers to make informed decisions about protecting their skin and health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sunscreens labeled 'natural' or 'dermatologist recommended' can still contain harmful ingredients that disrupt hormones and irritate skin.
• 😀 Many common sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, are linked to hormone disruption and long-term toxicity concerns.
• 😀 The FDA's sunscreen regulations have not been updated in decades, allowing potentially harmful ingredients to remain in sunscreens.
• 😀 Ingredients like oxybenzone and homosalate can be absorbed into the body, with some found in urine, blood, and breast milk, raising concerns for children's exposure.
• 😀 Synthetic fragrances in sunscreens may contain undisclosed harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and allergens, which pose additional risks.
• 😀 Aerosol sunscreens can expose users to benzene, a known carcinogen, which is why many products have been recalled in recent years.
• 😀 Mineral sunscreens, particularly those with non-nano zinc oxide, are considered safer than those containing synthetic chemical filters.
• 😀 It's important to avoid spray sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide due to inhalation toxicity risks.
• 😀 As a toxicologist, the key factors to look for in sunscreens are solid formulations (cream or stick), non-nano zinc oxide, no synthetic fragrances, and no harmful chemicals like parabens or phthalates.
• 😀 The top recommended sunscreens for the face include Coco Kind Daily SPF, Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, and RMS Beauty Supernatural Radiance Serum, each offering safe and effective sun protection with added skin benefits.

Q & A

Why is it important to be cautious about the ingredients in sunscreen?

Sunscreen ingredients can disrupt hormones, irritate skin, and accumulate in the body over time, especially in children. Some ingredients are linked to potential long-term health risks, making it essential to choose safer options.

What concerns exist around synthetic UV filter chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate?

These chemicals are linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and potential long-term toxicity. Studies have found oxybenzone in urine, blood, and breast milk, raising concerns about its effects on vulnerable populations, especially children.

How does oxybenzone affect the body, particularly in relation to breastfeeding?

Oxybenzone can be found in breast milk, potentially exposing babies to its hormone-disrupting properties. This is particularly concerning for breastfeeding mothers who unknowingly transfer the chemical to their child.

What is the FDA's stance on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as sunscreen ingredients?

The FDA considers zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as 'generally recognized as safe and effective' for sunscreens. However, synthetic chemical filters like homoalate and octinoxate require more data before being deemed safe.

What ingredients should be avoided when choosing a sunscreen?

You should avoid synthetic UV filter chemicals, undisclosed fragrances, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, and other known endocrine disruptors when selecting a sunscreen.

What are the potential dangers of aerosol sunscreens?

Aerosol sunscreens can expose users to benzene, a known carcinogen. This has led to several recalls of aerosol products in recent years.

What makes non-nano zinc oxide a safer option for sunscreen?

Non-nano zinc oxide sits on the surface of the skin and provides broad-spectrum protection without the risks associated with nanoparticles, which can be absorbed into the body or inhaled.

How does mineral sunscreen differ from traditional sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays, while traditional sunscreens often contain chemical filters that absorb UV rays. Mineral sunscreens are typically considered safer but must be carefully chosen to avoid harmful additives.

What is the concern with using spray sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide?

Spray sunscreens with these ingredients pose an inhalation toxicity risk. It's better to opt for cream or stick sunscreens to avoid inhaling potentially harmful particles.

What are some top sunscreen recommendations for 2025, and why are they safe?

Recommended sunscreens include Coco Kind Daily SPF (minimal ingredients, no fragrances), Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30 (tinted, antioxidants), and Attitude Kids Mineral SPF face stick (low-tox, EWG verified). These products are safe due to their lack of harmful chemicals and transparency in ingredients.