09/10/2025
Let's talk toxicity! Because it's true, the research sounds scary...
Most commonly-used chemical filters like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone and Homosalate have been shown to have endocrine effects. 4-Methyl-Benzylidene can cause thyroid toxicity, and Oxybenzone has been linked to endometriosis (in humans, noting this doesn't prove causality) and altered birth weights (in male rats...). Yikes!
BUT these effects were shown in animal or cellular studies, using concentrations WAAAAYY higher than we would ever be exposed to in real life. That's partly because sunscreen is highly regulated. And, well, you don't usually eat your sunscreen or take long, luxurious baths in it... do you? Didn't think so.
So for most people over the age of 2 or 3, chemical UV filters are, actually, safe.
Hope that helps you rest assured. If you're still Team Mineral, awesome! So are we! 😊 We just honestly believe that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. ☀️ And the science is pretty cool, when you dive into it. 😎
