Are there harmful ingredients in your sunscreen?

Apr 5, 2023

A young boy undergoing physical therapy, with his face covered in sunscreen.

Physical vs Chemical Sunscreen

Physical Sunscreen

Sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays
Active ingredients are usually titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

Chemical Sunscreen

Absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body
Active ingredients are oxybenzone and octinoxate

Why is physical sunscreen better?

Safer chemicals
- Try to avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate
Les irritating on the skin
Better for sensitive skin
More moisturizing

So what sunscreens are safe?

Sunscreens with the active mineral ingredient zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recommended because they are the only two ingredients that the FDA recognizes as safe and effective.

Visit EWG.org to see how your sunscreen rates are and to get more information on the best sunscreen brands for you and your family!