Why I Switched to Non-Toxic Sunscreen + What You Need to Know

I used to grab whatever sunscreen was on sale at the drugstore without thinking twice. Like most people, I equated a high SPF with safety. However, after going through cancer and healing holistically, I became passionate about learning what’s actually in the products we use every day. I went down the rabbit hole and discovered that many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that aren’t just questionable, they’re proven to be harmful. So, here we’ll go in-depth into why I switched to non-toxic sunscreen and what you need to know.

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Why I Switched to Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Over the past couple of years, I became increasingly interested in how the products we use daily might be affecting our health. I slowly started by switching out hair products, then came makeup, then skincare, and then I started reading more and more about sunscreen.

The topic of sunscreen was complex to navigate since it is used for skin cancer prevention, and I wanted to fully understand the mechanisms of it, the ingredients, and everything that came with it.

The purpose of this article is to help you make a healthier choice. It is not to discourage you from wearing sunscreen.

After all, while sun exposure has its benefits and can be amazing for your health, there’s no denying that unprotected and prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. UV radiation is described as a “complete carcinogen” because it causes mutations and promotes tumor formation. Any type of tan or sunburn is a sign of DNA damage. So, please wear sunscreen, preferably mineral-based.

EWG’s Sunscreen Report

If you didn’t know what EWG is, it is a non-profit organization focused on protecting human health and the environment. It is a reliable source of information, and it also provides many resources, such as the Skin Deep database, where you can see if your favorite products contain any harmful ingredients.

The EWG’s Sunscreen Report lists FDA‑approved chemicals commonly used in sunscreen that are not considered safe and effective.

Later, we’ll dive deeper into said chemicals, but it is important to note that the report states that even a single application can lead to these chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream at levels higher than what the FDA considers safe. Not only that, but those ingredients could also be detected on the skin and blood weeks after they were used.

And you might be asking what these chemicals do to our health. Well, they disrupt our endocrine system, meaning they mess with our hormones.

Below is an excerpt from the EWG report about oxybenzone, one of the most problematic chemicals used in sunscreen.

The National Toxicology Program found that exposing female rats to high levels of oxybenzone led to increased thyroid tumors and uterus enlargement. Multiple studies published after this and the FDA reports show oxybenzone can alter the structure of the mammary gland and surrounding cells in mice, in ways that may be related to the process through which normal cells transform into cancer cells, leading to the development of tumors.

As someone who got diagnosed with breast cancer and healed holistically, reading that report shook me. And that is why I made the switch to non-toxic sunscreen and why you should too.

What’s Really in Conventional Sunscreen (And Why It’s a Problem)

To understand why conventional sunscreen isn’t the safest choice, we need to understand how it really works and also how the FDA regulates sunscreen ingredients.

How Conventional Sunscreen Works

Chemical sunscreens work by using synthetic compounds that absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. When you apply it, the active ingredients penetrate your top layers of skin, where they act like tiny sponges soaking up UV radiation and converting it into heat, which is then released from the body.

How the FDA Regulates Sunscreen

The FDA treats sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs, meaning that if they’re sold without a prescription, the ingredients must be listed in what’s called an OTC Monograph.

The OTC Monograph lists what ingredients are safe, the concentrations allowed, how products must be labeled, etc.

The problem is that the OTC Monograph hasn’t been updated in ages. For example, the current concentrations for ingredients like oxybenzone were established back in 1999, and they haven’t been updated since.

Meanwhile, there are new chemicals allowed in Asia and Europe but those are off-limits in the US due to regulatory delays. After all, a product shouldn’t be available without the FDA making sure that it is truly safe.

Ingredients in Chemical Sunscreens

Oxybenzone: identified by EWG as the most worrisome active ingredient. It penetrates the skin, causes allergic reactions, and exhibits hormone‑disrupting properties. A 2017 systematic review linked oxybenzone exposure to reproductive harm, and a 2023 review found endocrine‑disrupting effects at typical sunscreen doses. Certain countries restrict it because it also damages coral reefs.
Octinoxate: readily absorbed through skin; a 2020 FDA study detected it in blood samples at levels 16 times above the safety threshold. Studies suggest it interferes with hormones, including blocking androgen and progesterone signalling, and may delay puberty in boys. The European Commission has questioned its safety, citing endocrine and genotoxic concerns.
Homosalate: widely used in U.S. sunscreens; it penetrates skin and may disrupt hormones. The FDA lacks sufficient data to determine its safety. The EU has recommended restricting homosalate to 0.5 % in sunscreen (the U.S. allows up to 15 %).
Octisalate: absorbed at levels ten times the FDA’s cutoff for systemic exposure and linked to allergic contact dermatitis. It may interact with the estrogen receptors.
Octocrylene: absorbed through skin and often contaminated with benzophenone, a known carcinogen. It can harm coral reefs too.
Avobenzone: provides UVA protection but is unstable and must be paired with other stabilisers. Breakdown products can cause allergic reactions, and studies show avobenzone can block testosterone effects and reduce hormone levels in male fish.

What Hormone Disruption Really Means for Your Health

By now, I have mentioned hormone disruption at least 10 times. But what does it mean?

Hormones are how your body communicates; they regulate everything from metabolism, mood, and sleep to reproductive health, immune function, and even how your body manages stress.

Hormone disruption happens when certain chemicals (often called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs for short) interfere with the normal signaling of your endocrine system. These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones, leading to imbalances.

Research from institutions like the Endocrine Society and NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) has linked EDC exposure to issues like infertility, early puberty, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and even hormone-sensitive cancers (like breast or prostate cancer).

While no single product will cause these issues, consistent exposure over time, especially from products we use every day, such as sunscreen, lotion, deodorant, and makeup, can contribute to what’s called your toxic load.

This matters even more when there are existing chronic illnesses at play. Your hormonal system plays an important role in inflammation, cellular repair, and immune resilience. Which is important when it comes to longevity and healthspan.

It’s not about fear-mongering. It’s about being informed. Choosing hormone-safe products like non-toxic sunscreens isn’t just a clean beauty trend. It’s one piece of the puzzle when it comes to taking care of your health in the long run.

I wear sunscreen every single day, so daily exposure to chemicals that I knew were not good for me was simply unnecessary when there are plenty of non-toxic sunscreens to choose from.

Why Mineral Sunscreens Are Better

Mineral sunscreens use the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. They create a physical barrier on your skin. Unlike chemical ingredients, mineral compounds sit the skin’s surface and reflect UVA and UVB rays away from the body.

Here’s why they are superior:

Non-hormone disrupting: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not linked to hormone disruption the way ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are. This is huge if you’re healing from hormone-related conditions or simply trying to reduce toxic load.
Broad-spectrum protection: Mineral filters naturally block both UVA (aging, deeper skin damage) and UVB (burning) rays. Chemical sunscreens often require a blend of multiple actives to achieve the same.
Start working immediately: While chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed and activated (usually around 15 minutes), mineral sunscreens start protecting your skin as soon as you apply them.
Safer for sensitive skin: Since they don’t penetrate the skin, mineral sunscreens are far less likely to cause irritation, breakouts, or allergic reactions. However, always check the label to ensure there are no sketchy ingredients that aren’t sensitive skin-friendly, such as fragrance.
Reef-safe: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered safer for marine life. Chemical filters, on the other hand, are known to damage coral reefs and have even been banned in places like Hawaii.

To be clear, not all mineral sunscreens are perfect (more on this later), but when you’re weighing the pros and cons, they simply are better.

Cons of Mineral Sunscreens

Just because it’s mineral, it doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic

While mineral sunscreens are generally a safer choice, they’re not all automatically “clean” or non-toxic.

Some formulas still contain added fragrance, preservatives, or other questionable ingredients that can irritate the skin or disrupt hormones.

👉 Always read the full ingredient label. Just because it says “mineral” on the front doesn’t mean it’s EWG-approved or free of sketchy additives.

PSA if you didn’t already know: “Fragrance” is a catch-all term that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, and because it’s considered a trade secret, brands aren’t required to tell you what’s actually in it. Many synthetic fragrances have been linked to hormone disruption, and some to cancer.

I’m currently working on a full deep-dive into this topic, so if you want to learn more, drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox when it’s live.

Another common downside? The white cast.

Mineral sunscreens work by physically sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays, thanks to active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. But these mineral particles are naturally white, and unless they’re formulated as nanoparticles, they can leave a visible layer, especially on medium to deep skin tones. Some brands solve this by adding tints, but that doesn’t always work for every skin tone either.

That said, newer formulas have come a long way. I’ve personally tested a bunch—and in this roundup, I share the best mineral sunscreens I have found.

How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Check the active ingredients: the only active ingredients should be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If a sunscreen lists avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical filters, it’s a chemical product.
Broad‑spectrum protection: make sure the label says “broad spectrum”. This means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF of 30 or higher: dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or above to block at least 97 % of UVB rays.
Consider formulation: Creams and lotions are better than sprays or powders because inhalation of mineral nanoparticles can be harmful. If using a spray, avoid breathing it in and rub it into the skin.
Check for boosters and inactive ingredients: avoid sunscreens with butyloctyl salicylate or salicylates, which the EU considers potential reproductive and developmental toxicants. Look for formulas free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and alcohols that can irritate skin.
Opt for “reef‑safe” products: ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to corals

A note about tinted options

Tinted mineral sunscreens use iron oxides, providing additional protection against visible light and preventing the “white cast” that some zinc formulas leave behind. Always check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain fragrance or other sketchy ingredients.

Too Long; Didn’t Read

Didn’t read the whole thing? It’s cool. Here’s the TL;DR version with everything you actually need to know.

Many chemical sunscreen ingredients (like oxybenzone) are linked to hormone disruption.
- Hormone disruption happens when certain chemicals interfere with the normal signaling of your endocrine system by mimicking, blocking, or altering natural hormones.
Mineral-based sunscreens are better because:
- They use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and they are not linked to hormone disruption.
- Mineral filters naturally block both UV rays.
- Mineral sunscreens start protecting your skin right away.
- They don’t penetrate the skin, so they are far less likely to cause irritation, breakouts, or allergic reactions.

The Best Non‑Toxic Sunscreens

If you’re ready to make the switch but don’t know where to start, here are my go-to non-toxic sunscreens that check all the boxes.

For Face: Supergoop Mineral Sheer Screen

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For Face: Solara Suncare Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen

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Tinted Mineral Sunscreen: Well People Bio Tint SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer

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For the body: Mad Hippie Ultra-Sheer Body SPF

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Non-Toxic Sunscreen FAQ

Are mineral sunscreens safer than chemical sunscreens?

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are generally recognised as safe and effective by the FDA and don’t penetrate skin. They reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them and are less likely to cause hormone disruption. Chemical sunscreens contain filters that may be absorbed into the bloodstream and have been linked to hormone disruption. However, any sunscreen is better than none when it comes to preventing skin cancer.

Why do some mineral sunscreens leave a white cast?

The white cast some mineral sunscreens leave comes from the physical particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Newer formulations use smaller particles or tinted pigments to blend better with different skin tones.

Are chemical sunscreens bad for coral reefs?

Yes. NOAA studies show that oxybenzone and benzophenone‑2 are highly toxic to corals, causing bleaching, DNA damage and abnormal growth. Many coastal regions now ban these chemicals.

Do I still need sunscreen on cloudy days or indoors?

Up to 80 % of UV rays penetrate clouds, and UVA rays can pass through window glass. Applying broad‑spectrum sunscreen daily helps protect against cumulative UV exposure. Reapplication every two hours (or after swimming or sweating) is key.

At the end of the day, it’s about making informed choices that support your health long-term. Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a daily product that deserves more attention than it gets. Once I learned what was actually in conventional formulas and how they could impact my hormones, the switch to non-toxic sunscreen felt like a no-brainer. If this article helped you rethink what’s in your SPF, I hope it also empowers you to read labels, ask questions, and choose what feels right for your body.