A new O has been added to the list of toxic chemicals found in some sunscreens, with a significant body of research reporting the harm it can cause to both people and marine life.
Similar to oxybenzone and octinoxate, octocrylene is another UV filter that is absorbed into the skin to help offer sun protection. The FDA approves octocrylene as non-harmful at concentrations of up to 10%, so why is it so bad?
It began with research showing that oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful, and sunscreen companies found an alternative in avobenzone. However, avobenzone has to be stabilized by octocrylene because, by itself, it breaks down too fast and doesn’t provide long-lasting sun protection. Therefore, chances are that even if your sunscreen does not have the two Os, it now has another harmful one.
So What Is So Bad About Octocrylene?
Octocrylene has been shown to accumulate in various types of aquatic life causing DNA damage, developmental abnormalities and adverse reproductive effects. Disturbing concentrations of harmful UV filters including octocrylene have been found in seafood that humans consume. And like octinoxate, octocrylene acts a photosensitizer which means it increases the production of free radicals in your skin when exposed to UV light – in turn increasing the risks of skin cancer and premature aging.
An alternative to harmful chemical sunscreens, is to use mineral or physical sunscreens instead. Mineral sunscreens are made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and evidence suggests that few if any zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin to reach living tissues, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Recently, the US Virgin Islands not only banned oxybenzone and octinoxate but also octocrylene, recognizing that it is just as damaging as the other two O’s. This full ban took effect in March 2020 and, to all intents and purposes, only permits mineral sunscreens to be used on the islands.
At Stream2Sea, we are working as hard as we can to share scientific facts, research and studies, so we can help protect coral reefs from pollution related to tourism, and promote better health and safety guidelines for our customers. Our founder Autumn Blum was invited to testify in the US Senate hearing supporting the ban of all three harmful chemicals. Join us to combat this harmful chemical, and make sure you use mineral sunscreens like our proven reef-safe products.
As well as using safe products, the next most important thing you can do is tell everyone you know! If you’re as invested as we are in protecting coral reefs, fish, marine life, and your health and wellness — we need you to shout it from the mountaintops (or fly bridges)! Share scientific facts with your friends and family — let them know what ingredients they need to avoid. Awareness is spreading BECAUSE of passionate people like you, and for that you have our gratitude! #ProtectWhatYouLove