Is your sunscreen damaging the environment?

Purchasing power: we must make informed choices about the environmentally friendly sunscreen brands we purchase.

Many people are unaware of the damaging effects on our oceans and environment caused by ingredients commonly used in sunscreen products. These toxic ingredients find their way into seas, rivers, lakes and water systems as we swim in the ocean, shower and bath.

As consumers we have an environmental responsibility to consider our buying decisions and to be informed in order to enable we make positive purchasing selections which protect our planet.

Below are some of the ways in which ingredients in many sunscreens can cause damage to our environment:

Chemical ingredients and their damaging and disruptive effects on the worlds ecosystems: ingredients such as oxybenzone (benzophenone 3) and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) are toxic and poison coral reefs, resulting in coral bleaching and in worst case scenario’s, irreversible coral death. The worlds coral reefs are essential for marine life and play a crucial part in our fragile ecosystems. It’s awful to see images of once vibrant and technicolour coral reefs looking grey and dead, made all the worse by knowing that the damage is permanent.

Nanoparticles: particles of minerals, which are routinely used in suncreens due to their UV blocking effect, damage marine life. When released into the water systems they are ingested by plankton and then pass through our food chain.

Environmental long tail: the chemicals found in suncreens can remain in the environment for long periods of time and be absorbed by aquatic life. This absorption can have ruinous effects on fish, marine mammals and other aquatic organisms, affecting their breeding, health and role with the in ecosystem chain.

It becomes ever more important to think about the ingredients before buying your sunscreen. We have the power to reduce the environmental impact by making reef friendly choices. Here are some things to consider when buying sunscreen:

Reef safe or biodegradable: these are formulated to ensure the least amount of harm is created to coral reefs and marine life.

Check the ingredients: this will allow you to avoid toxic chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other harmful chemicals. They are not good for absorption into our skin and like all toxic ingredients can contribute to hormone disruption.

Check out our blog for more information on toxic ingredients here… https://www.scence.co.uk/what-is-non-toxic-skincare/

Scence environmentally friendly sunscreen contains just 8 ingredients which are of course, all natural: mango butter, organic coconut oil, non-nano zinc oxide, cococaprylate/caprate, polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate (natural emulsifier), isostearic acid (natural emulsifier), sunflower seed wax, organic fruit flavour oils.

Top tip: Scence sunscreen scores 100 on Yuka – Yuka is a mobile application that scan cosmetic and food products to get clear information on the health impact of the products you use or consume. We love this app, you can check it out here https://yuka.io/en/

Mineral based ingredients: select suncreens which use non nano sized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these provide UV protection but do not have the damaging effects of chemical ingredients.

Packaging: insist on eco-friendly packaging in recyclable or biodegradable materials to reduce waste and negative impact on the environment. What is on the outside is just as important on what is inside the product.

By conscientious consideration of the suncare products we purchase and the ingredients in them we can play our collective part in protecting the oceans and environmental ecosystems whilst providing protective sun protection for you and your families.

Scence products are environmentally friendly, reef friendly and award winning. It is a matter close to our heart as we are surrounded by the sea and it is part of our day to day inspiration for the products we make.

Check out our new Summer Suncare Bundle offer with free body moisturiser (while stocks last) here – £36 (RRP £54.90)

https://www.scence.co.uk/product/summer-suncare-bundle/