Are you looking for an all natural sunscreen without retinyl palmitate? Many people are now trying to avoid this compound. That’s because it’s been linked to skin cancer, when it’s applied in the presence of sunlight.
The fact this Vitamin A derivative is added to some commercial sunscreens is nothing short of alarming, in light of a study that showed this chemical promotes the growth of cancerous lesions in mice. (Retinyl palmitate is also found in body lotions and lip balms.)
Not surprisingly, if you’re aware of this study, you’re probably hoping to find a sunscreen that doesn’t contain retinyl palmitate.
All Natural Sunscreens Without Chemicals
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The good news is that you can find sunscreen without this additive. Some formulas are also made with other somewhat controversial ingredients, such as nanoparticles. (More on these additives later.)
Of course, you’ll also want to avoid parabens. These ubiquitous preservatives are added to a wide range of personal care items. Now, though, there’s growing concern this class of estrogen-like chemicals can potentially raise the risk of breast cancer.
Sunscreens Without Retinyl Palmitate
Did you know that plants contain their own natural sunscreens. Otherwise, they’d wilt after being in the sun all day. This is why it’s possible to make all natural sunscreens using only plant-based materials, instead of laboratory-created chemicals.
For thousands of years, people have used natural sunscreens to protect their skin. In the South Pacific, women rub their faces with coconut oil before venturing outside. In other parts of the world, cocoa butter is used to moisturize the skin and protect it from harsh rays.
That’s why sunscreens made with plants are believed to be effective. This is a little “secret” that’s slowly being made public, as more people search for safe cosmetics and skin creams.
Natural Sunscreen Without Chemicals
One product that combines the built-in protection from various plants is the 100 Percent Pure Everywhere SPF Body Stick 30 Sunscreen. Included in this totally natural formula are organic sunflower oil, beeswax, castor oil, cocoa seed butter, avocado oil, aloe oil, Vitamin E (as a preservative), argan oil and calendula extract.
This sunscreen stick comes in two sizes. The larger size is pictured here, but you could order the smaller version instead. (I chose to feature the large size because it shows up better in the picture.) Shipping on all 100 Percent Pure products is free. This is a company I’ve repeatedly purchased from myself.
Sunscreens Without Titanium Dioxide
Personally, I’m not as worried about regular titanium dioxide, which seems to be fairly safe, as I am about retinyl palmitate.
But you should know that some health experts are concerned about nanoparticle titanium dioxide. There are fears this could potentially penetrate the skin and possible travel to the brain, or other parts of the body. This type of titanium dioxide is often added to sunscreens.
Safe Sunscreens Without Oxybenzone
Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO, believes we need to be careful with nanoparticles, because of their alleged ability to spread throughout the body. However, he also acknowledged that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offered good protection in the sun, so he totally didn’t rule out use of these products. He did warn his readers about the common sunscreen additive and hormone disruptor oxybenzone, and urged people to look for products that don’t contain titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
Non Nano Particle Sunscreen
Nanoparticle technology is also used to make zinc oxide, that whitish sun blocking substance you may see on the nose of a lifeguard. Nanoparticle technology provides a cream with less of the visible whiteness.
The Environmental Working Group, which has sounded the alarm on Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinyl palmitate, however, appears to recommend sunscreens with zinc oxide because they do a good job blocking UVA rays. However, the EWG “strongly discourages” sunscreen spray products with nanoparticles, as these can become air bound, and travel to the lungs.
Personally, though, I’d rather play it as safe as possible, so I’m trying to avoid nanoparticles, as this technology is relatively new. History has a way of repeating itself. Collectively, we’ve all used many products we thought were safe, and, only years later, concerns were raised. That’s why I’m definitely recommending the 100 Percent Pure Sunscreen Stick, so you can avoid any of these concerns.
Homemade Natural Sunscreen Without Zinc Oxide
It’s relatively easy to make your own sunscreen with natural essential oils, which come from plants that grow with their own built-in sun protection. Carrot seed oil is considered one of the best, in terms of aromatic sun protection.
Last summer, this is what I used when I stayed out in the sun all day. It seemed to work well for me, although I also wore a visor to shade my face, and I have an olive Mediterranean complexion. If I had fair skin, I’d test this on a small spot on my arm before relying upon it for my face.
But, anyway, I simply mixed carrot seed essential oil with grapeseed oil, which I already had in the house. For a 1 percent dilution ratio, mix 3 drops of carrot seed oil with two teaspoons of grapeseed oil. You can also add a drop of lavender essential oil, an aromatic known for its potential skin protective and regenerative properties. If you have any left over, you can store it in a clean glass jar, away from heat and light.
