Page 20 - March 2023

function. One of the most significant
concerns of this chemical is its role
in natural hormones. It is a hormone

disruptor and can produce estrogen-like
effects similar to oxybenzone. Lifetime

estrogen exposure is a risk factor in
the development and progression of
breast cancer. Exposure to octinoxate

has been found to significantly alter the
reproductive systems of female offspring,

with lowered hormone levels associated
with infertility and miscarriages. It
can also impact reproductive organs Sunscreens should not be used to extend

and development. Numerous studies the duration of U.V. exposure (such as
have reported that octinoxate exhibits prolonged sunbathing). They should also

antiandrogenic activity, which is linked not be used as a substitute for clothing on
to disrupting reproductive organ usually unexposed body parts.
development in males and females and

can be further passed down to offspring. There are, of course, alternative
Octinoxate has also proven to be bad sunscreens that don’t use chemical

for the environment. The sale and blockers that are more beneficial. Some
distribution of sunscreens containing research suggests mineral sunscreens,
octinoxate are banned in Hawaii as particularly those containing iron

of January 2021 to prevent coral reefs’ oxides, offer much broader protection
bleaching and increase the preservation of than chemical sunscreens. A few brands

marine ecosystems. The same issue is now you might want to look into:
showing in Florida’s Key West and will
likely result in the same ban. Coola Organic Sunscreen Lotion
SPF50 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone,

These products are potentially harmful Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

to human health with long-term use, as Supergoop! Everyday SPF50 Sunscreen
well as the health of the environment. Active Ingredients: Homosalate,
It is up to the user to decide whether Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone

to risk buying a well-known brand Kinfield Daily Dew SPF35 Active
out of convenience. The best advice to Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (20.0%)

those concerned about ingredients like
octinoxate is to do the proper research Abigail Darling
and read the labels before purchasing. My Indigo Sun researcher and writer

20 myindigosun.com