Not All Sunscreen Is Created Equal: What to Know About OTHER Ingredients

In my last article, we talked about
Nanoparticle Zinc & Titanium Dioxide in sunscreen.
Click here if you missed it...

What Are Oxybenzone & Octinoxate?

If you’ve ever grabbed a sunscreen that goes on clear and feels lightweight, there’s a good chance it contains ingredients like oxybenzone or octinoxate.

They’re common.
They’re effective.
And most people have no idea they’re using them.

Which is why this conversation matters.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical sunscreen filters.

Their job is to absorb UV rays and help protect your skin from sunburn.

This is different from mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays.

These ingredients are popular because they:

  • Go on clear

  • Feel lightweight

  • Blend easily into the skin

That’s why they’re often used in products marketed as “sheer” or “invisible.”

Where Are They Found?

You’ll commonly find oxybenzone and octinoxate in:

  • Sunscreen (especially sprays and sport formulas)

  • SPF moisturizers

  • Lip balms with SPF

  • Foundations and tinted products

They’re especially common in products designed to feel light and disappear quickly on the skin.

Why do people avoid it?

For many people, this isn’t about avoiding sunscreen. It’s about choosing a different type of protection.

Here’s why these ingredients come up in the low-tox conversation:

1. They Can Be Absorbed Through the Skin

Research has shown that oxybenzone, in particular, can be absorbed into the bloodstream after application.

This doesn’t automatically mean it’s harmful.

But for people trying to reduce overall chemical exposure, it raises a reasonable question:

Do I want this in my system regularly?

2. Hormone-Related Concerns

One of the reasons oxybenzone comes up in conversations about sunscreen ingredients is because of how it may interact with the body’s endocrine system.

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating hormones—things like metabolism, growth, sleep, and reproductive function.

Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested that oxybenzone can act in a way that mimics or interferes with certain hormones, particularly estrogen. This doesn’t mean that using a sunscreen once or twice is going to disrupt your hormones.

But for people who are thinking about long-term, repeated exposure, it raises concerns.

3. Environmental Impact

Both oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to coral reef damage, which is why they’ve been banned in places like Hawaii!

For many people, this becomes a simple, practical reason to switch.

Sunscreen isn’t something you use once.

Think about how sunscreen is used:

  • Applied generously

  • Reapplied throughout the day

  • Used on kids

  • Used all summer long

So even small exposures can become repeated exposure over time.

And that’s usually where the decision to switch begins.

The Doable Approach:

Let’s keep this simple.

You do not need to avoid sunscreen.
You do not need to overthink every label.

Just shift how you choose it.

Look for mineral sunscreens with:

  • Non-nano zinc oxide

  • (Optional) titanium dioxide

Choose lotions, sticks, or pump bottles and skip sprays when possible (especially around the face)!


That’s it.

Same sun protection.
Less unnecessary exposure.

Just one better choice at a time.

Because lowering your toxic load isn’t about eliminating everything.

It’s about reducing unnecessary exposure where it makes the most sense.

Product Swap Options:

To make this easier, I don’t want you standing in the store trying to decode ingredient labels. In fact, I RARELY purchase sunscreen at a store as their options are VERY LIMITED!

Here are the products (amazon friendly) kid tested and non-toxic family approved. You can click on them now and add them to cart to have when you're ready!

No stress.
No guessing.
Just a simple swap when you’re ready.

Because lowering your toxic load shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
It should feel doable.

Click here to check out my other Amazon Favorites

This is about reducing load, not limiting life!

One swap.
One upgrade.
One less daily exposure.

That is how sustainable change works.

In health & frequency,

— Kate

Keep Lowering Your Load

Hi, I'm Kate

As founder of Doable with Kate, I believe life and business should feel simple and aligned. My background in architecture shaped my love for structure and design, but my personal health journey led me into holistic wellness and non-toxic living.

Now I help women clean up their homes and businesses, build them systems that feel both authentic and profitable.

ABOUT ME

“Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

I've put together this guide 'Lower Your Load' explaining
the top 3 culprits of toxic exposure along with a
list of ingredients to avoid, so you can do better for yourself and your family.

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