The active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms, physical filters (mineral) or chemical filters. Most conventional creams, without ecological or natural certification, use chemical filters, composed of synthetic substancescreated in the laboratory, which can be harmful to health. According to a report by Ecologists in Actionmany brands include them in their sunscreens. This organization recommends avoiding the following ingredients:

Caution with physical sunscreens

In addition to chemical sunscreens, chemical filters can be found in creams. In this case, They work like «screens» that reflect radiation and protect the skin from the sun. The most common are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

In principle, physical filters are safer than chemical ones, but it is advisable avoid its presentation in the form of nanoparticles –they carry the concept (nano) after the name of the ingredient– because their safety has not been sufficiently proven, especially in the case of titanium dioxide (titanium dioxide or TiO2), which has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, an agency dependent on the World Health Organization) as a possible carcinogen for humans when inhaled.

Bio-certified protectors

The most recommended filter is zinc oxide, not nano, as an ingredient in creams with some recognized natural or ecological certification (such as Cosmos, Ecocert, Vida Sana, BDIH…). Ecologistas en Acción warns that, in the absence of these certifications, the words «natural» or «organic» on the label or in advertising mean nothing, as they respond only to an advertising strategy.

Toxic brands

Ecologists in Action echoes the analysis carried out by the Danish consumer organization THINK Chemicals, which has studied sunscreen brands to warn of those that contain toxins and to disseminate those that are free of these substances harmful to health.

Of 47 brands analyzed, at least 17 were free of toxic ingredients. Among those that contained a substance suspected of being toxic to human health, the following were mentioned: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess SPF 30, Garnier Ambre Solaire light and silky SPF 30, Korres Sunscreen Face and Body SPF Yogurt Emulsion 30, Lancaster Sun Beauty SPF 30, Piz Buin moisturizing Sun Lotion SPF 30, Shiseido Wetforce Sun Expert with anti-aging protection SPF 30, Lancome SPF 30 bronzer, Nivea Sun SPF 30 or Yves Rocher Comfort Lotion SPF 30.