Sunscreen: What's Really In Your Bottle?

Have you ever paused to consider what’s actually in your daily sunscreen? Most of us apply it without a second thought, expecting protection. But beneath the surface, there can be a chemical-laden secret, often involving harmful sunscreen chemicals that warrant a closer look.

Hawaii has officially banned sunscreen that has proven to be harmful to the coral reefs due to added chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.

It’s been discovered that a higher amount of swimmers leads to more pounds of sunscreen finding illegitimate resting places within the reefs. This has had a major consequence on reef areas in Hawaii and the Caribbean, but now, things look as if they’re finally on the verge of change for our prized reefs.

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An Interview with Raw Elements CEO, Brian Guadagno

We had a conversation with the CEO of Raw Elements, Brian Guadagno, who has spent most of his life as an ocean lifeguard, an experience which has allowed him to see how dangerous chemical sunscreens are for the environment, and for us as well.

Environmental Dangers of Sunscreen

DC Life Magazine: What are some of the environmental dangers of sunscreen?

Brian Guadagno: The clearest danger through science now is the direct threat to our coral reefs. Chemicals in traditional sunscreens are killing the reefs. What compounds this issue is also the spray sunscreens as all these chemicals are released airborne and travel into the water even from being sprayed from the sand on the beach.

How Sunscreen Chemicals Harm Reefs

DC: How does toxic sunscreen end up on the reefs every year?

BG: The fact that many places with large reefs are tourist draws make volumes of sunscreen wash off into the reefs is overwhelming. It’s estimated that 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off into ocean water each year.

The Impact of Sunscreen Chemicals on Our Bodies

DC: If it’s damaging the reefs this much, then what could it be doing to our bodies?

BG: The worst culprit of all is the Oxybenzone chemical. It’s a known hormone and endocrine disrupter. Think about this the CDC did a study that found 97% of Americans tested showed Oxybenzone in their urine. That demonstrates that it passes through the skin and lungs from lotions and sprays and makes its way through the entire body systems.

Hawaii’s Ban: A Victory Against Harmful Sunscreen Chemicals

DC: It would seem that Hawaii banning sunscreen that contains toxins oxybenzone and octinoxate is a major victory

BG: It is a huge victory. It is surely a victory for Hawaii and its natural resources. We believe it’s an even larger victory in the public awareness arena, nationally and internationally, to bring this issue into clear focus.

Hawaii is pioneering this, and they will set the example for other parks, municipalities, states, and nations to follow. This spread of education and regulatory restrictions will force a change in the industry for the better.

Making a Difference: Advocating for Safer Sunscreens

DC: If my state hasn’t adopted a law to ban sunscreens with toxic additives yet, how can I get involved to make a difference?

BG: Reach out to your local elected officials – especially if you know of places in your state where chemical sunscreens are being distributed such as parks, beaches, and pools.