From what I can read, basically, whatever sunscreen you put on you or your child, there are risks. All contain known or potentially hazardous chemicals. The Environmental Working Group published a 2010 sunscreen guide that allows you to look at sunscreens and moisturizers, breaking down the ingredients and reasons for concerns about particular ingredients. Apparently, oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen to avoid, especially with children, since it can cause allergic reactions. It is found in the the original Coppertone Water Babies as well as knock off varieties. Oxybenzone might be the reason Haven broke out in a rash from a sunscreen. Unfortunately, oxybenzone is an ingredient in almost all of the Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens, which was my preference when it came to sunscreens. From what I have read, I think it is wise to stay clear from any sunscreens with oxybenzone for the time being, at least for Haven.
Another option to choose from are barrier creams. These sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide and are deemed safer by many, however, if the microsized particles of titanium oxide penetrate the skin into the bloodstream (which it is believed it DOESN’t), it could be carcenogenic. Studies are ongoing to determine the risk. A downside to barrier creams is that they aren’t absorbed, therefore they leave a white coating on the skin. Also, it is sticky (therefore a magnet for sand) and hard to wash off. California Baby has a barrier cream (with titanium dioxide) and Badger has a sunscreen (http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/finding-the-best-sunscreens/320116/Badger-Sunscreen-for-Face-and-Body-Unscented-SPF/) that is another barrier cream for sensitive skin (without titanium dioxide).
After doing some more research, I think that Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple is probably the best option for Haven. It is hypoallergenic as well as dye and fragrance free. (http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/finding-the-best-sunscreens/262429/Coppertone-Water-Babies-Pure-and-Simple-Sunscreen-Lotion-SPF/) We have used it in the past, and had good luck with it, so I went ahead and bought two bottles so we have some in stock. That is another plus. You can find this sunscreen at your local drugstore.
Isn’t it interesting how suncreen is constantly touted as the cure for cancer (so to speak) and then research slowly trickles out that, hey! maybe there are some crappy, harmful chemicals in there that we shouldn’t put on our bodies!
I used to use sunscreen RELIGIOUSLY. People made fun of me at my lifeguarding job for it. Recently, I’ve been questioning its safety. I read an interesting article about using coconut oil as a replacement. Sounds utterly ass-backwards, but this was coming from a very fair-skinned redhead, who didn’t get a burn after hours in the sun. It’s on paleochix: http://paleochix.com/?p=2012
It’s difficult to find much research supporting the use of coconut oil, unfortunately.
I hate to burst your bubble on this but I just checked the ingredients and it has Methylparaben and Propylparaben. Paraben has been found in cancer cells and all the research is not yet conculsive, parabens are most likely carcinogenic.
Yeah, i know. But, I honestly think we are screwed no matter what we use (or don’t use). I’m mainly trying to find one that is better fit for sensitive skin and has the least amount of harmful chemicals. I guess it’s like organic food. You just have to find a balance and right now this balance works for us. What are you using on Charlie?