[blissfulqueenb]

I'm slowly changing the products our family uses to avoid nasties, and making lots of choices for the better. My next target is our sunscreen.

Is there anyone out there who's already looked into all this? I have avoided most commercial sunscreens due to the nasties in there, but does anyone know which of these ingredients are the harmful ones that I should be avoiding?

I remember briefly skimming some info a couple of years back and grabbing the Cancer Council one on a recommendation from here that it didn't include something or other that most do, can anyone enlighten me? I know that even sensitive and sunscreens designed for toddlers/babies included some of these harmful ingredients.

Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Oxybenzone
Padimate O
Benzophenone
Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane
4 Methylbenzylidene Camphor
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
PABA
Synthetic Preservatives
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Diazolidinyl / Imidazolidinyl urea
Methyl / butyl / propyl / ethyl / Isopropyl parabens

[macymoo]

Hi there,

I too have concernes with sunscreen chemicals. My main concern is the paraben based preservatives that you mention - these paraben preservatives mimic oestorgen and are actually banned in Japan and Sweden for this reason. I have found a paraben free sunscreen in Banana Boat powder dry, it comes in a pale blue bottle.

I don't think many sunscreens contain PABA anymore so that's probably easy to fix.

Just steer clear of any containing colours or fragrances - I have seen those sunscreens that go on the skin in a colour and I would never use that on my kids.

Good Luck!

[Schnitzelvonkrum...]

The only truely natural, effective sunscreen is zinc oxide. It is natural, broad spectrum, free of nasties, and ideal for sensitive skin. But the downside is that it's a bit more difficult to apply and can leave a white film on the skin. DS has terribly sensitive skin, but zinc based sunscreens are fine, even on his face. At the moment I'm trying a sample of Megan Gale's Invisible Zinc. It's far from invisible (at least the Junior one I have is, the regular Face and Body one might be better), but it is otherwise good. It makes you waterproof too It's not as greasy as UV Natural and Soleo either.
I think Natural Instinct have just released one as well, but they don't seem to have testers around yet, and I hate paying a fortune for this sort of stuff if I can't at least check the texture first.

[Taurean]

Hi Carla nice to meet you the other day I had some of this on me too could of shown you!! anyway its called Soleo green tube from health food stores even some chemists. Totally organic Great stuff little bit greasy but does the trick.

This post has been edited by Taurean: 12/01/2008, 08:07 PM

[blissfulqueenb]

Thanks Guys - didn't realise pure zinc oxide was so effective. I think I'll just go with this. We tend to cover the kiddies up anyway, so only have face and small bits to do.

Taurean - yeah! You too. I have seen the Soleo stuff actually, but I'd heard it wasn't particularly effective - your kiddies don't get burnt at all? Might have to have another look!

Where can I look at the Megan Gale stuff? Myer?

I might email Natural Instinct....

Cheers
Carla

[blissfulqueenb]

Well, Natural Instinct don't do samples

The reply I got was:

Thank you for your email and request.

However we do not provide samples as we offer a 100% money back or product replacement guarantee in which should you be dissatisfied it is to be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

I will post in the mail the broaches we have on the sunscreen.

Regards

I think she meant "brochures"??

[Taurean]

Thats a shame!! also neways have a sunscreen my friend does it.

[blissfulqueenb]

Yea, ta. I've seen the neways one already but it's not suitable for us. Picky, aren't I?

[Schnitzelvonkrum...]

I bought the Megan Gale one (it's just called Invisible Zinc) at Priceline, but I think you can also get it at DJs and lots of chemists. They have a website too: http://www.ganehill.com.au/product/benefits.htm
I actually bought the face and body one this time, and it's heaps less white than the junior range. I was talking with my naturopath the other day about it, and she also said that zinc is an excellent healing mineral for the skin too

Bugger about Natural Instinct though, especially as they strangely have testers in a lot of their other products. Maybe that's my pharmacys doing though? I would be interested in their broaches though

[blissfulqueenb]

Oh thanks Willanddaisysmum

I went looking for zinc oxide today, and the best I could find was a 35% zinc oxide in a tube. I didn't buy it cause it still was full of preservatives. I'm assuming I am looking for a big bulk tub of some sort? Is this what we use on Baby's bum too? The chemist tried to sell me Sudocreme - I said "ummmm.... no thanks!) LOL

Any idea where I can get some?