So, by now, we all know that the golden rule of skincare is never skip your SPF, even on cloudy and rainier days. But how many of you have actually ever stopped to think about what’s actually in your favourite SPFs?
While many SPF products promise protection, they often contain a harmful cocktail of synthetic chemicals, potential irritants, and even hormone disruptors, things that I'm sure many of us would rather keep far away from our skin. Many people don’t even stop and think about the products they are lathering on their skin; if it’s good enough to be going viral on TikTok, it’s surely good enough for anyone…right?
Well, actually: wrong. At OhSo Bare, we believe in suncare that protects, nourishes, and never compromises your health. So let’s take a closer look at the ingredients hiding in most conventional and highstreet suncreams and how to spot the harmful ones.
What actually makes a suncream toxic?
When we ask the question ‘what’s really in your suncream’, it’s also important to understand what actually makes a suncream toxic. When we talk about a ‘toxic’ suncream, we’re usually referring to chemical ingredients that may pose risks to our health or the environment. Common culprits include oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other ingredients that we’ll later dive into that have been linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and even coral reef damage. These ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and linger in the body, raising concerns about long-term effects. A real, non-toxic suncream, like our OhSo range, should avoid harsh synthetics and instead use gentle, mineral-based alternatives like zinc oxide, which sit on the skin’s surface to physically block UV rays without penetrating the skin.
What ingredients should I look out for?
Let’s be honest, we’ve all done our fair share of high-street beauty hauls - but now we’re turning non-toxic so it’s okay to admit. But when it comes to picking up sun protection and skincare, scanning through endless ingredients lists can feel like a tedious task that you almost feel is a chore. And with mainstream products often crammed with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of unfamiliar chemicals, that’s your first red flag. So, to make things easier, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the most common potentially harmful ingredients to watch out for:
Oxybenzone
One of the most controversial sunscreen ingredients, oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV rays and is high on our OhSo radar. But it’s also been linked to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and coral reef bleaching. It's banned in several regions for environmental reasons, yet still appears in many formulas on UK shelves - thankfully, you’ll never find this in our OhSo formulations
How to spot it: Look for Oxybenzone or Benzophenone-3 on the label.
Octinoxate
Another common chemical filter, octinoxate is often used to block UVB rays. But it can cause skin irritation and is suspected to impact thyroid function. Like oxybenzone, it's also not reef-safe. It also appears as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
Synthetic Fragrance
Fragrance on an ingredient list often hides a blend of undisclosed chemicals, shock. Some of which can trigger allergies, headaches, or skin sensitivity. For those with sensitive skin or looking to go toxin-free, this is a red flag. To avoid this, choose suncreams that use natural essential oils (in safe amounts), like OhSo, for scent or go fragrance-free altogether.
Parabens
Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic oestrogen in the body and have been found in breast tissue. While more brands are moving away from them, they still sneak into many mainstream SPFs. Watch out for methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.
Silicones & PEGs
While not necessarily toxic, these ingredients can form an artificial film over the skin, potentially clogging pores and causing build-up. Plus, they’re often petroleum-derived and not biodegradable. Look for dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-100 stearate.
So, What Should You Look For Instead?
When shopping for SPF, simply shop OhSo Bare for a trustworthy brand. Or, always be sure to seek out mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide to physically block UV rays. These are broad-spectrum, non-toxic, and ideal for sensitive skin. Even better if they’re certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free - just like ours.
Sun protection shouldn’t come at the cost of your health or the environment. The next time you pick up an SPF, flip the bottle over and read the label. Your skin deserves better, and so does the planet.
Ready to switch to safer suncare? Explore our natural SPF and experience the OhSo Bare glow with none of the nasties. Shop here.
