A Guide to the Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen

CodeSkin sunscreens are known for keeping your skin safe—not just from UV rays, but also from questionable ingredients. Every formulation is backed by science, free from toxins and dermatologist-approved. While sunscreen protects your skin, not all sunscreens are created equal. Some commonly used UV filters can cause long-term skin damage. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what’s in your sunscreen—and what shouldn’t be. Let’s decode the bad sunscreen ingredients you should steer clear of.

What Makes Sunscreen Safe and Effective?

A good sunscreen should be:

• Broad-spectrum

These sunscreens shield against both UVA rays (which cause ageing) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). This ensures complete protection.

• Photostable

A photostable sunscreen maintains its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight. Many chemical filters degrade quickly under the sun, reducing their protective power within hours.

• Non-irritating

Safe sunscreens should be gentle on all skin types, especially sensitive or acne-prone skin. Products that cause stinging, rashes or breakouts are not worth the risk.

Reasons to Avoid Toxic or Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreen

Here are the reasons to avoid dangerous sunscreen ingredients:

• Hormonal Disruption

Certain filters can mimic hormones in the body. Studies suggest these chemicals may interfere with the endocrine system and potentially affect reproductive health.

• Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities 

Some UV filters can cause rashes, redness or a stinging sensation, especially around the eyes. People with eczema, rosacea or sensitive skin are more likely to react negatively to these ingredients.

• Environmental Damage

Some ingredients are not only harmful to human skin but also damage coral reefs and marine life. This has led some regions, like Hawaii, to ban sunscreens containing them.

• Breakdown Under Sunlight

Many ingredients degrade when exposed to sunlight, reducing their UV-blocking ability. Some even form harmful byproducts in the process, adding more risk.

Harmful Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid

Here are the ingredients CodeSkin leaves out—intentionally—for your skin and health:

• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone)

This ingredient can penetrate the skin and potentially interfere with hormone levels. It’s also a known allergen and contributes to coral bleaching when washed off into oceans.

• Octinoxate

Often found in chemical sunscreens, this filter may cause allergic reactions and has been shown to affect estrogen levels in lab studies. It's also banned in some coastal areas due to environmental concerns.

• Octocrylene

Over time, this filter can degrade into Benzophenone, a possible carcinogen. It’s also associated with contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

• Homosalate

This ingredient tends to accumulate in the body faster than it can be eliminated. It may disrupt hormone activity and has shown potential toxicity in lab studies.

• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)

While commonly used, this chemical has been linked to oxidative stress in skin cells. It may also contribute to hormonal imbalance with repeated use.

• Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate)

Though used to stabilise other filters, this ingredient may irritate sensitive skin and has limited UVB protection on its own. 

• Avobenzone

It provides UVA protection but is highly unstable unless paired with other stabilisers. When it breaks down, it may irritate or reduce overall sunscreen effectiveness.

• Titanium Dioxide

While generally safe in cream form, nano-sized Titanium Dioxide or sprayable versions pose inhalation risks. Its safety profile depends heavily on particle size and formulation.

• Octocrylone and Octinoxate

These are potential skin allergens and may interfere with hormonal functions. They also lack long-term safety data for daily, long-term use.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen Without Harmful Ingredients?

Choosing a sunscreen goes beyond SPF numbers. Here's how to make an informed decision:

1. Check the Label Carefully

Look for a full ingredient list and cross-check it against known irritants or hormone-disruptors. 

2. Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection 

This ensures you’re covered against both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid products that only list “SPF” without any mention of UVA protection.

3. Pick a Texture That Suits Your Skin

Sunscreens come in gels, fluids, creams and sticks. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, opt for a matte finish gel like CodeSkin’s formulas that won't clog pores or feel heavy.

4. Avoid Fragrance, Essential Oils and Dyes

These may not be UV filters, but can still trigger sensitivity, especially when exposed to sunlight. Clean, minimal ingredient lists are always a safer bet.

FAQs 

What sunscreen ingredients should pregnant women avoid?

Pregnant women should avoid ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate and Avobenzone, as these may affect hormonal balance or penetrate the skin barrier. Safer options include mineral-based sunscreens or dermatologically tested formulations.

How can I identify bad sunscreen ingredients on the label?

Start by flipping the product and reading the “Active Ingredients” section. If you spot unsafe sunscreen ingredients, it’s a red flag. 

What sunscreen ingredients can trigger allergies?

Common culprits include Octocrylene, Avobenzone and Fragrance additives. These can cause itching, redness and flare-ups, especially those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.