Recommended Sunblocks!

Here are some recommended sunblocks from the Cosmetic Database:

~Soleo/Atlantis Resort Organic Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30+

~Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Sunblock SPF 30

~California Baby Sunblock Stick Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30

~Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

~Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun-stick SPF 30

~UV natural Sunscreen SPF 30+

~Trukid Sunny Days Face-stick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 30+

~Tropical Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30&50 

Homemade Sunblock!

This can't be homemade SUNBLOCK?!

Yes it is true! Now days you can make everything homemade, including sunblock. 

Sunblock is very important to wear everyday, it protects the skin from the sun and it also prevents aging of the skin. Many verities of sunblock contain both natural and synthetic ingredients. Some ingredients however can give people allergic reactions. For people with sensitive skin zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is recommended. They also provide broad spectrum protection. 

This is a sample of HOMEMADE SUNBLOCK feel free to try it out at home and see if it works: 

1 tsp. Beeswax

2 tbsp. rose or lavender water

2 tbsp. aloe-vera gel

1 tbsp. shea butter

1 tbsp. unrefined avocado oil

3 tbsp. unrefined sesame oil

2 tbsp. cocoa butter

1 tsp. Soya-lecithin

1 tbsp. walnut or almond oil

1 tbsp. unrefined jojoba oil

20 drops carrot-seed essential oil

1/2 tsp. borax powder

3-5 drops coconut fragrance oil (optional)

Melt the sesame, avocado, almond/walnut and jojoba oil together with the butters and beeswax in a double boiler. Make sure to stir them in a medium heat. When they are melted, add soya-lecithin then stir more to blend them all, then remove the mixture from the heat. In a saucepan, slowly heat up the aloe-vera gel and lavender or rose water. Then, add the borax powder until it mix and dissolves. You can remove the saucepan from the stove.

Put a small saucepan on the top of a bowl with ice in it. Make sure that the water and oil formula is still warm, and about the same temperature. Sprinkle the oil mix while quickly stirring until a cream forms out. Add in the carrot-seed essential oil then coconut fragrance oil (optional). Mix evenly and put it in a clean and airtight jar then refrigerate.

However, you must not use them as your only sunscreen. They only have limited sun protection capacity as far as broad spectrum is concerned.

Benzoic Acid

What is Benzoic Acid? 

Benzoic Acid is a white, crystalline organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids, widely used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of various cosmetics, dyes, plastics, and insect repellents. It is also a fragrant ingredient, a pH adjuster. It is also naturally found in berries. 

What's the Chemical Formula? 

C₆H₅COOH

IS IT SAFE?

Benzoic Acid is an acid and a sodium salt that is toxic to bacteria. The acid is safe for humans but only limited amounts. 

On the MSDS (material safety data sheet) it says it may be harmful if swallowed, and  it may cause severe eye irritation and possible injury if gets into eyes. One or more animal studies showed sense of organ effects at a very low dosage. 

Polyethylene

What is Polyethylene?! 

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic commodity made by the chemical industry and is heavily used in the consumer products.  It is a polymer consisting of long chains of monomer ethylene. 

Polyethylene's History: 

Polyethylene was founded in 1933 by Reginald Gibson and Eric Fawcett. The materiel evolved into two different forms, one was low density polyethylene and one was high density. 

What is it used in?

Polyethylene is one of the most popular plastics in the world. It is used to make shampoo bottles, bullet proof vests, children's toys, and also grocery bags.  It is cheap, flexible, durable, and chemical resistant. It is also used in lip stick, lip balm, mascara, scrubs, eyeshadows, lip gloss, foundations, facial cleaners, and other products with SPF.  Low Density Polyethylene is used to make films and packing materials. High Density Polyethylene is used to make containers, plumbing, and automotive fittings. 

Why is it harmful and What does it cause?

Studies on Polyethylene in this product have shown that it is linked to cancer. They tested it on animals and one or more tumor formation showed up on moderate dosage. There is also moderate evidence that it can cause allergies. This product may also be contaminated with toxic impurities, many which are linked to cancer. For information visit this website: 

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=704981#immune 

Coppertone Water Babies Little Sticks Lip Balm Cherry Flavor

Don't you love to buy cute little lip balms and chap-sticks for your children? Well when you go to the store to buy that Coppertone Cherry Flavored Lip Balm think twice before you buy! This product is a 9 out of 10 on the hazard scale on the Cosmetic Database website. It has many harmful ingredients in it such as: 

*Polyethylene 

*Oxybenzone 

*Benzoic Acid 

And many others! ( for more ingredients visit http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=61280)

Polyethylene is a 9 out of 10, Oxybenzone is also a 9 out of 10, and Benzoic Acid is a 4 out of 10. 

View the Polyethylene Blog, Oxybenzone Blog, and Benzoic Acid Blog for more specific information. 

Sunblock and It's Safety

How Safe Really Is Sunblock? 

EWG (Environmental Working Group) has done a new study that has shown that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun or that contains ingredients with significant safety concerns. Leading brands like Coppertone and Banana Boat were the worst offenders. Out of 48 Coppertone products, none of them met the EWG'S criteria for safety and effectiveness. 

 Sunscreens containing Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 can be harmful. Oxybenzone is linked to:

~Malignant Skin Cancer 

~Allergies 

~Hormonal Disruption

~Cell Damage 

Other negative impacts it can have on our bodies are: 

~Absorbing through the skin in significant amounts 

~Accumulating in fatty tissue in the body for many days

~Helping other chemicals to penetrate the skin

Studies have also shown that women who have a high level of Oxybenzone in their skin are more likely to give birth to underweight baby girls. According to the Center for Disease Control's research, oxybenzone contaminates 97% of Americans. 

What is Oxybenzone anyway?

Oxybenzone is a sunscreen agent, ultraviolet light absorber, UV absorber, and UV filter.