As the mercury rises and summer days beckon us outdoors, the importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated.

However, the choice of sunscreen goes beyond merely safeguarding our skin from harmful rays. Research has found that common sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, are not only potential health hazards for us but can also cause significant harm to aquatic life.

Here, we'll explore the impact of these chemicals on our oceans and marine life and recommend five safer, environmentally friendly sunscreens that are free of these harmful substances.

Why the Fuss Over Sunscreen Ingredients?

Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: These chemicals are effective in absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays but have been found to seep into the bloodstream, leading to potential hormonal disruptions and allergic reactions.

Parabens: These preservatives are suspected of interfering with hormone function by mimicking estrogen. Alarmingly, traces of parabens...

Retinyl palmitate, a milder derivative of Vitamin A, is often marketed as the gentler cousin to retinol, making it a popular ingredient in numerous skincare products. However, emerging research suggests that even this seemingly benign compound may pose safety risks—most notably during pregnancy. This article delves into these concerns, focusing particularly on the risks associated with the use of retinyl palmitate during pregnancy, as well as other health considerations.

The Lure of Retinyl Palmitate

Long celebrated for its anti-aging properties, retinyl palmitate offers the promise of smoother, more youthful skin. It's commonly included in various skincare products like moisturizers and sunscreens, often considered safer and less irritating than other retinoids.

Known Risks

Skin Irritation

Even though it's a milder form of Vitamin A, retinyl palmitate can still result in skin irritation, including redness, itching, and a burning sensation, particularly for those with...

Earth Day is an annual event that reminds us of the importance of environmental conservation.

However, taking care of the planet should not be limited to just one day of the year. By making small changes to our daily routines, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet.

Here are 10 ways to make every day Earth Day:

Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, use energy-efficient appliances, and adjust your thermostat to conserve energy. Reducing your energy consumption is important because it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. By using less energy, we can also save money on our electricity bills and promote a more sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations.

Reduce Your Water Consumption

Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and use water-efficient appliances. By reducing our water usage, we can help to preserve natural...

Laundry sheets are a popular and convenient way to do laundry.

These sheets are used in place of traditional liquid or powder detergent and can be simply tossed into the washing machine. However, what many people don't know is that these sheets are actually a major contributor to plastic pollution in our oceans.

Laundry sheets contain a type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used in water bottles and other plastic products. When these sheets are used in the washing machine, they release small plastic fibers into the water. These fibers can easily pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in our rivers and oceans.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is another type of plastic that is sometimes used in laundry sheets. PVA is a water-soluble polymer that can be used to create thin, clear films. In laundry sheets, PVA is used as a binder to hold the active ingredients together.

While PVA is not as commonly used in laundry sheets as PET, it is still a...

As the clean beauty industry continues to grow, experts are predicting several trends that will shape the industry in 2023.

Here are the top 5 trends in clean beauty that experts are excited about:

Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability has become a key concern for consumers, and experts predict that sustainable packaging will be a major trend in 2023. Brands will explore new ways to reduce packaging waste, such as using recycled materials, biodegradable packaging, and refillable options.

Probiotics for Skin Care

Probiotics have been making waves in the beauty industry, and experts predict that this trend will continue in 2023. Probiotics have been shown to promote healthy skin by strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and balancing the skin's microbiome. Look out for probiotic-infused cleansers, serums, and moisturizers.

CBD Beauty Products

CBD has been gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, and experts predict that it will make its way into the...

The Force of Nature Cleaning System is a revolutionary product that has taken the cleaning world by storm.

It is an all-purpose cleaner that is not only effective but also safe for the environment and the people who use it.

What is the Force of Nature Cleaner?

Force of Nature is a cleaning solution that uses the process of electrolysis to create an effective, yet safe cleaning solution. The solution is created by combining salt, water, and vinegar, which are then transformed into a powerful cleaner by using an electrical charge.

How does it work?

Force of Nature uses a special machine that is designed to create the cleaning solution. The machine is filled with water and a small amount of salt and vinegar, and then an electrical charge is applied to the solution, which creates a powerful cleaning solution.

Once the solution is created, it can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including countertops, floors, and even fabrics. The solution is effective at removing...

As consumers, we have the power to make a positive impact on the environment and society by choosing to support sustainable beauty brands.

These brands prioritize ethics and sustainability in their practices, which can make a significant difference in reducing waste, protecting the environment, and promoting fair trade. 

Here are 6 sustainable beauty brands that are making a difference:

100% Pure

By using safer ingredients and more eco-friendly packaging, 100% Pure is able to create high-quality skincare and makeup products that are both effective and sustainable. They use glass, aluminum, and other materials that are recyclable, and they avoid using plastic whenever possible. Additionally, they use soy-based inks and other sustainable printing materials for their labels and packaging.

Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals' commitment to safe ingredients and sustainable packaging makes them a great option for those looking for clean and sustainable skincare...

Clean beauty has become a buzzword in the beauty industry.

As more and more consumers are looking for products that are not only effective but also free from harmful ingredients, it can be confusing which brands can be trusted and which ones have products that actually work!

Clean beauty brands offer a wide range of products that are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, and they are quickly gaining popularity. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 clean beauty brands that you should know about.

Beautycounter

Beautycounter, the original clean beauty brand, has made a name for itself in the clean beauty world and is widely considered the LEADER in clean beauty. Their products are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients that are rigorously tested for safety. They offer a wide range of products, from skincare to makeup, and all of their products are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Beautycounter has banned over...

As consumers, we have the power to make a positive impact on the environment and society by choosing to support sustainable brands.

These brands prioritize ethics and sustainability in their practices, which can make a significant difference in reducing waste, protecting the environment, and promoting fair trade.

Here are 10 sustainable brands that are making a difference:

Patagonia

Patagonia is an outdoor clothing and gear brand that is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. They prioritize the use of sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, and have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2025. In addition to using sustainable materials, Patagonia is also committed to using eco-friendly packaging. They use recycled and biodegradable materials for their packaging, and they are constantly working to reduce their environmental impact. They also offer repair services for their products, which helps to extend the life of their products and reduce...