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...

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 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...

With certain health issues on the rise, people are looking for ways to lower their overall exposure to toxins.

It's becoming more & more evident that environmental toxins are contributing to the rise in chronic health issues like obesity, diabetes, asthma, infertility & even cancer. 

According to Dr. Lora Shahine, "Environmental toxins are the new tobacco".  Her point was that there is enough research and science to show that there is a definitive link between the rise in health issues and toxins and it should be talked about more frequently.  Dr. Shahine is a fertility doctor who works with other fertility doctors to help give them the information and resources they need to be able to confidently educate their patients on this topic.  

Most people are still unaware of this issue, and if you're here reading this, than that means you are one step ahead of most!

We accumulate toxins in our bodies over time so it's really important to take control...

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the harmful chemicals and toxins that can be found in many beauty products. Beautycounter is a brand that has been at the forefront of the clean beauty movement for the past 10 years, offering high-performing, safe, and sustainable skincare and cosmetics products. In this blog post, we will explore why Beautycounter is considered the leader in clean beauty, and provide readers with a label reading guide to help them make informed choices when it comes to their skincare and makeup products.

Why Beautycounter is the Leader in Clean Beauty

Founded in 2013, Beautycounter was created with the mission of getting safer products into the hands of everyone. The brand has a strict "Never List" of over 2,800 harmful or questionable ingredients that they vow to never use in their products, including parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They also prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and working to reduce their carbon...