Every year, Freedom Medi-Spa compares different sunscreens and brands to encourage you to read your product labels. This year is a little bit different. Instead of comparing products, we want to remind you of some important takeaways so you feel confident in the sunscreen aisle.

The good news is: there are a LOT of new and really good, safe sunscreens on the market, compared to 5 years ago.

The unfortunate news: there seems to be a trend of spf-critics or naysayers on the benefits of wearing daily spf.

When it comes to sunscreen, the message remains clear: Wear it. The benefits of sun protection far outweigh the potential risks of sunscreen ingredients.

As always, there are some ingredients to avoid:

Oxybenzone

What is Oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone (also known as Benzophenone-3) is a UV filter used in sunscreens to protect against harmful UV rays, especially UV-B. It absorbs UV rays to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Oxybenzone has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor. Studies have shown that it can be absorbed through the skin and may mimic estrogen in the body, potentially causing hormonal imbalances. This is particularly concerning for young children and pregnant women.

In the United States, oxybenzone is approved for use in sunscreens at concentrations of up to 6%. The EU has decreased the level they deem safe to 2.2%. Also, many environmental organizations and health experts suggest minimizing exposure to oxybenzone, especially for children and pregnant women. We suggest eliminating it completely.

Octinoxate

What is Octinoxate?
Octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate) is another commonly used UV filter that absorbs UV-B radiation. It is widely used for its ability to protect against sunburn while providing broad-spectrum protection.

Like oxybenzone, octinoxate has been shown to have estrogenic effects, potentially interfering with hormone levels. This is a concern, particularly for pregnant women, children, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Octinoxate is also harmful to coral reefs. In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their contribution to coral bleaching.

As of 2024, regulatory updates in the European Union (EU) have brought attention the risk of hormone disruption and genotoxicity. They are continuing to research this and have not yet reported a safe amount of Octinoxate. We recommend you avoid this ingredient completely.

Homosalate

What Is Homosalate?

Homosalate is a UV filter commonly used in sunscreens to absorb UV-B radiation, helping to prevent sunburn and skin damage.

Recent Regulatory Changes in the EU:
As of January 1, 2025, the EU has introduced new restrictions on homosalate usage in cosmetic products:

• Face Products (excluding propellant sprays): Up to a maximum concentration of 7.34%.
• All Other Cosmetic Products: Up to a maximum concentration of 0.5%.

These changes are based on safety assessments by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which concluded that higher concentrations may pose potential health risks.

Global Perspective:

• United States & Canada: Homosalate is permitted in concentrations up to 15% in sunscreens.
• Australia: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has proposed new limits for homosalate, ranging from 0.28% to 4.35%, following similar reviews in the EU.

We suggest keeping Homosalate to a maximum of 10%. Ideally 5% or less.

The Bottom Line: Protection First

While ingredient regulations evolve, the most crucial aspect remains: sun protection. Skin cancer remains a significant health concern, with 1300 Canadians dying from skin cancer each year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Key Takeaway:

• Choose a sunscreen you like and wear it consistently.
• Look for broad-spectrum protection to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Reapply regularly – every 2 hours in the sun and after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid Sprays – or at least inhaling them.

And there's your 2025 Sunscreen Report!