Why We’re Choosing Non-Toxic Sunscreen This Summer

If there’s one thing I’ve realised since moving to Perth, it’s that the lifestyle is in the sun. Morning coffees, ocean swims, beach side run clubs, farmers markets, everything revolves around being outdoors. Being in the sun is one of my favourite parts of living here.

But with that comes a reality check: the stronger the sun exposure, the more intentional we have to be about how we protect ourselves. Not just from the obvious things like sunburn or premature ageing, but also from what we’re actually putting on our skin every day.

So many mainstream sunscreens use chemical filters that work by absorbing UV rays after sinking into your skin — and the problem is that they don’t just stay on the surface. Research has shown that some of these ingredients can make their way into the bloodstream at levels much higher than expected, and several have been flagged for their potential to disrupt hormones. And for women already navigating stress, cycles, gut health, and skin health, it’s not something we can afford to ignore.

The last thing any of us want is to be lathering up for “safety,” only to be baking toxic chemicals deeper into our skin under intense heat and UV. It just doesn’t make sense anymore.

So if we’re going to spend our lives outdoors, then it’s worth understanding how to enjoy the sun safely. From getting small, intentional bursts of vitamin D to choosing mineral sunscreen that protects our hormones, it's absolutely possible to have the best of both worlds.

Why Sunscreen Matters (But the Type Matters Even More)

We all know that the Australian sun is strong. We grew up with warnings about skin cancer, SPF campaigns, and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen just became one of those “non-negotiable” things — which it still is — but what most of us missed was the conversation around what we were putting on our skin.

For so long, the industry pushed chemical sunscreens as the default. They were easy to rub in, they didn’t leave a white cast, they smelled like “summer.” But no one stopped to ask: What are these chemicals actually doing once we absorb them into our bodies every single day?

That’s when research started shifting the narrative. Chemicals used in popular sunscreens have been found in blood, urine, and even breast milk long after use. And not just trace amounts.. levels that far exceeded safety thresholds. Some chemical filters show estrogenic effects in lab studies. Others create reactive by-products when exposed to UV, ironically making the skin even more sensitive to the sun.

And that doesn’t even touch on the environmental side, where common sunscreen chemicals are now banned in certain beaches worldwide for harming marine life and coral reefs.

So yes, sunscreen matters. But the ingredients inside it matter just as much.

How Chemical Sunscreens Work (and how they affect our Hormones)

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. To do that, they need to be absorbed into the skin — which means they’re designed to penetrate, not just sit on the surface.

A quick breakdown of the common filters and why they’re worth reconsidering:

Oxybenzone:
One of the most concerning filters. It absorbs easily, shows up in the bloodstream quickly, and is strongly linked to hormone disruption. Several studies have connected it to altered estrogen activity, fertility issues in animal studies, and environmental toxicity.

Octinoxate:
Another endocrine-disruptive filter. Often used to increase SPF but linked to thyroid disruption and skin allergies.

Avobenzone:
More stable than others, but breaks down in UV light unless stabilisers are added. Sometimes reacts with chlorine to create irritants.

Homosalate:
Penetrates the skin readily and can accumulate faster than the body can break it down. Hormonal concerns mainly relate to potential estrogenic effects.

Octocrylene:
Used for water resistance but can form benzophenone — a potential carcinogen — as it breaks down over time.

None of this is meant to be fear-mongering. It’s just the side of sunscreen rarely talked about. Once you know better, you get to choose better.

So Why Choose Mineral Sunscreen Instead?

Mineral sunscreen works differently. Instead of being absorbed into your skin, zinc oxide sits on top like a shield and reflects UV rays away.

No bloodstream absorption. No chemical conversion. No endocrine disruption. Just simple, physical protection.

Mineral sunscreen has come such a long way. The formulas are smoother, more blendable, and much less chalky than they used to be.

One of my favourite parts about moving into the non-toxic space has been discovering how many beautiful Australian brands are doing this well, especially Avocado Zinc, which is based here in Perth. I love that the move toward clean suncare is becoming the norm, and Avocado Zinc is leading the way with gentle, hydrating, zinc-based formulas that actually look and feel good on the skin.

Yes, You Still Need the Sun

With all this focus on protection, it’s easy to forget that the sun isn’t the enemy. We were designed to spend time outdoors. Vitamin D is essential for hormone health, mood, immunity, bone strength, and even skin health. And while you can get it through food or supplements, natural sunlight is still the most efficient source.

A few safe sun exposure tips:

• Getting short bursts of sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon.
  

• Avoiding harsh midday rays as much as I can.
  

• Wearing mineral SPF on my face daily but letting my arms or legs have a little sun in low-UV times.
  

• Listening to my skin rather than pushing it. If it feels hot or tight, take a break from the sun

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors — then it’s worth thinking about what you’re putting on your skin every day.

Chemical sunscreens might be the norm, but that doesn’t mean they’re the safest option for your skin or your hormones. We’ve reached a point where we can have sunscreen that protects us from UV and supports our long-term health.

This summer, we’re choosing non-toxic sunscreen not because it’s trendy, but because it just makes sense. We deserve protection in all areas — our skin, our hormones, our environment, and our future selves.