The Learning Lab

Is avobenzone safe in sunscreens?

By Kari Kenner March 22, 2022 |

Currently one of the most popular active ingredients used in sunscreens, avobenzone was developed in 1973 and approved by the FDA in 1988 for its ability to absorb UVA rays. Since another UVA screener, oxybenzone, recently gained so much negative press, the big sunscreen industry has pivoted to avobenzone in...

Oxybenzone vs Benzene

By Kari Kenner January 21, 2022 |

Because the words are similar, you might be confused about the similarities and differences, and if you should be worried about them in your sunscreen. How do they differ? Should you avoid either or both? Oxybenzone and benzene are completely different chemicals. For all it's issues, Oxybenzone IS approved by...

Is Octisalate Safe in Sunscreen?

By Kari Kenner October 14, 2021 |

It feels like there’s a new article about sunscreen every few weeks. If you’re like us and trying to cut down our exposure to toxic chemicals and on a journey to a more sustainable life, let’s talk about another chemical often found in common chemical sunscreens called Octisalate. You’re probably...

The Debate over Petrochemical Sunscreens

By Kari Kenner August 14, 2021 |

Over the last 40 years, sunscreens with seemingly ever-increasing UV filtering power have been developed for the US market. From tanning oils with no UV filters at all, to the higher SPF formulas of the early 2000’s and today, US per capita sunscreen use has quadrupled. At the same time,...

Benzene Exposure in Sunscreen

By Kari Kenner August 04, 2021 |

You may have seen the recent news about benzene being found in a long list of sunscreens. The independent testing organization Valisure tested hundreds of sunscreen and after-sun products and found over 25% contained the toxic ingredient, leading to a massive recall of affected brands. The findings were limited almost...

EWG Rates Waxhead Sunscreens #1 in 2026

By Kari Kenner May 10, 2021 |

Quick answer: Waxhead Sun Defense makes zinc oxide mineral sunscreens for people who want broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection without oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, PABA, added fragrance, parabens, Vitamin A, nano zinc oxide, or petroleum-based sunscreen actives. EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens currently lists all Waxhead Sun Defense sunscreens as Low...