Sunscreen

[Irulan]

Does PABA go by another name? None of the ones I have that make me break out list it as an ingredient (active or inactive) but they don't say PABA-free, either. Something I read last year makes me think it could be one of the waterproofing ingredients - I need to try to find that info again.

You do have to be careful with clothing- you can still get burned through a lot of fabrics .

[ny biker]

I've been buying PABA-free sunscreens for years but still have allergy problems with some of them. It's trial and error for me.

[OakLeaf]

There are SO many sensitizing ingredients they use ... and since sensitivity develops from exposure, it's common for people to be sensitive to several of the common ingredients.

I'd start with products you know *don't* sensitize you and compare the ingredient lists to products you want to try. Try to buy something with as few potential culprits as possible before adding in the next one. Maybe you have a friend with less-sensitive skin that you could give your unused product to ... I've thrown away so much moisturizer over the years.

[snapdragen]

My dermatologist recommended Solbar

[OakLeaf]

My dermatologist recommended Solbar

Contains OctylMethoxycinnamate ... not reef safe.

FWIW, research on zinc oxide nanoparticles so far shows that it IS safe (to the surprise of pretty much everyone). So, while the sunblocks I favor are non-nano mostly because of the other ingredients, you should be able to find a nanoparticle zinc oxide sunblock that won't turn you blue.

[katluvr]

I just tried Alba botanic sunscreen today. I have been trying to move all my cosmetics/skin/hair care to cruelty free. I have used a few of the alba products and thought I'd do the sunscreen. I think we got it from walgreens. Not sure how good it is. I used it on my face today and no irritation (yet).

K

[snapdragen]

Contains OctylMethoxycinnamate ... not reef safe.

FWIW, research on zinc oxide nanoparticles so far shows that it IS safe (to the surprise of pretty much everyone). So, while the sunblocks I favor are non-nano mostly because of the other ingredients, you should be able to find a nanoparticle zinc oxide sunblock that won't turn you blue.

What is reef safe?

[OakLeaf]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...een-coral.html