Nano-titanium dioxide, nano-zinc oxide, and many chemical-based sunscreens are considered harmful to coral reefs and marine life, according to the National Ocean Service. Although nanoparticles in sunscreens are considered safe for humans, they may harm reef ecosystems. Diaper rash cream both treats diaper rash and prevents further episodes. It provides a barrier between a baby’s skin and the diaper, urine, and feces that can cause diaper rash or worsen it. Cons: Strong natural sunscreen scent, skin should be well moisturized for this to spread evenly and absorb well If you’ve been searching for sunscreen ingredients that are safe for the whole family, you might have come across the term “non-nano zinc oxide” multiple times before. But what does it mean? And more importantly, what makes it so special?

However, because there's no legal definition of "reef-safe," some non-mineral sunscreens use this label inappropriately and have only removed one or two of many chemicals that may damage reefs.Synthetic fragrances are typically found on the ingredient list as “fragrance” or “parfum.” The catch is that a lot of different chemicals can hide in this one ingredient, and many people find that synthetic fragrances irritate their skin. Depending on where you travel, non-nano zinc oxide might be the only legal form of sunscreen you can even use on vacation! Nanoparticles May Sound Scary, But They’re Nothing New Shamoto, Y., Yagi, M., Oguchi-Fujiyama, N., Miyazawa, K., & Kikuchi, A. (2017). Photophysical properties of hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate (Uvinul A Plus), a UV-A absorber. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 16(9), 1449–1457. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7pp00164a Gonzalez, S., Gilaberte, Y., Philips, N., & Juarranz, A. (2011). Current trends in photoprotection—a new generation of oral photoprotectors. The Open Dermatology Journal, 5, 6–14. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874372201105010006

Butt, S. T., & Christensen, T. (2000). Toxicity and phototoxicity of chemical sun filters. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 91(1–3), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a033219 Zinc oxide is one of the most popular mineral active ingredients to make mineral sunscreen. Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium provide a strong physical barrier against the sun with minimal health concerns. In fact, zinc oxide is one of only 17 active ingredients approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens. It’s also the only single active ingredient that can provide broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays! Downs, C. A., et al. (2016). Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 70(2), 265–288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7

To meet the concern around the newer nano zinc oxide, some companies are now marketing their sunscreens as containing “non-nano zinc oxide.” In addition, if you’re planning to enjoy a day at the beach, the coral reefs can also ingest these tiny particles when the sunscreen washes off in the ocean. Hebert, A. A. (2021).A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action. Cocoa butter is very moisturizing and can help reduce signs of aging. When used on the skin, cocoa butter can smooth and tighten the skin as well as reduce skin blemishes and scars. Before we wrap up, we want to mention two diaper cream options that allow you to treat your baby’s bum to zinc oxide and other natural ingredients. Diaper Rash Cream 1 2 3

Be sure to stay away from citrus essential oils as they can be photosensitive. Some of my favorite essential oils to add are lavender and peppermint.

As you can see, sunscreens are not all created equal, and that’s why you’ll want to choose a safe, effective sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide. Zimmerman, J. B., & Anastas, P. T. (2015). Toward substitution with no regrets. Science, 347(6227), 1198–1199. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa0812 While the above is, of course, very crucial for a sunscreen to be fully effective, Dr. Akhavan says that the most important thing he looks for in a zinc oxide sunscreen is that it has a comfortable, elegant feel to it. “Mineral sunscreens need to feel silky and luxurious and go on sheer. Otherwise, I find that my patients won’t use them regularly.”