Hello Sunshine! Before You Apply Sunscreen Again, Read This Ingredient Deep Dive

By Entela, chemist, ingredient nerd, and your honest voice at Kungul

There’s something magical about feeling the warmth of the sun again. But I still carry the scars of childhood sunburns, memories of being six years old, wild and free, playing under the sun without proper sun protection. My parents did what they thought was best, but the pain of those burns is something I’ll never forget. Today, I’m here not just as a scientist, but as someone who has read too many studies, seen too much greenwashing, and decided it’s time we tell the truth about sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential, yes. But some of the most popular sunscreens on the market contain chemicals that may do far more than block UV rays. They might disrupt your hormones, stay in your body long after application, and harm coral reefs and marine life. And you won’t see any of that on the label.
That’s why at Kungul, we believe in giving you the full picture, because you deserve products that protect you, not poison you.

Why Sunscreen Matters Every Day

Wearing sunscreen isn’t just a summer thing. The UV radiation that causes sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer is present all year long, even when it’s cloudy. And while you might think, “I wear sunscreen now, so I’m safe,” the truth is that most skin cancers take years, sometimes decades, to develop. That sunburn from years ago may only now be catching up.
But it’s never too late. Daily sunscreen use helps prevent further DNA damage and supports healthy, youthful skin for years to come. The key? Choosing the right sunscreen.

Understanding UVA and UVB: The Rays That Matter

Ultraviolet rays are invisible to the naked eye, but they do real damage to your skin. UVA rays are longer and penetrate deep into the skin. They’re responsible for fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, and they also contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays are shorter and more intense. They cause sunburns and are directly linked to DNA mutations that lead to melanoma and other skin cancers.
A good sunscreen must offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB. If your sunscreen only lists UVB or doesn’t say “broad spectrum,” it’s not doing enough.

Chemical Sunscreens: Understanding the Real Difference

It’s important to clear up a common misunderstanding: everything, including minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is a chemical compound. When people refer to “chemical” sunscreens, they usually mean organic UV filters, those made from carbon-based molecules like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. “Physical” or mineral sunscreens refer to inorganic UV filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which do not contain carbon. Scientifically speaking, the real distinction is organic versus inorganic. However, using the terms “chemical” and “mineral” has become common because it’s easier for consumers to recognize. Still, this language can be misleading. What truly matters is how these compounds behave on your skin and inside your body and whether they carry risks of absorption, hormone disruption, or environmental harm. That’s why at Kungul, we recommend choosing sunscreens with inorganic filters like zinc oxide, which offer excellent protection without the systemic risks linked to many organic UV filters.

Health Risks Linked to Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients

Let’s start with what you’ll find in most products on the shelf, chemical sunscreens. They work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. But what most people don’t realize is that these ingredients penetrate your skin and enter your body. Not just a little, either, some have been found in blood, urine, and even breast milk weeks after use.

Take oxybenzone, for example. It’s one of the most widely used ingredients in U.S. sunscreens. But studies have shown it acts like a hormone disruptor, triggers allergic reactions, and may interfere with reproductive development. In teenage boys, higher oxybenzone levels have been linked to lower testosterone levels. Other studies suggest it may increase the risk of breast cancer and endometriosis. Still, oxybenzone is allowed in concentrations up to 6% in the U.S., even though the EU limits it to 2.2%.

Octinoxate is another red flag. It absorbs easily into your bloodstream and interferes with thyroid and reproductive hormones. Homosalate, found in up to 15% concentration in U.S. products, is restricted to 1.4% in the EU due to concerns about hormone disruption. Octocrylene often contains benzophenone, a chemical linked to cancer, which can increase in concentration over time as the product degrades. And avobenzone, although praised for UVA protection, breaks down in sunlight and can form by-products that irritate the skin.

The Environmental Cost: From Sunscreen to Coral Reef Damage

These chemicals don’t just stay on your skin, they stay in your body. And when they wash off, they enter waterways and oceans, where they harm coral reefs and marine life. I’ve seen this devastation firsthand. A few years ago, while collecting samples in the Caribbean Sea (Puerto Rico) as part of my research on new bioactive molecules from marine microorganisms, I witnessed the heartbreaking sight of coral reefs dying. It was one of the most painful experiences of my scientific career, and a reminder that every product we choose has consequences beyond ourselves.

Several regions have taken action, including Hawaii, which banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect its coral reefs.

Table: How Common Sunscreen Ingredients Affect You and the Planet

Is Higher SPF Better? Not Really.

High SPF numbers, like SPF 70, 90, or even 100, might make you feel like a superhero in the sun. But here’s the truth: they don’t offer much more protection, and they come with a higher risk of harm.
To get to SPF values that high, manufacturers must increase concentrations of chemical UV filters. That means more potential hormone disruptors, more allergens, and more skin absorption. But studies haven’t shown that these products are significantly better at preventing skin damage or skin cancer. In fact, the FDA has long warned that SPF values over 50 are “inherently misleading.” Most other countries already cap SPF at 50+, and in 2011, the FDA proposed doing the same.
The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50? SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 blocks about 98%. That 1% difference is not worth the extra chemical load. Your best option? A broad-spectrum SPF between 30 and 50, reapplied often, and combined with other smart protection strategies.

The Hidden Danger of Spray Sunscreens

While spray sunscreens might seem convenient, they come with serious concerns. When sprayed, sunscreen particles can be inhaled into the lungs, which poses risks, especially for young children, people with asthma, or anyone with respiratory sensitivity. Inhaling ingredients like titanium dioxide or chemical UV filters can lead to inflammation and long-term respiratory issues. Beyond inhalation, sprays also make it difficult to apply a thick, even layer of protection, leaving areas under-protected without realizing it. At Kungul, we always recommend lotion or stick sunscreens that you can rub directly into the skin, ensuring safer application and full coverage.

Kungul Recommended: A Safe & Effective Choice

Gamarde Facial Sun Cream SPF50 – Rated 9/10 by Kungul

This French-made sunscreen offers high protection for both face and body using 100% mineral filter zinc oxide and reinforced by Pongamia seed extract, a natural SPF booster. It provides immediate protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is ideal even for the most sensitive and delicate skin including that of babies.

What makes it special?
– Certified organic and 100% of natural origin
– Vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle on skin
– Enriched with plant-based oils like sunflower, argan, and jojoba esters to nourish the skin and support its natural moisture barrier
– Comes in eco-conscious packaging made with recycled materials
– Non-toxic for marine life, making it a reef-safe choice

It’s a fluid, non-sticky formula that nourishes your skin while shielding it, without any of the harsh chemicals we’ve warned you about. A sunscreen you can feel good about, from first application to your last beach day of summer.

You can find this product at Medigreen Pharmacy and by using the code KUNGULAPP10, exclusively available at Medigreen, you’ll receive an extra 10% discount on your purchase. Protect your skin with purpose. Choose what’s safe. Choose what’s kind. Choose what’s Kungul Approved.