UV Filters

Nanoparticles refers to nano-sized UV filters such as zinc-oxide and titanium oxide. While these chemicals are harmless, they can cause significant and irreversible coral bleaching if such ingredients are nano-sized (Corinaldesi et al., 2018).

Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is a common UV filter that has been found in various fish species worldwide, which can lead to possible consequences.

Enzacamene (4-methylbenzylidene) is a derivative used to provide skin protection against UV rays.

Homosalate is a common UV absorber that for health purpose, is limited to less than 10% in a formula by the FDA. It bio-accumulates in the body faster than it can be eliminated and is considered a hormone disruptor.

Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate): A common UV filter that has been found in various fish species worldwide, which can lead to possible consequences and can be a direct cause of coral bleaching (Schneider & Lim, 2019). It can also be an endocrine disruptor that can mimic hormones. 

Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate) is a suspected environmental toxin that is used to enhance ingredient absorption into the skin.

Octocrylene: A common UV filter that has been found in various fish species worldwide, which can lead to possible consequences. It is also a known carcinogen that causes dermatitis and is an endocrine disruptor. 

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3): A common UV filter that can contribute to coral reef bleaching. Although FDA approved and very effective at reducing UV exposure, it is classified as a hazardous eye irritant and slightly hazardous for direct skin contact (Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, n.d.).

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives such as Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA and PEG-25 PABA are banned from the EU due to its apparent ability to damage skin cells under UV light. Prior to this discovery, PABA was commonly used in sunscreen. 

Preservatives & additives

Parabens: These include Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, Butyl and Bentzyl that are used for preservatives and additives used to prevent growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds in shampoos, lotions, and sunscreens. These are known to be toxic to coral reefs and ocean life as they can kill ocean microbes and damage fish nervous systems.

Microplastic beads or microbeads are most commonly used in personal care products as cleansers and exfoliants. However, these pose great threats to the environment as such plastics cannot be totally filtered out before reaching aquatic environments, where wildlife can die from consuming microbeads.

Phthalates or plasticizers are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable and flexible. Since they are not chemically bound to products, they can be easily released to the environment (via leaching, evaporation, and migration), thus increasing the risk of exposure for humans and other living organisms. 

Tricoslan is a known antibacterial agent that does not easily degrade and tends to accumulate in the environment after going down the drain. The dioxin will continue reacting with other chemicals in waterways and has thus been classified by the European Union as an ingredient that poses long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.