Why I Stopped Using Store-Bought Sunscreen on My Grandkids
For years, I did what most people do. I grabbed the familiar bottles off the shelf, the ones with bright colors and promises like "gentle protection," "baby-safe," or "dermatologist recommended." I thought I was doing the right thing. But then I started reading the back of the label—and I didn't like what I saw.
What I Found in Conventional Sunscreens
These are real ingredients listed on products marketed for babies and children:
Avobenzone – A chemical UVA filter known to break down in sunlight unless stabilized. Studies have raised concerns about its safety and absorption into the bloodstream.
Homosalate – A UVB absorber that's been flagged for potential hormone disruption.
Octocrylene – Can degrade into benzophenone, a compound linked to cancer.
Octisalate – A stabilizer and UVB filter. Less problematic, but often used alongside harsher filters.
Alcohol Denat (SD-40) – A drying alcohol that can irritate delicate or damaged skin.
Fragrance – A blanket term that can include dozens of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are allergens or hormone disruptors.
These ingredients might be legal, but that doesn’t mean they’re what I want on my grandbabies' skin.
So I began doing my research and I Made My Own
I decided to take matters into my own hands. I spent time learning, testing, and tweaking until I created a mineral-based lotion made with ingredients I trust.
Here’s what you’ll find in the lotion I use on my family:
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – A natural mineral that sits on top of the skin to reflect UVA and UVB rays.
Avocado Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter – Moisturizing, gentle, and full of skin-loving nutrients.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Oil – Antioxidant-rich and often praised for their support in sun-exposed skincare.
Vitamin E Oil – Helps extend shelf life and nourish the skin.
Optiphen – A preservative that keeps water-based products safe without parabens or formaldehyde.
Does It Work?
All summer long, my grandkids have used this lotion while swimming, hiking, and playing in the Georgia heat. Not one sunburn. That speaks louder than any label.
This Isn’t About Fear
I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to inform you. You deserve to know what you’re putting on your skin and your children’s skin. Even if you never buy a thing from me, I hope this helps you feel more confident about your choices.
Always read the ingredients.
Trust your instincts.
And know that you don’t have to settle for less.
Stay sun-safe, stay curious,
Angie
