Are Your Skincare Products Good for You?
Are Your Skincare Products Good for You?
If you’ve ever flipped over a lotion or sunscreen bottle and felt confused—or even a little uneasy—by the ingredient list, you’re not alone. Skincare is something we use every single day, often on our most sensitive areas. Yet many people have no idea what’s actually in their products or how those ingredients affect their health and the environment.
So let’s ask an important question: are your skincare products good for you? And just as importantly—are they good for the Earth?
At Sun Potions, we believe skincare should nourish your skin, support overall wellness, and respect the planet. In this article, we’ll explore what’s commonly found in conventional lotion and sunscreen products, why certain ingredients raise concerns, and how eco friendly skincare, mineral based sunscreen, and tallow based skincare offer a better alternative.
Why What You Put on Your Skin Matters
Your skin isn’t just a protective layer—it’s a living organ. Research shows that certain chemicals applied to the skin can be absorbed into the body, especially when used repeatedly over time.
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, topical exposure to cosmetic ingredients can result in systemic absorption. You can explore that research here: National Institutes of Health on skin absorption .
This is especially relevant for daily-use products like lotion and sunscreen, which are often applied over large areas of the body and reapplied throughout the day.
The Problem With Conventional Skincare Products
Many conventional skincare and sun care products are formulated for low cost, long shelf life, and cosmetic appeal—not long-term health.
Petrochemicals in Skincare
Petrochemicals are ingredients derived from petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. They are commonly used in lotions and sunscreens because they are inexpensive and effective at creating smooth textures.
These ingredients do not provide real nourishment to the skin and can interfere with the skin’s natural barrier. The Environmental Working Group maintains a comprehensive ingredient safety database that allows consumers to research common skincare ingredients: Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database .
Endocrine Disruptors in Skincare and Sunscreen
One of the biggest concerns in conventional skincare is the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals. These substances can interfere with hormone signaling and have been linked in studies to reproductive, developmental, and thyroid-related issues.
Chemical Sunscreen Concerns
Many chemical sunscreen formulas rely on ingredients that absorb UV radiation through chemical reactions in the skin. Ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown in laboratory studies to disrupt hormone function.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented widespread exposure to oxybenzone in the U.S. population: CDC oxybenzone fact sheet .
Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen
Mineral based sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, uses zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the body.
This makes mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin an excellent option for babies, children, and adults with reactive or compromised skin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as safe and effective sunscreen ingredients: FDA sunscreen ingredient guidance .
Environmental Impact of Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreen ingredients can also harm marine ecosystems. Ingredients such as oxybenzone have been linked to coral reef damage and marine toxicity.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains this impact in detail here: NOAA on sunscreen and coral reefs .
The Rise of All Natural Skincare Products
All natural skincare products prioritize biologically compatible, nutrient-dense ingredients that work with the skin rather than against it.
This approach emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, sustainable sourcing, and time-tested materials that truly support skin health.
Why Tallow Based Skincare Works
Tallow based skincare has been used for generations due to its nutrient density and compatibility with human skin. Grass fed and grass finished tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with beneficial fatty acids.
Scientific research highlights the importance of fatty acids in maintaining a healthy skin barrier: Journal of Lipid Research on skin barrier function .
What Makes Sun Potions Different
At Sun Potions, our products are formulated without endocrine disrupting ingredients, petrochemicals, or synthetic fragrances. We only use ingredients that are good for you and good for the Earth.
Our mineral sunscreen and grass fed tallow products are designed to nourish the skin while respecting natural ecosystems.
You can explore our full collection of eco friendly skincare products here: Sun Potions Shop .
Choosing Better Skincare Is a Form of Self-Care
Choosing eco friendly skincare, mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin, and tallow based skincare supports your health, your hormones, and the planet.
When skincare is made with integrity, your skin can truly thrive.