Just before my daughter turned one , I was looking for a sunscreen for babies and suddenly wondered, "Does the sunscreen I use contain ingredients that are safe for babies' skin?" and "Is it even okay to use something on a daily basis that is not suitable for babies?"
I've always disliked the scratchy feeling and iron-like smell that are characteristic of sunscreens, and I couldn't find one that I was satisfied with, so there was a time when I didn't use sunscreen (looking back, it's scary). The worst part is the many mysterious substances written in katakana on the ingredients list on the back of the package! I was looking for a sunscreen that parents and children can use with peace of mind, and that's when I came across Little Hands Hawaii . My encounter with this product made me realize that there was a bigger problem than just sunscreen.
How to block UV rays?
⚫︎UV absorber
Many sunscreens sold at drugstores contain UV absorbers, which are ingredients that purposely absorb UV rays and release them as heat. They are characterized by being colorless and easy to spread, and are often available in gel or spray types. Although they are highly effective at blocking UV rays, they also cause chemical reactions on the surface of the skin, and have been reported to cause allergic reactions.
⚫︎UV diffuser
UV diffusers prevent sunburn by reflecting UV rays like a mirror. They are mainly fine white powders of titanium oxide and iron oxide, so they tend to leave a white cast. They are said to be less harsh on the skin than absorbents, but you should be careful to check whether they have been nano-sized (i.e., are they non-nano diffusers?). Nano-sized particles are made small enough to reach the nano level and mixed into liquid, which increases transparency, prevents white casts, and improves the fit to the skin. On the other hand, the particles are so fine that they are absorbed into the body through the skin, and they accumulate with continuous use.
*The UV-blocking ingredient in Little Hands Hawaii is nano-zinc oxide, which is not nano-sized.
UV absorbers and nano-sized UV diffusers are substances that do not exist in nature. What will happen if these substances continue to flow into the ocean and are continuously absorbed by marine creatures? The raw materials of cosmetics that are (seemingly) very convenient for us are now a major problem as one of the causes of serious damage to coral reefs.
Sunscreen ingredients banned by law in Hawaii
In Hawaii, which attracts many tourists, it is said that 6,000 tons of sunscreen is discharged into the ocean every year. As marine pollution and coral bleaching become more serious, a bill was enacted in 2018 to ban the distribution and sale of UV absorbers throughout Hawaii. This bill was submitted to Congress by Rosalyn and Michael, founders of Little Hands Hawaii . A sunscreen created in the couple's kitchen led to a major movement to protect children, the environment, and the future of Hawaii. The bill will come into effect in January 2021 , and from October 2022 , Maui will be subject to stricter regulations , such as a ban on the distribution and sale of not only the two UV absorbers but also non-chemical sunscreens.
<Ultraviolet absorbers subject to regulation>
Oxybenzone, octinoxate (known as methylhexyl methoxycinnamate in Japan and used in many commercially available sunscreens)
In Japan, there are no legal restrictions like this yet, but recently, the ban of sunscreen in school pools has been a hot topic. The catchphrases that manufacturers use tout as being "ocean-friendly" or "additive-free" can sometimes be easy on the ears and give a sense of security. However, it can be hard to notice the negative effects that come with leaning toward comfort and convenience. Perhaps the first step is to question the pleasant-sounding claims and ask "Is that really true?"
