Is your SPF impacting your hormone health?
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Why Sunscreen Matters (and What to Watch For)
Summer sunshine can feel energising, but when it comes to hormone health, it’s worth paying close attention to what you’re putting on your skin, especially your sunscreen.
As a hormone specialist, I’m often asked whether SPF choices really matter. The answer is yes, they absolutely do. That being said, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen! But it is worth being informed as it cumulative impact of chemicals in some sunscreens could be impacting your hormones.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your skin without compromising your hormones.
Daily SPF is one of the most important habits for protecting your skin from sun damage, premature ageing and skin cancer. But some sunscreen ingredients are now being questioned for their potential impact on hormone health, especially for women dealing with thyroid issues, fertility challenges, PCOS or endometriosis.
So what does the science really say? And which ingredients should you consider avoiding?
The Ingredients to Approach with Caution
While research is still evolving, certain chemical UV filters have been studied for possible hormone-disrupting effects. These include:
Oxybenzone (BP-3)
This filter has been detected in blood, urine and even breast milk after sunscreen use. Some human and animal studies link it to small shifts in thyroid hormones and oestrogen activity. It has been banned in Hawaii for environmental reasons, and is under review in Europe.
Octinoxate (OMC)
Another common filter with weak oestrogenic effects seen in lab studies. Although human evidence is inconsistent, it is increasingly excluded from hormone-conscious formulations.
Homosalate
This ingredient was recently reviewed by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, who concluded it should only be used at 0.5% concentration due to concerns around potential endocrine disruption. Some US formulations still use much higher levels.
The evidence isn’t conclusive, but there is enough concern in emerging research to take a precautionary approach, particularly during hormonally sensitive life stages like pregnancy, perimenopause, or when managing conditions like endometriosis.
Ingredients to avoid include:
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Avobenzone
Homosalate
These chemical filters are absorbed into the bloodstream and can linger in the body. Some have been shown in research to mimic oestrogen or affect thyroid hormones.
What to Look For Instead
When choosing a sunscreen that supports your hormone health, opt for:
Mineral filters
Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays, rather than being absorbed.
Fragrance-free
Synthetic fragrance can also act as a hormone disruptor and is a common skin irritant. Choose unscented products or those with very minimal natural scent.
Non-nano particles
If you’re choosing a mineral SPF, make sure it states “non-nano” on the label. This ensures the particles are large enough not to penetrate the skin barrier.
Antioxidant-rich
SPFs that include ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and grape seed extract help defend the skin against oxidative stress caused by sun exposure.
Why Mineral Sunscreens Are a Safer Choice
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. These work by sitting on the surface of the skin and reflecting UV rays, rather than absorbing them.
Here’s why I often recommend mineral sunscreens for my clients:
They are not absorbed into the bloodstream
They have no evidence of endocrine disruption
They are safe for pregnancy, children and sensitive skin
They are non-irritating, especially for acne-prone or reactive skin
They are considered reef-safe, particularly in non-nano formulations
The main trade-off used to be the white cast, but many modern formulations have overcome this with micro or tinted options that blend beautifully.
My Top 5 Hormone-Conscious Sunscreens
These are my go-to recommendations for clients who want sun protection without the hormonal question marks. All are free from oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate.
1. Ultrasun
Their entire range is free from hormonally active filters - even their non-mineral lines.
2. Green People SPF 30 Scent Free Sun Cream
Certified organic, ideal for allergy-prone skin, and formulated with clean, calming ingredients.
3. Beauty Pie Featherlight UVA/UVB SPF 50+ Primer
A fab primer for make up
4. Beauty Pie Traceless Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen + Primer
Silky mineral option
5. MERIT Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
A mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and a sheer tint
6. Tropic Skincare – Mineral Sun Protection
Tropic’s Skin Shade range offers 100% mineral protection, using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide exclusively without chemical filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate or homosalate. Their non-nano mineral formulas are designed for sensitive skin, providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage while also being reef-friendly SHOP HERE
A note on aerosols:
It’s also best to avoid spray or aerosol sunscreens where possible. These formulas increase the risk of inhalation exposure, which means chemical ingredients can bypass your skin barrier and enter the body more directly via the lungs. This is especially important for children, those with respiratory conditions, or anyone aiming to minimise systemic absorption of hormone-disrupting compounds. They also tend to be more wasteful and less evenly applied. A lotion, cream or stick formula gives you more control—and greater peace of mind.
Final Word
Sunscreen is essential. This is not about fear, it’s about informed choices. If you’re navigating hormone-related health concerns, small swaps can support your body in big ways. You don’t need to avoid the sun. You simply need to be smarter about how you meet it.
I would put face SPF as the most important part of any beauty regime! I wear it everyday.
By choosing sunscreen that protects your skin while respecting your hormones, you’re taking a step towards a more supportive, whole-body approach to wellness.
By choosing mineral-based formulas and avoiding certain filters, you can protect your skin and look after your hormonal health without compromise.
If you’d like to dive deeper into hormone-supportive skincare or need help navigating product labels, I’m here to help. Book your free discovery call today.
