Catalog of Potentially Hazardous Substances in Sunscreen and Personal Care Items

Here's an explanation of each point with a distinction between ecological (eco) and health hazards:

Oxybenzone:
Health Hazard: Linked to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and potential reproductive issues.
Eco Hazard: Associated with coral bleaching, harming marine life, and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.


           Octinoxate:
Health Hazard: Known to cause skin irritation and endocrine disruption, impacting hormonal balance.
Eco Hazard: Harmful to coral reefs, affecting marine organisms and the overall underwater environment.

          Homosalate:
Health Hazard: May cause skin irritation and has been associated with hormone disruption.
Eco Hazard: Can accumulate in aquatic environments, posing a threat to marine life.

          Octocrylene:
Health Hazard: May cause skin allergies and has been linked to potential hormone disruption.
Eco Hazard: Can accumulate in water bodies, impacting aquatic ecosystems.

           Retinyl Palmitate:
Health Hazard: Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to skin damage.
Eco Hazard: Limited evidence of direct ecological harm, but its safety in the environment is not well-established.

           
          Parabens:
Health Hazard: Known endocrine disruptors, associated with hormone-related health issues.
Eco Hazard: Can contaminate water sources, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.

           Phthalates:
Health Hazard: Linked to hormone disruption and potential reproductive system issues.
Eco Hazard: Can accumulate in the environment, with adverse effects on aquatic organisms.

          Fragrance:
Health Hazard: Often contains undisclosed chemicals linked to allergies and respiratory issues.
Eco Hazard: Synthetic fragrances may have components harmful to the environment.

          Formaldehyde:
Health Hazard: Known carcinogen, associated with respiratory and skin issues.
Eco Hazard: Can be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems.

          Methylisothiazolinone:
Health Hazard: Known skin irritant and allergen.
Eco Hazard: Can be toxic to aquatic life.
Certainly, here's an expansion of the list with additional chemicals and their associated ecological hazards:

Avobenzone:
Health Hazard: Generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience skin irritation.
Eco Hazard: Limited evidence of environmental harm, but its impact on aquatic ecosystems is not completely understood.

          Butyloctyl Salicylate:
Health Hazard: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Eco Hazard: Limited evidence of environmental impact, but more research is needed to assess long-term effects.


          Cyclopentasiloxane / Cyclomethicone:
Health Hazard: Generally considered safe, but may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Eco Hazard: These silicone-based compounds can accumulate in the environment, potentially affecting aquatic life.

           Microbeads:
Health Hazard: Can cause skin irritation, and the tiny particles may pose ingestion risks.
Eco Hazard: Significant environmental concern as microbeads contribute to plastic pollution, harming marine life and ecosystems.


         
          Nanoparticles:
Health Hazard: Limited evidence of potential toxicity; more research is needed.
Eco Hazard: Concerns about the environmental impact of nanoparticles, particularly their accumulation in water bodies.


         Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES):
Health Hazard: Can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals.
Eco Hazard: These surfactants are known water pollutants, and their production and disposal can contribute to environmental harm.


        Zinc Oxide:
Health Hazard: Generally considered safe.
Eco Hazard: Minimal environmental impact, but concerns arise when disposed of in large quantities in aquatic environments.

Understanding the potential eco hazards associated with these chemicals underscores the need for environmentally conscious choices in personal care product selection. Opting for products with eco-friendly alternatives can contribute to a healthier planet.