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World Oceans Day reminds us of how precious the planet we live on is and how much respect we should (and should have) given it. If it is true that we can do our part even with small daily gestures, then even the choices in terms of beauty have their weight.
World oceans day: why beauty pollutes
Some shampoos, conditioners, scrubs and creams pollute. Certain chemicals invisible to the human eye, in fact, are present in the sea just like plastic and waste and can damage our seas, endangering the entire ecosystem and coral reef. It is no coincidence thatarchipelago of Hawaii was the first to prohibit the use of sunscreens responsible for damage to the environment.
But what are the most dangerous ingredients for our seas? The chemical filters of sunscreens, for example, contain theoxybenzone responsible for the whitening of the coral reef, while shampoos and soaps may contain BHA is BHT, preservatives that can damage the marine ecosystem. Even the scrubs and products in granules composed of plastic microparticles contribute to the release of waste into the sea. Attention also to surfactants and preservatives that contain silicones, which are harmful to the ecosystem and not really suitable for our skin.
World Oceans Day: How Solar Works
Not all solar are the same. The different types of possible formulations, with chemical filters, with physical filters or with associated filters, are not distinguished on the basis of greater or lesser effectiveness but on the basis of the mechanism of action and the formulation characteristics. Physical filters have shielding properties, therefore, they oppose a real shield to UV radiation. They are not absorbed by the skin, do not retain heat and effectively protect the skin. In most cases these filters are natural and the most used screens are l‘zinc oxide and the titanium dioxide. Chemical filters, on the other hand, absorb part of the solar radiation and release energy in the form of heat, have the advantage of being cheaper but they can cause irritation, phototoxicity and sensitization.
Between widely used filters we find the Benzophenone, which has been ascertained as endocrine disruptor or Octinoxate, an ingredient even found in breast milk, with heavy repercussions on human health and the environment. These filters are heavily polluting for fish, molluscs, algae and corals since they can generate genetic modifications by altering neurological and reproductive behaviors of different species.
World oceans day: green beauty alternatives
Something can be done to avoid the worst: choose products biodegradable and sustainable that by now many brands are producing. You can start by preferring products without packaging, such as solid shampoos and loose products and then pay attention to the formulas of the cosmetics themselves. Brands often specify on the packaging the chemicals not present inside, so as to guide us in the choice. Some brands specializing in organic or mostly natural products that can be easily found in stores are Omia, Equilibra, I Provenzali, Maternatura and La Saponaria and Alkemilla. There are also many online stores specializing in organic cosmetics that offer you green alternatives for the whole body, from hair to cleaning your teeth. Environment and body will thank you.
