Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products you can use every day. It helps protect the skin from UV rays, premature ageing, sunburn, dark spots, and long-term sun damage. But choosing the right SPF is not only about picking the highest number on the bottle. It is also about understanding the formula and knowing which ingredients may not be the best choice for your skin, your body, or the ocean.
More and more people are now searching for ingredients that should not be in sunscreen because they want safer, cleaner, and more transparent sun protection. They want formulas that perform well, feel good on the skin, and are made with more respect for marine ecosystems.
At BEACH-STREET, we believe sunscreen should protect your skin effectively without compromising the ocean. Our mineral sunscreens are made with non-nano UV filters, vegan formulas, microplastic-free ingredients, plastic-free aluminium packaging, and a reef-safe approach designed for everyday conscious protection.
Ingredients that should not be in sunscreen
Not all sunscreen formulas are created equal. Some conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that have raised concerns because of their potential impact on sensitive skin, aquatic life, or environmental pollution.
Here are the main ingredients that should not be in sunscreen if you are looking for a more skin-conscious and ocean-conscious SPF.
1. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one of the most talked-about chemical UV filters in sunscreen. It has been used for many years because it helps absorb UV rays. However, it has also raised concerns among consumers, scientists, and environmental organisations.
For some people, oxybenzone may be associated with skin sensitivity or irritation. It has also been widely discussed because of its potential impact on coral reefs and marine life when sunscreen washes off into the sea.
If you want to avoid controversial chemical filters, choosing a mineral sunscreen can be a better option. Mineral formulas use filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
BEACH-STREET mineral sunscreens are formulated without oxybenzone and instead use non-nano mineral UV filters for effective sun protection. Read more about Blue Awareness.
2. Octinoxate
Octinoxate is another chemical UV filter often mentioned when discussing ingredients that should not be in sunscreen. Like oxybenzone, it is commonly used in traditional SPF formulas to absorb UV radiation.
However, octinoxate has also been questioned for its potential environmental impact, especially in marine environments. This is why many ocean-conscious consumers prefer sunscreens that do not contain this ingredient.
When you swim, surf, snorkel, or shower after applying SPF, part of the formula can enter waterways. Choosing a sunscreen without octinoxate is one simple way to make a more conscious decision for the ocean.
3. Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be used in cosmetics for texture, film-forming properties, or product performance. In sunscreen, they may help improve the feel or finish of a formula, but they can also contribute to plastic pollution.
The problem with microplastics is that they do not easily disappear. Once they enter the environment, they can remain in oceans, rivers, and soil for a very long time. They may also be ingested by marine organisms, becoming part of a wider pollution issue.
When looking at ingredients that should not be in sunscreen, microplastics are an important one to consider. A sunscreen can feel luxurious and effective without relying on unnecessary plastic-based ingredients.
4. Nano UV filters
Mineral sunscreens usually use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as UV filters. These ingredients are widely used because they provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
However, some mineral sunscreens use nano-sized particles to reduce white cast and create a more transparent finish. Nano particles are extremely small, and many consumers prefer to avoid them, especially when choosing ocean-conscious products.
Non-nano mineral filters are larger particles that remain on the skin’s surface. They offer effective sun protection while aligning with a more cautious approach for marine environments.
BEACH-STREET mineral sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This means our formulas are designed to protect the skin while staying true to our ocean-focused mission.
5. Harsh synthetic fragrances
Fragrance can make a sunscreen smell pleasant, but it is not always necessary. Some synthetic fragrances may irritate sensitive skin, especially when combined with sun exposure, heat, salt water, or sweat.
If you have reactive, dry, or sensitive skin, it can be helpful to avoid sunscreens with strong or unnecessary fragrance. The best sunscreen is one you can apply every day without discomfort.
A good SPF should focus first on protection, skin comfort, and formula safety. Extra fragrance should never come at the expense of skin tolerance.
6. Drying alcohols
Some sunscreens contain alcohols to create a lighter texture or faster-drying finish. While not all alcohols are bad, certain drying alcohols can make the skin feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable, especially with repeated use.
This can be a concern for people with sensitive, dehydrated, or sun-exposed skin. A sunscreen should protect the skin barrier, not leave it feeling stripped.
When choosing your SPF, look for formulas that combine effective UV filters with skin-supporting ingredients. BEACH-STREET sunscreens are powered by biomarine actives to help care for the skin while protecting it from the sun.
7. Unnecessary Fillers
Some sunscreen formulas include ingredients that are not essential for performance, skin comfort, or protection. These may be added to improve texture, appearance, or cost efficiency, but they do not always bring real benefits to the skin.
When choosing sunscreen, transparency matters. A thoughtful formula should be built around effective UV protection, skin-friendly ingredients, and responsible packaging.
At BEACH-STREET, we believe in creating sun care that is high-performance, honest, and aligned with our values. Our sunscreens are designed to protect your skin without unnecessary compromises.
Why mineral sunscreen is a better choice
Mineral sunscreen is often preferred by people looking for a more conscious SPF. Unlike chemical filters, which absorb UV rays, mineral filters help create a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
The two most common mineral UV filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Together, they can offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
A well-formulated mineral sunscreen can be a strong option for daily use, beach days, outdoor sports, travel, and sensitive skin routines. It is also a great choice for people who want to avoid some of the more controversial sunscreen ingredients.
BEACH-STREET mineral sunscreens are:
- Non-nano
- Reef-safe
- Microplastic-free
- Plastic-free
- Packaged in recyclable aluminium tubes
- Powered by biomarine actives
- Vegan
- Designed for everyday skin protection
BEACH-STREET: High-Performance SPF With an Ocean Mission
BEACH-STREET was created for people who love the sun, the sea, and the outdoors, but do not want to compromise on skincare or environmental responsibility.
Our sunscreens combine mineral UV filters with marine-inspired skincare ingredients to help protect, nourish, and support the skin. They are designed to deliver effective sun protection while feeling comfortable enough for daily use.
We use non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, avoid microplastics, and choose recyclable aluminium packaging instead of conventional plastic tubes. Our formulas are vegan and created with a reef-safe approach.
We also donate 1% of gross sales to Coral Gardeners through the We The Reef programme, supporting ocean restoration and coral protection initiatives.
For us, sunscreen is not just a summer product. It is part of a daily skincare ritual and part of a bigger mission: protecting your skin while helping protect the ocean.
Final thoughts
Understanding ingredients that should not be in sunscreen can help you make better choices for your skin and for the planet. Ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, microplastics, nano UV filters, harsh synthetic fragrances, drying alcohols, and unnecessary fillers are worth avoiding if you want a more conscious SPF.
The best sunscreen should be effective, comfortable, transparent, and aligned with your values. It should protect against UVA and UVB rays while supporting your skin and reducing unnecessary environmental impact.
With BEACH-STREET, you get mineral sun care that is non-nano, vegan, microplastic-free, plastic-free, and reef-safe — designed for everyday protection from the beach to the city and beyond.
Choose sun protection that cares for your skin and respects the ocean.
