Is Coppertone Sunscreen Safe?

The Short Answer

Most of Coppertone's product lineup is a hard pass for health-conscious consumers. Their signature chemical formulas are packed with controversial UV filters that absorb directly into the bloodstream and may disrupt hormones.

However, the brand's Pure & Simple mineral lotion is an acceptable exception. It uses 24.08% zinc oxide for protection and skips the harsh chemicals, making it a decent budget-friendly option if you're in a pinch at the drugstore.

Why This Matters

Coppertone is arguably the most recognizable sunscreen brand in the world, but their classic formulas haven't aged well. While they've quietly phased out oxybenzone from most products to comply with local laws, they replaced it with a cocktail of other chemical filters that present their own safety concerns. Sunscreen Ingredients Avoid

The brand's reputation took a massive hit during the 2021 benzene sunscreen recall. Parent company Beiersdorf had to recall 12 lots of Coppertone aerosol sprays—including their mineral spray—after independent testing found benzene, a known human carcinogen linked to leukemia.

Even without the benzene contamination, chemical sunscreens absorb directly into your body. FDA testing shows that active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate enter the bloodstream after a single application and remain there for weeks. Chemical Sunscreen Bloodstream

What's Actually In Coppertone Sunscreen

• Homosalate — Found in concentrations up to 10% in their Sport and Complete lines. This chemical filter is a known endocrine disruptor that the European Union heavily restricts. Is Homosalate Endocrine Disruptor
• Octocrylene — Used to stabilize other chemical filters in their classic lotions. It can degrade over time into benzophenone, a suspected carcinogen that can irritate sensitive skin.
• Avobenzone — The primary UVA filter in their chemical formulas. It breaks down quickly in sunlight and often triggers allergic reactions in children. Is Avobenzone Safe
• Zinc Oxide — The sole active ingredient in their Pure & Simple line. It sits on top of the skin to block rays and is widely recognized as safe and effective. Is Zinc Oxide Safe

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Mineral active ingredients — Formulas that rely exclusively on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are vastly safer than chemical alternatives. Mineral Vs Chemical Safer
• Lotion formats — Traditional creams completely eliminate the risk of inhaling dangerous airborne particles into your lungs.

Red Flags:

• Aerosol sprays — These present a severe inhalation risk and were the sole culprit in the brand's 2021 benzene contamination.
• Chemical UV filters — Ingredients like homosalate and octisalate carry significant hormonal disruption concerns.

The Best Options

If you're staring at a wall of Coppertone products at the pharmacy, here is how to navigate the lineup. Safest Sunscreen

The Bottom Line

1. Skip the classic chemical lines. The Sport, Complete, and original Water Babies formulas are loaded with chemical filters that the FDA admits need more safety testing.

2. Avoid all aerosol sprays. Between the inhalation risks and the $2.3 million settlement over the 2021 benzene recall, no spray sunscreen is worth the convenience.

3. Stick to the Pure & Simple lotion. If you need an accessible drugstore option, this 24% zinc oxide formula is perfectly safe.

FAQ

Did Coppertone get recalled?

Yes, in September 2021, parent company Beiersdorf recalled 12 lots of aerosol spray sunscreens. Testing revealed the products were contaminated with benzene, a dangerous human carcinogen linked to blood cancers.

Does Coppertone use oxybenzone?

Most current Coppertone formulas are now oxybenzone-free. However, they still rely heavily on other controversial chemical filters like homosalate and octocrylene to achieve their SPF ratings. Is Oxybenzone Safe

Is Coppertone Water Babies safe?

The original Water Babies formula is a chemical sunscreen that scores poorly for toxicity. You are much better off purchasing the Pure & Simple Baby lotion, which uses safe, mineral-based zinc oxide instead. Best Sunscreen Babies

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References (6)

1. 1. incidecoder.com
2. 2. ewg.org
3. 3. skinsort.com
4. 4. mom.com
5. 5. nih.gov
6. 6. coppertone.ca