I must admit that I hate putting sunscreen on. I think it’s messy and smells funny but I’ve NEVER been sorry I put in on after a long day in the sun. I usually buy SPF 30+ and I prefer the spray sunscreens as they are easier to apply. Other than looking at the SPF rating I’ve never given much thought into what I was buying - until now.

A new study of sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that 4 out of 5 sunscreens contain chemicals that “may pose health hazards or don’t adequately protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays”. Major brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena are some of the worst offenders. Here are some of the highlights from the study:

• Only 15% of 952 products analyzed met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards.
• Many products lack UVA protection.
• Sunscreens break down in the sun.
• Questionable product claims are widespread. Many products on the market bear claims that are considered “unacceptable” or misleading under FDA’s draft sunscreen safety standards.
• Many sunscreens contain nano-scale ingredients that raise potential concerns.
• The U.S. lags behind other countries when it comes to products that work and are safe.
• Some sunscreens absorb into the blood and raise safety concerns.

Considering these ominous facts, what brand of sunscreen should you buy? The investigation reviewed nearly 1,000 brand-name sunscreen products to identify a list of products that are effective in providing protection from the damaging effects of the sun.

The EWG provides two lists of sunscreens that they recommend. The first list is the top 10 individual sunscreen products. Since this list may contain some products that aren’t readily available for everyone they created a second list of the top 10 common sunscreen brands.

Top 10 Sunscreen Products

1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30
2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
4. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
5. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum
6. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
7. Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35
8. UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
9. Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30
10. Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

Top 10 Recommended Common Brands of Sunscreen

1. Blue Lizard (anything without oxybenzone)
2. California Baby (anything with SPF 30+)
3. CVS with zinc oxide
4. Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Sunblock
5. Kiss My Face “Paraben Free” series
6. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock
7. Olay Defense Daily UV Moisturizer (with zinc)
8. SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense
9. Solar Sense Clear Zinc for Face
10. Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears

According to the EWG, more than 1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. This number has been steadily increasing over the past decade making sunscreen more important than ever.

Apply some sunscreen before you head outside even if you hate putting it on as much as I do and make sure you buy a product from one of these lists to ensure you get the best protection available.

ewg.org

Image credit: bethcanphoto