Choosing the Safest Sunscreen

Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Last Updated: Thursday, July 03, 2008

Sunscreen is an invaluable outdoor necessity for protecting skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, but like any other product you want one that actually works and isn’t loaded with potentially dangerous chemicals.

Recent reports have emphasized the need to be savvy sunscreen consumers:

• The Environmental Working Group’s comprehensive scientific review indicates that 85% of 993 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.
• A new study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that nearly all Americans are contaminated with oxybenzone, a
 sunscreen chemical that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage, and low birth weight.

In fact, like many of the products we use everyday, there’s relatively little information regarding potential long-term health effects, especially when it comes to child health and development. As always, take precautions and use the safest sunscreens.

Top Ten Sunscreens (from EWG)

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+

Ingredients to avoid:

• PABA
• Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), Oxybenzone
• Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-)
• Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone)
• Phthalates (often hiding in “fragrance”)

And remember, using sunscreen doesn’t make your skin impervious to the sun’s harmful rays. You still need to moderate exposure through other methods. Use our Quick Tips for Sun Safety for maximum protection.

Additional Resources:
Green Guide Product Report: Sunscreens and Sunblocks

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