Is your sunscreen really protecting your skin from the sun, or simply giving you a false sense of security? According to an investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), four out of five sunscreens under perform and contain chemicals that may pose health hazards. Some of the worst offenders, the study found, are the mainstream, leading brands.
We’ve compiled a list of sunscreens that the EWG has found to be both safe and effective. Slather them on before you hit the beach or the city streets this summer.
1. Top Rated
Soléo Organics Sunscreen
The EWG’s top-rated product for sunscreen stability and safety is Soléo Organics. Free of titanium dioxide, synthetic preservatives, parabens, PABA and petrochemicals, this Naturopathic sunscreen is water-resistant, non-irritating and contains organic botanical extracts. Bonus: The packaging is made of 100-percent recyclable material.
2. Safe for Kids
California Baby Sunblock Stick spf 30+
This convenient, PABA- and chemical-free sunblock stick is great for throwing in a purse or diaper bag, so you can add extra protection on exposed areas when you’re on the go. It’s hypoallergenic, contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients and boasts broad-spectrum protection. This product scored a zero, the best possible score, on the EWG’s effectiveness breakdown.
3. Sensitive Skin Saver
Jason Sunbrellas Chemical-Free Sun Block spf 30+
Jason’s paraben-free, fragrance-free sunblock is hypoallergenic and extra mild so as to not irritate sensitive skin. It’s enriched with chamomile and marigold extracts to both protect and smooth.
4. Great for Your Face
Kiss My Face Face Factor spf 30
Rich in such skin-benefiting ingredients as alpha lipoic acid and green tea extract, Face Factor protects from damaging rays while claiming to help reduce wrinkles. It contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals and is not tested on animals.
5. Ideal for a Day at the Beach
UV Natural Sport Sunscreen spf 30+
Perfect for outdoorsy types, UV Natural’s broad-spectrum Sport Sunscreen is very water and sweat resistant and has an aroma of sandalwood, patchouli and lavender. It contains grape seed oil, natural vitamin E, macadamia oil and green tea extract to nourish skin while protecting it.
6. For Lips
Badger Balm spf 15 Stick
This moisturizing lip sunscreen, made with certified-organic botanicals, maintains its water resistance after 40 minutes of activity in the water, and it does so without the use of any questionable chemicals.
RSS
I just found a new chemical-free sunscreen at my dermatologist office. It’s called Dr. Robin for kids and it has no parabens or phthalates. But it has quinoa. It spreads super easy. I think you can buy it on the web.
Quinoa! That’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen that ingredient in skin-care before. I’m interested to find out how it benefits your skin. -Carrie
I have heard that some sun screens contain hazardous materials, but I didn’t know that most don’t perform as well as they say. I’ve used several natural and organic sunscreens, but none of the above. I’ll have to give some of these a try.
I currently was told by my doctor to try Heliocare. Heliocare. Which is a natural once a day pill and its has changed my life. No harsh sunscreens and I am able to enjoy my time gardening and walking the dog. Read up on it at “kiwi drug” seems like they have the most reviews.