Sunscreen is such an important part of our daily routine in the summertime. Not only does it protect you from skin damage and sunburn, but it’s also a valuable weapon in the fight against skin cancer. Each year we review what the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends as they list all products (not just organic) and consider health hazard as well as sun hazard. Only the best for our precious fams, right?
Following is invaluable information straight from one of our favorite Smarty green resources, thedailygreen.com:
“This year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) looked at more than 1,400 skincare products including 500 sunscreens specifically designed for sport and beach use. What the EWG found was shocking: around 60 percent of those 500 sunscreens contain oxybenzone – a potentially harmful hormone-disrupting compound that penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. The EWG also warns against sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A found in 41 percent of sunscreens. The FDA is investigating whether retinyl palmitate accelerates skin damage and increases skin cancer risk when applied to skin exposed to sunlight. According to the Environmental According to the Environmental Working Group’s 2010 study only 8 percent – or 39 – of the 500 sunscreens tested are recommended.” Gasp, this is frightening stuff, Smarties!
To help you safely lube up your fams this summer, we have listed alphabetically the Top 21, as recommended by the experts. Most are available on 
Estion Sunscreen with Zinc SPF 38
Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas
Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen
L’uvalla Certified Organic Sunscreen
Little Forest Sunscreen Lotion For Babies and Kids, SPF 30+
Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm, SPF 15
Purple Prairie Botanicals SunStuff, SPF 30
thinkbaby and thinksport Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Remember, a high SPF doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better protection. My dermatologist says anything higher than 30 is a marketing ploy.
Happy Summer, Smarties!
*Research on this blog was collected from www.ewg.org and
www.thedailygreen.com – we LOVE these green sites!
7 comments
Great list, thanks for reminding me to go green!
does anyone have a favorite they wear with clothes, I am worried about it rubbing off on my clothes and not coming off. I have a 50 that I like, but it is really thick, have been putting equal parts of that with my normal daily lotion which has 15 in it, mixing together well in my hands and then putting it on. I know it will decrease the SPF, but it goes on better and not streaky this way.
Anyone know where I can find information on the effectiveness of spray on sunscreen and those sunscreen wipes? I have heard mixed things.
Thanks for posting the EWG's study results and their suggestions! I am so happy to see that more and more people are picking up on how important this topic is. Added reminder, stay in the shade when you can and keep yourself and especially your little ones out of the worst part of the day 11-2p (if you can of course!)
Which of the top 21 are waterproof?
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20100525/best-sunscreens-a-consumer-reports-rankingWeb MD also evaluated a consumer reports test and recommended some common brands.
Thisi link is to the cosmetics database: http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/