If you found this article through a search engine, you might be interested in reading the updated version, Safe & Effective Sunscreens 2010.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could trust sunscreen labels? It turns out the one I’ve been using on my children rates a 7 for health hazards in Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database (7 is bad). Not only that, it’s not nearly as effective as I thought at blocking the sun’s rays. Here’s what I’ve recently learned from EWG’s sunscreen study: “In a new investigation of 1,095 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Leading brands were the worst offenders: None of market leader Coppertone’s 47 sunscreen products met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, and only 1 of 115 products from Banana Boat and Neutrogena, the second- and third-largest manufacturers, are recommended by EWG.”

Below are the primary issues, according to EWG’s study:

◊  Only 14% of 1,095 products analyzed met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness.

◊  Many products lack UVA protection.

◊  Sunscreens break down in the sun.

◊  Questionable product claims are widespread.

◊  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.

Fortunately, there’s some good news. EWG identified 158 sunscreen products that are “recommended.” The top picks, that should be readily available in stores, are listed below.

Based on a scale of 0-10, where 0-2 are considered “low hazard.”

0 California Baby Sunblock Stick Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+

1 California Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 30+ (Everyday/Year-Round Lotion & Natural Bug Blend)

1 Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

2 Walgreen’s Sunblock w/Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears SPF 45+

2 CVS Sunscreen w/Zinc Oxide SPF 45+

2 Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+

2 No-Ad Ultra Sunblock Lotion SPF 60

2 Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+ (Face & Regular)

2 Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 30

For more information, EWG has a handy one page printable guide [PDF] that includes some of the recommended products and more information about the study. To read the full study, click here.

Photo Credit: A. M. Kuchling