2009 Sunscreen Guide from Environmental Working Group

The Environmental Working Group recently published their 2009 Sunscreen Guide. They found that, 3 of 5 brand-name sunscreens either don’t protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals — or both!!

Despite their sobering findings, the EWG study did find that 19% fewer sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor approved by FDA as an active ingredient in sunscreen...and which we learned at the last EcoParents meeting to avoid!

They also published the EWG Shopper's Guide to Safer Sunscreens, which recommends the following sun protection products:

• California Baby - any sunscreen
• Mustela - “Sun Cream” or “Sun Lotion, Bebe”
• Mission Skincare - “Face Stick”
• Neutrogena - “Pure & Free” or “Sensitive Skin”
• Blue Lizard - “Face”, “Baby”, or “Sensitive”
• Jason Natural or Earth’s Best - “Mineral Based”
• Solar Sense - “Clear Zinc Sport Stick”
• CVS - “Sport Sunstick”
• Coppertone Water BABIES - “Pure & Simple”

They also offer the following tips for making decisions about sunscreen purchases:

BUY

• SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
• At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

AVOID

• Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3: skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
• Spray and powder sunscreens: inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
• Fragrance: allergies, reproductive problems
• Sunscreen with added bug repellent: you can get too much of the pesticide in your body

Thanks to EcoParent Jennifer for passing along this link!