Food Babe Family - Header

The Ingredients in Sunscreen Destroying Your Health

Your skin is your largest organ.

It covers and protects everything on your body. How you treat it is incredibly important to your health. However, the skin is one of the most unappreciated organs, and one that I used to totally take for granted, slathering products full of toxic chemicals on it day after day. When I look back at all the different potions I’ve tried, I shake my head in disbelief and wish I would have known better. Not only would I not have developed eczema all over my body and face, but I would have looked a million times better growing up.

One of those products that has always caused me issues – is sunscreen. Every time after a beach vacation or going to the pool, I’d end up with a rash on my face or body. I wondered if I’d eaten something that I was allergic to. Little did I know at the time – the culprit was sunscreen.

Sunscreen

The unknown long-term consequences of the chemicals in sunscreen are just starting to be revealed and the results are shockingly horrific, going beyond the common skin rash. Here in the United States, the FDA does not regulate cosmetics as rigorously as pharmaceuticals or food – allowing cosmetic companies to get away with using all types of chemical ingredients that are not used and in some cases banned in other countries. Sounds familiar – eh?


Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from harmful UV radiation from the sun, but as more people use sunscreen, the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise. This fact alone has to make you think – do sunscreens really provide skin cancer protection? Or could the chemicals in them actually be contributing to causing skin cancer?

It gets complicated trying to answer those questions. Some studies have shown that sunscreens do in fact protect us from some types of less threatening forms of skin cancers, but others have found that sunscreens have actually contributed to the risk of some of the worst forms of skin cancers.

So what do you do?

I certainly don’t want to look like a wrinkly old hag when I’m older from laying out in the sun too long without protection – but I also don’t want to increase my cancer risk by using products that could be harmful. Anti-aging is important to me and that’s why I live the way I do – not only do I want to look my best when I’m older, I want to feel my best too.

Sunscreen

Below are my favorite sunscreen brands that are rated between 0-2 for their entire line of sun care products and are the safest available. I’ve included the links on where to find these brands online if you can’t find them in stores near you – but most natural food stores and vitamin shops will have one of these options available. 

  1. Raw Elements – The first organic, non-GMO certified sunscreen. (Try the tinted stick for your face – it’s awesome!) I’ve partnered with them to give you discount – Get 20% off with code FOODBABE – don’t forget to put the code in at checkout
  2. Thinkbaby/Thinksport – This is one of the safest brands out there that is great for athletes or anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun. It absorbs easily and stays put. They also have formulas especially for children and babies – including a really easy to use stick that I used for myself recently! I’ve partnered with them to give you a discount – Get 20% off with code FOODBABE – don’t forget to put the code in at checkout
  3. John Masters Organics – SPF 30, only one option available
  4. Seventh Generation – SPF 30, only one option available
  5. Aubrey Organics – SPF 26-45 available, unscented available
  6. Sunology  – Kids, Face and Body Protection – one of my favorites, because it glides in easily
  7. Badger – Certified organic, several different SPFs and option for kids, babies and active people, unscented available
  8. California Baby (Target carries this brand) – Formulated for sensitive skin, SPF 18-30

*Note – Alba and Kiss My Face are two other brands that are safer than most conventional brands. However, you must only choose their mineral based products – for example Alba’s Mineral SPF 30 Unscented and Kiss My Face’s Mineral Lotion SPF 40 are great choices – but other versions in the same brand category may not be as safe.

There are over 1800 products on the market to choose from, making it incredibly confusing and difficult to pick the best and safest brand. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

  • Oxybenzone – this is a hormone disrupting chemical which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. It is the most popular ingredient in chemical based sunscreens and only blocks UVB ray (sun’s good rays that provide vitamin D production), not UVA which are the most free radical damaging rays.  Avoid any sunscreen that has this chemical at all costs, especially for children.
  • Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) – A 2009 study by U.S. government scientists released by the National Toxicology Program found when this is applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, it may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions.
  • FragranceSure it may make the product smell nice, but this is a petroleum based product that is linked to organ toxicity and allergies.
  • High SPF – The FDA does not regulate SPF higher than 50 and there’s no scientific proof they work better than lower SPF. Many of the higher SPFs do not provide any additional protection and studies have suggested that users are exposed to as many or more ultraviolet rays as those who use lower-SPF products.
  • Sprays or Powders – Generally speaking, sprays and powders have additional chemicals added to them for performance purposes. These additional chemicals are usually not something you want to be spraying on your body and can be toxic to the lungs. Besides, remember sunscreen is formulated for your skin, not your lungs. Many of the side effects of sprays and powders on the lungs are not tested before being approved.
  • Popular Conventional Brands – Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone Sport, Coppertone Water Babies, Bull Frog, Neutragena, Storebrands (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens), Hawaiian Tropic and many other popular brands are rated the worst in terms of safety in the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide. You can use this guide to find out how good or bad the brand you have or want to buy is rated.

How To Choose A Safe Sunscreen:

  • Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide based mineral sunscreens, which do not penetrate the skin and provide UVA protection against the sun’s most damaging rays.
  • Choose non-nano products that do not have small particles that can absorb into skin
  • Choose sunscreens that are unscented or use essential oils as fragrance
  • Pick lotion based sunscreens with water resistance
  • Pick broad spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays
  • Choose sunscreen products that are rated 0-2 in the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide.

When it comes to being in the sun, I’m lucky. I tan, don’t burn and don’t completely freak out if I forgot my sunblock – however, because of my olive complexion I have to stay in the sun longer in order to get sufficient Vitamin D. (The lighter your skin color, the faster your absorption of Vitamin D). I wear sunblock at the pool, at the beach and when I’m outdoors for extended periods, but I’ve decided not to wear it everyday.

Using as little as 15 SPF blocks your body’s ability to convert the sun’s rays to Vitamin D by 99%. If you want to increase your chances of avoiding diseases linked to deficiencies in Vitamin D (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and depression) – you must get sunshine! The sun’s rays are pure wonderful energy your body needs.

Before I go – I want to mention this important fact. The biggest immediate benefit of getting sun a few times a week is the reduction of cravings. When Vitamin D levels are low, the hormone that controls appetite stops working. You eat and eat and eat, and never feel full when this happens. The sun contributes significantly to the daily production of Vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure a few times a week is enough to help prevent deficiencies. Vitamin D also helps boost serotonin levels, your happy hormone, warding off depression which naturally reduces cravings. For me, this is reason enough to let the sun shine in!

If you know someone that might still be buying sunscreen with shady ingredients, please share this post with them, you could have a serious impact on their livelihood!

Thank you for spreading the word to the ones you love.

Food Babe

P.S. These sunscreen deals below are available for Food Babe readers for a limited time only!

Raw Elements Website – The first organic, non-GMO certified sunscreen –Get 20% off with code FOODBABE – don’t forget to put the code in at checkout.

Thinkbaby/Thinksport Website – Great for athletes, children and babies – Get 20% off with code FOODBABE – don’t forget to put the code in at checkout

Sunscreen 2

Food Babe Family - Book
Food Babe Grocery Guide

Sign Up For Updates

And Get A FREE Healthy Grocery Guide Sent To You Now!

Find out what to buy and where at the top grocery stores near you

Posts may contain affiliate, sponsorship and/or partnership links for products Food Babe has approved and researched herself. If you purchase a product through an affiliate, sponsorship or partnership link, your cost will be the same (or at a discount if a special code is offered) and Food Babe will benefit from the purchase. Your support is crucial because it helps fund this blog and helps us continue to spread the word. Thank you.

603 responses to “The Ingredients in Sunscreen Destroying Your Health

  1. You never seem to mention Arbonne products. Any reason for that? They have a great sunscreen!

  2. Ava Anderson Non Toxic also makes an amazing sunscreen. EWG choose it last summer as one of the best! Have you tried it? Love your site!

      1. If you’d like a sample let me know I’d love to send you one.

      2. If you’d like to try I’d love to send you a sample. I represent the line. Just email me where to send it at [email protected] since I’ve gone on toxic in my personal care routine I’ve been able to get off steroid creams for my auto immune issues!

      3. Do they make any higher SPFs? I have VERY sensitive skin and usually use 100+ SPF to keep from getting agonizing sunburn. Are the higher SPFs not necessary with mineral based sunscreens?

  3. I am so glad to see this. I have gone crazy trying to figure out a good brand to use. I have tried A LOT! I am going to use this as my guide. And I am glad to see the Honest Company on here since I decided to try it.

    I have one question – what do you think about homosalate and octocrylene?

    1. Any question regarding ingredients in cosmetics – I refer to the campaign on safe cosmetics and the environmental working group. Both of those ingredients are rated 4-6, which I don’t recommend.

  4. Great write up! Thank you for spreading the word. And I agree Lindsey…making your own is an easy and cost effective way to avoid the harsh chemicals in the over the counter versions. I had to make my own because even the health food store versions were shady!

  5. Thank you for the timely article! I just had a baby in March and “clean” sunscreen has been a concern of mine as of late.

  6. Great post. Always love talking / reading about sunscreen : ) Another fun fact – if you live north of Los Angeles (aka north of the 35th parallel), the sun’s rays are apparently not strong enough for your body to covert them into Vitamin D between the months of November and April.

    Also, certain skin types, like East Asian skin, is very prone to hyperpigmentation which is exacerbated by sun exposure, so I choose to be safe and wear sunscreen year round and take a hefty Vitamin D supplement.

  7. There is a great website and blog created by Jessica Ainscough, known as the Wellness Warrior (http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/), who used Gerson Therapy to cure herself of cancer. In her experience, once you clean up your diet to as pure as Gerson strives for, the need for sunscreen disappears. In fact, she now successfully only uses coconut oil for her sunscreen and nothing else. You may want to look into that.

    1. Dennis – I really believe this is possible! I am a firm believer in the gerson therapy and one of the reasons why my husband bought a norwalk juicer for christmas a couple of years ago. Have you seen the movie “The Beautiful Truth” – it’s fantastic!

  8. Hey there! Thank you for the post. Many people don’t realize that the chemicals in skin care products are directly absorbed to the bloodstream! I use this great product (Arbonne), which is completely botanically based so it doesn’t have any hormone-changing or cancer causing chemicals. I use the sunscreen, deodorant, makeup, washes, lotions and hair products. It should be added to your lists! Check it out 🙂

    1. Arbonne is not a very clean brand, but claims to be. Rates poorly and contains some toxins. See EWG ratings… it rates 4 to 7 when we are looking for 2 or under in our sunscreens to be safe.

  9. I love your site and I am in total agreement with not using sunscreen unless you are going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time. I use Honest products and love them. The sunscreen was really thick last year and I got the new and improved sunscreen this year and I hope it is easier to apply. Awesome post!

  10. Thanks for this! We usually use California Baby on our 3 kids (on areas that are not covered) when at the pool but didn’t know what to use on ourselves.

    1. I use California Baby also for myself even though, I am an adult because I have sensitive skin! After doing my research this one seemed to be the best for me. Although it can be a bit more pricey here in Canada $25.00, I figured it was well worth it.

  11. Exactly the sunscreens you have selected that I would select as well. Like you don ‘t wear sunscreen to get my vitamin D and if out for longer periods of time, I definitely do put a bit on. I find I like using pure aloe vera gel from the plants to put on my skin while outside for an extended period of time. It helps to keep off the burn.

  12. Thank you so much for this!! I have found that my skin is getting more and more sensitive as I get older. I used some Coppertone spray sunscreen in February while on a cruise and got some funky looking welts/rashes on my chest and shoulders. I used a different Coppertone just this Saturday and the same thing happened. Thank you so much for your research and your advice on great alternatives!! I’m off to do some shopping!

  13. Thank you so much for this post, I’ve been waiting for some good information on sunscreen. I wish I could be one of those people who don’t need sunscreen day to day but as a Floridian with very fair skin, it just isn’t possible for me.

  14. I use Tropical Traditions organic extra virgin coconut oil as sunscreen. I don’t have to worry about chemicals. I’m fair and blonde and I don’t burn. Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen. I grew up in California and never wore sunscreen. Was an athlete and I’m 41 and people can’t believe it. I don’t fear the sun but I do fear sunscreen. God gave us vitamin D in the sun. There’s a reason for it. Plus vitamin D protects you from cancer. Win win.

    1. Yay someone just like me! People think its crazy that I gave up sunscreen and use coconut only! I tell them exactly what you said here, I am not scared of the sun but the sunscreen is terrifying:). I also fair skinned through the winter but spend entire days outdoors in the sun and the garden just fine with my coconut oil!

      1. I use California Baby on my daughter. We live at the pool in the summer. At $20 for a small bottle, we pay as much for sunscreen a week as I do for before and after school care. The sunscreen has held up to where she has never had a burn. She has eczema so we are very careful what goes onto her skin. Are the other brands cheaper?

  15. Thank you SO much for this!!!! I’m sure it’ll be easy to find the 7th generation one. 🙂 I burn SO easily and get “sun poisoning” so bad EVERY single summer. Ive been wondering what I was going to start using!

  16. Thanks, my kids and I break out so bad from most sunscreens…the ped yells at us every summer when they get sunburn, but with the cost of them these days it is so hard to try them all for a brand that does not cause rashes and is “safer!”

    Next up bug repellant!!!! 🙂 pretty please we are advid campers and bugspray is like poision roulette. We have had luck in the back yard with home made essential oils but in the deepwoods for camping we need somthing stronger and the safer of the choices 🙂

    1. I don’t know about heavy duty in the woods, but MadeOn has a “bug block bar” that we’ve used successfully for mosquitoes just in our backyard. It’s ingredients are: coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, essential oils of citronella, cedarwood, and lavender. May be worth trying.

      1. Thanks!! I make alot of solid lotion bars…I could actually make that on my own I bet thank you!!!!

  17. I don’t bother wearing sun screen. Your body is supposed to be exposed to UV rays. Having DIRECT sunshine is the only way for the body to produce vitamin D. Since I became a vegan I found my natural SPF has gone up 10-15. I also wear the appropriate clothing, and take care of what goes in my body. Wen you take care of the inside, it’s an amazing thing that happens to the skin.

    Choose wisely.
    Eat right.
    Live well and prosper.

    1. It sounds great in theory except I have a 2.5 year old with a diagnosed sun allergy that breaks out in hives across his face and ears (arms and legs don’t react.) We have to use sunscreen on him during the high sun season. Yes, he wears a hat but that isn’t enough. And keeping him inside for 6 months out of the year isn’t an option. It’s good to know of decent options for those who truly NEED the sunscreen.

    2. In theory, I would agree with you but considering the environmental changes the planet has been experiencing over the years (i.e. ozone depletion, climate change, etc.), I find it safer to wear sunscreen if I’m going to be out in any direct sun for more than 20-30 minutes. It’s just the safest thing to do in my mind to protect myself.

  18. We’ve found that if we put rash guards on our kids at the pool and beach, we really only need to put sunscreen on their faces. Their legs never burn, and there are do many cute options that they don’t mind wearing them! Even though we use “safe” sunscreens, I still think covering up is the safest option.

    1. Yes – that’s what my husband does too, he is very fair skinned and this helps tremendously!

  19. This was such a great post and exactly what makes me so angry about mainstream products. I take my sunscreen very seriously because I am a melanoma survivor. The very idea that these products supposedly designed to protect us from cancer are actually full of cancer causing ingredients is so infuriating. I am such a big proponent of DIY skincare, but after much research, sunscreen will not be a DIY project for me. I too find that the EWG is a great place to get advice when at a loss for which products are safest. Thanks for all your work!

  20. Which is your favorite sunscreen for kids and which sunscreen is the easiest to spread and not that thick white stuff? California baby stained my kids clothes too. Thanks Carrie

    1. I have a 2.5 year old with a sun allergy. We’ve been very pleased with the Seventh Generation Baby Sunscreen. It is white, but rubs in fairly easily and is not super greasy. I use in on my son’s face everyday during the summer. It’s not cheap, but for us, it’s worth it.

  21. Thank you!! Been wondering about this. Very curious if these toxic chemicals are also in hand sanitizers?

    1. Hand sanitizers and lotions have lots of toxic ingredients. Use essential oils, they are both anti viral and anti bacterial.

  22. My 2.5 year old was diagnosed with a sun allergy last summer (he breaks out in hives across his face and ears and it takes multiple doses of antihistamines to clear them up.) We use the Seventh Generation brand on his face, ears and neck (his arms and legs don’t react) anytime he’s going outside once the “sunny” season hits. It’s been the only sunscreen I’ve found so far that doesn’t irritate his sensitive skin (he’s very light complected and has blonde hair and blue eyes, while I am a natural redhead.) I like that it doesn’t have the heavy sunscreen smell and rubs in decently, which is important when you are talking about a young child’s face.

    1. Thanks I dont mind spending the money to get the right product for the health of my family! They are worth every penny!

  23. I’ve gone through several tubes of Badger sunblock already and love it! Stays strong through heavy sweating during outdoor exercise. Some people complain about how white it makes you look, but that’s how all natural sunblocks are. I put a natural BB cream over my face sunblock to greatly lessen the white cast natural sunblocks leave.

  24. Thank you for this post …..sun protection from burns is very very important…melanoma kills.

  25. What about “Burn Out” sunscreen? I use that on my kids and I and got it at Whole Foods…it’s non-nano particle, non-paraben, 18% zinc oxide and broad spectrum….??? Do you know much about the safety rating on this one?

  26. Is the brand Babyganics good to put on my baby? I knew about the toxic ingredients in many sun screens and tried to buy a safe sun screen for my 5 month old baby. I don’t see the Babyganics brand listed so I want to make sure it’s a safe sun screen to give. Thanks!

    1. I just looked it up. The Babyganics for babies is a 2 and the Babyganics for kids is a 3. This is what I use. I will stick to the kind for babies next time I purchase this.

      1. I was wondering about BabyGanics as well, since I just bought some at Target to use on my 2 yr old and 6 mo old. I looked it up before I bought it and since it had a rating of 2 I went for it. However, I notice now that the main ingredient – Octinoxate – has a rating of 6 on the EWG…maybe this product isn’t that great?

  27. Ditto on the Babyganics question. Just purchased this brand but haven’t received yet. Typically use California Baby but thought I’d give this a try since it was on sale.

  28. I recently order Tickle Time. Its a mineral based sunscreen developed by Ann Heche that is applied with a brush. It is in powder form it and only needs to be applied once for the day because it is not absorbed into the skin?
    Food babe, you mentioned staying away from powder sunscreens. Any thoughts on this particular brand?
    Also, suggestion for futurw post… Safe bug sprays???

  29. What about Melaleuca’s sunscreen? I tried to find a rating for them on the guide provided above and they’re not there.

  30. Try Devita Solar Body Block. EWG rates it a 1, it’s zinc-based, non-nano and goes on smoothly and no white cast.

  31. You don’t mention another ingredient which causes severe allergic reactions in many: methoxycinnamate – a cinnamon derivative. While cinnamon itself is an important nutritional component, the methoxycinnamate is NOT good for the skin.

  32. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this post. My husband and kids are all very blond, blue eyed, and fair, so sunscreen has to be a part of our lives simply to keep them out of pain! I have become increasingly bothered/concerned by the reactions (rashes) I see in my kids to various sunscreens. Last summer I was determined to find a “better” sunscreen, but as I tried to research it on the web, I became overwhelmed by the the conflicting opinions and information out there, so I ended up just enduring what we were already doing. However, I have complete trust and respect for your commitment to finding good information for us; I feel very confident in your suggestions. I plan to buy one of your recommendations and toss out all of our other sunscreens! Thank you SO much!

  33. Thanks for the great and timely information. I also read an article this weekend about the hidden dangers in “popcorn” ceilings…yuck. Keep the good information coming.

  34. I was trying to find a really good sunscreen that not only was healthy but was vegan also. Being that Titanium Dioxide is such a controversial ingredient right now, I also wanted to avoid it, though many reports say it is a harmless ingredient. I had a difficult time finding something I wanted to try. I did go thru the EWG.org site and came up with Loving Naturals with non-nano Zinc. It was both vegan and had no Titanium Dioxide, and rated only 1 on the EWG website. The ingredients were pretty simple and mostly organic: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 24.8% Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from Coconut Oil), Soy Wax (Non-GMO), Organic Sesame Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Cocoa Butter (Fair Trade), Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Cocoa (Fair Trade), Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Green Tea, Sea Salt, Water. I’m really anxious to try it. Thanks for this post. Love all your posts!!! When I wanna know about a product, I look here first!!

    1. I found this sunscreen last year for my sensory challenged daughter and we both LOVED it. It worked great and goes on super smooth! Not chalky at all! Makes sunscreen time happier for both of us! I know use it on all 3 kids!

  35. i use coppertone water babies on my daughter and she hasnt got burnt yet and we spend alot of time outdoors and i even use it on me its cheap and it works great

      1. The CoppertoneWater Babies Pure and Simple is the one that is rated a 2 – not regular Coppertone Water Babies. But Food Babe says that it still has parabens which she avoids.

  36. Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple and also Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple both have an EWG rating of 2. That’s pretty good if you’re looking for a product that is carried at most local stores. We used it all last summer for my daughter, who is very allergic to most other sunscreens we’ve tried, and she had no reactions to it.

    1. Thanks Kikka – yes, several people have mentioned this. Great to know…

  37. I’m actually Pete N ‘the desert’ now and definitely have to wear sunscreen everyday- and lots of it. I’ve been using No-Ad because it’s a great value and I’ve used it for years; now w/ a much higher SPF #. It has fragrance & Vit A. So, since these others are cost-prohibitive, how ‘bad’ is this choice? Most others make my skin breakout and I was so pleased to find one that seems not to. Suggestions?

    1. Cost prohibitive is relative…how much would early melanoma cost you? Or organ failure or infertility? As the chemicals in this product are probably much worse than a sunburn in the long run. Important to look at the big picture, not just the price (-: The many cancer causing chemicals in skin care and shampoos do make the products very cheap, but at what true cost? Whatever goes on my skin, my biggest organ, is safe enough to eat. Not that I eat soap or lotion much.

      1. Did you seriously think that patronizing response would be helpful? yikes… Anyone else have a ‘suggestion’ about a more affordable ‘better-choice’ sunscreen, as that is what I was hoping for.

      2. I’m not getting where you people are thinking Adele was snotty or patronizing. She just presented the facts.

      3. I agree that Adele’s response (while yes, another way to look at it and not actually incorrect) was snarky and overlooks the fact that some people just can’t afford to buy the best of everything just because it’s better for them. Cost IS a factor for MANY people and the question asked was legitimate and deserved a respectful and thoughtful answer that could possibly help him.

      4. I think Adele’s response was a very important concept people overlook when factoring price. Pete your original question in the first response was, “how ‘bad’ is this choice?” in which she appropriately answered with some very important questions to consider when factoring the “true” costs of cheap versus quality sunscreen. I hope the above makes sense, and its not be patronizing. I believe its an honest good list of questions to consider and think about.

      5. I’ve heard that you can make your own using coconut oil but i don’t have the details. Worth the research though.

      6. Go to diynatural.com and they have a recipe to make all natural sunscreen

      7. I agree that your response (while yes, another way to look at it and not actually incorrect) was snarky and overlooks the fact that some people just can’t afford to buy the best of everything just because it’s better for them. Cost IS a factor for MANY people and the question asked was legitimate and deserved a respectful and thoughtful answer that could possibly help him. Are there people who say they can’t afford all organic etc, but spend significant amounts of money on other things? Yes. But that’s only SOME people. Other truly can’t afford it and should be given thoughtful, respectful answers that consider where they are coming from. Maybe there are cost effective solutions that would be good and money saving. Why buy expensive and sacrifice somewhere else if there is an economical and safe option?! Do it if you want, but I like the best of both worlds when possible.

    2. I don’t know if I’m missing something but I don’t think Adele’s response was patronizing or snotty. Just trying to get others to see the bigger picture.

    3. I’m with Pete – I live in Texas and we wear sunscreen daily in the summer, and with 4 kids the “good” brands are just cost prohibitive. We do wear swim shirts to minimize the amount of skin we need to sunscreen, but I really need a more affordable sunscreen. So comments about “cost prohibitive being relative” aren’t terribly helpful. It’s either find something more affordable that is considered good, wear the inexpensive brands with chemicals, or stop taking my kids to the pool and waterpark, which isn’t going to happen.

      1. I am not trying to be snotty with this response, but some of the same people who say they can’t afford “good” sunscreen also say they can’t afford to feed their families organic food YET drive nice cars, have iPhones, cable/satellite, get their hair and nails done, buy brand name clothing, etc. (Not talking about anyone specific here, but I have seen it time and time again) We have purposefully cut our spending in “frivolous” areas in order to be able to afford the “good stuff” that we deserve in order to keep our families healthy.

      2. Yes, well that’s only SOME people. MANY people truly can’t afford it and should be help not spoken down to.

      3. Have you tried Blue Lizard? It might be another decent option. They reformulated and removed the Parabens from their sensitive and baby sunscreen this year … not sure about the regular or sport. Check the ingredients list to make sure you are buying a new bottle with no parabens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

food babe with grocery cart - footer image