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.
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.
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.
- 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
- 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
- John Masters Organics – SPF 30, only one option available
- Seventh Generation – SPF 30, only one option available
- Aubrey Organics – SPF 26-45 available, unscented available
- Sunology – Kids, Face and Body Protection – one of my favorites, because it glides in easily
- Badger – Certified organic, several different SPFs and option for kids, babies and active people, unscented available
- 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.
- Fragrance – Sure 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
Foodbabe—Can you recommend a natural/organic sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white residue on your skin? I’ve had a hard time finding one that doesn’t leave me looking like a ghost.
I’m just discovering your blog and love it!
Thank you!
I would recommend Arbonne, it is an organic, vegan product that is PABA and chemical free. I use it and it does not leave a residue on my skin! Go to http://www.whatifitworks.myarbonne.ca or http://www.arbonne.ca for more info.
Good luck! 🙂
I was under the impression that all zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunscreens leave a white residue unless it is a nano based (which is something you would need to avoid) I’m not sure whether there is a sunscreen that would be healthy to use that would not leave white residue. (correct me if I’m wrong)
look carefully into the Arbonne products they are nit as natural as the seem
What about a tinted sunscreen spot stick? Ingredients jojoba and extra olive oils, pure non-nano zinc oxide , rose hip antioxidant, green tea. 3 different to choose from. More info at http://www.ourlemgrassspa.com/2482 You can find lemongrass spa company on the ewg website
Try Sun Putty. It’s a great natural sunscreen that really has helped my skin. http://www.sunputty.com
Seriously, outstanding website design! The span of time have you ever been running a blog with regard to? you’ve made blogging start looking straightforward. The complete peek of this web site is definitely great, together with the content material!
Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Only the superficial regions of the skin are affected in contact dermatitis. Inflammation of the affected tissue is present in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) and the outer dermis (the layer beneath the epidermis).^^.”
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What about just using plain Zinc Oxide as a sunscreen or Sunblock?
Hi,
I have 3 kids who are outdoors everyday for 6-8 hours each day during the summer, needless to say we go through a ton of sunscreen. While I did purchase a few bottles of the ones you recommended, it is not feasible for me to continue to use them.
I came across the environmental working group site and their list of “safe” sunscreens” just wondering why you wouldn’t consider some of the brands they mentioned to be safe like :
Aveeno baby natural face stick
Coppertone faces sensitive skin
Coppertone kids pure & simple
Coppertone sensitive skin
Coppertone water babies pure and simple
Kiss My Face Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Kiss My Face Kids White Sun Stick, SPF 30
Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen with Hydresia, SPF 40
These drug store options are affordable especially when you go through as many bottles as we do each summer.
Thanks for your time!
Hi
Great Information, really enjoyed the read.
Have you heard of Arbonne 33yrs old Swiss Heritage company. Our products are GREEN, PURE, SAFE, CLEAN AND.. BENIFICIAL !
Do please check us out, our products are from baby to anti-ageing, sunscreen included!!
I’d love your feed back!
Regards
Alison
Independent Consultant
ID- 440016303
http://www.facebook.com/Newlifeforus
Thanks for the info!
Food Babe,
I have read that Titanium Dioxide is a carcinogen. How do you feel about that being in sunscreen when it can be absorbed into our skin?
Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I
just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums
that deal with the same subjects? Appreciate it!
Thanks for commenting- so glad you are enjoying the posts. Here are some of her favorite websites… https://foodbabe.com/informativewebsites/
Hey Food Babe!
I hope you don’t mind, but I LOVE this article and am printing out a few copies to have in the office for our chiropractic and nutrition patients to read so we can get the awareness out there! Your name and website are stated on the copies 🙂 If this is not okay, just let me know and I will get rid of them. Thank you!!! I love reading your blog!
Spread the word!
Can anyone recommend a safe one that goes on somewhat easily? Or is that just not possible with the ingredients that are recommended here? I thought about sunscreen safety for the first time ever before our trip to Mexico in May and I tried two that had titanium dioxide: Water Babies Pure & Simple and an Aveeno one I think. They were both soooo thick and SUCH a hassle to put on, especially when you need to cover your whole body, that I was almost willing to go without by the end of the trip, I was so over it. I know we won’t stick with safe sunscreens for long if they are all that thick and hard to apply. 🙁
Hi – Food Babe just discovered Sunology since she wrote this post. She says it does not go on white. I just ordered mine. https://foodbabe.com/bargains-discounts-promo-codes-coupons/
Sunology is made with Vitamin A, which Food Babe said we should avoid in sunscreens..!?
http://www.sunology.com/shopexd.asp?id=3
Sanya – the Vitamin A to avoid is called retinyl palmitate. Sunology is completely rated clean on EWG.org
When we started going on cruises, I looked for a higher SPF (50), because I am so pale. I finally found one I love. Tropical Sands by Mexitan products. It scored a 1 on EWGs list. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/498878/Tropical_Sands_Sunscreen%2C_SPF_50_/
I forgot to add that it has been improved from when we first started buying it, so that it goes on easier.
I forgot to add that they have improved the formula since we first started buying it, so that it goes on more easily.
Thanks for the info…Where is that product available?
We bought ours directly from Mexitan’s website, but here is a list of other places you can buy.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/498878/Tropical_Sands_Sunscreen%2C_SPF_50_/
Hope this helps!
Thank you!
You’re welcome. 🙂
hi interesting article however I am from the UK and was wondering if there any products/brands you can recommend that are easy to buy here. I used to use P20 however have been advised against using this even though I found it to be ideal
Not sure – just go to their websites and find out there. Good luck!
SAFE SUNSCREEN BRANDS TO BUY
THANKS FOR THE INFO I SENT THIS INFO TO ALL MY SISTERS AND HER CHILDREN AND MY SON WHICH IS ON HIS WAY IN BEING A FATHER AND EVEY ON I HAD ON MY EMAIL LIST. THANKS AGAIN STEVE
Thanks Steve – glad you enjoyed the post.
Hello! I loved this article! I was trying to decide which sunscreen to buy based off of it and I have decided on Badger.
There are two I am trying to pick from and wanted to know which one you thought was better before I spend almost $20 on 2 oz! Ha.
ZINC OXIDE SUNSCREEN LOTION – SPF30 ALOE
http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-505-zinc-oxide-sunscreen-lotion-spf-30-aloe.aspx
MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 16 ALOE
http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-483-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-16-aloe.aspx
Please let me know if you can!
Thank you
I’ve become very concerned about nanotechnology recently as research is now finding nano-particles to be toxic and carcinogenic, and can effect the lungs, skin, immune system and other organs. Most titanium dioxide and zinc oxide products use these microscopic particles now. There are a few brands that use larger particle sizes of these 2 minerals and should be the only ones included in any sunscreen used to remain safe from disease caused by this “modern” technology. It is difficult to determine whether a product is nano- or non-nano, but it is wise to do your research before you make your purchase. I haven’t done a lot of research into brands that are safe, but found Badger brand one that uses larger particle sizes in their products.
I was wondering if you have heard of or tried Sun Bum Sunscreen? I have been doing a lot of research lately on sunscreen and came across this thread. Thank you for the research you have done to provide such useful feedback.
Usually, sunburn symptoms continue to get worse in the first 24 to 36 hours after the sunburn. Sunburns start to go away over 3 to 5 days. Severe sunburns can be serious in babies, small children, and older adults because of their sensitive skin and their high risk for other problems.,:”
Our very own internet page <http://www.healthdigest101.com/
During the past decades doctors have become increasingly aware of the increase in skin cancer in the United States and that all people need to protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation (UV). The harm caused by UV includes premature aging (such as wrinkling and age spots), skin cancer, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to eyes.;::”
Latest brief article on our own web blog <http://healthdigest101.com/
Cholecalciferol is synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the action of ultraviolet B light. It reaches an equilibrium after several minutes depending on several factors including conditions of sunlight (latitude, season, cloud cover, altitude), age of skin, and color of skin..””*
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Fantastic post but I was wanting to know if you could write
a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thanks!
We went to the zoo…and it was very hot. This year we used organic expeller pressed coconut oil (doesn’t smell like coconuts). My daughter has the fairest skin there is and burns very quickly. I applied it to her arms and face about once an hour and not only did she not burn at all…her skin was silky smooth! Love it!
I love that! So glad it worked well for you. I use it sometimes too but I have burned so I’m very careful…
I love your website and go to it for ideas and tips. I do want to say to please be very careful about encouraging individuals to get more sun. Everyone has different skin types (Fitzpatrick skin type I-VI+) and those who are fairer (I to III) can burn in less than 30 minutes. Various skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) as well as melanoma (which can be lethal) are being found in individuals much younger than prior. Those who are darker skinned have natural protection with increased melanoma though still need to wear sunscreen when they are going to be outside in the sun for long periods of time. Those persons who have a higher level (IV-VI+) still have to be wary of skin cancers developing in lighter pigmented areas of their body (palms, soles, web spaces between fingers and toes). There are physical (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) and chemical sunscreens that can be used as well as using physical barriers such as wearing clothes with long sleeves and pants, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, etc., can be solid deterrents to sun damage. Any tan is damaging to our skin and that is the largest organ and the perfect protection to the outside world. We need to keep it as safe as possible. Possible vitamin D deficiency needs to be referred to a physician and there are supplemental options that are more beneficial than the sun which again can lead to superficial skin cancers and more dangerous kinds such as melanoma which can metastasize quickly. In addition, is the issue of increased, accelerated photoaging (wrinkles, increased skin laxity) brought on by sun damage. Please refer individuals to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for information regarding vitamin D deficiency which can be very serious and sunscreen and sun-avoidant behaviors. Always remember that any tan even that which one obtains on their left arm while driving through the car window is damaging to the skin. Thank you.
A correction to my above post. The sentence should read as follows: “Those who are darker skinned have natural protection with increased melanin (not melanoma) though still need to wear sunscreen when they are going to be outside in the sun for long periods of time.”
Thanks!
I recently read that we can use coconut oil as a sunscreen.
http://www.undergroundhealth.com/ditch-the-toxic-sunscreen-use-coconut-oil-instead/
Do you think it is safe??
Also I read that can be used as Deodorant. I Took a shower yesterday at night (8pm) and used coconut oil as deodorant and until now 12:26pm no bad smell at all.
Yes, I think coconut oil is good to use for sunscreen but be careful, you can still burn. It offers some protection but not a lot. I have used it and love it and it has worked well for me. But I have also burned a little because I stayed out too long.
I have tried it as natural deodorant also – it did work for a short time but I couldn’t use it all of the time but I sweat a lot. Good luck!
Thank you 😉
Food Babe – Speaking of Vitamin A listed above, what is your opinion of using Retin A?
The best sunscreen to use is Organic Coconut OIl. It really works great!
Vari ~ what do you know about using pure coconut oil in lieu of sunscreen? I’ve read a couple of articles with claims that it works, but I have been nervous to try it because I easily burn. I do love coconut oil, I use it every day on my skin.
PS – I just ordered 2 bottles of Aubrey Organics sunscreen. I am going to the beach for Labor Day Weekend and I am anxious to try it out!
Hi Nicole – coconut oil can provide some protection from the sun but it is a low SPF so you really have to be careful. I have used it and it has worked well and I love coming in from the sun feeling so moisturized. But, I have also burned a little because I stayed out too long. Good luck!
Wish I would have read this sooner on vac in Dominican Republic borrowed a lady’s Coppertone Sunscreen babies on Thursday, used only on face, rash started Friday, swelling started Saturday, today Sunday eyes so puffy almost shut face as big as a watermelon, itchy rash went to hospital had to get an IV with cortisol and antihistamine, left with 2 creams- 1 for am 1 for pm, 2 different meds – 1 for am 1 for pm, and a syrup to take 3x’s before meals. I’m going to check out what you suggest I have learned from this experience to a tune of 700.00 US dollars and a slight damper in vac meds make me super sleepy
Hi! Love this post. Thanks so much for the helpful info. I’m wondering if you can recommend an everyday face lotion with spf in it? I’m not into sitting outside in the sun for long periods of time and usually only wearing sun block when I’m playing tennis. But what about everyday protection? Thanks.
I too would love to know the answer to this!
You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all people will have the same opinion with your blog.
Rgds,
Seragam
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Thank you so much for this. I have been trying to figure out what a good brand would be – should have checked with Food Babe first 🙂
Thanks for the article! I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who gets an allergic reaction from sunscreen/sunblock. I tell everyone i am allergic to sunblock or sun screen since everybody says i should put it on if i don’t tell them. But i think my body is sufficient enough to stop the UV rays from causing any major harm.
P.S.
For some reason, some family members think that sunblock and sunscreens stop the skin from tanning….Talk about being misinformed!
Vitamin A is an anti oxidant against cancer like other vitamins. Yet after someone gets cancer already, the person should not nourish it with nutritious ingredients. Avoid ingredients like alcohol and fragrance as they will intensify the rays effects on skin. Avoid also applying or consuming products with dyes or artificial coloring. Some scientist suspect they promote pre-cancerous reactions with sunlight.
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There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go
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Hello, You make very good points about sunscreen! Very good research work! There is another option to getting a healthy dose of vitamin D, a new gadget called SunFriend! Its all written up at:
http://www.gizmag.com/sunfriend-uv-wristband/29979/
I can only put oil-free, non-comedogenic products on my face. So far, the only sunscreens that have those properties have oxybenzone. Do you know of any mineral non-comedogenic sunscreens? I get horrible acne when my skin comes in contact with any oil.
Thank you for the recommendations! I’ve been searching for some time for a safer sunblock and you’ve saved me a lot of research(i.e. googling).
love this,Well done.keep spreading the Good and healthy info.
This is a great blog post about vitamin D and our health (including a bit about sunscreens): http://pantrymedicine.com/blog/2014/1/15/the-sunshine-vitamin-or-rather-hormone
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http://www.organicmakeup.ca/ca/titaniumdioxide.asp
So that’s another 2 things to worry about on the ever growing list:
cancer from not using sunscreen and cancer from using sunscreen
flouride in the water/toothpaste, aspartame in the tonic water, PDBE in the mattress, VOCs in the furniture, carcinogens in the wood-burner ashes, benzine in the petrol, listeria in the water tank, talcum powder, radiation from mobile phones, mercury in the fluorescent bulbs, chlorine in the bleach, asbestos in the hair dryer, cancer from electricity pylons, salt, sugar, pesticides on fruit and veg, arsenic in the strawberry pips, toxic mold in the house, MRSA in the hospitals ……. and on and on ..
and last but not least:
anxiety from reading internet health websites 😉
I used to sunburn easily. Seventeen years ago I started juicing. Years later I noticed I didn’t sunburn anymore. Found out it was the chlorophyll in the greens preventing it. Ever see a green plant sunburn as long as it’s watered.
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