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
This article gives clear idea in favor of the new
people of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.
hi food babe,
thank you so much for this information. can u give some detail information about which hair shampoo and hair conditioner to use plz?
I signed for a melaleuca account. They have all Heath & beauty and cleaning products that are non-toxic. If you would like more info let me know. [email protected]
Great posting. I had been examining frequently your blog and i’m motivated! Really practical details especially the final phase 🙂 I actually take care of similarly info considerably. I became in search of this particular certain information and facts to get a really extensive period. Thank you and greatest connected with luck.
Good overcome! I’m going to apprentice when you fix your blog, how can i sign up for a blog page web site? The particular account aided me a appropriate offer. I actually have been small amount well known in this your transmit offered brilliant clear thought
Am not sure you have reviewed suncare products from
http://www.absolutely-natural.com/collections/suncare
On the surface, they appear to follow your stated principles for suncare products.
Jon
Just a little FYI though about sunscreens: If they rub in clear they contain nanoparticles of many of the listed ‘safe’ ingredients. While they may be safe when used in their larger molecular states, there is absolutely no testing being done on how super small particles will effect our bodies and health. Additionally, there is no regulations for testing or labeling. Sunscreen is a difficult for a consumer to weigh the risks and benefits around but there are many other products that are put on the skin or consumed that contain potentially harmful nanosized particles. A good site to check out and learn about nanoparticles in consumer products that might interest you is http://www.nanotechproject.org/cpi/. I really like your blog and found may articles informative and helpful in a positive non-preachy way! Thanks for your work!
Blue Lizard from Australia is amazing– as a skin cancer survivor, I trust my life to it, as I travel frequently to the high desert in the US and to East Africa at least once a year. I wear it every day, rain or shine.
I no longer use sunscreen; instead, I take 4-5mg/day of astaxanthin – haven’t had a sunburn since starting it a little over 2 years ago. Plus it has other benefits as well.
Never heard of that but, I’d like to try it. Please email me where you purchase it. thank you.
Hi Sue,
I usually buy it from vitacost.com – the 5mg strength. In the sogftgels. If you Google “astaxanthin mercola” you can read about its other benefits. Don’t know exactly how long you need to take it for the benefits, but don’t take one and rush out into the sun all day. Hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
ide effects. Astaxanthin may hinder an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. As a result, it may keep testosterone from changing into the hormone DHT in the body. This might cause a number of side effects, such as:
Lower libido
Male breast growth
Erectile dysfunction
Astaxanthin may also lower blood pressure and calcium levels.
Risks. Avoid taking astaxanthin if you’re allergic or sensitive to it. Also avoid astaxanthin if you’re allergic or sensitive to:
Similar carotenoids such as canthaxanthin
A source of astaxanthin, such as the algae that produces it
Drugs that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase like finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn)
I have had no negative side effects from taking astaxanthin. The following is from an article on Dr. Mercola’s site: “According to Dr. Moerck:
“There has been blogs about breast enlargement associated with astaxanthin. Folks, this is simply impossible… It’s that cut and dry. Let me explain why that is.
First of all, the molecules themselves, the carotenoids, have no steroidal function. They also do not inhibit steroid formation, and of course we know that testosterone and estrogen are very important for sexuality and for hair growth and breast size, etc. However, carotenoids do not affect that at all. There is NO steroidal activity. It does not enter in any mechanism pathway for the synthesis of steroids.””
Before I take any new supplement, I research it extensively, and with astaxanthin, did not find anything negative. But found many benefits. Of course, if someone is on medication, they always need to check for any possible interactions, even with food.
what do you know about avobenzone, octinoxate, & octisalate?
Have you ever researched the sunscreen ” Babo Botanicals”. I think it is a great company.
Have you tried or researched Arbonne’s sunscreen? I use this and I also make my own sunscreen instead.
Making your own sunscreen is one of the cheapest and best ways to protect your skin.
Hi Foodbabe!
Have you tried Coola suncare? There is a mineral line. It’s wonderful and feels great on your face especially!
I agree with Melissa! Coola suncare is brilliant! Non greasy and wonderful!
Hey!! Love this post! Hope more people start to realize the negative effects on things we shouldn’t have to second guess.
I used think baby sunscreen on my daughter last year. I was wondering your thoughts on this one? Is this a good one too?
Thank you
Isagenix Isa SunGuard is 6% Zinc Oxide and 2.3% Titanium Dioxide, with no harmful chrmicaks, fragrances or fillers. The whole Isagenix line of products is natural and I stick to them for everything! Glad to see this article and confirm this to be a great sun care product 🙂
Anything safe that’s higher than 40 spf? I use spf 100 and still get pink.
Becky, I am the same way and finally switched over to a long sleeve swim jacket. I have been happy with the one I got from Coolibar. I have been using the same jacket for a few years and it is holding up well. I also got some cute swim shorts from Athleta. I still need to be careful with face and legs, but the jacket and swim shorts really make things easier.
Thanks Cora. I’ll check those out. 🙂
Hey there! I am a firm supporter of you but do want to point out that you directly say the Coppertone Waterbabies is one of the worst. It actually ranks 2 on EWGs scale. It contains only three ingredients and is thick. With fair skinned kids in and out of water a thick sunscreen is necessary. I am with you that the SPF being higher does not mean much so we still reapply often while swimming. We let them get direct sun with outside play.
Even one of CVSs brand ranked a 2. So…not every big name is negative and for many of us a much more affordable and practical choice.
The lowest score I found of Coppertone Water Babies on EWG is a 4; the other Coppertone babies products go into the red zone. This wouldn’t be my choice for the kids.
Here it is… this is WHY I use this for all of us. Rated a green 2: http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/496161/Coppertone_Water_Babies_Pure_%26_Simple_Sunscreen_Lotion%2C_SPF_50/
Coppertone has 3 ‘active’ ingredients, but a whole slew of other nasty ones, too, including PEGs and parabens. Do not use it.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Zinc Oxide (14.5%) Inactive Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, C12 15 Alcohol Benzoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl/PEG/PPG 10/1 Dimethicone, PEG 12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Chloride
I’ve noticed two types of Water Babies sunscreen. One is Water Babies Pure & Simple and that contains
OCTINOXATE
7.5%
OCTISALATE
5%
ZINC OXIDE (sunscreen grade > 100nm)
14.5%
I think it’s better than the regular version of water babies not not as good as the sunscreens with just titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
You can also make your own, which is what I plan to do. I have a whitey white child and she must have it. I refuse to put anything else on her. Search around the net, find recipes. One I have found contains several ingredients that when put together can give you a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher. Good luck to all!
Loved this article. I also didn’t know about the Vitamin D and it’s link to cravings. What is you love somewhere that doesn’t get much sunlight, like southeast, Alaska? Is a vitamin D supplement sufficent?
As a Stage IV melanoma patient, I find this post pretty upsetting. Life would be ideal if we didn’t need sunscreen, but trust me we do. Every day. Choose one with zinc and titanium if you don’t like the others. Your statement about the “horrific” effects of sunscreen on our bodies is incredibly irresponsible given the number of people who follow your blog and might actually believe you. Melanoma is far more horrific. Further, the incidence in skin cancer has largely been caused by the use of indoor tanning beds, not sunscreen use. The sun is not your best option for getting the Vitamin D you need. Take a supplement or get it from your food. Those few minutes in the sun, over time, adds up to big time damage to your skin, lots of wrinkles, and worst of all, the risk of skin cancer. Last, you mention that
Wholeheartedly agree with Donna. I never used sunscreen and tanned naturally and in the tanning coffins. Now I battle the black beast called melanoma. As far as your craving theory goes due to lack of vitamin D. I know plenty of tan food addicts. Wish you provided more evidence base for your information. That tan you so easily profess achieving might just be killing you, Food Babe.
I agree – there is a need for sunscreen. I have a photosensitivity that causes a blistering rash every time I am exposed to sun. Since I swim four days a week, this is a problem. But I do appreciate the fact that some sunscreens are healthier than others. I wear a fabric covering most of the time.
…sorry…didn’t mean to submit the comment yet.
You mentioned that you’re lucky because you tan and don’t burn. That’s not luck. It’s not a good thing at all. Tanned skin is damaged skin. Period.
Please add Ava Anderson to your approved list! Truly, 100% chemical free–and it works!!!!
Agreed!!! I feel like Ava Anderson Non Toxic should actually head this list. I have a very fair child who burns on everything, except this brand. It was a Godsend when we found it and continues to be. The peace of mind is immeasurable and the ingredients are as pure and as natural as it claims.
You might be “lucky” to not burn, but that doesn’t mean you won’t develop melanoma. Your article is a bit irresponsible by stating this and you’re false in the “need” for vitamin D. I encourage you to have this reviewed by a melanoma doctor and include their suggestions on the necessity of getting vitamin D.
Hi. Love your blog! Just wondering if you would ever like to chat about how DIY products using Young Living Essential oils can help replace the very things you are writing about?
Food Babe, as always you’re a GEM!! Caring about us folks to do your darnedest to enform & educate us about yet again., another poison & toxins that we put into our body! Thank you for making it so. Easy! !!
Hi I have a combination of high Ana with lupus due to which I need to stay out of the sun completely . Which sunscreen would u recommend for me ?
Pooja, I have an autoimmune disease very similar to lupus (UCTD). The high ANA that shows up on bloodwork is just an indicator of autoimmune activity in your body due to your lupus and doesn’t correlate to disease activity. Someone can have mild lupus (or no outward signs of it) with a high ANA or can be having a severe flare-up and test negative on the ANA. It should not be used to monitor disease activity. But you were asking about sunscreen! From my research and what my dermatologist has said (and this is also what the Food Babe article says), your best choice is use a mineral sunblock (they contain zinc) without fragrances or parabens every single day (even in winter) AND when you know you will be out in the sun you should also cover up with a hat and long sleeves. Better yet, do all those things AND still stay inside during the time of day when the sun is most intense (10-2 roughly). Go outside early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening instead. I know that’s not always practical, but I know what a pain sun sensitivity can be and I try my best to avoid reactions and protect my skin.
Foodbabe, how do you feel about Arbonne products. Such as makeup, hygiene, protein. Thanks for your hard work!
I was just at the dermatologist and she recommended SPF 30 in order to get enough protection. She said that SPF 30 is now really about the strength of SPF 15.
There are a few good ones that are made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and also you could end up making your own if you can’t find them.
So dumb….she never said not to wear sunblock, she said you have to avoid the sunblocks with dangerous chemicals. Also the fact that she has tan skin does not make her vain & does not mean her skin is damaged. She’s not white, duh she has a natural olive complexion. She was born that way, so Quit hating.
I knew it! I haven’t been able to wear sunscreen for years due to itchy and burning skin after application. I also can’t wear any self tanners due to the same side effects~ any recommendations for this product?
I just bought SUNNY SUNSCREEN Babytime! By Episencial. It seems to follow all the tips you gave here and it is also EWG top safety rated. I hope it is actually a good one.
Thanks for the great info!!!!! We need more caring,truthful people like food babe
In my 70’s & been in the Phx. Az. sun all my life! NEVER believed sunscreen was anything but a money maker, and was harmful for our skin – our biggest organ! Vit D is so very important! Kelly
As a very fair skinned redhead I wear sunblock every day. When I set out to reduce the harmful chemicals in my life, sunblock was a big concern. But I found Blue Lizard sunscreen, and I love it!
The best suncare products I have discovered was when I was down in Mexico. The actual products are made in the USA and when you apply them they stay on your skin all day to protect you. Their after suncare gel is the best as well.http://www.suncarecentral.com/US_ProductList.asp
I knew some about chemicals in makeup and sunscreen blocking Vitamin D absorbtion and links to cancer but I didn’t know the details. Thank you for explaining and giving the alternative choices.
Get out and enjoy the day.
Another safe sunscreen is Tru Kid, check it out, they are great!
Thanks for taking the time to share this information with everyone. It disgusts me knowing the chemicals that are “allowed”. I am an independent consultant for Perfectly Posh which is naturally derived skin care products. We have a product called MY HERO SPF 30+ FACIAL SUNSCREEN which is amazing. It can be found at perfectlyposh.com/shawnafriend
What about Elta brand? I used their spray but it is so expensive. I live in So Cal and am outside at least 2 hours a day. I broke down and bought Neutrogena last week because it is so easy and light but I hate using it. Anyone have suggestions for a spray??? I hate lotion
Thank you for the information and advice on safer sunscreens. The problem is that I have never heard of or seen any of those products. Where can the “safe” sunscreens be purchased?
I ‘m allergic to most things- I recently switched my moisturizer. & night cream to the brand Simple. The moisturizer has a 15 SPF- is this a healthy line?
Also I use Unite professional saloon hair care-I’m wondering if this is good?
Thank you! Mary in Oregon
It’s reasonable to look at the ingredients in your sunscreen and be sure they are safe, but the suggestion that you can do without sunscreen is irresponsible. It is also a myth that people with darker skin don’t have to worry as much about damage from the sun. As someone who lost a daughter to melanoma at a young age I cannot stress too strongly how important it is to protect yourself when you are in the sun. You are gambling with your life if you don’t.
Man…getting thru the day must be a full for her!
Her articles are well researched and useful but never discuss known of how much these negative items impact us. Therefor the approach is avoid at all cost and here are your options. That’s a full time job in it of itself for most of us.
“I certainly don’t want to look like a wrinkly old hag when I’m older…”
Good point. Love the info you shared. Allow me to share some too,lol.
I found some great stuff that deals with fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, and reverses all of them (along with other sun related skin issues).
Great info here… http://gottoget.net Enjoy. :-}
Does anyone know of a spray sunscreen that is more safe than the commonly found brands? I do not normally use a spray, but would like to use it occasionally if I am out with the kids at the pool or beach this summer (because creams are hard to reapply when kids are already wet and sandy). Thanks!
LOVE the sun- HATE skin cancer. PLEASE advise (hoping this isn’t redundant) on facial foundation products. They all seem to contain sunscreen now..ugh!
Food Babe:
What about SkinCeuticals brand? Each of their sunscreens have different formulas. But they use ingredients such as:
– Zinc Oxide
– Titanium Dioxide
– Octinoxate
– Translucent color spheres
– Artemia salina
Good call Dawn! SkinCeuticals is the best.
Did you read the info on the EWG website you provided the link for?
8. Mineral sunscreens contain nano-particles.
Most zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens contain nano-particles a twentieth the width of a human hair. These help reduce or eliminate the chalky white tint that these minerals used to leave on the skin. Based on the available information, EWG gives a favorable rating to mineral sunscreens, but the FDA should restrict the use of unstable or UV-reactive forms of minerals that would lessen skin protection. Read more.
I sell Perfectly Posh which is a natural line of skin are products. Just good stuff here! Check out our new sunscreen called “My Hero”. It is made with natural active ingredients and has SPF 30+!! Our look natural line features 100% vegan blends, no fillers, no parabens,sulfates, or phthalates and has 100% natural fragrances and essential oils! Learn more or contact me at http://www.perfectlyposh.com/jennyramey.
I am have been using a sunscreen by Melaleuca – hands down for me the best. My kiddos have very sensitive skin on top of being quite fair. There products are extremely safe and good for your skin!
What about the babyganics brand?