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
Hey Vani!
I just wanted to let you know that I have been using coconut oil for years. It works as a sun block. I am really pale and burn easily and that is what I use. I’ve never had a problem. Just rub it on every 20-30 minutes. You get a nice tan without burning. Then you really don’t have to worry about what is in it. Also, since coconut oil changes from a solid to a liquid with heat if you bring the jar with to the beach it should be warm enough to spread on easily.
The coconut oil doesn’t leave you greasy and sticky?
No, it doesn’t. I just do enough to smooth over the skin. So, it really just acts as a moisturizer. 🙂 I saw someone esle say they used shea butter the same way and it works just as well.
Any tan is sun damage! The goal would be to avoid getting tan or burning.
Stacy your exactly right, any tan is a sign of sun damage when has been definitively proven to lead to premature aging, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer.
better than looking like an effing albino. white/pale skin looks nasty. tanning ftw stop being so paranoid
Cancer is better than being tan? That’s kind of short sighted. I work at a dermatologist and remove skin cancers off of patients daily so I’m not being paranoid. My grandmother also died of melanoma when she was 36, which was a direct result of years of tanning. Not to mention that tanning makes your skin look old and nasty.
Glad it works for you, but it does not for me. Coconut oil does provide some sunscreen, but not nearly enough for my Irish skin. I use a homemade one that has a coconut oil base with a lot of zinc oxide and other natural ingredients. I can’t wear it in the water though.
You can add beeswax to homemade sunscreen to make it waterproof.
Do you have a good resource for more information on coconut oil as sunscreen? I love coc oil as moisturizer and for my hair, but I’ve heard mixed reviews that some people burn with it, and some dont. Thanks
I have expressed some concerns about skin care products including sunscreen as well. I finally found a company whose products are pure, safe, and beneficial for us, sunscreen included. After using their products for on my children and myself I became a consultant to be able to share the benefits to other people. Arbonne is the company and all of their skin care products are botanically based. They are vegan certified, don’t test on animals, don’t have animal by-products in them, are formulated without mineral oils dyes and gluten. Plus there are no parabens, formaldehyde-donting preservatives or PABA. A client recently asked about the oxybenzone that is in the baby sunscreen because she was concerned about the EWG’s high warning label. I asked the company and this was part of the response that I received:
“Arbonne, along with other companies and federal regulators does not recognize EWG’s Skin Deep website as an unbiased or scientifically accurate resource for information about the safety of skin care or cosmetic ingredients. This source does not perform technical analysis nor does it assess the quality or purity of ingredients. EWG’s Skin Deep solely relies on library reference searches or broadcasts and will only publish select documentation.
Recently, EWG’s Skin Deep realized without a toxicology lab, they cannot critique products. Instead, they backed their claims by using the European Ingredient Safety Directives and proclaimed U.S. ingredients unsafe. Once the ingredients were tested by the EU and deemed safe, EWG’s Skin Deep did not update their ratings or the results on their websites. For the reasons noted above, among others, Arbonne does not agree with or support this website and its content.
“Oxybenzone is a safe and effective protector against UVA and UVB rays and is included in many sunscreen products due to its exceptional ability to protect against harmful sunrays. Oxybenzone has made the news recently with sensationalized reports claiming that it is not safe and should not be used as a sunscreen. Yet scientific studies have proven otherwise. The Skin Cancer Foundation ─ an international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of skin cancer ─ released a statement about the safety and effectiveness of oxybenzone: “Oxybenzone underwent extensive review and was approved by the FDA for its current use in sunscreens. It has been available in the US for more than 20 years and there is no evidence that it has any serious side effects in humans”.
“The US FDA recently updated the regulation for sunscreen labeling , which now includes (“broad”) spectrum UVA/UVB protection claims. Most effective UVA blocks are Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Arbonne sunscreens include broad-spectrum SPF protection and offers both Avobenzone and Oxybenzone choices.
“Please be assured that Arbonne will take immediate action on any ingredient that is unsafe in any of its formulations when guided by the FDA, the CTFA and the CIR. In our normal course of business, we continue to research and develop the pure, safe, and beneficial products our Consultants and Clients have enjoyed for more than 30 years.
“All of Arbonne’s product testing is performed independently (not in-house), and we abide by global governmental agency regulations. All of Arbonne products must have a 100% pass rate to be introduced to our line.”
I agree! I also use and sell Arbonne and they have, by far, the best products I have used. My son is super sensitive and has no reaction to any Arbonne products. I have also heard about EWG’s Skin Deep not being a reliable source (even before selling Arbonne). Their “research” is out-dated.
Unfortunately many arbonne products contain toxic chemicals. Their baby sunscreen contains retinyl palmitate. They have green washed many-including me until I started to educate myself.
The FDA does not regulate personal care products so government approval is essentially a non issue. Many of the chemicals you speak of have never been appropriately tested so we honestly don’t know what they will do when they get into our bloodstream or mix with other toxic chemicals once in our bloodstream. We have no long term studies of how they will effect us later in life either. Many others have been tested and proven dangerous but companies still put them in products. Even if there is only a small amount of the substance in something, you put it on regularly, that adds up. I for one am not taking a chance. I will only use totally safe and completely non toxic products. I do not wish to be a guinea pig. Hopefully the faithful arbonne consumers will ask arbonne to really make a change and get all toxic chemicals and untested chemicals out of their products. There is no need for any chemicals in products!! Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor. Which means that it may produce adverse neurological, reproductive, developmental, immune effects and even cancer. I am sticking with Ava Anderson. A truly safe, non toxic line of products that have absolutely no questionable chemicals! We always say, the proof is in the ingredients. Learn to read your back side.
Retinyl palmitate is Vitamin A. Which is MOST needed by developing babies. I can not believe you are calling it a toxic chemical. Never eat a carrot or tomato again, if that’s what you think. Vitamin A is important to many body functions. This website really needs to think again before publishing such a ridiculous notion that a baby will get skin cancer from Vitamin A. Go read the label to your milk.
Actually, retinol is Vitamin A, which is in veggies, etc. Retinyl Palmitate is retinol combined with palmitic acid. I don’t think you’ll find that in carrots and tomatoes. Aside from that, the controversy is that skin care products containing Vitamin A in whatever form have a warning label on them warning to stay out of the sun. The warnings state that vitamin A products increase cell turnover and exfoliation, leaving skin more susceptible to damage from UV rays, and therefore more susceptible to skin cancer. So why would it be an ingredient on sunscreen, a product specifically made to be used in the sun? And, unfortunately, that is not the only dangerous or questionable ingredient in Arbonne products.
We get on well with the Ultrasun brand and it appears to be relatively safe. It’s hard to find a sunscreen we don’t react to. We are basically down to Badger which is very heavy and greasy in the versions we have tried and Ultrasun which is pretty good.
What about Children’s No Ad?
some people will tell you the EWG’s reasoning and method of ranking sunscreens isn’t all that sound. but, if nothing else, they base their findings on the chemicals in sunscreens. yes. chemicals. mineral sunblock is the best and least chemically.
that said, if you go to this link http://www.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/No-Ad/ and then find and click on the particular No Ad kid’s sunblock you are talking about, you can find an ingredient list at the bottom of the page. the reasons certain chemicals aren’t good for us is explained at this link https://foodbabe.com/2013/05/05/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-ever-buy-sunscreen-again/ , and it’s easy to understand.
honestly, i wouldn’t put No Ad on my kids. it’s crap. in fact, you’re better off covering up your skin (long-sleeves, pants/capris, etc.) and wearing hats & sunglasses, to provide non-chemical skin protection. there are some great products out there, http://www.coolibar.com/ is our family fave, but any lightweight long-clothing options are great.
hope you find this helpful. and, of course, these are simply my opinions. 🙂
I am very fair skinned, blonde hair and blue eye. My doctor recommends no sunscreen for many reasons and advises me to use only organic shea butter. When I use it, I never burn, and my skin stays soft. I’ve used it while swimming, boating, skiing, hiking -you name it! If it’s outdoors, I’m there. I will never use anything else!
Your doctor is an idiot. I’ve seen way to many women in their 20’s and 30’s die from melanoma to not recommend proven sun protection, and shea butter is not one of them. Preventing a burn is a start and may be due to some of the antioxidants in shea butter, but I would recommend better sun protection if you are outdoors for any extended period of time.
Landon,
I appreciate your concern about skin cancer! You sound like a standard American medical student. Your obviously here to promote main stream sunscreen. How do you feel about all the chemicals and their absorption into the human body?
Debra
Absorption of sunscreens through the skin is minimal and application to the skin has not been shown to cause any problems, with the exception of contact dermatitis (skin allergy) in some people, which can occur to anything you put on your skin. Some experiments where done where they fed rats high doses of certain sunscreen chemicals (reaching blood levels 100’s of times that which application to the skin causes) and certain side effects were shown. Application to the skin could never reach blood levels as achieved with oral administration unless you were bathing in a tub full of sunscreen 24 hours a day.
You guys are all pretty influenced by what advertising and publicly viewed things say. I am also fair skinned, blonde haired, and have blue eyes, and shea butter works great for me! Just because it isn’t much heard of or recommended by famous people doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. Shea butter is all-natural, harmless, and great to use. It might not work for some people, but you should at least give a try.
We use Loving Naturals sunscreen and love it! Their products are wonderful! They are a little pricey, but it’s worth it to know my kids have on safe sunscreen!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=loving+naturals+spf&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=7280785448&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=942350182200787717&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2m9cb2trwf_b
I tried this brand and was very disappointed. We all got burned after reapplying several times in The Florida sun. I am a Melanoma survivor so this really freaked me out! I’m a huge fan of Blue Lizard Sensitive.
We’ve been using Badger for the past few years. The smell, of even the unscented, isn’t all that great, it doesn’t blend into the skin well, and if we don’t reapply every 45 minutes we will burn badly. BUT, I would much rather deal with all of that than use chemicals!
I suppose the best sunscreen of all is to just cover up. Hats and protective shirts go a long ways to protect the skin. And, of course, staying out of the sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. if at all possible. I will certainly be checking out some of your suggestions.
Robin’s comment is the best advise on this site for sun protection. The best method of sun protection if your worried about “chemicals” are wide brimmed hats(3-4 inches), sun glasses, clothing (long sleeves, long pants), and then some sunscreen only on skin that is not covered (face, neck, ear, hands).
How could you wear long sleeves and pants in the summer?!? I’d die of heat! I am very fair skinned, blue eyed, blonde hair and I use organic shea butter and it works great! I don’t need a lot, and it keeps my skin moisturized. It might not work for everyone, but it’s worth a shot!
I think you should cite your resources for information. No one can truly believe your information is reliable without this.
Great comment Colby,
And truth be, as a dermatologist, I know a lot of the comments made in this article have no merit.
Now, I see where you’re coming from, a standard American medical school trained dermatologist.
It’d be great if the schools weren’t so rigid, in the my way or the highway mentality. And, were a little more open and tolerant of alternative treatments.
Evidenced based medicine is the only way you can morally take care of patients and advise them on treatments that won’t cause harm. Your basically rolling the dice when you use treatments that have not been studied at all. Medical school education is not rigid, it only asks that you look at all available evidence and then make a decision about what test/medications/treatments/ect. are best for the patient. Anybody can make comments or claims, and good for them if somebody believes it, but those comments have no merit if their are solid resources or evidence. Its also disappointing how much money some people make with unproven remedies, and such, taking advantage of people that know no better. My comments on this blog page are only meant to help steer people away from bad information, which the internet contains plenty of.
I use Shaklee sunscreen. Did you include products from network marketing companies in your search? I saw that someone also commented on Arbonne. The nice thing about finding a network marketing company that you can trust is that besides getting good products, you are also supporting small businesses. Rather than giving your money to Shop Rite, you can give it to a neighbor. Of course – this is only recommended if you like the products. I have been a Shaklee customer for over 10 years and I started selling 3 years ago when my daughter was born. I wish it could get the same attention as the brands we find in CVS. You could also look at Shaklee’s cleaning products (non toxic) and their environmental record. Not every network marketing company is bad, though the industry gets a bad rap.
I wonder what people think of Ava Anderson SunScreen…I am very surprised to find that they were not listed in any of the comments that I read through (although I might have missed them).
I’ve used it two summers now and although lotions are inherently less convenient than sprays, I’m very pleased with how well it works. Ava Anderson products are completely CHEMICAL FREE too which is a huge plus.
I thought I commented above on Ava Anderson. I agree they are really great and I am a convert to them!
We have used Tropical Sands (also called Mexitan) for a few years now, and my kids and I love it. I started looking for a safer sunscreen when I kept getting rashes from different products. This product works great and doesn’t have all those nasty chemicals. We don’t burn even on the beach. The sunscreen sticks are great for your face and don’t run in your eyes. The sunscreen sticks are also great to carry around to ball parks and for quick coverage when needed. The only thing I wish is that they could make a spray on lotion and could add a coconut fragrance. And the lotion goes in easier when you apply inside before sweating or swimming.
http://www.mexitan.com
Chemical-Free *PABA-Free *No Nanoparticles *No Mineral Oil *Gluten-Free
*No Chemical Fragrances *No Animal Testing *Non Comedogenic
*Safe For Kids & Pets *Made In The USA *Highly Rated By EWG
Yup. I’ve been waiting for someone to mention the Mexitan products! My pediatrician recommended them when my daughter was a baby and now she’s three. Huge fan, but I do understand your want for an easier application option…the clay-base does not make for the easiest spreading over the skin, but it does stay on even in the water. I also wish their products were easier to get. I hate having to pay for shipping costs!
Celadon Road sunscreen is non-nano, non-micronized zinc oxide, fragrance free, non-comedogenic, eco-friendly, cruelty free, gluten free, corn free, edible grade organic! and the only one safe for infants! I’d love to provide you with a sample to try!
Would love a free sample to try for my one year old
Hi Helen! If you click on my name, you will be directed to my website-there you can find my email address/contact info-please send me a message with your contact details and I would be happy to send you a sample. You can also take a look around at the products, if you like 🙂
Another great benefit to using plant derived sunscreens is their minimal impact on the ocean environment. Just as sunscreens with oxybenzone are proven to be toxic for our own skin, this chemical is known to destroy coral reefs. Next time you find yourself in the ocean, more than likely you’ll see a slick on the water’s surface cause from sunscreen that is washed off of swimmers. These chemicals inhibit coral’s (and probably many other animals!) ability to produce food and can potentially result in a cascading effect that can destroy a whole ecosystem. Use a product that’s both good for your health and the ocean! Double win!
Does anyone know of a good spray-on sunscreen? My son’s daycare requires this type of application. (Since they have 50-some kids to apply sunscreen on every day!)
BabyGanics has a great suncare line, including a spray on sunscreen. I found mine at Babies R Us, or on their website. I also use their body care line for my kids, as well as their natural hand sanitizers. Highly recommend!
Stay away from sprays all together the propellant is highly toxic!
The BabyGanics is not an aerosol spray. It’s a pump spray. I bought it for my one-year-old and so far I love it. It’s one of the only cruelty-free, “safe” (and easy to apply) sunscreens I’ve found that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s mineral-based, contains zinc oxide, broad spectrum, SPF 50, no fragrance or dyes, no PABA, parabens, phthalates, nano-particles, or retinyl plamitate. The active ingredients list names octinoxate (7.5%) AND octisalate (5%) in addition to the zinc oxide (11.2%). I’m really hoping those aren’t bad things
!
Food Babe said that Aubrey makes a good spray one.
I own a natural nutrition and wellness pharmacy and we carry natural, organic supplements and skin care products. The line of sunscreens that we feature is called Beyond Coastal. We really like the line. It is 100% natural sunscreen, and they have sunscreens and lip balms for adults and children. You can get more information at beyondcoastal.com.
Hope this is helpful!
Mike
Anything from the BabyGanics line is great. Find it online or at Babies R Us.
Sunlight is not a reliable source of Vitamin D… numerous studies have shown this. Normal vit D levels in people who live in areas with very little natural sunlight, and inadequate vit D levels in self-proclaimed “sun worshippers.” I’m a Dermatologist and get frustrated when people come in citing information such as this… from scaremonger groups like EWG whose research is horribly outdated and has since been disproven. The risks of sun exposure far outweigh the risks of sunscreen. Cover up, avoid sun during peak hours, and use a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen on any exposed areas. You do not need to seek out sunlight in order to get adequate vitamin D… most of us get plenty of sun exposure without even trying.
Have you tried making your own? I was concerned about this earlier this year and found a recipe online that only uses zinc oxide powder, coconut oil, and shea butter. I made some but have only used it minimally since we tend to only use it when swimming or in the sun for extended periods in the summer and haven’t needed it much yet. But it protected my skin great the couple of times I’ve used it. Here’s a link to the recipe…I’d love to know what you think about it.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/278326-how-to-use-coconut-oil-as-a-sunscreen-deodorant/
I used to work at a chemical plant that made oxybenzone and a lot of other sunscreen chemicals. All of the people saying that the FDA does not regulate them are completely incorrect. It is not as strictly regulated as medical devices or pharmaceuticals, but it requires extensive testing and regulation. Most things that you put on your skin are toxic if ingested, so saying it is toxic means nothing . It is proven safe and I have no concerns using it or putting it on my child even with extensive knowledge of what gives into it.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Sunology, a slightly lesser-known natural sunscreen company that (full disclosure) I just started working for!
We’ve tried Badger and Aubrey both and found them both to be pretty useless. My husband is fair skinned and red headed and refuses to use anything that has any bad chemicals in it so after much research he found Badger and Aubrey brands. The first time he used them about 10 min in the hot sun and little white streaks started dripping down his face and legs. What good is any sunscreen if it doesn’t soak in and stay on when you sweat a little? We are going on a cruise next month and I would love to hear if anyone has something that works and stays on because right now, I’m shopping for hats and rash guard shirts for him.
We use Blue Lizard Baby or Sensitive formulas. We can find it at out Bed Bath & Beyond (1/2 the store is a baby store) and sometimes at CVS.
My son is 11– we used this on our cruise, on beach vacations, water skiing with no problems. My son is allergic to artificial colors, flavors (smells too), sweetners, BHT, BHA, TBHQ and natural salicilates (oranges, berries, tomatoes). We have tried badger, Aubrey and a bunch of others before someone recommended Blue Lizard.
Because Blue Lizard is actually formulated out of Aulstralia where the “water proof” label needs to be 3 hrs, it does last longer than anything I have used otherwise. For beach vacations, we slather on in the morning and after lunch– don’t worry past that.
Thank you Joyce, I will give Blue Lizard a try! I went out and picked up some Coppertone Pure and Simple as a standby.
The article mentions Coppertone Water Babies as being rates poorly by the EWG. As this is what we started using last year after a supposedly ‘safe, healthy alternative’ sunscreen caused chemical burns on my children’s faces last year, I felt inclined to double check. Sure enough, Water Babies is rated a 2 by the EWG. I realize it’s not ideal, nothing but limiting sun exposure is, but it’s certainly not ‘poor’ on the EWG scale.
Actually only the “pure and simple” water babies is rated a 2 – but it still has parabens which doesn’t meet my criteria. The water babies I have pictured, as well as others are rated 5-7.
Do you know if the Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Formula uses nanosized zinc particles?
My daughter had a bad rash which I had mistaken for sunburn even though we used sunscreen. Turns out it was a reaction to the sunscreen, probably oxybenzone. We now use Ocean Potion for kids in a spray can. No problems and no sunburn!
I am a 35 year old melanoma survivor. I can honestly say I have tried over 30 sunscreens in the past 5 years. It is quite confusing and difficult to find something that is safe and chemical free. Two of the sunscreens you have mentioned were not favorites of mine. One of them had a very strong scent and left me feeling pretty greasy. The other, left me with a slight burn even after reapplying. My two favorites that were not mentioned are Vanicream Sport and Blue Lizard Sensitive. They both scored between 0-2 on EWG’s website, and absorb fairly easily and are tolerated by my entire family from my daughter who is 1 to my eczema prone son who is 5. I will use nothing else. I buy them through Drugstore.com. I am always able to find coupons for their site and they have quick shipping.
What about Alba Bontanica Sunscreen?
Sorry, meant Alba Botanica!
This is what Food Babe said about Alba in the post
“*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.”
What about Ava Anderson non toxic sunscreen? Rates an SPF of 33.5 and a one on the ewg’s toxicity scale, my family uses it and we love it!
This last year we moved near the equator and my family is all very very pale and burns easily. I saw an earlier post that mentioned and coolibar and that is all we us when swimming. My biggest concern is their face as we swim all the time. Has anyone used Nature’s gate? I am considering switching to it. However I need buy in bulk as the country we live in does not sell sun screen! Thanks!
What about Ombrelle Kids by L’Oreal?
As someone who works in cancer research, this article bothers me. For starters, I am concerned that people are now going to be scaremongered into NOT using any sun protection at all, which I believe is badly misguided. Sure, the incidence of skin cancers may be increasing, but I don’t believe the scientific evidence suggests that this is because we are all using sunscreen – it’s probably a myriad of other factors (additional exposures to other chemicals, use of tanning beds, the lack of UVA protection in most sunscreens up until recently, etc), not to mention that those people now getting skin cancer are probably at least 35 years old (roughly my age) and sunscreen use wasn’t all that prevalent before the 1980s. Certainly avoid these other chemicals if you would prefer, but please be sure the “non-toxic” sunscreen adequately protects you from UVA and UVB rays. A good rundown of all this from a scientifically trustworthy source can be found on the Discover Magazine blog: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2012/07/17/lesson-burned-does-sunscreen-actually-reduce-the-risk-of-cancer/
I don’t read this article as scaremongering. Just pointing out alternatives to today’s highly marketed commercial business of sunscreen.
You’re article link had some good information.
“If you want to go with the more conservative approach, the EWG recommends sticking to sunscreens containing either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect light rather than absorbing it, and have the least potential for harm.”
The simpler the better. Not all those chemicals that we can’t pronounce and have no idea of their long terms effects.
Wow! This post was extremely interesting & motivating! I will definitely be throwing out all my previous sunscreens Thank you.
Foodbabe,
Thank you for the information on the sunscreens. Do you have any suggestions for self tanners?
Do you know anything about Avobenzone? Sounds suspiciously like Oxybenzone. It’s in Loreal Ombrelle 30 Complete. I’m a health food store nut but most of the really clean brands like Aubrey and Badger are difficult to apply, which makes my family less apt to bother at all. We have settled on Ombrelle as a good middle of the road option, but I’m always looking to learn more. It’s first active ingredient is Octocrylene.
Avobenzone is considered safe according to Environmental Working Group.(rated 2) Octocrylene is not as safe.(rated 3) You can look up specific products here – I couldn’t find Ombrelle but chose another Loreal product to use as example. http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/496571/L%27Or%26%23233%3Bal_Paris_Sublime_Sun_Advanced_Sunscreen_Crystal_Clear_Mist%2C_SPF_30/
Thank you!
Check out safamama.com for the best safer sunscreens!
http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/
Where did you get your Vitamin D information. If I wanted to do my own research to learn more about Vitamin D, where should I look? Thanks!
There is so much information but here is a great place to start.http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm
I never fail to be amazed at how deeply people trust the FDA and since it is Government based you have no business trusting FDA anything! Also weather you are a certified doctor or a medical student does not matter since they are so often brainwashed claiming all people need to be vaccinated. Even cats and dogs do not need vaccinations. These are all chemicals and when introduced into the person or animal potentiay may harm more than help.. So since I will be 50 this September and really don’t look over 35, and I do smoke. I will tell you the best way to retain your youth is just stay out of the sun. It’s what I do and it works well. I admit I have several sunscreens and never ever use them. I am normally not exposed to the sun. No sun no wrinkles, no burn. Works for me. Yes I am pale. I don’t look my age either.
I have always loved products by The Honest Company, and I noticed that their sunscreen isn’t rated at all by the new EWG sunscreen ratings. Is this an oversight by the EWG? I’m confused and hoping that my stockpile of sunscreens isn’t for nothing!
Honest Company is one of Food Babe’s picks.
The safest way to get enough vitamin D is to supplement! Take a vitamin D3 supplement daily, year round, and use a non-toxic sunblock (IMO Badger is absolutely one of the very best). Best way to know how much to take is to have your vitamin D levels tested (and have them analyzed by an ND or integrative MD who is up to date on the current recommended levels, which are much higher than the recent past).
I know your intentions are good, but sources or facts to back up your advice would make these posts more trustworthy.
People, the blue wording is a hyperlink. Click it. It’s the “source” you all keep demanding.
Have you checked out Blue Lizard? Good stuff.
Being Armenian and Greek with olive skin, I just started using coconut oil as a sunscreen, it gives me a healthier tan than anything else I’ve ever tried in the past and I get my vitamin D fix without burning or wrinkling, which makes sense why some body builders who use coconut oil don’t look like leather, as they even tan in tanning beds and still look young and I know now it’s because they use coconut oil all over for competitions. Little did they know it saved their skin! Also after the shower, I rub coconut oil all over my body and face — it feels and smells amazing and I look half my age…even after just having celebrated my 42nd birthday…!!
my sis uses coconut oil too while tanning outside and she tans great without burning. but me I hate coconut oil, the smell and oiliness. my skin awlays dry and burning often. I hear shea butter works for sun too, would it be just as good as coconut oil
Thanks for your advice! I bought Aubrey Green Tea scent water resistant sunscreen and applied it on today. It went on really nicely and wasn’t chalky white like others can be sometimes. Good stuff!
Coppertone WaterBabies has an overall rating of 2, which falls within what you recommend in your article–sunscreens with overall ratings between 0-2. It does not contain oxybenzone or Vitamin A and is 50 SPF.
This statement “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,” is not true, at least for Coppertone Water Babies. Fact-checking is important.
This is Food Babe’s response to an earlier comment from Heather about this…
“Actually only the “pure and simple” water babies is rated a 2 – but it still has parabens which doesn’t meet my criteria. The water babies I have pictured, as well as others are rated 5-7.”
You are right. The labels for Water Babies and Water Babies Pure & Simple are almost identical. Thanks for the clarification.
I’d love if you did similar posts on shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and face lotion. Thanks for what you do!
What about Blue Lizard?
Some of their products have good ratings and some do not. You really have to look up each specific product. Food Babe’s top picks were brands that had all good ratings for their entire sunscreen line. http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/?search=blue+lizard&x=-872&y=-137
I use KEYS solar Rx moisturizer with sunscreen and i love it,it feels very light and it’s all natural ingredients.
I see that you dont talk about California Baby products, yet you show it in your bad pile of sunscreens, please tell me why you feel this product is not good?
California Baby is in the recommended list.
I am so sorry I just saw that when I reread the article 🙂
Thank you for your article. Great overview of dangers and alternatives of sunscreen and the beauty industry.
Another great alternative for sunscreen is Eco Logical Skincare. My favorite is the baby formula sunscreen. It’s endorsed by the Surfrider Foundation to not harm ocean life, too. Eco Logical Skincare is also very philanthropically minded. I commend them on their values and integrity. I hope you can give them a bit of your attention, too.
Vote with your dollar$.
http://ecologicalskin.com/
Thanks so much for this post, Food Babe. My fiance and I just came back from a trip around and I had the most peculiar rash on my face. At first I thought that I ate something wrong, or I had some type of sun poisoning, but I honestly think it was the sunscreen (I am not really “burned” at all)! I was worried about sun exposure as we were hiking in many of the national parks at higher altitudes where the sun is stronger. I live in Colorado, so I have a base tan from exposure at 5400′, but I wasn’t accustomed to being outside for 6+ hours a day, especially in the middle of the day. I used more sunscreen in the week-long trip than I have in the last year, so I am certain that caused my rash. Today I will be going to Whole Foods to purchase more effective, less harmful sunscreens. Thank you again!