2010 Sunscreen Guide

The Environmental Working Group has released its 2010 Sunscreen Guide and only 39 of 500 products on the market are recommended.  The Huffington Post detailed ten facts from the findings.  Many sunscreens don't provide the protection that they claim to, contain ingredients that may actually increase the chance to get skin cancer, or contain ingredients that are harmful in some other way.  You can see their list of Top Picks, as well as their Hall of Shame.  Note that the Hall of Shame contains many products marketed for children.

27 May 2010

30 May 2010 Addition:  It is sunscreens by four companies that rank highest. The first are made by Badger. I've actually used this company's Badger Balm and really liked it.  Note that in addition to basic sunscreens, Badger also sells its SPF 30 sunscreen with a bug repellent built in should that suit your needs.  To find retailers for Badger products, follow this link.

The second company is Soleo Organics.   It appears that these are offered in various tube sizes, including a fairly-large 5.3 ounce size, which may be nice for family use.  You can find Soleo Organics' products here.

The third company is Purple Prairie Botanicals.   Note, however, that only its SPF 30 products received the highest rating of "1."  Its SPF 15 products received the second highest rating of "2."  A store listing can be found here.

The final company to rank highest is UV Natural.  Note, however, that only its SPF 30 Baby and SPF 30 Sport products received the highest rating of "1."  Its SPF 30 (basic) product received the second highest rating of "2."  A retailers list can be found here.

All of the above-mentioned company's products except for Purple Prairie Botanicals can be purchased from Amazon.

Finally, note that single products from two makers also received the highest ranking from the study.  The first is a SPF Sunblock Stick by California Baby and the second is an SPF 30 by Loving Naturals.  See the rankings for more info.

1 August 2010 Addition:  A colleague of mine suggested this sunscreen to me, Green Screen by Kabana Skin Care.  It uses zinc oxide as its UV protection.
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