As I sit here staring at two bottles of expired kids sunscreen from last year, I know I need to throw them out and buy new bottles. I’m not sure if sunscreen can expire, but it’s not worth the risk. My kids are pale and it’s been 90 degrees here already in May!
In the past, I simply bought what was on sale, but I saw a brief news story this morning about how some sunscreens simply aren’t as effective as you might think.
The list below, of the best sunscreens, is according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). To read about some products you should avoid: EWG Hall of Shame.
EWG determines the best sunscreens based upon providing broad-spectrum protection with few chemicals that absorb into the skin. The best sunscreens, according to EWG, also contain zinc or titanium minerals to help cut UVA exposure. EWG recommends avoiding sunscreens with Oxybenzone, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and added insect repellent. They also recommend against sprays, powders and SPF above 50. EWG says to look for sunscreens that contain Zinc, Titanium dioxide, Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX in a cream form with broad-spectrum protection, water-resistance (if at the beach or pool or working out) and SPF 15-50 (use 30+ if at the beach or pool).
For more information about sun safety, check out the EWG’s Top Sun Safety Tips. They also have a sunscreen shopping guide that you can download, print and take with you so you can pick out the safest and most effective sunscreen for your family.
10 BEST SUNSCREENS:
- Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30, Unscented
- Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 30 Lightly Scented
- Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented, SPF 30
- California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
- Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick, SPF 30
- Purple Prairie Botanicals SunStuff, SPF 30
- Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Soleo Organics Atlantis Resort All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Soleo Organics Wyland Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
For more detailed information and ranking for the sunscreen YOU use, EWG has a database of over 1,400 products so you can see how effective and safe the sunscreen you have been using really is.
We have been using: Banana Boat Baby SPF 50, which I likely won’t be using again.
Some, if not most, of the top sunscreens may be difficult to find in your local store. I think Target carries California Baby, and now, armed with this information, I’m going to check out what else they have available in safe, yet effective sunscreens. Target also carries Burt’s Bees, but that brand ranked low on EWG because it has fragrance.
What Sunscreen do you use?
About Kim
You should all try SCAPE Athlete Sunblock….it lasts all day and is the most water and sweatproof product on the market today…check out http://www.scapelabs.com
I started using the Jason sunscreen, which was also in the recommended category. (and about half the price of California baby) I had used Neutrogena Pure & Free baby last year (it was a new product last year and actually got a decent rating last year) but this year they panned it for a variety of reasons. Here’s the thing, I like how the Jason spreads on thick but eventually rubs in so my daughter’s skin doesn’t stay white AND you know how unscented products have no fragrance added, but smell like the stuff they’re made of? (yes, I have a sensitive nose) The Jason is pretty good with that, California baby products sometimes aren’t.
That is an awesome site, thanks for posting this information! My eyes have been opened!
It’s online at melaleuca.com
look for the product store – I am a member
I should start promoting this on my blog!
Melaleuca has some great organic products I use on my pale son.
Is that a brand? Where can I buy?