Is Your Sunscreen Providing Protection or Causing Harm?
Hawaii recently became the first state to ban sunscreens with harmful chemicals that scientists believe are damaging coral reefs and ocean life. The bigger question now is if these products are possibly killing off wildlife, are they safe to put on our skin? Surprisingly…most are not!
A mom of a 14-month-old girl thought she was protecting her daughter when she applied a spray sunscreen made for kids to her hands before rubbing it on her baby’s nose and cheeks. The poor child ended up getting second-degree chemical burns from the ingredients in the sunscreen leading to painful blistering and swelling on her face.
The Secret Behind Your Sunscreen
If you frequent the outdoors in the summer, you probably always make sure to grab your sunscreen before you leave. But research is showing not only could your sunscreen be riddled with toxic chemicals, it may not even be effective in protecting you from the harmful lights of the sun, such as UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B).
In the annual Guide to Sunscreen 2018 report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), studies show that at least two-thirds of sunscreens are ineffective in preventing the sun’s damaging effects, such as:
- Skin cancer (most serious: Melanoma)
- Wrinkles
- Skin aging
- Sunburns
- Blisters
Not only did most of the products fall short in the efficiency test, a number of them contained harmful ingredients that could cause further health issues such as hormone imbalances, skin allergies, reproduction or thyroid alterations, inhalation concerns, and more. What’s even more concerning is most U.S. sunscreens wouldn’t even be allowed on the shelves in other countries such as Europe, as they contain either banned chemicals or are not considered effective enough to sell to consumers.
Best Sunscreens of 2018
With hundreds of sunscreens to choose from, how do you know which products to buy and which to leave behind? Going off of the product ratings and recommendations from the EWG, Dr. Axe complied a number of helpful lists highlighting the best sunscreens to purchase on the market based on how you plan to use them:
Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens
- All Good Sunstick, Unscented, SPF 30
- Aromatica Calendula Non-Nano UV Protection, SPF 30
- Attitude 100% Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 30
- Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin, SPF 50
- Badger Sunscreen Cream, Unscented, SPF 30
- Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Just Skin Food Natural & Organic Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Sunscreen, Neutral, SPF 31
- Poofy Organics The Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Sunology Mineral Sunscreen, Body, SPF 50
- Sunology Natural Sunscreen, Face, SPF 50
- Thinksport Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Waxhead Sun Defense Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Zeb’s Organics Sunscreen, SPF 20 & 30
Best Kid Sunscreens
- Adorable Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- All Good Kid’s Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin, SPF 50
- Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla, SPF 30
- Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Baby, SPF 50
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby, SPF 30+
- BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35
- California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- COOLA Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
- Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50
- Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50
- Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32
- Sunology Mineral Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50
- thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- thinksport Kids Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Tom’s of Maine Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35
Best Sunscreen Moisturizers
- Andalou Naturals BB Argan Stem Cell Benefit Balm, Un-Tinted, SPF 30
- Badger Damascus Rose Face Sunscreen, SPF 25
- Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense, SPF 30
- Goddess Garden Organics Face the Day Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30
- SanRe Organic Skinfood Shaded Rose-Solar Healing Facial Cream, SPF 30
- Suntegrity Skincare Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, SPF 30
Worst Sunscreens of 2018
Not only could some of the sunscreens on the stores fail to protect you from a simple sunburn, they are manufactured with toxic chemicals that are simply dangerous for your health. Here are the sunscreens to avoid at all costs this summer…even if they are on sale:
Worst Sunscreens
- Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85
- Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, SPF 60+
- CVS Health Sun Lotion, SPF 60
- Up & Up Sport Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 50
- Panama Jack Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 70
- NO-AD Sun Care Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 85+
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, 85+ & 100+
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, 85+ & 100+
Worst Kid Sunscreens
- Banana Boat Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
- Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
- Coppertone Water Babies Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70
- Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous AccuSpray, SPF 70
- Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50
- Coppertone Wet’n Clear Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50+
- Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
- CVS Health Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 70
- Equate Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Stick Sunscreen, SPF 70+
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+
- Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
- Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
To look up the product ratings for your sunscreen or to find a safer alternative to what you’re using now, take a look at EWG’s complete list of sunscreens rated 1-10 in areas of protection effectiveness and overall health concerns.
Sunscreen…The Last Resort
Even if you choose one of the best sunscreens of 2018, no sunscreen will protect you 100% from the sun’s rays or from chemical reactions within the products. The EWG is not only a big supporter of using healthy sunscreens but a huge advocate for using alternatives to sunscreen. Other ways EWG encourages you to protect yourself from the sun include:
- Covering up: Wear sheer, weather appropriate clothes when you can to keep some skin covered from the sun.
- Planning around the sun: Try to go out in the sun during the morning or late afternoon. Avoid mid-day sun if possible as it is the most intense.
- Wearing sunglasses: The sun can affect more than just your skin. Your eyes can be susceptible to cataracts with too much UV exposure.
- Finding shade: Try to sit in shaded areas when outside to prevent the sun from beating down on you.
- Bringing shade: If you anticipate there will be little to no shade, bring a hat, umbrella, tent, or other items to provide some shade.
- Don’t get burned: Sunscreen should be a last resort. If you know you are going to be in the sun, apply an EWG approved sunscreen at least 20 minutes before your sun exposure.
Protecting CT From Sunscreen Damage
Consumers often assume that if a sunscreen product has made it onto the shelf, it has to be safe enough to use- don’t fall for the trick. Make sure you research your products before purchasing them to reduce your risks of sun damage and health concerns caused by toxic ingredients.
Greedy companies who prey upon consumers looking for a good deal or a trusted brand name can cause serious harm by offering dangerous products on the market. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury due to an adverse reaction to a faulty product, Jacobs & Wallace is ready to seek justice for your sufferings. Contact our winning team for a free case evaluation and to explore your options for fighting back against negligent companies.
