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All about sunscreen: Live chat with EWG
On May 24th, we released our 4th annual Sunscreen Guide. While our basic message is pretty straight forward - cover up first, slop on some effective sunscreen next - the sunscreen choices are so plentiful as to confound even the most avid label readers (that's me).
So, once you've had a week (and hopefully a sunny weekend) to absorb the information - and some sunscreen chemicals - you've probably got a question or two. Maybe you're a little confused by ever-increasing SPF numbers? Or not sure which chemicals make the "must avoid" list, and why?
Join EWG to get some answers and learn a little more about sunscreen on Wednesday, June 2nd from 2-3 PM eastern, when we're hosting a live chat right here on Enviroblog with EWG sunscreen experts Jane Houlihan (Senior VP for Research) and Sonya Lunder (Senior Analyst).
You may not have taken nano particles in sunscreens into your guide. A lot of us don't want them on our skin. At least one of your recommended sunscreens contains nano particles and doesn't say so on their label. I called them and they acknowledged that they are in their product. Please, look beyond the labels.
I don't see my sunscreens and moisturizers listed in your database. Is there any way to get feedback?
-Estee Lauder Sun Performance SPF 30
-Dermalogica ultra sensitive faceblock SPF 25*
*I believe this is considered a tinted moisturizer with spf.
I have a question for you...
I am very excited to get the list of healthier sunscreen choices for my family. One thing I have been trying to find is a healthy sunscreen that will not make acne worse. My son NEEDS to wear sunscreen while using his prescribed acne prevention products, but his face breaks out terribly after application.
Was there any documentation on how the skin reacted to the sunscreens tested?
Thank you so much for your help.
Have you ever tested Arbonne International products? They are botanically-based and great!They have a line of sun protection, among many other products. I'd be curious to see your comments on any of the products.
I don't see Arbonne's Before Sun suncare products listed here.
I don't understand why you give pressed powder products better ratings than loose powder products. For example, the pressed version of Jane Iredale Amazing Base rates a 2, but the loose version receives a much worse score of 7. To apply the pressed powder, one must loosen the product with a brush or puff and then rub it on the face, so I don't see a practical difference between the two types of product. If inhalation of loose powder poses risks aren't those risks the same when the pressed powder is actually applied?
I just bought some Mercola HealthySkin Natural Sunscreen (SPF 30)which Dr. Mercola claims is very safe and works well. I don't find it on your list of sunscreens. If you will be testing other sunscreens, I would recommend that you test this one.
Thanks
I appreciated your review of sunscreens and their being available for sale on amazon.com. You must have a interest in promoting that site only?
secondly, your review would be much more practical if you listed avg. pricelist per 10ml. or 25ml. so consumers can compare products. Finally, are these sunscreens being marketed in Canada and by which stores? thanks
Roger Fontaine
Two thoughts:
First, we need disclosures about EWG's sponsors, connections etc to the products being promoted.
Second, you missed the best mineral sunscreen.
Paula's Choice mineral. Not ranked. affordable. available.
i would like to know what is the best sunscreen on the market. also which one`s have the best spf protection, and if they, have what they say they have as in 15 or 30 or 50, i have very thin and delicate skin so i need a high spf and so does my granddaughters, any information you can give me i would appreciate. thank you
Betty
I use Mary Kay sunscreen, moisturizer, and cosmetics. Why doesn't EWG include Mary Kay in it's database?
How come I don't see this product on your list
Heiko SPF 40 Kids..this is very expensive sunscreen and I hope I am not wasting my money on this product. It is 100% natuaral as they claim in the label. Thanks
I agree with the the first comment. For instance, why on earth did you not include Avon's SkinSoSoft sunscreen products?
I would like to know how critical it is to toss all the sunscreen that contains oxybenzene. We recently switched to Blue Lizard because it one of the only brands that actually works (i.e. stays on for a reasonable length of time) on my super-fair daughter. It is rated a 3 on your site but still has the warning about oxybenzene. Most of the others with lower ratings are crazy expensive for such a small quantity or very hard to find.
Also, what is the "rule" about expiration dates on sunscreens. My husband thinks they last forever like any other lotion but he is also fine with reapplying twice as often as needed rather than tossing last year's sunscreen. Thanks!
I sent this into the chat line after it had closed. I would appreciate your response:
"I am currently using a suncreen powder and like it because it is easy to use, but am concerned about inhalation. I've found information that this can be harmful for workers at who are exposed at high doses. How does that translate to everyday use, as with Colorescience Sunscreen powder? Is there a difference between zinc and titanium dioxide inhalation? "
After reviewing the list, I decided to buy Badger for my children (and my husband and myself). We tried it out this past weekend and loved it and loved the fact that every single ingredient in it is natural and one that I know what it is.
Our only concern is the price. At $16 a bottle, it will be a stretch to use it in Texas' longer summer season, let alone daily year-round. And suggestions on how to stretch our dollar or a cheaper product that is still just as safe?
I think it is sad that in order to get safe products and foods, you have to spend so much. As a family of (almost) 6, we do have to think about what thinks cost.
The sunscreens block out the rays that PROTECT you from cancer and let in the ones that CAUSE cancer!! Vitamin D is blocked when sunscreens are used!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MXS9TIz8TQ
The Blue Lizard Baby and Sensitive Sunscreen (which are the exact same formula) don't have oxybenzone, just 10% zinc and 5% titanium. When you purchase sunscreen you should write the date on the tube or bottle with marker and discard after three years. Be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours especially at the pool or when perspiring or using a towel to dry off. (Be sure to apply to dry skin).
Hi EWG, Jane Houlihan, Sonya Lunder and fellow EWG readers!
Well, sunscreen is something that I’ve lathered up in at the pool, lake, beach, cleaning my car, going for runs, and even outdoor sports. I live with sunscreen so the Sunscreen Guide is extremely helpful – thank you.
I also wanted to share with all of the readers and EWG a new product that we have out. It makes UPF rash guards easier and more useable for children and parents! It’s called a SwimZip, it’s a rash guard that has UPF 50+, no tags, loose neck, flat seams and a full length zipper down the front – easy-on and easy-off!! So, the little ones in your life will love to wear their UPF shirts and not have to have a shirt that gets yanked off their heads – while being protected from the sun (and sunscreens that cause tumors).
The website is http://www.swimzip.com/. Check it out and let me know what you think and spread the word. Lets keep our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews safe from the sun starting this summer!
Thanks!
Are the sunscreen ingredients that pose "health concerns" are a concern in any amount/concentration or do they have to be at a certain amount/concentration to pose a health risk? What are those amounts and have they been measured in all sunscreens?
It's great that you inform your readers about Sun Protection.
Every time I am near the beach, it amazes me how some sun bathers lay there with no real sun protection. I also learned a lot from http://www.sun-protection-and-you.com
La Roche Posay Anthelios SX daily moisturizing vcream with sunscreen could not find its score,
In early May 2010 I read an article about the safety of your sunscreen and it had a hyperlink to look up your brand with the safty rating next to it. I am only interested in biodegradable products as I dive and snorkle and feel a responsibility to protect the reefs as well as myself and grandchildren. The article and hyperlink showed Mexitan as being rated at 2 on the biodegradable and safety aspect. I just got back from St. John's June 3 and the SAME product is showing a rating of 4. Just a side note, I purchased a $100 worth of their products based on what I read in early May of last month. I am so disappointed/upset etc. What is going on?????
no encuentro informacion sobre la cream Piz Buin Allergy,a ver si me pueden dar algo de informacion ya que es la crema que se usa en nuestar casa
The All Terrain TerraSport and AquaSport SPF30 do contain oxybenzone. These 2 sunscreens are listed on your Best Beach & Sport sunscreen list with a rating of 2. Oxybenzone is not listed in your ingredient list for this product.
Does anyone know the rating of "Aloe Gator total sunblock gel" SPF 40+??????
Has anyone received (or found) any information on the Arbonne products?? I'm anxious to know how they rate.
Thanks so much for the list. I've already order and received three of the sunscreens labelled as safer: Loving Naturals (smells great, not too greasy); Solar Keys moisturizer (still getting used to the scent, not greasy at all); and Badger (slight smell to get used to, but not greasy). I discovered that Badger products can be found easily in grocery stores and pharmacies! That's a plus. I was wondering, however, about the normal product I use, which was not on the list. I use products by the Swiss company La Prairie. They list a few ingredients, followed by their *proprietary blend, whatever that is. I use the Anti-Aging Emulsion Cream SPF 30, the Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30, and their Anti-Aging Foundation #100. I would love some feedback.
Thanks so much for the list. I've already order and received three of the sunscreens labelled as safer: Loving Naturals (smells great, not too greasy); Solar Keys moisturizer (still getting used to the scent, not greasy at all); and Badger (slight smell to get used to, but not greasy). I discovered that Badger products can be found easily in grocery stores and pharmacies! That's a plus. I was wondering, however, about the normal product I use, which was not on the list. I use products by the Swiss company La Prairie. They list a few ingredients, followed by their *proprietary blend, whatever that is. I use the Anti-Aging Emulsion Cream SPF 30, the Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30, and their Anti-Aging Foundation #100. I would love some feedback.
I live in Colorado where the sun is much more intense and damaging, especially in the mountains. We NEED the higher than 50 SPF sunscreen here. I know it doesn't add that much more protection, but it makes a huge difference when you're at 10,000 feet. I don't want these products taken away until there is alternative solution! I've already had to have sunspots and moles removed, which is costly. We need all the protection we can get here!
My sunscreen is l'Oreal Ombrelle 30 & 60spf. It is recommended by the Cdn. Dermatoloy Assoc. I was wondering why it isn't on your list?
I wish there was more information about Dr. Hauschka products in the sun screen guide. I would assume they make good stuff, but it would be nice to see the baby sunscreen stuff tested in this comprehensive list too...