Best and Worst Sunscreens

There have been many recalls to different brands of sunscreen over the years which calls into question the safety and efficacy of many of these sunscreen brands.

A new study from the Environmental Working Group, which looked at more than 1,700 SPF products, found that only about 25% are both safe and effective.

Worst Type of Sunscreens

The aerosol sunscreen recalls in 2021, many due to the detected levels of benzene, goes to show just how questionable some ingredients in these sunscreens can be.

Aerosol sunscreens in general potentially pose the greatest risk and questionable ingredients.

Overall you want to avoid:

Chemical based sunscreens
Sprays
Powders
Phalates
Parabens

Common Chemicals in Chemical based Sunscreens:

Oxybenzone – Endocrine disruptor, linked to allergies, can harm coral reefs.
Octinoxate – Hormone disruptor, can accumulate in the body, harmful to marine life.
Octocrylene – Can degrade into benzophenone, a potential carcinogen.
Homosalate – Linked to hormone disruption and builds up in the body over time.
Avobenzone – Unstable in sunlight, often mixed with stabilizers that may be toxic.
Ensulizole – Can generate free radicals, leading to skin damage.
Octisalate – Used as a stabilizer but may cause skin allergies.
Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) – Found in European sunscreens; safer but still synthetic.

The sunscreens use chemicals to block the sun.

Best Type of Sunscreens

You are much better off going with a lotion based & mineral based sunscreen instead.

Mineral based sunscreen uses the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block the sun.

Unfortunately, there are other concerning sunscreen chemicals still make up 50% of the U.S. sunscreen market.

Here are some great non-toxic mineral based sunscreen brands:

Thinksport is my personal favorite.

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

Badger Sunscreen

Think Sport Sunscreen

Think Kids Sun Screen

Pipette Mineral Broad Spectrum

Attitude Sunscreen

Roe Wellness Sunscreen

Two Peas Organic Sunscreen

Face Sunscreens:

Cocokind Daily SPF

Versed Sunscreen

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