Choosing a safe and effective sunscreen

Safely enjoying the outdoors means choosing the right sunscreen that uses
safe chemicals to block harmful UVA and UVB rays.  (Photo: Diane Ursu)

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Protecting yourself from the sun and sunscreens

• UV radiation and how to protect against it

• Is it really SPF 100?
• Is your sunscreen causing skin cancer?
• Choosing a safe and effective sunscreen
• How to protect yourself from the sun's rays

Choosing the right sunscreen is much like choosing the right foods.  Read the label to avoid harmful chemicals–chemicals that can increase the risk of skin cancer and disrupt hormonal balance.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) makes the following recommendations:

• Chemicals to avoid:  Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), Benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), 3-Benzylidene camphor, Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), and Padimate O;
• Chemicals with little toxicity or that may cause skin irritation:  Octocrylene, Ensulizole, Homosalate, Sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4), Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide;
• Chemicals that cause no known toxicity–best choice:  Avobenzone, Mexoryl SX, Octisalate, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S.

 Two of the safest sun-blocking chemicals used in the United States are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  Zinc is known for its healing properties, but the EWG reported that one study showed that "zinc nanoparticles provoked oxidative stress and DNA damage."  The EWG reported that, "Inhaled [titanium dioxide] nanoparticles reach organs, cross placenta and enter brain.  Skin damage in vitro."  Neither should be inhaled, so lotions are recommended. 

The following are good choices available in the United States: