Happy Memorial Day Weekend! The EWG Sunscreen Report Is Out.
Happy memorial day, les amies! What are you going to get up to? (See above for my plans.) As you prepare for a weekend of frisbee and barbecue, may we remind you, as always, that sunscreen is a good idea for all outdoor activity, and that chemical sunscreen is the devil and should be avoided at all costs, no exceptions? And if you don’t believe us, you can ask Gisele.
If you are new to this stuff, or need a refresher, please revisit our piece called “How Safe Is Sunscreen?” which took the nets by storm last summer (just kidding, but it was a hit!). And…
If you aren’t compelled to avoid chemical sunscreens for your own health and the health of your children—whether they’re born or still in the ideas stage—then do it for the planet: Coral reefs, which are home to countless species of aquatic life and are a crucial piece of ocean biodiversity puzzle, are imperiled by the chemicals in sunscreen, which wash off our bodies when we play in the water, and down the drain when we shower. No, you can’t see the damage happening, but trust us: It is.
Back to the topic at hand: A while ago we asked you if you wear sunscreen every day, and the comments (which are still coming in!) were amazing. We also told you about some screens we love for face, and now the EWG has released its annual guide to their top sunscreens in terms of their low toxicity and effectiveness as a broad spectrum sunscreen. What they don’t cover—and bless their hearts, they can’t do it all!—is how cosmetically desirable these products are, so that’s why we’re counting on you guys. Since we’re just two people, we can’t try them all, either!
You can find the complete EWG list here, and remember the list is alphabetical, not in order of their preference. We recommend mineral sunscreens, and advise against non-mineral ones.
Let us know which ones you’ve tried, and what you think about them, in the comments!
Finding any excuse to run a picture of Brigitte, via
I’m a Badger girl (unscented). I find it’s got the best/simplest ingredients and I’ve not found anything else clean enough that works as well, rubs in easily, feels okay on the skin, and has no major fragrance. Badger is my go-to for body and face on occasion if I’m really out in blazing sun.
The only other thing off the new EWG list that I’ve tried is John Master’s Organics. I really liked it for face, but it has benzyl alcohol, which on its own rates a 6 (as opposed to the 2 overall for that sunscreen). So I moved on to 100% Pure Argan spf 30. But that one has japanese honeysuckle which some find unacceptable. I’m wondering, was I crazy to give up the JM? What do others think of benzyl alcohol, especially as compared to japanese honeysuckle for possible risk??
I’ll be out in the Caribbean with my near translucent very fair sun-avoidant Irish skin. Ok, it’s not that bad, but I burn rather quickly! I need a good sunscreen that will last me 10 days in the Caribbean sun. Has anyone tried Lavanila? I recently noticed a face and body sunscreen in the line. Suggestions?
As for my review, I’ve used Juice Beauty’s facial screen. It’s slightly oily, but nothing too shiny. I used it in the spring, and the sun wasn’t so harsh, so I can’t speak too much to it’s effectiveness – but I didn’t burn when I was up in the tiers at Yankee Stadium! It was just fine under a little powder and my Josie Maran Argan (color) stick. My only issue is the initial smell, which I understand is often discussed in reviews. It doesn’t linger for too long, but it’s potent on application!
I’m a little surprised with some of the “clean” sunscreens EWG posted. Aveeno’s baby stick has a 1 rating?? I’m going to have to scour the ingredients the next time I’m at the store and pick some up and try it! I’ve tried the Badger and liked it. Also had the Aubrey Organics Sun Saving Face Sunscreen but was not a fan. My skin congests pretty easily, and that sent it for a shock. If you were more of a dry type I think it’d be better.
What I have now and love is the California Baby No Fragrance Sunscreen Lotion and Stick. I can get it at Target and don’t have to track it down at a specialty store or order it online; and since it’s available through a big chain I can easily recommend it to clean-curious friends and family. The downside is it’s pretty expensive stuff and I live in Florida and work outside!
Beyond the investment.. I love it. It’s not overly filmy, it holds up well in the heat and humidity of Florida and seems to have real staying power on the beach. It does have a bit of a white cast on darker skin. I’m mixed ethnicity so I don’t generally burn but boy do I freckle and I’ve been able to avoid adding tremendously to my freckle-load by using this the last three months.
So I’ve been looking up sunscreens for a while now and I finally gave into the high price and bought Badger (unscented). One thing I really love is if you buy from badgers website. FREE GROUND SHIPPING! I couldn’t believe it! Totally makes up for the price =)
Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
K, I have no idea why this one is SO under the radar, but I’ve been using Devita’s sunscreen for 2 years now and I’m pretty happy with it. It’s a little greasy at first, but absorbs fairly quickly and spreads really easily/evenly. It’s not on EWG but they have a clean aim, and address the safety concerns of their ingredients on the website. Best I can tell, they have full disclosure and that’s half the battle. I’m in the Yukon, Canada and can’t continue to order it from the states & pay shipping/duty/brokerage so I’m shopping around, but if you’re in the states, I’d recommend trying it. I’ve used it on my face too and doesn’t seem to make me break out any more than I already am :S
I’ve just ordered the Devita sunscreen – https://www2.devita.net/store/product.php?productid=17534&cat=290&page=1 – the ingredients look good, so we’ll see how it goes: ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Micronized Zinc oxide 19%. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera gel), Purified Water (aqua), Capric/caprylic triglycerides (derived from coconut oil), Glycerin (vegetable), Hyaluronic acid (vegan source), Glyceryl stearate SE (derived from vegetable oil), Stearic acid, Lecithin phospholipid, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Allantoin, Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract. Ingredient labeling adheres to international INCI standards
People with oily skin might like the Pratima sunscreen – http://www.pratimaskincare.com/neem-rose-face-sunscreen – IONIZED WATER, NON-NANO MICRONIZED ZINC OXIDE 18.6%, ORGANIC EXTRACTS OF NEEM, BRAHMI, SHATAVARI, LICORICE, VITAMIN E, LECITHIN, ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL OF ROSE, XANTHAN GUM.
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