I contemplate the multitude of choices among the brightly colored bottles and tubes. Lotion, stick, or spray? Broad spectrum, water resistant, or reef friendly? Oil free, lightweight, or tropical scent? Is a higher SPF better?
Since skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., the medical community recommends using sunscreen to decrease your risk of skin cancers and precancers. However, the availability of a sunscreen product does not guarantee its safety. With so many options, how do you choose a safe sunscreen?
Bad news about sunscreen safety
Unfortunately, there is no good news about sunscreen safety. The regulations governing sunscreens have remained unchanged since the 1990s. The FDA introduced new regulations in 2021. However, the major changes remain pending.
Growing evidence shows oxybenzone and octinoxate cause endocrine disruption. This means they interfere with hormone production of the pituitary, thymus, pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and other organs of the body.
Additional concerns exist regarding endocrine disruption caused by ingredients such as homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, although studies offer less robust evidence.
A 2021 European Commission report found current oxybenzone exposure levels unsafe for humans. It suggested limiting the ingredient to only 2.2 percent in body lotion and spray sunscreen, which is 60 percent lower than the 6 percent allowed in U.S. sunscreens.
Several countries, and Hawaii, have banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone because it may harm marine life.
How to choose a safe sunscreen
Read the labels, including the ingredients list
It’s hard to decipher the labels on sunscreens. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s excellent infographic on how to read the sunscreen labels.
When choosing a safe sunscreen, always avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate but look for mineral-based products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Avoid sprays and powders
Spray sunscreens may contain benzene, widely recognized as a carcinogen.
In addition, sprays are difficult to apply in a thick, even layer. If you must use a pump or spray, apply sunscreen to your hands first, then wipe it on your skin to ensure uniform sun protection.
Also, manufacturers often use nanoparticles in mineral-based sunscreens to reduce whiteness and increase SPF.
However, it may be dangerous to inhale nanoparticles. The Environmental Working Group cautions against using loose powder makeup or aerosol sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide because of the inhalation risk.
Choose broad spectrum and water resistant
Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Water resistant is a good choice, but no sunscreen is waterproof. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. Most products state to reapply after 80 minutes or two hours of water and sweat exposure.
Avoid SPF over 50
SPF or sun protection factor is a measure of skin redness protection. However, this measures only UVB rays, not UVA.
High SPF products over 50 contain more chemicals, with not much more protection. They also give a false sense of security to stay outdoors in the sun longer. In addition, the product may have poor protection for UVA, which causes aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Shopping for sunscreens
It remains challenging to find a safe sunscreen. Oxybenzone, octinoxate, or both were found in approximately 300 products reviewed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Research shows that both ingredients pose risks to human health and aquatic life.
Your best bet is to buy your sunscreen online. Consult the EWG Guide to Sunscreens to find their top-rated products in each category. The ratings are 1 to 10, where 1 is the best, and 10 is the worst.
EWG makes it so much easier to purchase safe sunscreens online. They now have a storefront on Amazon to purchase highly rated sunscreens.
If you are shopping in person, I highly recommend Yuka, a free app for analyzing food and personal care products, including sunscreens. Scan the product barcode while shopping to determine which products to buy and which ones to avoid. The paid version allows you to search for a particular product.
Thrive Market sells several brands highly rated by EWG, including ThinkSport, Babo Botanicals and Badger.
Practice smart sunning
Instead of relying solely on sunscreen, follow these tips for smart sunning.
- Find shade either under trees or make your own by using an umbrella.
- Cover up with clothing such as long sleeves and long pants.
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Spend time in the sun in the early morning and late afternoon hours when the sun is not as intense. Avoid the hours from 10 am-2 pm.
Summary
How do you choose a safe sunscreen?
First, choose a lotion or cream, mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 50 or less.
Second, consult the EWG database or the Yuka app to choose a safe sunscreen.
Finally, follow label instructions for how often to apply and the quantity. Practice smart sunning and enjoy summer!
