The best and safest sunscreen, undeniably, is to stay out of the sun. However, in the summertime, who wants to do that? Even if you are in the shade, there is a good chance you are getting some sun from reflection of rays off of sand, buildings, water, and other surfaces, so to be safe, it is recommended that you use sunscreen whenever you go outdoors.
Although many sunscreens protect you from the sun, however, many contain hazardous toxins and chemicals that are best avoided. The Environmental Working Group has many databases on the various personal products that are best to use. And this summer, it might be a good time to reference their sunscreen database which helps consumers understand which sunscreens are safest and which are best to avoid. Here are the highlights:
Top Safe Sunscreens
All of EWG’s top-rated sunscreens contain zinc or titanium. I’ve used mineral-based sunscreens and I’ll tell you, they aren’t my personal favorites. They are a bit “thick” and pasty and aren’t absorbed quickly by the skin. However, they are the safest option because they don’t use chemical barriers to protect you from the sun…they use minerals. Just imagine grinding up a rock into a fine powder and mixing it with your moisturizer. If you want the safest, most chemical free options, here are ten of EWG’s top rated mineral sunblocks:
| Brand | Products | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Badger | Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented, SPF 30 Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 30 Lightly Scented |
Buy on Amazon |
| California Baby | Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+ | Buy on Amazon |
| Loving Naturals | Sunscreen SPF 30+ | Buy on Amazon |
| Soleo Organics | All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Soleo Organics/Wyland Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Soleo Organics/Atlantis Resort All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ |
Buy on Amazon |
| thinkbaby and thinksport | Sunscreen, SPF 30+ | Buy on ThinkBaby |
| UV Natural | Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Sunscreen Sport, SPF 30+ |
Buy on Amazon |
Top Safe Non-Mineral Sunscreens
If you want a sunblock that is a bit easier to use and absorbs quickly, then these are your next best options. They are not as safe from a chemical standpoint, but they are the best of the non-mineral based sunscreens out on the market. Here are their top five:
| Brand | Products | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond Coastal | Active Sunscreen, SPF 30 Daily Active Sunscreen, SPF 15 |
Buy on Amazon |
| Coppertone | ultraGUARD Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 | Buy on Amazon |
| Glytone | Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 25 | Buy on Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay | Anthelios Water Resistant Sunscreen Cream, SPF 15 | Buy on Amazon |
Whichever you prefer, make sure you are protected so that your summer is the safest it can be!
