Safest Sunscreens with links to best prices...



Under Ultraviolet Light. Photo: Spigget -- commons.wikimedia.org. 
'Looks like' they really protect.


In mid-June the FDA has proposed regulation that would limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labeling to SPF 50. The FDA says SPFs over 50 give a false sense of security as sunscreen over time wears off, or breaks down, and they also question the industry's claims of accuracy. (75 SPF probably doesn't block 99% of rays.) But, the really faulty feature of the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) label, is that it only covers UVB rays.


SPF 15 = protects from 93% of UVB rays
SPF 20 = protects from 95% of UVB rays
SPF 30 = protects from 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 = protects from 98% of UVB rays



Sunburn is primarily caused by UVB rays. But, both UVB and UVA can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. UVB penetrates only the outer skin layer, leaving sunburn and eventually surface skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. Yet, the more prevalent UVA rays penetrate further into the skin causing DNA damage to cells deeper within.* Scientists now suspect that our past history of unclothed sun exposure slathered with sunscreens that contained no UVA protection, is a potential culprit in the rise of melanoma cancers. UVB rays make up only 3-5 percent of the total ultraviolet radiation that gets through the atmosphere, while UVA makes up 95-97 percent.* The new regulations set forth by the FDA will give sunscreens with UVA/UVB protection the label 'Broad Spectrum Protection.'  In 2012, sunscreens without UVA protection will carry a warning. Zinc and titanium are satisfactory blockers of UVA rays. See the FDA video below.


Also new, will be a 40 or 80 minute water resistant measure. Products that retain their original SPF for 40 minutes of water activity may be labeled “Water Resistant” and products that retain their original SPF for 80 minutes of water activity may be labeled as “Very Water Resistant.” No sunscreen is water-proof and the new legislation states that manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof, or identify their products as “sunblocks.” These changes will go into effect in 2012.  See the FDA  update here: www.fda.gov


*** All Sunscreens below provide -- UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection ***


Rated #1 (safest) by Environmental Working Group


Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sunscreen SPF 30 Unscented Sensitive Skin & Children 4 oz
$ 11.96  Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)

Badger - All Natural Moisturizing Sun Cream Water Resistant Unscented 30 SPF - 2.9 oz
$ 12.00  Lucky Vitamin  ($6. shipping for total order) ships from Phili
$ 13.60  Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25) Almost out of stock
$ 16.00  Badger Balm Website www.badgerbalm.com  Free shipping from NH
Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, Unscented, SPF 30  .65 oz
$ 6.38  Lucky Vitamin ($6. shipping for total order) ships from Phili

California Baby No Fragrance Organic Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 - 2.9 oz
$ 18. Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order) ships from Phili

Climb On! Mineral Sunblock, SPF 30  3 oz - strong scent!
$ 17.95 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)

Eco Logical Skin Care - Sunscreen Baby All Natural 30 SPF - 3.5 oz
$ 15.74 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order) ships from Phili
Eco Logical Skin Care - Sunscreen Lotion Face All Natural 30 SPF - 1.8 oz
$ 12.59 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order) ships from Phili

Goddess Garden Baby Natural - SPF 30 - 3.5 oz - 79% Organic
$ 13.59 Vitamin Life ($6 shipping for total order)

Kiss My Face Kids SPF 30 Sun Stick - White .5 oz
$ 6.59 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order) ships from Phili

Loving Naturals SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 5 Oz Vegan
$ 15.  Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
$ 18.  Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)

Mexitan Tropical Sands SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion 5.4-oz
$ 19.95 Mexitan Website ($8 shipping)

Purple Prarie Botanicals Sunstuff, 85% Organic, SPF 30, 9.5 oz
$ 18.99 www.itsnaturallypure.com ($5 shipping)

TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen Facestick - 0.65 oz
$8.99 Amazon ($4.50 shipping) 3 pack $ 25.
or Trukid website trukid.3dcartstores.com




Sunscreen Hand


Rated #2 by Environmental Working Group
2 is still safe...but check EWG site if chemically sensitive...


Alba Botanica - Very Emollient Mineral Protection Kids Fragrance Free 30 SPF - 4 oz
$ 5.94 Lucky Vitamin (manufacturer out of stock)
$ 5.58 Vitacost (manufacturer out of stock)
$ 17.32 Pkg of 2 Amazon (free shipping)
Alba Botanica - Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance Free 30 SPF 4 oz
$ 8.33 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
$ 5.94 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)

All Terrain - KidSport Performance Sunscreen 30 SPF - 3 oz
$ 6.59 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)
$ 7.93 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
All Terrain - AquaSport Performance Sunscreen 30 SPF - 3 oz
$ 6.59Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)
$ 9.54 Amazon (free shipping)

Beyond Coastal Natural Spf 30 Sunscreen - 4 oz
$ 11.50 Amazon (free shipping)
Beyond Coastal Kids Natural Spf 30 Sunscreen - 4 oz
$ 11.35 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
Beyond Coastal Lip & Face Screen  1 oz
$ 6.29 Vitacost ($5 shipping on total order)
$ 6.99 Body Sense ($5 shipping on total order)

Blue Lizard Baby Australian Suncream, SPF 30+ 8.75 oz
$ 20.  GNC ($3.62 shipping for 1 item, less for more than 1)
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive, SPF 30+ 8.75 oz
$ 21.  GNC ($3.62 shipping for 1 item, less for more than 1)

California Baby - Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance 18 SPF - 4.5 oz
$ 18.88  Lucky Vitamin  ($6. shipping for total order) ships from Phili

Caribbean Solutions - Kid Kare Natural Biodegradable UVB & UVA Sunscreen 25 SPF - 6 oz
$ 10. Lucky Vitamin ($6. shipping for total order) ships from Phili
$11.78 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
Caribbean Solutions SPF 25 Biodegradable SolGuard Sunscreen 6 oz
$ 10.87 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)

Earth's Best - Organic Baby Sunblock Chemical Free by Jason Natural Products 30 SPF - 4 oz
$ 9.57 @ Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)
$ 12.92 Amazon (free shipping)

Episencials Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35 -  4 oz
$ 14.99 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)

Jason Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock SPF 30 -- 4 oz
Mineral-Based only!
$ 11.55 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
$ 10.  Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)

Mexitan Tropical Sands SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 8 oz
$ 16.95 Mexitan Website  ($8 shipping)
$ 17.50 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)

Nature's Gate Mineral Sport Block SPF 20 - 4 oz
$ 6.69 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)
$ 8.36 Amazon (.99 shippimg)

Vanicream Sunscreen Sport, Spf 35, 4 oz
$ 12.69 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)


Some favorites: Earth's Best Organic, California Baby, Blue Lizard, Mexitan.

Remember, all above are also safe for our coral, whereas conventional chemical sunscreens can be extremely damaging to coral ecosystems.

Inspiration Green makes no percentage, nor receives any kick-backs from links. Just listed best prices found.




Not all sunscreens are created equal. Listen to an explanation of how they work to reduce the risk of sunburn, early skin aging and cancer.


Environmental Working Group’s 2011 guide to safe and effective sunscreens reveals only one in five sunscreens earns high marks for safety and efficacy. The guide features ratings for more than 1,700 sunscreens and SPF lip balms, moisturizers and makeups. Search for products here: ewg.org/2011sunscreen

European sunscreens are far superior to the U.S.'s in regard to UVA protection.
See: ewg.org


Safest Lip Sunscreens:

Badger - Sunblock Lip Balm Water Resistant 15 SPF - .15 oz
$ 4.  Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)
$ 2.63 Lucky Vitamin ($6 shipping for total order)

Beyond Coastal Active Lip Spf 15 Balm .25 oz
$ 6.05 Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)

Purple Prairie SunStuff SPF 30 100% Natural Lip Balm .15 oz
98% organic ingredients.
$ 7.99 Amazon (.80 shipping)

Tropical Sands All Natural Lip Sunblock SPF 30 -- .15 oz
$ 2.99 Mexitan Website (shipping $1.70+)

UV Natural Lip Sunscreen SPF 30 -- .17 oz
$ 10.99  Amazon (free shipping on orders over $25)





Missed his neck. Picture: remixyourhealth.wordpress.com


Some sun is important too! Sun is the best source of vitamin D. But, depending on your skin tone...we do not need more than half an hour of sun a day to get our daily dose of vitamin D.


Resources:

*Environmental Working Group breakingnews.ewg.org

See the EWG's Hall of Shame for the worst on the market, horrible! ewg.org/hall-of-shame

FDA Sheds Light on Sunscreens: www.fda.gov

 

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Keiren
Posts: 2

spf 120
Reply #2 on : Mon December 12, 2011, 16:05:41

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Hi Terri,

Thanks for writing. Considering the FDA is working on a new labeling system for sunscreens, and plans to limit SPF claims to 50, the request by your niece's doctor will soon be impossible. Sounds like he is just trying to scare her into using the largest 'spf number' she can find, but many factors are important, such as re-applying every hour, etc. She might do best with a sun blocker, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and also keeping the area covered. Sorry, can't be of more help. Since the FDA thinks spf claims over 50 are not accurate, I tend to believe them. Best to you and your niece, Keiren

Teri
Posts: 2

SPF 120
Reply #1 on : Mon December 12, 2011, 10:00:37

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My nieces doctor told her to use SPF 120 on an area of skin where she had radiation treatment. Where would you get some sunblocker at that rating? I forgot to ask her if it's RX onlyu.