It's no secret that conventional sunscreens pose serious health andenvironmental concerns. But just how effective are the all-naturalones? And which ones are safer than others? Thank goodness for the the Environmental Working Group. The organization researched ingredients in nearly every sunscreen on the market and offers a
handy guide to low-hazard and chemical-free sunscreens, and reveals why so many conventional sunscreens--many of which are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, coral bleaching, and more--
are so hazardous.So why is it so important to research a sunscreen's safety? Mainly because of this eye-popping note, from EWG: After 30 years of debate, the government has failed to set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product quality. FDA now stands in direct violation of a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006, flouting not only Congress but also consumers, who are reliant on sunscreen to protect their health.
Now if you're anything like us, you've tested a handful of organic and all-natural sunscreens, trying to find one that doesn't seem like a glop of caked matter from your grandma's medicine cabinet that had expired during the Reagan era. I've tried probably five in the last couple of years, finally settling on Aubrey Organics green tea and gingko moisturizer with SPF 15, which I get at the Seward Coop, for my everyday facial sunscreen. I have super-sensitive skin, and many other daily sunscreens--like nearly all lotions--irritated my skin.
However, according to a recent EWG study, while
that exact sunscreen might be chem-free, it has a very high UVA and UVB hazard exposure score, while the SPF 25 has a much lower UVA and UVB hazard score. In other words, it's time to up my SPF. Sigh. Another $8.99 down the drain. The No. 1 rated sunscreen? Soleo Organics chemical-free sunscreen with 30 SPF. It has a zero UVA/UVB hazard score, and chemical-free ingredients that are kind to the earth, too.
So check out the guide, find one that's safe for you and the environment, and have a happy summer--free of sunburn and bleached coral. Oh, and glop from your grandma's medicine cabinet.