2019 Sunscreen Product Ratings

Picking a sunscreen can be daunting. You want a product that protects you from the sun that also feels comfortable on your skin. This season there is new information to consider when making your product selection. In February, the Journal of American Medical Association published a study demonstrating that sunscreens are readily absorbed into the blood stream through the skin.  The study suggested we need further research to understand the impact the sunscreens may have on our health.

Many people know that I have always been one to do my homework when making purchases. In light of the new information about the absorption of sunscreens into our bloodstream, I reevaluated the products I have been using. This year I used a combination of Consumer Report’s top picks, Amazon top sellers and Environmental Working Group (EWG) safety ratings to identify quality products. Because of the safety concerns with aerosolized nanoparticles I did not research spray sunscreens. My recommendation is to avoid them all together. Read more about the criteria I use for evaluating sunscreens.

The EWG rates product based on ingredients safety and efficiency with the best score being a 1 and the worse score being a 10. The Consumer Report assigns an an overall score based on aggregate information from testing of UVA protection, SPF rating and variation from SFP rating claims. A higher Consumer Report number is better.

Amazon sunscreens with 1500 or more ratings and an average score of 4+ stars.

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 45

  • Contains oxybenzone and similar derivatives

  • Easy application and dry touch formula makes it a crowd favorite

  •  $2.00/fl. oz.

  • EWG safety rating: 5

  • Consumer Report Rating: 76

• Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

  • Contains methylisothiazolinone, a skin allergen not allowed in leave-on products in Europe.

  •  Easy application and dry touch formula makes it a crowd favorite.

  • $1.88/fl. oz.

  • EWG safety rating: 4

  • Consumer Report Rating: Unrated

• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection

  • Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide which are safe for people and the ocean. 

  • $3.70/fl. oz.

  • EWG safety rating: 1

  • Consumer Report Rating: 50

• Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

  • Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide which are safe for people and the ocean.

  • $4.32/fl. oz.

  • EWG safety rating: 1 

  • Consumer Report Rating: 41

Consumer Report’s Professional Top Rated Products:

• La Roche-Pasay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk

  • Contains avobenzone and similar derivatives

  • $7.20/fl. oz

  • EWG safety rating: 3

  • Consumer Report rating: 100

• BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50

  • Contains oxybenzone and similar derivatives

  • $2.50/fl. oz.

  • EWG rating: Unrated

  • Consumer Report Rating: 95

• Coppertone Ultra Guard Lotion SPF 70

  • Contains oxybenzone and similar derivatives

  • $1.00/fl. oz.

  • EWG rating: 7

  • Consumer Report Rating: 94

• Equate (Walmart) Ultra Lotion SPF 50

  • Contains oxybenzone and similar derivatives

  • $0.44/fl. oz

  • EWG rating: 7

  • Consumer Reports Rating: 94

• California Kids Supersensitive Lotion SPF 30+

  • Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide which are safe for people and the ocean. 

  • $6.90/fl. oz

  • EWG rating: 2

  • Consumer Report Rating: 55

• Badger Active Natural Mineral Cream SPF 30 Unscented

  • Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide which are safe for people and the ocean. 

  • $5.52/fl. oz

  • EWG rating: 1

  • Consumer Reports Rating: 55

So what is my final pick? As you can see the choice is challenging. When I take into consideration effectiveness, safety and price I plan to use Badger Active Natural or California Kids lotion this summer.

(This blog post is not sponsored by any manufacturer. However, Relish Health may receive a commission on purchases made through an Amazon link.)

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

Summer is here and many of us are stocking up on sunscreen. With numerous chemicals, formulations and strengths available it is hard to know which is ideal for you. 

Below are some tips to consider when shopping:

• Avoid oxybenzone. The Journal of American Medical Association published a study in February 2019 demonstrating that sunscreens are readily absorbed into the blood stream through the skin. Oxybenzone is a chemical UV absorber that may mimic human hormones. This means it can interfere with the endocrine system that regulates our metabolism, growth and reproductive system. Additionally, oxybenzone can be a trigger for allergic skin rashes. Beyond human safety, oxybenzone has a negative impact on the ocean ecosystem.

• Be wary of high SPF ratings. Many of us equate a high SPF (sun protection factor) level with increased protection. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Sunlight is composed of UVB rays which can burn our skin, and UVA rays which can penetrate our skin to accelerate aging and trigger skin cancer. SPF is a rating of a product’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays.  A high SPF level may give us a false sense of security that we are adequately protected from both UVA and UVB rays. The American Dermatology Association recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays. When looking for a sunscreen, look for a product that offers UVA/UVB coverage. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two ingredients that are not absorbed into the skin so they are safer to apply. They also provide both UVB and UVA protection for more complete coverage.

• Avoid sunscreen sprays. Sunscreen sprays may be convenient, but there are risks associated with inhaling the small chemical particles. Additionally, application can be challenging. It is difficult to know if you have used enough sunscreen to cover all sun-exposed areas of the body, which may result in inadequate coverage and a spotty burn. 

Looking for additional guidance when choosing a safe and effective sunscreen? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide or see my blog on the products I use.

Reducing Exposures to Harmful Chemicals

Part of optimizing our health is to minimize our exposure to many chemicals. The majority of the 85,000 chemicals registered for production under the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) were grandfathered in with little or no health and safety testing.(1) While exposures to potentially harmful chemicals on a daily basis may be unavoidable, there are actions we can take to reduce our exposure. Medical conditions linked to toxic chemicals include obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, cancers, and multi-system complaints such as fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities.(2) Below is a list of simple strategies compiled by the Institute for Functional Medicine that can help reduce our chemical exposures.

Ten categories of toxic chemicals are known to be especially prevalent, persistent, and detrimental to human and environmental health: 

1. Heavy metals: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al)

2.  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) 

3.  Plastics (phthalates) 

4. Phenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA) 

5. Organochloride pesticides (OCs) 

6. Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) 

7. Polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxin & furan (dioxins) 

8. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 

9. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) 

10. Polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) 

Reducing Dietary Exposures 

1. Choose organic and low-fat or no-fat animal products such as dairy, eggs, meats (PAHs, OCs, OPs, dioxins, PCBs, PBDEs).

2. Choose cooking methods that are low-char and that allow animal fats to drip away, such as steaming (PAHs, OCs, OPs, dioxins, PCBs, PBDEs). 

3. Consult local wildlife agencies before eating freshwater fish (PCBs, dioxins, PBDEs).

4. Never eat farmed salmon (PCBs), avoid eating larger carnivorous fish (Hg, PBDEs, PCBs) and use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Good Seafood Guide(3) or the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch publication.

5. Use glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers for heating and storing hot food (phthalates).

6. Avoid plastic water bottles, travel mugs and bladder-style hydration reservoirs and do not wash plastic food or beverage containers under high heat (phthalates).

7. Avoid using vinyl cling wrap and only buy canned foods that are BPA-free (BPA).

8. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and rice syrup (As) and processed foods containing BHT, BHA, benzoate, sulfites, and artificial colorings and sweeteners.

9. Choose local, seasonal, and organic produce whenever possible. Wash all fruits and vegetables using mild additive-free soap and clean water (OCs, OPs).

10. Choose organic versions of the EWG “Dirty Dozen” list of high-pesticide produce (OCs, OPs)(4).

Reducing Home & Office Exposures 

1. Consult the EWG Drinking Water Database (5) and consider testing your water supply. Use a NSF-certified water filter if indicated (Pb,As, Cd, trihalomethane, atrazine, benzene, etc.).

2. Clear water that has been standing overnight out of plumbing lines in your home or office by flushing the toilet or letting the tap run for several minutes before pouring out tap water for consumption (Pb, other metals). 

3. Filter shower water (chlorine, OCs), and avoid using new vinyl shower curtains (phthalates).

4. Filter air in your bedroom and office using filters, ionizers or plants (6) (airborne toxins). 

5. Cover or replace older foam furniture and consider removing old carpets and padding (PBDEs). 

6.  Remove shoes you’ve worn outside when entering your home (OPs). 

7. Clean up broken thermometers and fluorescent bulbs with gentle sweeping and wiping up with gloves and disposable materials. Do not vacuum (Hg). 

8. Choose fragrance- and solvent-free detergents and cleaning agents (phthalates) and consult the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning.(7)

9. Avoid non-stick pots and pans and do not buy stain-resistant clothing, carpet or furniture (PCBs). 

10. Avoid products made with particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (formaldehyde, solvents). 

11. Remove or paint over older pressure-treated wood (As). Use low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, glues, sealants, etc. in new construction (solvents).(8)

12. With new construction, consider “baking” out noxious fumes by vacating (people, plants and animals) and setting the house heat at maximum for 24-hour cycles followed by ventilation and rechecking for fumes (solvents and other toxic chemicals). 

Reducing Health Care & Personal Care Exposures 

1. For general wellness stay well hydrated and consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. 

2. Avoid acetaminophen for pain relief (especially after alcohol), and avoid taking multiple over-the-counter and prescription drugs simultaneously. 

3. Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke (Cd, PAHs). 

4.  Inquire about preservatives in flu shots and vaccines and chose ones without Thimerisol (Hg). 

5. Choose unscented, fragrance-free personal care products (phalates), avoid antiperspirants and antacids (Al), and use the EWG Cosmetics Database.(9) 

6. Choose composite over metallic dental fillings and be sure that your dentist follows all of the recommended IAOMT 10 procedures when removing silver fillings (Hg). 

7. Avoid having two different metals (e.g., mercury and gold) in your mouth; this can create low-voltage electric currents, which accelerates metal degradation. 

Reducing Work & Hobby Exposures 

1. Identify your exposures by consulting MSDS data sheets for all chemicals you use (various toxins). 

2. Wear and maintain all appropriate personal protective equipment and keep any work clothes that may have toxins on them separate from your home (various toxins). 

References 

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/tscainventory/basic.html 

2. Sears ME, Genuis SJ. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:356798 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/356798 

3. Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-good-seafood-guide 

4. Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list.php 

5. Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/ 

6. Claudio L. Environ Health Perspect. 2011 Oct; 119(10): a426–a427. http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/119-a426/ 

7. Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners 

8. U.S. Green Building Counsil’s Green Home Guide: http://greenhomeguide.com/ 

9. Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ 

10.  International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology: http://iaomt.org/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/ 

Detox Demystified

With the start of a new year, many people are setting wellness goals and planning to pursue healthier lifestyles and recover from unhealthy holiday eating habits. There is a lot of chatter these days about detox programs and cleanses, and a plethora of products marketed as such. But what exactly IS detoxification?

Detoxification is something our bodies do naturally to neutralize, transform and get rid of materials or toxins. Toxins may include chemicals we encounter during the day from our external environment, as well as chemicals we make internally, like estrogen. Your body’s natural detoxification process is different than the term “detox” as it is popularly used, and it is happening every single day. The body has six organs of detoxification. Although the bulk of the work is done by the liver and the intestinal tract, the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin are all involved in this complex system. 

The purpose of a detoxification program is primarily to support these organs of elimination so that toxins present in the body can be metabolized and excreted. In other words, the goal is to improve and optimize the function of your body’s own systems. For many of us, the modern lifestyle leaves us overloaded by external toxins and under-supported nutritionally because our diets are not balanced enough to keep our natural detox processes robust. Fortunately, you can take simple actions to improve and support your body’s detoxification and elimination systems. 

Try these strategies daily:

• Eat your veggies. We need hundreds of enzymes, vitamins and other molecules to help rid the body of unwanted waste products and chemicals. The antioxidants, vitamins and minerals our liver and other organs need for proper functioning are conveniently packaged in the form of spinach, kale, broccoli, garlic, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc. Aim to fill half of your plate with vegetables.

• Optimize your digestion. Many of the chemicals our body needs to eliminate are excreted in our stool. Constipation means that these chemicals are hanging around longer than needed and can be reabsorbed from inside our gut. Eating plenty of veggies (AKA fiber) is a solid strategy to improve gut motility. If constipation is still a struggle after increasing your fiber intake, talk to Relish Health to identify the root cause and determine additional strategies for relief.

• Drink plenty of water. The more water you drink throughout the day, the more you are supporting your liver and kidneys. The Institute for Medicine recommends that men drink a minimum of about 13 cups of water a day and that women drink about 9 cups. Detoxing your body may be as simple as upping your water intake. 

• Sweat it out. Our bodies are programmed to detoxify themselves naturally through the liver, gut and kidneys, but when those organs are feeling overloaded, they turn to the skin for help. Many chemicals can also be excreted through our pores. Regular sweating with proper hydration can assist the detoxification process.

• Take a bath with epsom salts. Your skin is your largest detox organ. Warm water from a bath can stimulate circulation, which improves blood flow and promotes cellular renewal. Epsom salts contain magnesium and additional minerals that aid in your body’s detoxification processes. 

As you can see, supporting your body’s natural detoxification process need not be complicated or expensive. With attention to your diet and a bit of additional intentionality, you can help your body recover from the holidays and start the new year off well.