Sunscreens: The Good the Bad and the Toxic
By Green Lotus
Are Sunscreens Toxic? Do they really speed the development of cancer rather than prevent it? You may want to take a look at the ingredients in your favorite sunscreen and moisturizer. It seems, they may contain some surprising additives that aren’t doing you any good.
Terror Tactics…..Again??
When I first learned of the latest dangers lurking within benevolent products we regularly slather over our bodies for safety’s sake, I was disgusted.
Frankly, I’m tired of the fickle do’s and don’ts shoved at us from so-called health agencies bent on scaring us away from the products we use and love. Upon closer inspection; however, this offended consumer caved-in and decided that perhaps there is some merit in the reporting. What I have gathered here, are some simple guidelines which hopefully will help you discern between the Good, the Bad and the Toxic sunscreen products.
In addition, I noted that this time the warnings come to us from the private sector; a non-profit group that is, in fact, no great fan of the FDA. They are The Environmental Working Group (or EWG), an environmental organization that specializes in environmental research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability.
EWG researchers, in their 2010 recommendations for Sunscreen products recommend only 39, (or just 8 per cent) of 500 beach and sport sunscreens.
OK, What Makes a Sunscreen Bad?
One might conclude that the answer to the above question has to be because the product doesn’t do the job; doesn’t screen out those cancer causing UV rays; doesn’t have enough SPF or whatever magic ingredient they use to prevent you getting killer skin cancer. Sunscreens protect us, right? Well…. that’s not necessarily the case.
What makes a sunscreen really bad is when it contains misleading information in the guise of a high SPF, or if the ingredients have been proven to cause hormonal imbalances or accelerated formation of cancers. The EWG says most sunscreen products contain those ingredients.
SPF 100?
What is SPF anyway? It stands for Sun Protection Factor. Some SPF ratings are figured like this:
You times 30 by 10, so you have 300 minutes of protection.
Another way to figure it is by calculating the time it takes your skin to start frying unprotected, with how long it takes for you to fry wearing sunscreen. So if you start to get red after 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, theoretically you’re protected 15 times longer with an SPF 15.
If you’re using a sunscreen higher than SPF 30, and you think you can stay in the sun for 300 minutes, you are being deceived by the sunscreen manufacturer.
The truth is there is no greater protection of any significance above an SPF 30. SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 96.7 percent.
SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays.
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration proposed capping SPF at 50+, but they haven’t gotten around to it yet, so the makers of sunscreens are taking advantage of consumers while they still have the chance.
SPF levels have crept upward as the panic over skin protection accelerates and the FDA remains silent.
SPF levels have even hit the triple digit mark, with Neutrogena’s SPF 100+ sunblock, leading some dermatologists and savvy news reporters to expose the truth behind SPF levels.
The danger lies when someone expects to be protected from the sun’s rays far longer than if they had used a lower SPF.
Recent studies on the true level of SPF in certain popular sunscreens even show overstated levels, meaning the SPF is really lower than what's stated on the packaging.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?
American Cancer Society has stated that the use of sunscreen prevents squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma because they block UVB rays. Many sunscreens do not block UVA radiation, which does not cause sunburn but can increase the rate of melanoma, (a more deadly skin cancer).
So people using inadequate sunscreens may be getting too much UVA without realizing it. The best sunscreens contain both UVB and UVA-fighting ingredients like an avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. Actually, the best sunscreens are a hat and a shirt, but that’s not always practical or fashionable.
Sunshine Vitamin D
Sunscreen may block UVB rays, but if used consistently this can cause a deficiency of vitamin D. Both doctors, and holistic practioners are now telling us that it’s good to get a moderate amount of sunshine. Even 15 minutes a day is enough to give you a dose of Vitamin D.
Vitamin A and Skin Cancer
A recent FDA study indicates that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied in the presence of sunlight. This evidence is really bad news since the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to 41 percent of all sunscreens!
The FDA is still working on this data and reports are preliminary, but if it holds up in the final assessment, the sunscreen industry will be in deep trouble.
The EWG suggests you look for the ingredients “retinyl palmitate” or “retinol” on the label of your favorite sunscreen, but don’t stop there.
Hormonal Changes From Sunscreens?
If the label on your sunscreen contains the ingredients oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate or retinol, I’d toss it away today, but then again I like to stay on the safe side.
Although the reports are just emerging and testing has just begun, it seems oxybenzone, a/k/a/ benzophenone-3, a very popular ingredient in sunscreen creams and lotions is also a nasty little hormone disruptor.
Oxybenzone seeps into your skin and blood stream (unlike other, safer sunscreen ingredients) causing hormonal imbalances. Listed above are some links to other articles that support the claim that oxybenzone can to increase estrogen production, can affect the nervous system, and can creates free radicals when exposed to the sun.
Buy it Here
 | Highly rated by ewr.org with no zinc, no oxybenzone, unscented and highly rated by Amazon reviewers. Amazon Price: $12.75 List Price: $14.00 |
THE BEST AND WORST SUNSCREENS -2012 Update!
Some of the safest, most effective sunblock products may be found with this link. It opens a new window.
Here are some others:
Some of the Best Non-Mineral Sunscreens
The top-rated sunscreens are actually those that contain the minerals zinc or titanium. The down side is that mineral sunscreens can be smelly and greasy.
If you want to avoid those deterrents but still want a higher rated product, here are some of the best:
Beyond Coastal Active Face Stick SPF 30.5-Ounce - This gets a very good overall rating. Contains no zinc (so no white face look), no oxybenzone, and the stick applicator keeps your hands from getting messy. You may not find this one in the supermarket but you can order it easily from this page.
- Supergoop Everyday UV Protection, 1.6 Ounce - Another excellent zinc-free sunblock that gets high stars from ewg.org as well as Amazon reviewers. This size is travel-size friendly, oil-free and non-sticky.
Buy these Sunblocks Rated the Highest on EWG and AMAZON
 | Amazon Price: $16.95 List Price: $0.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.68 List Price: $9.95 |
Some of the Very Best Sunscreen Lotions - Updated for 2012
These Sunscreens contain mineral products such as zinc, but none of them are smelly and greasy. None contain Vitamin A or Oxybenzone. All protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember, a good Sunscreen for baby, doesn’t have to have the word “Baby” in its title.
BurnOut SPF 30+ KIDS Physical Sunscreen - High ratings all around for this kid's sunblock; non-greasy, non-smelly and although it contains zinc (a great sunscreen) it doesn't make the skin look white.
Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+ - This sunblock is not only safe, it's labeled "Vegan" as well! Great for sensitive skin and one Amazon reviewer said it smelled delicious - a "cookie-type smell. A little goes a long way. It contains beneficial zinc, so using more will give you a pasty look.
Hara Body Care Sport, SPF 30 - This economical sunscreen is also a moisturizer as it has a base of olive and jojoba oil, and contains beeswax, cocoa and shea butter. You do have to knead the tube in hot weather to correct any separation of the oils. It's not the easiest to apply, but it gets EWG's highest rating.
Alba Botanica Mineral Sunscreen - This reasonably priced botanically moisturizing sun UV protector is highly recommended for all skin types and ranks high on both EWG and with Amazon reviewers. It has less zinc for less of that white face look, but some claim it leaves skin shiny.
See them all at:
http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/
Some of The Worst Sunscreen Lotions
Be wary of when a product claims to have “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum” protection. EWG researchers identified 218 beach sunscreens that had only “low” or “medium” UVA protection in FDA’s proposed labeling system.
Panama Jack Naturals Baby Sunblock SPF 50
This product contains the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone. Panama Jack advises users of this baby product to “apply liberally.” What’s more, all ingredients are not “natural” as claimed. There are at least 10 compounds that do not occur in nature. Jack needs to be buried in the sand up to his shoulders without a hat, while babies shovel sand in his face.
Shame on You Banana Boat!
Banana Boat Baby Max Protect, SPF100
This product claims an SPF of 100 which means it should keep your baby safe from getting a sunburn if she stays out in the sun 100 times longer than the time she takes to burn. Don’t risk your baby’s skin on it.
The EWG recommends that consumers avoid products labeled with anything higher than “SPF 50+” and reapply sunscreen often, regardless of SPF. Sunscreens wash off, sweat off and don’t always last as long as the SPF promises. This product is one of the lowest rated on the market.
Safety Mask Recommended
iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder & Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30
These loose powder sunscreens may feel comfortable on your skin, but the powder doesn’t just stay there. It gets into your lungs and bloodstream. Who knows what titanium and zinc can do to your lungs? The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies inhaled titanium dioxide as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” based on studies of rats and of people who work in dusty environments (IARC 2006).
Moisturizers with SPF
I’ve reported on a lot of Stupid Beauty Secrets but here’s another. Many highly rated moisturizers contain the ingredient oxybenzone, the recently disclosed endocrine system disruptor.
Here are just a few products you may wish to avoid.
Revlon Age Defying Performance Skincare, Face Cream SPF 15
Ponds Age Defying Complex, Delicate
Avon Anew Ultimate Age Repair Day Cream.. (sigh)…one of my long time favorites .
You can even search for the moisturizer you now use to see if it’s on the approved list HERE.
Buy the Best Moisturizers with Save and Effective SPF
 | Amazon Price: $81.99 List Price: $120.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $48.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $16.33 List Price: $26.49 |
 | Amazon Price: $47.00 List Price: $48.00 |
Here Are Some of the Best Moisturizers With SPF - Revised for 2012
NeoCutis Journee Bio-restorative Day Cream Yes, it costs more, but it’s divine and you’re worth it.
Revision SPF 45 Intellishade Matte - An amazing product that's perfectly tinted, covering imperfections for even the palest skin. The matte finish is non-oily. It comes in a non-matte finish as well.
Devita International Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer 30
The National Institute of Health and Human Resources has a comprehensive site that lists all products containing oxybenzone (benzophenone-3).
Here's the link:
I was surprised to find a few old favorites among them. I don’t think I’ll get all bent out of shape using an oxybenzone “tainted” lipstick; the warnings seem to be greatest when products are used on larger areas of skin, but if one has a choice, why not go for a better product?
The Bottom Line
All creams that claim to block UV rays do so to some extent. What the average consumer doesn’t realize is that a sun blocking cream is not a guarantee that you’ll prevent skin cancer or even a nasty sunburn. Be very wary of high SPF claims. Suntan lotion should never be your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays.
Only you can decide whether there’s enough evidence available to make you fearful of using products containing oxybenzone and Vitamin A, but if your sunscreen or moisturizer is making you sneeze, your hormones are feeling a bit out of whack or your nursing skin lesions that won’t go away I would consider using another product.
© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Good hub...thanks.
This is my motto along with regular visits to the dermatologist:
"The best sunscreens are a hat and a shirt, but that’s not always practical or fashionable."
This is a perfect, comprehensible, condenced report for anyone who plans to sunbathe and I am saying this as a guy who grew up in the Med and lying on the beach for hours was the norm. Really great sruff.
drbj thanks for being the first to comment. I still think sunscreens are important and for the last few years I feel naked without wearing one! At least now I have some better guidelines for safety.
Hi alek! Thank you and so glad you agree! I've been picking out a new hat myself.
De Greek - I'm envious. I didn't grow up on the Med but I hope to retire there! Sadly my days of baking on the beach sans an umbrella overhead are gone. I don't want my skin to look like my luggage! Thanks for the kind words.
I would also recommend the use of the "Find Your Sunscreen" feature on Environmental Working Group site to see the rating of your particular sunscreen. It has over a thousand sunscreens with rating in its database. Sort by rating and you can find the best sunscreens that way too.
Thanks for the tip peaceful! Yes, it's easy to navigate to that link from the one I provided. EWG's site is so comprehensive, you can spend hours there gaining a wealth of knowledge.
Well well well. I know I can always count on a sensible, down-to-earth article from my Green Lotus.
It's always difficult to separate fact from fiction with these products. I sometimes think the risks of using or not using sunscreen is a bit over-stated. It really depends on your skin type, your general health and a number of other factors.
Unfortunately, the better, more natural products are usually more expensive. As with many things, you need to weigh the cost and the advantages.
Well said, tim. I do agree. The fearful facts recently presented are to be weighed carefully by the consumer and taken with a healthy dose of common sense. Thanks!
Hi, Green Lotus, I had no idea about this. I have often wondered why nobody has done studies of face creams etc to see what actually gets into your system, but not sunscreens. thanks for the great info, and I am now going to see what the hell is lurking in mine! rated up definetly. thanks nell
Good information from you. I hope this hub useful for us. Especially for us who love "sun bathing" and someone who want to taking care the skin. I learn much from this hub. Good work, my friend. Two thumbs up for you, I rate this one.
Prasetio
hi Nell. I'm glad there are independent agencies out there doing the work, as our FDA is one of the biggest bureaucracies in the US. I also read that Europe does a far better job in keeping up with safe sunscreen ingredients.
Hello prasetio. Much thanks to you for the ratings and for leaving such positive feedback. Happy sunning.
good girl. you hopped right on this, green. I saw it on the Today show this past week and was thinking about writing, but was already writing a hub in regard to children and toxins.
I really respect the EWG and all the work they do. you've put together an informative hub, and now I need to check my labels! Living in Florida, sunscreen is just part of getting ready for the day and I do have a pool out back, so I do try to be careful. Have a wonderful memorial day.
Thank you rE and I hope your Memorial Day is safe and sunny! I didn't see the Today Show but I believe the EWG's report is making headlines, glad to report.
Green Lotus- I never use sunscreen, and maybe I shouldn't admit that, but my time in the sun is always the early morning or very late afternoon. I decided a long time ago that anything that burns my eyes is not welcome on my body............. that would be my toxin check.
This was filled with great information that I was completely ignorant of........ thank you, K
Hi Kaie, for many years (before any of us became aware of the "dangers" of UV rays) I went unprotected too. Skin damage first shows up as new freckles or dark spots on your face and body. Some are not even visible and it takes a trip to a skin specialist to see the hidden damage with a special camera. They say the sun accelerates aging so if you have a concern for that you may want to use a moisturizer with an SPF. As always, thanks for commenting and for your kind remarks.
Me and my little redheaded children appreciate your helpful guide on the good the bad and the toxic suncreens. Thanks :)
You are most welcome katiem. I've a good bit of readhead in my genes too! Stay safe little gingers.
Green Lotus, Thanks for a great hub on the differences in sun screens. I have to use some protection because I have lupus. Great hub!
I do not use suncreens any more, because of toxic effect on the skin and I am also very sure that many of them are major cause of raising up level of skin cancer. This is very useful you listed that ones who are harmless, this will help to many people to choose the right ones.
This year I will start to use one of the oldest sunscreen in the world- olive oil - it protects from sunburn and moisturizes the skin, plus regenerates it, so I will report what is happening.
Damage you mentioned that is happening to the skin (dark spots) etc, is not only caused by too long exposure to the sun - when level of progesterone start to drop down, after 35, this is normally starting to happen...even to people who never exposured themselves to the sun too much...and when it starts, skin starts to get damaged pretty fast. Dermatologist unfortunately "forget to mention" this fact.
Excellent Hub, GL, thank you. I am also planning to write more about that topic.
Valuable info, GL. I have never been good in the sun - super-fair coloring to begin with. My skin doesn't like most sunscreens, either. But as I teen I tried - with many disastrous results - half-dollar sized blisters - and then I'd go do it again! For years in early marriage it wasn't even an issue, but later I was into boating. I learned to use products judiciously & honestly stayed out of the sun as much as possible. The boat had a big awning.
Also I have a southwestern Texas ranch - where sun is very direct and shade is rare. At night the stars are so bright, one could almost get star-burn. ;)
Out there, I've learned to simply wear a big hat & cover my arms & legs in light cotton clothing.
Even in town, I wear sleeves when I'm driving around in the car. One gets a lot of exposure! And darker skins are also subject to skin cancer.
For the record, I'm in my late 70s & I'm told that I'm a poster-girl for taking care of oneself for the long haul. I'm also an advocate of avoiding overexposure to our star, Old Sol. It's both our life-support & our enemy when overly embraced. So that's my comment.
Good hub, GL - and I'm pleased to know about some good products!
Hi Tatjana and I'm glad to hear you are avoiding the sun's burning rays. I know you do a lot of gardening! Your olive oil suggestion, I must say, raises an eyebrow. My husband tells a funny story, in retrospect about his first attempt at getting a nice tan. He used olive oil as a lotion and burnt up like a french fry.
Nellianna - I bet you would make a stunning poster girl for sun protection! You are also smart to use a hat and long sleeves as the ultimate safe sunscreen. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Pamela. Sunscreen is a necessity especially for those who have sensitive skin. I would think with your special concern, a quality product would be best. Good to see you!
Great hub!!
thanks FashionFame!
The best sun screen is never leaving the house!
very well written hub with great suggestions and helpful information. Nicely pulled together. A+!
Hey hands. You've got that right, but I wouldn't want to trade a few freckles for agoraphobia!
Kims - Good to see you here. I appreciate the comment and rating!
Very helpful information. I wanted to know all of this data, but had not done all the research myself... thank you for putting together this great article on the safety factors involved in using sunscreen.
This is fascinating, just the information I needed - I'm going to come back and study it carefully - to be honest I've stopped using sun cream these days (although living my hermit lifestyle I hadn't heard about the latest dangers)and favour big straw hats and anything cottony or long sleeved. This article is very useful - I wanted to know about good sunscreens for my niece who often refuses to put on her sunhat (probably doesn't want to look a complete bumpkin like her aunty!)
Hello Mary - nice to meet you. I'm pleased that you found this hub so comprehensive. Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Dear Aunty apricot - I can just see you out in your glorious Italian garden with your over-sized shirt an big floppy hat.You've chosen the best protection ever. Hope your niece will give the best sunscreens a shot. I'm sure the summer sun over there is just as fierce as it is here. Cheers!
Very interesting. I am asian, and im naturally dark. And i dont seem to get burnt that easily. What do you perfer I should do when i go to the beach.
Although I am not a doctor I do know that the sun ages the skin without protection...so you may not burn without sunscreen, but you may begin to age faster. Check with your doctor.
Great Hub, I hardly considered these ..This summer is going to be different,
thanks for sharing, :)
As a teenager, with many of my friends, we lay for hours under the Aussie sun and some of us used oils so we would tan faster. These days I use sunscreen every day (especially as I have vitiligo - pigmentation of my skin, same thing Michal Jackson had). Thanks for pointing out the good ones, now I know which to buy. Great hub Green Lotus.
Leptirela and MPG - You are both most welcome! I appreciate your commenting here. Have fun this summer and stay safe.
Very interesting and useful. The safest way is to keep out of the sun but I can't as i love it.
-ethel- I too love the sun and it's easy to overdo it. I understand that 15 minutes a day is actually good for you since the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
I am learning so much from you! This hub is yet another example of what a creative writer you are. I wish I had what you have. Maybe, in time, as I continue reading your wonderful hubs I will pick up some of your techniques. Love your stuff!
You are so kind VC and I appreciate your words. Glad to provide anything that can help. Enjoy your summer!
Great hub - with a lot of useful information. You are so right about vitamin D.
We don't get enough sun today. (Or entirely too much!)
great hub!! i have been using the same brand of sunscreen for 15 years, can you believe it. Good to know though. wont use the bannana boat on my kids anymore. thank-goodness we have a little color to our skin my mon does not and she burns so easily.
Thanks dawn. I'm sold on the newer, less advertised brands I found in the report and have chucked away all those old "favorites". YOu're lucky you're not prone to burning!
I am back again to pinch your ideas, because my wife and son are going home to Cyprus for a holiday on the beach and I remembered how good was your hub on the subject of sunbathing. And keep in touch since you plan to retire to the Med, because this is our own intent in 3 years time :-))
I would love to join you all on the beach, but alas this season I can only dream about it:( Have a fabulous time and stay safe.
But I am not going, child. I have to stay behind to look after the wife's prized posetions :-))
Ohhh. You did say your wife and son! What a shame you will miss out, but I know you will be a fine guardian even if you are only pet sitting.
Choosing a good Sunscreen is vital in getting good protection from damaging UV Rays, and this hub has provided me with some very useful info, so thanks a lot!
I've also wrote a hub concerning the damaging effects of UV Rays, I'd be grateful if you could read it: http://hubpages.com/hub/UV-Rays-A-Holiday-Accident
Thanks again.
I will check it out Nancy. Thanks for stopping by.
I'm glad this information is available and written so well!
Beta Hero - Happy to assist! When I learned about the side effects of ingredients such as oxybenzone I felt the need to do more research and to put out this hub. Glad you found it informative.
Good information, thanks for the tips.
Susie - You are most welcome. Stay safe.
I am a breast cancer survivor who had an estrogen positive tumor. I am very cautious about "hormone disruptors," not only in sunscreens, but in ALL personal care products because I have learned through my experience that there are "good" and "bad" estrogens. The xenoestrogens, the ones that are those "hormone disruptors" from the environment could stimulate breast cancer. Thank you for writing this article that seems to have reached many. Be aware that diet affects your tolerance to the sun, too. I am a person who used to burn easily and not even tan. Carotenoids and omega 3 fats seem to act as internal sunscreens, protecting cells. Even if I forget sunscreen, I no longer burn with considerable exposure to the sun, and neither does my Irish decent boyfriend. Just some things to consider.
healthcoach - What great information! Thank you for the comment. I never realized that you can benefit from "internal sunscreens" and that diet can play a part in preventing skin damage.
healthcoach - What great information! Thank you for the comment. I never realized that you can benefit from "internal sunscreens" and that diet can play a part in preventing skin damage.
drbj 2 years ago
Instinctively, I have never been a fan of sunscreens and lotions, etc. and now I know my instinct was on target. Your very thorough hub, Green Lotus, just proves to me once more that one has to make decisions by reading labels and not relying on marketing hype. Thanks for the heads up.