Just because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn鈥檛 mean the lotions you buy at the store will actually protect you.
In fact, a 2013 report from a 听found that听only 25 percent of the products on the market really work. More than half of the sunscreens approved by the FDA don’t meet European requirements.听
Here鈥檚 the issue. Many sunscreens use toxic chemicals to protect you from the sun. Plus, sunscreen ratings don鈥檛 accurately indicate how the product works against both UVA and UVB rays. (UVA causes skin cancer, skin damage, immune suppression and possibly melanoma. But SPF ratings apply mainly to UVB rays, which just cause a visible burn.)
But don鈥檛 panic. There are a few key indicators to look for when you鈥檙e buying sunscreen. First, check out the lotion鈥檚 effectiveness against UVA, not just UVB. Avoid sunscreen with (retinol), which can be harmful to the skin. Stay away from lotions with oxybenzone and don鈥檛 buy spray or powder, which can be toxic when inhaled. Forget about tanning oils.听
Here are seven of our favorite sunscreens, all of which get top ratings for safety and effectiveness.
Beyond Coastal Active Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 34
This is my go-to sunscreen. It鈥檚 easy to apply, doesn鈥檛 leave white marks on the skin, and it won鈥檛 come off even during a hot, sticky run. 1 oz., $6,
All Terrain Aqua Sport Face Stick, SPF 28
This non-whitening transparent zinc oxide sunscreen . It contains a skin protectant to help prevent chafed, chapped, or cracked skin. $10,
Badger Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 30
With only five ingredients, this zinc oxide-based sunscreen won鈥檛 harm coral reefs next time you go snorkeling. It lasts for at least 40 minutes when you鈥檙e swimming, but it does have a white tint. 2.9 oz., $16,
CVS Baby Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50听
Hypoallergenic CVS Baby won鈥檛 sting if it gets in your eyes, and it last for 80 minutes in the water. Oil, fragrance, and dye-free. 8 oz., $9, .
Coppertone Tattoo Guard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
UV rays can fade tattoos. Moisturizing Tattoo Guard protects your ink and the rest of your skin. This hypoallergenic lotion is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you can鈥檛 find the tattoo formula, Coppertone鈥檚 Waterbabies Pure and Simple will also do the job. 2 oz., $10,
Tropical Sands Lip Sunblock, SPF 30
Tropical Sands is water-resistant, chemical-free, biodegradable, and coral reef-friendly. It鈥檚 100 percent natural with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the active ingredients. 0.15 oz., $3,
Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer, SPF 30
Need a sunscreen that鈥檚 also a moisturizer? This one has a combo of non-nano zinc oxide and aloe vera, grape, pomegranate, and algae that hydrates while it clears up blemishes. It helps your skin renew itself, and it won鈥檛 clog your pores. 2 oz., $29,听