Environmental Working Group Recommends Few Sunscreens for Use

by Libby Pelham | More from this Blogger

27 May 2010 08:00 PM

It's almost summertime and here in Jacksonville, North Carolina, it is already heating up. Most moms start stocking up on sunscreen to slather on themselves and their little ones, but you may want to know about the latest study from the Environmental Working Group (EWG)

EWG has conducted a study on the safety of sunscreens for the past four years. This year, they only recommended 39 sunscreens, which make up only 8 percent of the approximately 1,400 tested.

Two things in particular worried the EWG when they were conducting the study. One was that they felt many sunscreens exaggerated their SPF claims. A label that reads SPF 100 might actually be quite lower. Some sunscreens claim to have a high SPF rating - greater than 50. The EWG fears that people will see this "extra" protection as an excuse to stay out in the sun longer. While they might not get sunburn, but they will be exposed to UVA radiation, which can cause skin cancer, because the SPF doesn't protect against that.

Another thing that concerned the EWG was the ingredients used in the sunscreen itself. About 41 percent of the sunscreens tested contained the vitamin A compound retinyl palmitate. Research is being conducted to see if retinyl palmitate can hasten skin damage, possibly increasing the chance of skin cancer. The EWG suggested that consumers avoid sunscreens with retinyl palmitate as a precaution.

Among the sunscreens EWG liked were Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented, SPF 30, California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+, Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen Fragrance Free, SPF 20, and UV Natural Sunscreen Sport, SPF 30+.

Among those EWG suggested avoiding were Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30, Bull Frog Daily Active Sunscreen SPF 15, and Coppertone Ultimate Sheer Protection Body SPF 30. \

For a full list, check out EWG's web page.

What does the EWG think is the best protection against the sun? Donning an old fashioned hat, covering up with clothing, or even sitting in the shade.

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Learn more about Libby Pelham

Libby Pelham is a web designer/freelance writer located in Memphis, TN. She has a beautiful little boy, Will, born in July of 2004.

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