The Environmental Working Group has just released its 2013 Guide to Sunscreens and Absolutely Natural’s SPF 30 was named among the top brands!   As reported by Yahoo News and other sources, EWG listed its top eight recommendations and our 100% natural Titanium and Zinc based screen was at the top!

EWG analyzed 750 beach and sport sunscreens and they were a bit dismayed that the new FDA rules have not led to better sunscreens for 2013.  Their quote was “New rules, same old products”.

The list of the worst products was dominated by high SPF’s and continuous spray products.  (See my past blogs on those subjects!).

Following are the best and worst:

EWG's List of Best Sunscreens:

Absolutely Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30

Sunbow Dora the Explorer Sunscreen, SPF 30
Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 30
Coral Safe Broad Spectrum Face Stick, SPF 30

Jason Pure Natural Sun Mineral Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive, SPF 30+

Tropical Sands Sunscreen, SPF 50

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Sunscreen, Green Tea, SPF 30+

EWG's List of Worst Sunscreens:

Banana Boat Kids Max Protect & Play Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 110
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Max Skin Protect Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 110 
CVS Clear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
CVS Kids Wet & Dry Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70



Neutrogena Wet Skin Spray Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 85+
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 100+



Rite Aid Renewal Extreme Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 70
Rite Aid Renewal Kids Wet Skin Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 70

 So what does the EWG say should be avoided when you make your choice? 
Sunscreen sprays or powders: Sprays and powders may pose serious inhalation risks — and also make it too easy to apply too little or to miss a spot, leaving tender skin exposed to dangerous rays.

SPF values above 50+: SPF refers only to protection against UVB radiation, not the potentially cancer-causing UVA rays. So a high- SPF number may trick you into staying in the sun too long, blocking sunburns but increasing the risk of other kinds of skin damage. The FDA is considering limiting SPF claims to 50+, as is done in other countries.

Dangerous ingredients: Avoid products that include oxybenzone (found in 80 percent of chemical sunscreens), which can penetrate the skin, cause allergic reactions, possibly disrupt hormones, and may have a link to a risk of endometriosis and low birth weights. And retinyl palmitate, meanwhile, a form of anti-oxidant vitamin A that has been said to slow skin aging, should be avoided because it's been found to possibly speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight. 

So, this lends credence to what we have been preaching for 21 years.  And, for those who thought the new FDA regulations would get all suncare companies to  improve, sadly, it is not happening.

Best regards

Charley