Not so much. Turns out all sunscreens are not created equal, and some of my faves actually contain harmful ingredients (like these) or not enough of the good stuff (UV protection). The non-profit Environmental Working Group recently released a list of the safest and most effective sunscreens -- and which ones you should steer clear of. Check out a few of the good and bad below (and see what regular users think of them too).
THE GOOD:
Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30
EWG rating: 0 (EWG ratings go from 0 to 10, 0 to 2 is recommended and 7 and above you should avoid)
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.5 (out of 10, 10 being the best)
Why: EWG says this product has high UVA and UVB protection and high stability (meaning it won't break down and become ineffective quickly). TotalBeauty.com readers love the natural ingredients and say it's good for sensitive skin.
Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
TotalBeauty.com rating: 9
Why: EWG says this has high UVA and UVB protection and high stability. Readers say it's great for sensitive skin and they like that it's fragrance free.
California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+
EWG rating: 1
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.3
Why: EWG says this has medium UVA protection, but high UVB protection and high stability. Readers say this can leave a white cast on skin but it's great for babies and is water resistant.
EltaMD Elta MD UV Physical, SPF 41
EWG rating: 2
TotalBeauty.com rating: 10
Why: EWG says this has high UVA and UVB protection and high stability. Readers like that it is a tinted formula (so no white cast on skin) that still has plenty of zinc to protect.
Solbar Shield Sunscreen, SPF 40
TotalBeauty.com rating: 9
Why: EWG says this has high UVA and UVB protection and high stability. Readers love that it's not greasy and easy to apply.
Fallene Cotz Water-Resistant UVA & UVB Sun Protection, SPF 58
EWG rating: 2
TotalBeauty.com rating: 10
Why: EWG says this has high UVA protection, the highest UVB protection and high stability. Readers say this is great to use on your face or body and for men or women.
Neutrogena Sunblock Stick, SPF 60+
EWG rating: 2
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.4
Why: EWG says this has high UVA protection, the highest UVB protection and high stability. Readers love how easy this is to carry around and that it doesn't clog pores.
THE BAD:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 30
EWG rating: 7
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.6
Why: EWG says this has medium UVA and high UVB protection and stability, however it also has oxybenzone, a possible carcinogen. Readers still like the non-greasy finish, but some are wary of the ingredients.
Banana Boat Sport Performance UltraMist Continuous Clear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 15
TotalBeauty.com rating: 5.3
Why: EWG says this has medium UVA and UVB protection and high stability, but it also has oxybenzone and low SPF. Readers say this spray is uneven, causing some burning and it feels greasy.
Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray, SPF 30
EWG rating: 7
TotalBeauty.com rating: 7.1
Why: EWG says this has low UVA protection, but high UVB protection and stability. It also contains oxybenzone. Readers have mixed reviews. Some love the ease of the spray, while others say the smell is terrible and it's greasy.
Dermalogica Solar Defense Wipes, SPF 15
EWG rating: 7
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.7
Why: EWG says this has medium UVA, UVB protection and stability, plus oxybenzone and low SPF. Despite that, readers love how easy it is to apply and the lack of greasy hands. They do wish it came in a higher SPF though.
Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-lite Oil-free Sunscreen Mist, SPF 15
EWG rating: 7
TotalBeauty.com rating: 6
Why: EWG says this has low UVA and medium UVB protection and medium stability. It also has oxybenzone and low SPF. Readers say it works well, but don't like the high price.
Coppertone Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15
TotalBeauty.com rating: 8.9
Why: EWG says this has low UVA protection and medium UVB protection and stability, plus oxybenzone and low SPF. Readers like that it's light and not greasy, but say it didn't protect well in the water.
Coppertone ultraGuard Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 15
EWG rating: 8
TotalBeauty.com rating: 7.3
Why: EWG says this has low UVA protection, medium UVB protection and high stability. It also has oxybenzone and low SPF. Readers like the convenience of the spray but say the product feels like you're coated with hairspray.
- Not sure what type of sunscreen is right for you? Let this quiz be your guide.
- Want more of the best and worst sunscreens? Find 'em here.
- Think you know what's what when it comes to the sun? Test your smarts here.
