EWG's 'Skin Deep' Site + Sunscreens

A comment on yesterday's post (Carla's Bodacious Body Butter ) by Tracy asking about sunscreen safety reminded me that  I forgot to mention a terrific resource not only for researching sunscreens but for researching any kind of cosmetic ingredient  -- the EWG's Skin Deep site. The site gives safety ratings up to 25,000 products, nearly a quarter of all products on the market. The Skin Deep database provides an easy way of researching the safety levels of your favorite products and compares them with other brands. You can search by brand, product or ingredient, and if your chosen product is a stinker, then safer alternatives can be found.

The EWG investigated 783 name-brand sunscreens. (These are the same people who brought you the Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce, btw.) They found widespread evidence that many products on the market are not safe and effective, including the fact that one of every eight high-SPF sunscreens does not protect from UVA radiation. They have also identified 128 products that offer very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users. Find out which in their best and worst lists.

Their findings:

• 84% of 783 sunscreen products analyzed offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.
• Many products lack UVA protection.
• Many sunscreens break down in the sun in a matter of minutes or hours.
• Questionable product claims are widespread.
• Many sunscreens contain nano-scale ingredients that raise potential concerns.
• The U.S. lags behind other countries when it comes to products that work and are safe.
• Some sunscreens absorb into the blood.

The FDA now stands in direct violation of a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006. Don't leave your health up to the government; make informed choices.

And while you're checking out your new lip balm's safety rating, consider signing the EWG Action Fund petition to Congress which demands that manufacturers prove the safety of their products before they are allowed to sell them. It's easy -- just fill out your name and zip code at the bottom of the home page.

::Carla

P.S. With all this said, I'll mention that I am in alignment with Dr. Joseph Mercola's views on sunscreen preventing absorption of critical Vitamin D and containing unavoidable toxic chemicals. This is my personal decision; everyone has to decide on their own what they're going to do and what tradeoffs they're willing to make.
 

Comments

[Janet]

A great broad spectrum sunscreen is sunessence. It is available in a gentle children's formula and a ladies formula.

Come get lost in an SPF lotion gentle enough for everyday use, fused with aromatherapy essences inspired by fruits, flowers and botanicals.

30SPF , Ultra Sheer

Multi-Vitamin Complex

Green Tea, Aloe, Water Resistant

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB

Nature inspired everyday sun protection

The first aromatherapy 30SPF Sunscreen
Our Lotion Already Has a History:

For over thirty years, it has been a multi-functional sun care system with natural moisturizers, vitamins and antioxidants to keep skin soft, supple, healthy and beautiful. With FDA approved SPF (sun protection factor) ratings up to 40+, it has helped prevent sunburn and windburn, even at high altitudes. SunEssence is proud to have our sunscreen fusion made with the same high quality sun care ingredients that Cariba Labs has been using for over thirty years.

Regular use may prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging due to excess sun exposure. No other line of sun care products is based on as many rich, natural, organic ingredients.
Active Ingrediants:

Octyl Methoxycinnamate

Octyle Saliicylate

Oxybenzone

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

available at www.shadysun.com

[susan]

I was not impressed at all with that website.

Pretty suspicious that they sell bikini style tops and tout them as sun protective and then sell sunscreen too!

I buy my sun protective clothing at www.alexandme.com

they have clothing for the whole family.

[amy]

I like shady sun! I have bought my kids clothing there! But SunEssence has a new web site www.sunessencesunscreen.com I ordered some and wow, this stuff is going to be BIG! LOVE IT!