EWG’s 2020 Guide to Sunscreen

Each year for the past 14 years, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released their annual Sunscreen Guide, which is a great reference for buying sunscreen and sun safety in general, and this year’s version is no exception.

So, let’s start with the basics about where to start when shopping for sunscreen?

Read the labels for high quality ingredients!

• Since the FDA hasn’t updated sunscreen regulations in over 40 years (?!), it’s up to us as consumers to shop smarter and find safer alternatives that will protect you in the sun and beyond. Opt for mineral, zinc-oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreen that will effectively protect your skin from UV rays, vs chemical sunscreens. Why? Most contain oxybenzone, a questionable ingredient “because of mounting evidence that the chemical readily penetrates the skin and could potentially disrupt the hormone system” (amongst other potentially harmful ingredients).

Does the SPF value matter?

• Yes, but to an extent! Believe it or not, you don’t need an SPF 50 or 100, as a safer SPF 30 will give you all the protection you need when applied properly! According to the FDA, higher SPF values “have not been shown to provide additional clinical benefit and may provide users with a false sense of security.” I used to fall for this, buying SPF 60+ thinking it offered the best protection until I realized why mineral sunscreens were better and setting timers to reapply kept me safer and protected.

What are some safer options for summer and year-round?

• My go-to is (not surprising :)) Beautycounter non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen, as we prohibit chemical SPF filters due to their high potential for skin irritation and instead choose safer formulations for both people and our oceans. All three sunscreen options, lotions, sprays or face stick, work so well and have become go-tos to protect my family – bonus that they all go on and rub in easily AKA a win for impatient kids. Some other safer favorites include Thinksport/Thinkbaby, Badger, Babo Botanicals and Goddess Garden.

As the temperatures continue to rise as we enter the summer months, be sure to apply that SPF (and re-apply every two hours or less, if you’ve been swimming/sweating), wear appropriate clothing/sunglasses/hats, find or make shade and (try to) limit time spent outside during the 10am-2pm peak hours.