21 of the Best Natural Sunscreens

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I had to copy past, this info from 21 slideshow screens. The URL below will take you to the slide show. Joy

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-sunscreens-460608

21 of the Best Natural Sunscreens

Updated for 2010! These safe sunscreens not only protect your skin from sun damage and cancer, but also come free of suspects ingredients, like parabens, oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.

Sunscreen – not only does it protect you from skin damage and sunburn, but it’s also a valuable weapon in the fight against skin cancer.

Unfortunately, too often, people use too little, or the wrong kind, and end up doing more damage. And while the FDA is finally putting into place federal sunscreen regulations, you won't be seeing products approved to more-strict FDA standards until 2012. That’s why it’s critical that you think about and research the creams you put on your skin, just as you would the food you put in your body.

This year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) looked at more than 1,400 skincare products including 500 sunscreens specifically designed for sport and beach use. What the EWG found was shocking: around 60 percent of those 500 sunscreens contain oxybenzone – a potentially harmful hormone-disrupting compound that penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. The EWG also warns against sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate, a type of vitamin A found in 41 percent of sunscreens. The FDA is investigating whether retinyl palmitate accelerates skin damage and increases skin cancer risk when applied to skin exposed to sunlight.

According to the Environmental According to the Environmental Working Group's 2010 study only 8 percent - or 39 - of the 500 sunscreens tested are recommended. Of those, we’ve narrowed down the 21 best listed, based on efficacy and purity of ingredients.

And remember, a sky-high SPF doesn’t necessarily guarantee better protection. The FDA says that claims of SPF of more than 50 cannot be substantiated.

1. Badger Balm's SPF 30 natural sunscreen ($16) is formulated to protect and moisturize with FDA-certified organic ingredients.

As you'll find in the ingredients list of Badger and in all of the EWG's top 10 sunscreens, for truly effective sun and health protection, zinc oxide (along with titanium oxide) is used to deflect the sun's rays, rather than synthetic chemicals which absorb rays, raising health concerns because they penetrate the skin and enter your bloodstream.

Zinc oxide provides protection from UVA/UVB rays, while extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and shea butter keep the skin moisturized. Badger sunscreens are water resistant up to 40 minutes, and use natural ingredients without fragrances, preservatives or dyes.

2. With the Tru Kid stick's glide-on formula ($8.99), kids don’t have time to dart into the water before giving their tender skin the protection it needs.

Mineral ingredients micronized titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide offer broad spectrum protection, along with mostly organic ingredients including soybean oil, sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and other natural plant ingredients to moisturize and soothe.

3. It’s the easiest way to pack your sun block for your on-the-go life — a 2-ounce sun "stick" from Purple Prairie in SPF 30 ($7.49) that's small enough to throw into the pockets of a pair of swim trunks.

Purple Prairie uses 100% natural ingredients for UVA and UVB sun protection, adding cocoa and shea butter to moisturize, too.

4. Soléo Organics ($13.99) lists organic ingredients and is recommended for both kids and adults, offering broad spectrum protection (both UVA and UVB rays) for the most sensitive of skin using a 100% chemical-free zinc oxide natural ingredient.

Soléo's formula is made from 22.3% zinc oxide, along with natural ingredients like oils, beeswax, green tea and chamomile.

5. UV Natural's ingredients are made from 24.8% zinc oxide (one of the highest percentages on EWG's list), along with natural ingredients like green tea, grape seed, macadamia oil, natural Vitamin E and colloidal silica.

The sunscreen ($18) offers a flawless finish with no white mineral residue, but be wary of greasiness: User reviews on EWG's Web site complained that the formula left their skin feeling too oily.

6. California Baby sunscreen isn't just for kids - it's made with hypoallergenic ingredients, which means you can relax by the pool irritation and sunburn-free. All of the brand's sunscreens are water-resistant and chemical-free, using only organic and sustainably grown ingredients.

The fragrance-free lotion ($19.99) won't stain skin and thanks to its water-resistant formula, sweat won't liquefy the block into a greasy mess down your face, either. Recommended for swimming, hiking, and any outdoor activities, remember to always reapply generously after every sweat-breaking activity, so kids and adults alike can play outside worry-free from the harmful effects of the sun.

7. Specially formulated for babies and kids, Little Forest sunscreen ($17) is among the most highly-rated sport sunblocks for kids (California Baby holds the top spot in this sub-category). Like all preceding sunscreens on the list, Little Forest is a mineral-based sunblock (8% titanium dioxide and 6% zinc oxide) that's paraben-free.

What's different about Little Forest, though, is its exclusion of phthalates — a chemical added to plastics to increase flexibility and durability. Health concerns surrounding exposure to the chemical are currently provoking companies to phase phthalates from their products.

Little Forest sunscreen lotion ensures that your children aren't being exposed to chemicals harmful to their hormonal balance and endocrine systems, while still receiving the protection they need from the sun as they enjoy the pleasures of their first summers.

8. Vanicream sunscreen in SPF 60 ($17.95) protects against UVA and UVB rays using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

The sunscreen is non-comedogenic, which means you can apply it to your face without worrying that it clogs pores or causes acne.

Free from PABA, cinnamates, benzophenones and made without preservatives or potentially irritating chemicals, Vanicream is a great choice for those with particularly sensitive skin.

9. Zinc oxide, along with titanium dioxide, is incorporated into All Terrain's waterproof sun block in SPF 30 ($10.99).

All Terrain is PABA-free, and contains no petroleum chemicals or animal by-products, and is not tested on animals.

The formula also contains natural jojoba ester and cucumber fruit extract to sooth the skin.

10. A beeswax-based sunscreen, Beyond Coastal Lip and Face Screen in SPF 30 ($9.99) contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad UVA/UVB protection. Soothing aloe vera and coconut oil help calm and moisturize the skin.

11. Caribbean Solutions Natural/Biodegradable SolGuard in SPF 25 ($13.60) uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to offer broad spectrum protection. Cucumber, hibiscus and wild pansy extract offer a calming, tropical scent.

Plus Sol Guard won't come off in the water, so it's perfect for swimmers and surfers.

12. Estion Sunscreen with Zinc in SPF 38 ($15.50) offers non-comedogenic protection and broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, its unscented and non-irritating formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin.

13. In addition to protecting skin against damaging UVA and UVB exposure, Desert Essence Age Reversal in SPF 30 ($15.99) also contains the antioxidant grape seed extract, which helps prevent the signs of aging. It also contains Vitamin E, which moisturizes and helps prevent wrinkles, and pomegranate extract, which supports a healthy and even skin tone.

14. Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sunblock in SPF 30 ($11.21) is extra mild and chemical-, fragrance- and paraben-free, so it's safe for use on babies and adults with sensitive skin.

Sunbrellas offers complete sun protection and is enriched with chamomile and marigold extracts for extra soothing to sensitive skin.

15. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Cream in SPF 40 ($32.00) is fragrance-free and PABA-free and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Its Mexoryl™ SX is a sun filter that's been specifically approved by the FDA for protection against short UVA rays. Anthelios also has a high level of photostability, which means it won't lose efficacy in the sun.

16. Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm in SPF 15 ($29.95) incorporates microfine zinc oxide to protect from harmful rays, and organic olive oil moisturizes the skin.

Miessence also contains potent antioxidants including natural Vitamin E, beta carotene and polygonum extract, which protects the skin from premature aging and the elements.

17. Episencial Sunny Sunscreen in SPF 35 ($14.99) incorporates active sun-blocking agents titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It's paraben-, petroleum- and fragrance-free, and it is manufactured using solar power.

Beeswax and organic shea butter help to increase water resistance and protection, and vegan juice extracts and essential oils nourish the skin.

18. Loving Naturals Organic Sunscreen in SPF 30 ($21.95) is a non-greasy vegan sunscreen variety. It is certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free and is made with 100% natural ingredients.

19. Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen in SPF 20 ($16.50) contains only 8 ingredients in total. It's safe for children and babies and contains shea butter, olive oil and jojoba oil to moisturize.

20. L'uvalla Certified Organic Sunscreen in SPF 20 ($46.50) contains no chemicals, additives or PABAs. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide full spectrum-protection and argan oil acts as an anti-aging moisturizer.

21. Think Sport and Think Baby Sunscreens in SPF 30 ($16.99) contain 25% micronized zinc oxide -- the highest level of zinc oxide permitted -- and is free from PABAs, parabens and hormones. Plus, because it has a low molecular weight, a small amount goes a long way.