Sun worshipers beware

Study: not all sunscreens are made equal

This article was published on 07.31.08

Sure, we all know that the sun damages skin and that the best way to avoid skin cancer is to cover up. But before slathering on sunscreen this summer and staying outdoors worry free, are you sure the product you’re using really works?

Not all of them do their job, according to Environmental Working Group. The organization recently studied 1,000 name-brand products and found that four out of five worked inadequately or contained chemicals known to cause health hazards.

In fact, some varieties of the best-known names in sunscreen (Coppertone, Banana Boat, Neutrogena) got failing grades. Others fared much better.

Here are the top five products:

1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30

2. Trukids Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+

3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

4. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30

5. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum

For a look at the other 995 brands tested by EWG, visit www.cosmeticdatabase.com.