Is your go-to sunblock actually "safe and effective"? According to a new report . . . probably NOT.
The nonprofit EWG . . . short for Environmental Working Group . . . just posted their annual report on the best sunscreens to buy. And at least by their standards, only 1 in 4 sunscreens on the market are actually "safe and effective."
That doesn't mean 75% don't work. It's much more about the word "safe," and specifically the mix of chemicals they use.
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral-based. And in general, they say mineral-based is better.
Mineral-based is usually the kind you rub on like lotion. They also tend to leave more white streaks you have to rub in. They work by preventing UV rays from hitting your skin.
Chemical-based sunscreens include most spray-on versions, and work by creating a chemical reaction that absorbs UV rays and disperses them as heat.
Both options can prevent a sunburn. But studies have found the chemicals in that second type end up absorbing into your bloodstream, and can still be detected days or WEEKS later.
Chemical-based sunscreens are also worse for the environment and animals. So they say mineral-based is the better option overall.
They posted their top sunscreen picks for kids, daily use, and outdoor activities or sports. Most of them are "fancy" versions, not popular brands like Hawaiian Tropic or Banana Boat.
But in general, mineral-based sunblocks have one of these two main ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Read More HERE
(You can see how your go-to brand ranked at EWG.org/sunscreen.)