Environmental Working Group's 2009 Shopper's Guide to Sunscreen

With Spring upon us, it's a great time to check out the sunscreen that is hanging around your house.  Environmental Working Group has once again proved to be a great resource when it comes to purchasing sunscreen.  You can check out their full report:  Environmental Working Group's 2009 Shopper's Guide to Sunscreen.

Best Easy to Find Sunscreens

California Baby - any sunscreen
Mustela - “Sun Cream” or “Sun Lotion, Bebe”
Mission Skincare - “Face Stick”
Neutrogena - “Pure & Free” or “Sensitive Skin”
Blue Lizard - “Face”, “Baby”, or “Sensitive”
Jason Natural or Earth’s Best - “Mineral Based”
Solar Sense - “Clear Zinc Sport Stick”
CVS - “Sport Sunstick”
Coppertone Water BABIES - “Pure & Simple”

Reading the Labels

BUY
SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

AVOID
Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3:  skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
Spray and powder sunscreens:  inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
Fragrance:  allergies, reproductive problems
Sunscreen with added bug repellent:  you can get too much of the pesticide in your body

Now thru May 27, 2010 there is a 25% off Sunscreen available for Babies R Us/ Toys R Us with in store coupon.  They carry a variety of brands of sunscreen including, but not limited to:  California Baby (Reg. $19.99), Mustela (Reg. $15.49), Neutrogena Pure & Free (Reg. 10.99), Jason Natural, Earth's Best and Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple (Reg. $11.99).

Coppertone Water Babies coupon available here. 

We purchased our Summer 2010 Kids Sunscreen during the Babies R Us Sale.

Here is what we purchased:

Photo Credit:  About.com and Amy Lloyd