Natural Sunscreen

Mineral-based natural sunscreen is gentler than chemical sunblock

Organic and all-natural segments of the beauty industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last decade as consumers continue to look for alternatives to chemical skin-care ingredients. Sunscreen is no exception and may be among the most controversial products in this realm. The reason: Although one set of consumer-advocates say most sunscreens may be harmful, other experts say sunscreen is absolutely essential to limit sun damage. In the most recent report on sunscreens from consumer watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG), only 39 of 500 products reviewed are found to be safe and effective. According to their study, many sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A which the EWG says may accelerate skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk), oxybenzone (a sunscreen ingredient that the EWG says is a "hormone-disrupting compound" that is capable of penetrating the skin and entering the blood stream) and other chemicals and preservatives that the group says are unsafe or have unknown side effects.

In response to the EWG's report, Zoe Draelos, consulting professor at the Duke University School of Medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, says there is no consensus that oxybenzone is damaging in any way and that the EWG is making unfair "sweeping generalizations." The Personal Care Products Council, a national trade association for cosmetic and personal care products and an advocate for consumer safety, is another voice of dissent. The chairman of the group, John Bailey, says the EWG's method of testing sunscreen protection is "based on very questionable scientific methodology É proven to be inaccurate and unreliable by sunscreen experts around the world."

So it's clear that there are two voices that can't possibly meet in the middle: The EWG, which says most sunscreens contain questionable ingredients, and the people from the dermatology and industry side who say they are safe. Although current information is inconclusive, experts on both sides of the debate agree that the risk from unprotected sun exposure outweighs other possible risks associated with sunscreen use. Furthermore, natural sunscreen products that contain the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,-- rather than chemical sunscreens -- are deemed a safe and effective alternative. These physical sunscreens form a protective layer on the skin that blocks the sun's harmful rays.

If you prefer to avoid chemicals and preservatives in your personal care products, experts and consumers recommend Badger SPF 30 for Face & Body (*Est. $15 for 2.9 oz.). Badger natural sunscreen relies on organic and mineral ingredients to provide the best sun protection. It uses zinc oxide (20.5 percent) to provide long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection. The sunscreen also contains several moisturizing ingredients, including olive oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. Furthermore, it doesn't contain any artificial fragrance, dyes or preservatives, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin. Badger natural sunscreen scores high in a professional test where it is compared to 11 other mainstream formulas. Testers give the formula high ratings for water resistance as well as UVA- and UVB-protection.  It is, however, expensive.

Users at Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and MakeupAlley.com give Badger sunscreen high ratings for preventing sunburns, even during long periods of exposure and contact with water. Many like that the formula gets a safe rating from the EWG (it's one of the EWG's 10 recommended sunscreens) and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. Reviewers say that the natural sunscreen is very gentle, even for the most sensitive of skin, but it can be difficult to rub in thoroughly because of its extreme thickness. Several users, however, say that the extra work is worth it for the amount of protection that you get. Plus, a little goes a long way, say many reviewers. Like most zinc-based sunscreens, Badger can leave a white cast on skin, but applying smaller amounts and taking your time to rub it in thoroughly minimize this, users say.