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Sunscreen links
Due to the threat of the West Nile Virus in recent years, we have seen some products on the market that combine sunscreen and insect repellent. While a seemingly good idea, experts say the sunscreen wears off before the insect repellent and frequent re-applications can irritate kids' sensitive skin. You are better off using a regular sunscreen, which can be applied frequently, along with a separate insect repellent applied less frequently.
If you're looking for a golden glow without the danger of UV exposure, there are many sunless tanning products on the market. See our companion report on
Sunscreen SPF ratings have been around for a long time, but as of the date of this publication, there are still no rating systems in place for UVA protection. This may be changing in the near future. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a four-star UVA protection rating system. A 90-day commentary period and a FDA response must take place before a ruling can be made. The New York Times reported that as of June 2008, the FDA had received several thousand comments and was reviewing each one. Once a final ruling is made, manufacturers will have 18 months to comply.
Since 2002, the FDA has mandated that sunscreens stop labeling themselves as "waterproof," since all sunscreens are affected by water. Instead, manufacturers can call their products "water resistant" or "very water resistant." However, many manufacturers still haven't incorporated the guidelines. Several lawsuits filed in California in 2006 highlight this misuse of wording, along with other potentially misleading wording and claims that manufacturers make in their product packaging.
Adding to the confusion about labeling and the meaning of terms used to describe these products is the willingness of the American Cancer Society (ACS) to license use of its logo to some sunscreen product makers in return for a royalty fee. The ACS does not endorse any particular sunscreen, according to its website. However, some Neutrogena products have the ACS logo on their packaging. Neutrogena has not been endorsed by the ACS; they are simply paying a fee to the ACS for use of its logo on their packaging.
We found the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" by Paula Begoun to be extremely comprehensive and helpful in evaluating sunscreens. Her companion websites Beautypedia.com (a subscription site) and CosmeticsCop.com are also valuable resources.
The Environmental Working Group maintains a database of cosmetic products, including sunscreens, that are rated for the safety of their ingredients. Products are not rated for effectiveness, however.
"Sun Safety 101" is an informative article by About.com's skin cancer guide, Timothy DiChiara, that discusses the risk factors of skin cancer as well as preventative measures.
The American Academy of Dermatology's website has some useful information about sunscreen, as well as definitions and ingredients to look for.
Consumer Reports discusses the safety of sunscreen in two articles, one of which tests products against their claims of not containing nanoparticles, while the other discusses the need for more unprotected sun exposure in order to avoid a vitamin D deficiency. See "No Nano-Sunscreens" and "Tip of the Day: Soak Up 10 Minutes of Sun for Vitamin D."
If you're looking for ingredient lists, we found the most complete information at Drugstore.com. Interestingly, very few manufacturers list full ingredients on their websites, but Drugstore.com reprints the entire list on their website (they do this for other products too, making it a good resource).
Dermatology Times provides several articles on the health benefits of sunscreen, as well as labeling laws and safety concerns. (Some articles require free registration.) See "FDA Proposes Changes in Labeling, Testing of Sunscreens" and "Antioxidants Beef Up Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen."
The following manufacturers' websites are also helpful sources of information:
Blue Lizard (made by Crown Laboratories)
