Sunscreen Reviews

In identifying the most effective sunscreens, we turned to the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," by cosmetics expert Paula Begoun. Begoun rates sunscreens according to how well they protect from UVA and UVB rays, as well as on water resistance, fragrance and feel. We found that this book offers the most thorough, credible information. Consumer Reports also has an excellent review in which products are tested for their UVA and UVB protection levels. Several beauty and fashion magazines rate sunscreens as part of their annual beauty awards, though tests are more informal.

Reviews say that newer sunscreen ingredients are now better at blocking harmful UVA rays, but the product must contain avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Mexoryl SX (or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), to fully protect. There are two different types of UV rays in sunlight: UVB light causes surface sunburn, while UVA light penetrates and causes deeper connective tissue damage -- even when the skin surface feels cool. UVA light is the culprit for premature aging and cell-level damage. With the number of sunscreens on the market, it's important to know which ones will protect you from both UVB and UVA rays.

Mexoryl SX is touted as the most effective UVA-blocking ingredient currently available. It has been used in Canada and Europe since 1993, and was approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. in July 2006. However, sunscreen products containing Mexoryl SX (a trademark of L'Oreal) have been slow to enter the U.S. market. Right now, only a handful of products, all made by L'Oreal-owned companies, are available containing Mexoryl in the U.S., and most of them are facial moisturizers with low SPF ratings. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX (*est. $30 for 3.4 ounces), for example, is a facial moisturizer that contains Mexoryl SX. More widely available is Lancôme UV Expert 20 (*est. $35 for 3.4 ounces), a face and body lotion containing Mexoryl SX.

Helioplex is another advance in sun protection. Developed by Neutrogena, Helioplex boosts the UVA-blocking power of avobenzone. Neutrogena claims that this ingredient creates a longer-lasting sunscreen that does not have to be reapplied for five hours. Neutrogena claims that avobenzone begins to degrade after a couple of hours when additional boosting ingredients, such as napthalate (the key ingredient in Helioplex), are not present. Paula Begoun, however, disputes this claim, stating that there is substantial research showing that avobenzone can be stable without these additional ingredients. One study in particular shows that the effectiveness of avobenzone exposed to the sun for 72 hours (far past the recommended usage time) only decreased by 25 percent.

There are actually two kinds of UVA rays -- short and long waves. Avobenzone protects against long-wave rays. Several ingredients, including the commonly used oxybenzone, can only protect against short-wave UVA rays. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, but don't contain anything to protect against long-wave UVA. By including oxybenzone, companies are allowed to say their product protects against UVA, but unless it also contains avobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX, you are not protected against long-wave UVA rays. That's why skin-care experts say you should look for "broad spectrum" UVA and UVB protection.

The SPF (sunscreen protection factor) in sunscreen is frequently misunderstood; many people think that an SPF 30 offers double the protection of an SPF 15. However, reviewers say SPF 15 blocks 93% of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%. Experts say that SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3% of UV rays through as SPF 30 (a higher SPF means you may not have to reapply as often). Furthermore, SPF only applies to UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA protection.

In 2006, nine lawsuits were filed in California against the makers of five of the most popular brands of sunscreen in the U.S. -- Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Neutrogena and Bull Frog -- for misrepresenting product claims. These suits are mostly over terms that may make parents overconfident in sunscreen. Terms include 'waterproof', 'sweat-proof' and 'sunblock.' Sunscreens can more accurately be described as water- and sweat-resistant because they need to be reapplied after exercise or contact with water. The plaintiffs also suggest that these products should not be called "sunblocks," since no product can block all harmful rays.

Finally, you may notice that some sunscreens display logos from the American Cancer Society (ACS). This does not indicate that the ACS tested or endorses the sunscreen -- the companies pay a royalty fee for the rights to display the logo.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

Neutrogena sunscreen is recommended most often in reviews. Both the Active Breathable and Ultra Sheer formulas contain avobenzone to protect against long-wave UVA rays. Some formulas further contain Helioplex. Manufacturers claim that this ingredient allows users to go up to five hours without reapplying sunscreen. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX and Lancôme UV Expert 20 are two of just a handful of products in the U.S. right now that contain Mexoryl SX, but Anthelios is actually a facial moisturizer with sunscreen, not a full-body sunscreen. Lancôme UV Expert is for face and body, but it's very expensive and similar protection can be found in other, more affordable sunscreens. Blue Lizard Baby and adult formulas use gentler zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum UVA protection.