13 Natural Sunscreens for Safe Summer Fun

Safer Sunscreen from UV Natural

Have fun in the summer sun without turning into a lobster. Of course, the best way to stay safe from solar rays is to stay in the shade or cover up (light, loose-fitting clothing works particularly well). It can be a serious matter, since one in five Americans are now diagnosed with skin cancer.

Sunscreen is never perfect, but it can help reduce burns and damage from UV light. Unfortunately, many sunscreens also contain undesirable chemicals. The CDC found the sunscreen component oxybenzone in 97% of Americans tested. That\'s worrisome, since oxybenzone has been implicated in allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage and low birth weight. The Environmental Working Group found oxybenzone in 600 U.S. sunscreens.

In fact, when the EWG took an in-depth look at 783 sunscreens available in the U.S., it determined that only 16% of sunscreens on the market are both safe and effective. Only 125 blocked both UVA and UVB radiation, remained stable in sunlight and contained few if any ingredients that are known or suspected of being health hazards.

Among the safest, most effective sunscreen identified by the EWG was UV Natural. Learn more at www.uvnatural.com.

Aubrey Organics

Aubrey Organics received high marks from EWG for all of its sunscreens tested. They are free of petrochemicals, and keep skin healthy with white camellia, organic shea butter and jojoba oil. The active ingredients are titanium dioxide and PABA Ester. Learn more at www.aubrey-organics.com.

Aubrey Organics

Aubrey\'s spray sunscreen is specially designed for your face\'s delicate skin. It blocks burn with PABA Ester and conditions with vegetable glycerin and witch hazel. Wear it alone or under makeup.

Badger Balm

Badger Balm\'s SPF 30 natural sunscreen was the top-ranked product according to EWG. Badger\'s water-resistant sunscreen is made from zinc oxide and natural plant oils like jojoba, lavender and blood orange. Learn more at www.badgerbalm.com

California Baby

California Baby has more sunscreens in the EWG\'s top 17 (5) than any other company. The brand\'s water-resistant formulas are made of organic and sustainably produced herbal extracts and titanium dioxide. Learn more at www.californiababy.com.

Dermalogica

Made especially for those with sensitive skin, Dermalogica\'s faceblock scored highly with EWG. It is based on titanium dioxide and includes vitamins and anti-inflammatory botanical extracts. Learn more at www.dermstore.com.

Dr. Brandt

Dr. Brandt is another maker of high-quality sunscreens. The SPF 30 barrier body gel was particularly well rated by EWG (although the company\'s tinted sunscreen was found to contain oxybenzone). Learn more at www.dermstore.com.

Peter Thomas Roth

Most experts point out that sunscreen products made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are likely to be safer than many alternatives, since they rest on top of the skin instead of absorbing into it. The EWG rated Peter Thomas Roth\'s titanium dioxide sunscreens among the safest and most effective. Learn more at www.peterthomasroth.com.

Peter Thomas Roth

Designed to be so light and dry that you won\'t even know it\'s on, Peter Thomas Roth\'s Uber-Dry Sunscreen absorbs quickly for shine-free, nonsticky, water-resistant protection. It\'s made with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and PABA.

Jason Natural Cosmetics

Although not quite at the top of the list, Jason Natural Cosmetics was still highly rated by EWG. The company\'s line of sunscreens are PABA free and are enhanced with botanical extracts like chamomile and marigold. Learn more at www.jason-natural.com.

Kiss My Face

Natural products company Kiss My Face offers a range of sunscreens that scored well by EWG. They contain plant extracts like oat protein, aloe vera and jewelweed to moisturize and soothe skin. Learn more at www.kissmyface.com.

Kiss My Face

Kiss My Face\'s Sun Spray is easy to apply, giving you maximum time for fun.

Kiss My Face

KMF\'s Hot Spots is convenient for all those delicate facial areas that need extra protection, like ears, lips, nose and cheeks.