The Beauty Sleuth

So its time to pull out the sunblock again, but what is best and most effective? And with all the recent controversy regarding long term health risks from several key ingredients in sun protection, it’s no wonder there is confusion. But don’t fret, help is on the horizon. The Environmental Working Group (The mission of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. EWG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1993 by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. In 2002, they founded the EWG Action Fund, an organization that advocates on Capitol Hill for health-protective and subsidy-shifting policies.) just released a new report on over 500 brands of sun protection available on the market today. The EWG has assessed the safety and efficacy of suncare, moisturizer and skin care containing SPF, and found only 20 that they could recommend, products that earned top marks for safety and efficacy, that are free of the red-flag ingredients oxybenzone and vitamin A, and that are not in a loose powder form that can be easily inhaled, raising concerns for inflammation and other kinds of tissue damage. Be safe, stay informed and protect yourself and your family but using only products that promote and protect your health.

You can learn more about the EWG and their mission at: www.ewg.org/

Here’s EWG’s top five winners in three categories: Body, moisturizing and makeup:

BODY CARE:
Alba Botanica Mineral Fragrance Free SPF 30
All Terrain Aquasport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Unscented Sensitive Skin/Children Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Badger Sunscreen, Lightly Scented Lavender, SPF 30+
COOLA MineralBaby Moisturizer Suncare, Unscented, SPF 45

FACIAL MOISTURIZERS:
Dermagenics Sun Savvy Solar Shield, SPF 20
Devita International Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer, SPF 30
EltaMD UV Lotion Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30+
Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Baby Daily Face & Body Lotion, SPF 40
Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen, No Tint, SPF 30

MAKEUP/TINTS:
ColoreScience Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable Primer, SPF 30
CoverBlend by Exuviance Concealing Treatment Makeup, SPF 20
eau thermale Avene Avene Tinted Compact, SPF 50
Jane Iredale HE Bronzer for Men, SPF 18
Organic Wear Liquid Foundation, SPF 15