Is Your Sunscreen Safe?

SPF shouldn’t be all you look at when selecting a sunscreen. Flip that tube, stick or spray over and check out the ingredients—some things commonly found in sunscreens can penetrate the skin and can disrupt hormones. The top offender is oxybenzone, a chemical found in nearly 70 percent of the non-mineral sunscreens in the 2016 sunscreen database created by the Environmental Working Group, a health research-focused non-profit. Oxybenzone is linked to skin allergies, has high rates of skin penetration and mimics estrogen in the body. In addition, it has been known to bleach and kill coral reef populations. So next time you train outside, grab one of these three oxybenzone-free and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) sunscreens rated relatively safe for you and the environment.

Go to Ewg.org/skindeep to check the safety of your sunscreen.

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 34
Avobenzone, which offers the best UVA protection of chemical filters, is an active ingredient in this EWG top-rated (2 out of 10) sunscreen that also nourishes skin with ingredients including shea butter, aloe vera and vitamin E. It rubs in like a lotion, but still has a light chemical smell. $10 for 2.5 ounces, Beyondcoastal.com 

All Good SPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick
Also top-rated by the EWG (1/10), this organic coconut oil-based wide-mouth stick makes for smooth, simple application—as long as it’s warmed up. The 25 percent non-nano zinc oxide mineral formula goes on white, but easily rubs in clear. It’s unscented, so you won’t smell like a piña colada. $16 for 2.75 ounces, Allgoodproducts.com

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
The non-nanoparticle zinc oxide (20 percent) in this creamy mineral-based sport sunscreen, which scores a 1 out of 10 hazard score on the EWG’s list, helps it blend into skin. It leaves little residue and has a mild citrus scent. $13 for 3 ounces, Gothinksport.com