Sunscreen Consumer Report Updated May 2006

Reviews say that sunscreen ingredients are just starting to catch up
with the discovery of how bad UVA rays are, and unless the product
contains avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, or
zinc oxide, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), you're not
protected from UVA. 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 cellular 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.

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%, only 4% more. SPF ratings higher than
30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3% of UV
rays through as SPF 30. Further, SPF only blocks UVB rays. For that
reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA
protection.

Sunscreen reviews also point out that most children's sunscreens are
no different than those for adults, except for added fragrance that
can actually irritate kids' more-sensitive skin. The only beneficial
difference to look for is UVA protection with titanium dioxide or
zinc oxide, since these are less irritating than avobenzone to
children's skin.


In identifying the most effective sunscreens, the book, "Don't Go to
the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," by Paula Begoun, rates sunscreens
according to how well they protect from UVA and UVB, as well as on
water resistance, fragrance and feel. We found that this book had the
most thorough, credible information on which sunscreens are best.
Consumer Reports has an excellent review where testing is more
scientific, but that report is five years old and of limited use. A
more recent review from Slate magazine covers some sunscreen sprays,
along with lotions, though tests are informal.
Coppertone's Sport Lotion (*est. $10.50/4 ounces) initially sounds
like the perfect protection for active folks -- the ultra sweatproof
formula keeps this sunscreen out of the eyes and it's oil-free,
without greasy residue that could loosen your handgrip. The sunscreen
is waterproof, and comes in SPF 15, 30 and 50. However, reviews say
Coppertone Sport Lotion sunscreen doesn't contain any of the
recommended UVA protective ingredients (avobenzone, zinc oxide,
titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb) that signify a complete
sunscreen. Only the gel version, Coppertone's Sport Sunblock Gel
(*est. $8/6 ounces) contains avobenzone as a UVA defense.

If you like the other qualities of these Coppertone Sport sunscreens,
choose the gel, which comes only in SPF 30; however, reviewers say
UVA protection shouldn't be an "extra," but rather a given. Every
sunscreen should contain UVA protection, so the gel formula is simply
complying with current health standards -- not offering anything
extra. At least Coppertone labels their products well, and you can
easily see which ones contain avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789) by
reading the front of the container.

In recent news, seven companies, including those that manufacturer
some of the biggest names in sunscreen, are currently being sued in
California for misrepresenting product claims. These suits are mostly
over matters that may make parents overconfident in sunscreen. You
can read more about the suit below. According to reviews, one of the
best sunscreens on the market is Neutrogena UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion.
Although it does in fact protect from both UVB and UVA light, the
plaintiffs behind the lawsuit say Neutrogena should not call this
product a 'sunblock,' since no product can block all harmful rays.

>> Sunscreen prices

Spray-on sunscreens are fairly new to the market. Sunscreen sprays
are convenient since you don't have to rub them in. However, you lose
a fair amount of product into the air, and you can't spray them on
your face. Coppertone Continuous Spray (*est. $10/6 ounces) has SPF
30, and though the package says it protects against UVA, it doesn't
contain any of the recommended UVA-protection ingredients. Rather, it
contains oxybenzone, which isn't the same as avobenzone. Douglas Wolk
tests Coppertone's spray-on sunscreen at Slate magazine. Although it
kept him from getting sunburned it has a terrible texture;
it's "sticky" and "mats body hair" while going on, and then it "dries
into a kind of gluey mask." Wolk also notes a "strong chemical smell."

Neutrogena's UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion (*est. $7.50/4 ounces) is hailed
by reviewers as a good general-use sunscreen. It has avobenzone for
UVA protection, and is fragrance and oil-free. It's also waterproof
and sweatproof so it won't drip and sting your eyes. Neutrogena's
sunscreen is also available in SPF 45. Consumers posting to
Epinions.com say it's non-irritating to sensitive skin. One mother
describes her son with multiple allergies who tolerated this
Neutrogena sunscreen just fine, and another person notes that the
breakouts she experienced with a prior sunscreen (interestingly,
Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin SPF 30) didn't occur when she used
Neutrogena's Sunblock Lotion. Since the beneficial ingredients in
sunscreen can clog pores and cause breakouts, it can be difficult for
people with oily skin to find a product that works for them.
Reviewers say Neutrogena's UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion is worth a try.

Hawaiian Tropic is another brand that requires careful label reading.
The Hawaiian Tropic Ozone line of sunscreen has up to a whopping SPF
70 (*est. $13/4 ounces), and is claimed to have "the highest SPF
levels on the U.S. market." The Ozone Sport SPF 60+ and 30+
sunscreens contain UVA protection with avobenzone (Parsol 1789), and
the SPF 70 with titanium dioxide. However, reviewers say SPFs over 30
are unnecessary since they don't provide additional UV protection,
and only lengthen the time you can stay in the sun without burning.
Reapplying sunscreen frequently (every 40 to 80 minutes if swimming
or perspiring) accomplishes the same thing. The original Hawaiian
Tropic line of sunscreen (*est. $9/8 ounces) does contain titanium
dioxide and is available in SPF 15, 30 and 45.

Ombrelle, owned by L'Oreal, wins high marks in reviews because all
Ombrelle sunblocks contain UVA protection in the form of avobenzone,
or gentler titanium dioxide in the kids' products. Ombrelle also
contains Mexoryl, which is the most effective UVA-blocking ingredient
available, according to dermatologists. Mexoryl is currently approved
for use in Canada and Europe, but not in the U.S., although the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration is considering approval. Ombrelle
Sunscreen Lotion (*est. $10/4 ounces) is recommended as another good,
general-use sunscreen, like the Neutrogena above. It's very water
resistant, (which complies with the FDA's 2002 labeling requirements
of "water resistant" and "very water resistant," since no product can
be completely waterproof) and comes in lotion and spray form.
Ombrelle comes in SPF 15, 30, 45, and 60, but again, experts say
you're better off frequently reapplying a 15 or 30 rating rather than
spending money on SPFs higher than 30, which don't offer any better
UV protection.

La Roche-Posay's Anthelios (*est. $14.50/2.5 ounces) is another
Mexoryl-containing sunscreen. Like Ombrelle sunscreen above, it isn't
approved for use in the U.S., although the FDA is considering
approval. However, both Ombrelle and Anthelios XL can easily be
ordered online by anyone anywhere in the world. Anthelios sunscreen
is available in SPF 30, 40, 45, and 60; the XL sunscreen formula only
in SPF 60.

More on the 2006 lawsuit
The March 2006 California lawsuit involving sunscreen manufacturers
claims that companies misled the public by calling their
products "sunblock" since no sunscreen can totally block damaging UVB
and UVA light. The suit also claims that manufacturers make false
claims with respect to SPF factor, suggesting that higher numbers
represent far less risk from overexposure. New York attorney Mitchell
Twersky, of New York's Abraham, Fruchter & Twersky LLP (one of the
two law firms filing the suit), says that, "Parents, especially, have
been defrauded into believing the false labeling and advertising
claims of these products."

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
haven't incorporated the guidelines, even four years after the FDA
mandate. The recent lawsuit highlights this misuse or wording, along
with other words and phrases manufacturers use in their product
packaging.

"Coppertone WaterBabies advertises 'Instant Waterproof Protection,
UVA/UVB Sunblock lotion 45 SPF' on the bottle as well as the
representation that the product provides '45 times your child's
natural sun protection', giving parents a false and dangerous sense
of security," according to Twersky; "The 45 SPF applies only to UVB
rays, the product is not waterproof, and it does not actually block
the sun." Other brands cited in the suit include Banana Boat,
Hawaiian Tropic, Bullfrog and Neutrogena.

Baby sunscreen and sunscreen for kids
Many sunscreens are advertised for kids, but reviews say the only
differences between these and adult sunscreens are irritating
fragrances, and sometimes, the form of UVA protection. Titanium
dioxide or zinc oxide are less irritating to children's more-
sensitive skin than avobenzone. Blue Lizard Baby sunscreen (*est.
$13/9 ounces) contains a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc
oxide, and is fragrance free. Like the Neutrogena sunscreen above, it
comes in SPF 30 only. Blue Lizard sport, sensitive skin, face and
regular adult sunscreen formulas are also available, all containing
zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide instead of avobenzone.

Banana Boat Sport (*est. $13/8 ounces) is recommended in two
sunscreen reviews, but again, you'll need to read the label to be
sure you're getting UVA protection. The Banana Boat Sport spray
sunscreen formula contains avobenzone, while the Sport lotion
sunscreen formula does not have any of the recommended UVA-protecting
ingredients. Banana Boat Kids Quik Blok Sunblock Spray Lotion (*est.
$7/8 ounces) contains avobenzone, which can be more irritating to
kids' skin than the titanium dioxide or zinc oxide used in Blue
Lizard Baby sunscreen.

Spwipes (*est. $9/10-pack) is sunscreen packaged in the form of
disposable towelettes. While this sounds like a convenient option for
kids who might not sit still for a lotion application, Spwipes don't
contain any UVA-protecting ingredients. They come in SPF 30, and are
water and sweat resistant. One 10-pack provides about four adult
applications. While throwaway towelettes might be ideal for a hike in
the woods when you don't want to lug a big bottle along, it's more
cost effective and safer to choose one of the sunscreens in
ConsumerSearch Fast Answers, which offer UVA protection and more
applications for the price.

Important Features: Sunscreen
Experts say the following about choosing sunscreen:

The number-one cause of skin aging and damage is sun exposure.
Therefore, reviews recommend your sunscreen have no less than an SPF
15, and should include UVA protection with titanium dioxide, zinc
oxide, or avobenzone, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.).
The SPF factor only indicates UVB (or surface sunburn) protection,
and SPFs over 30 don't offer any better protection from UV rays.
Sunscreen should be worn any time you are outside, regardless of how
long you will be out, and should be reapplied frequently (every 40 to
80 minutes if swimming or perspiring, even with water-resistant
sunscreen).
Waterproof versus water-resistant sunscreen. In 2002, the FDA
mandated that manufacturers change their labels from waterproof
to "water resistant" or "very water resistant," since no product can
be completely waterproof. Interestingly, not all manufacturers have
made this change.
Some medications and topical retinoids (such as alpha hydroxy acids)
increase sun sensitivity. Check with your pharmacist about
medications, and read cosmetic labels for sun-sensitizing products.
Take extra care to apply sunscreen every day, and wear appropriate
clothing and a hat when outdoors.
Children's skin is more sensitive than adults and they should wear
UVA/UVB-protectant sunscreen too. The American Academy of Pediatrics
advises avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants/children in
lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts as a first defense, but
recommends that sunscreen can be used on infants even under six
months if adequate shade and clothing aren't available. Titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide are the gentlest UVA protective ingredients
for children's more-sensitive skin.
If you wear makeup with SPF plus a second sunscreen, the resulting
SPF is not additive, but only the highest of the two products.
Because sunscreens can clog pores and cause breakouts, experts say
that women with oily skin may prefer to use a foundation with a good
SPF on their face, and a good sunscreen from the neck down.
Consensus Report
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by
reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks Model
(With Retailer Links) Prices from Shopping.com Details from
Amazon.com
4 Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof Dry Sunblock (*est. $10.50/4
ounces) x
3 Neutrogena Sunblock Lotion (*est. $7.50/4 ounces) details
2 L'Oreal Ombrelle (*est. $10/4 ounces) x
2 Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock Lotion (*est. $13/8 ounces) details
2 Blue Lizard Baby (*est. $13/9 ounces) details
2 Neutrogena Active Breathable (*est. $8/4 ounces) details
2 La Roche-Posay Anthelios (*est. $14.50/2.5 ounces) x
2 Banana Boat Sport (*est. $13/8 ounces) details
1 each Walgreen's Ultra Sunblock Lotion, Rite Aid Sunblock Lotion,
Ocean Potion Lotion, Vanicream, Lancôme Soleil, Bull Frog, Spwipes,
EmerginC Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB, California Baby, Hawaiian Tropic
Ozone Sport Sunblock, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock
Spray

* Also see our Comparison Chart.
Neutrogena and Coppertone Sport are recommended most often in
sunscreen reviews, but experts warn that only the gel formula of
Coppertone's Sport sunscreens contains UVA protection with
avobenzone; the lotion, spray, and stick Sport formulas do not have
complete UVA protection. All of L'Oreal Ombrelle's sunscreen products
have UVA protection with avobenzone and Mexoryl (or gentler titanium
dioxide in the kids' formulas), which makes this line attractive to
reviewers as well. Blue Lizard Baby and adult formulas use gentler
zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and are fragrance free. Spwipes come
in convenient towelettes, but don't contain the recommended UVA-
blocking ingredients.




Advertisement -- report continues below

Alternative Considerations
Due to recent years' threat of the West Nile Virus, we've 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. Rather, 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 sunless tanning for more information.

Best Research
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. Begoun also maintains an updated Web site at
http://cosmeticscop.com/.

Shape magazine has a helpful article, dated Aug. 2003, about sun
safety and sunscreen facts not commonly known titled "10 facts about
skin cancer: there's more to preventing skin cancer than just
slathering on a sunscreen." Here, information you may not know, but
should - Beauty in Action." This is available at
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_12_22/ai_104943657.



All Reviews Full Story Fast Answers Where to Buy

>> Email this page to a friend
>> Do you know of a review that we've missed? Click here.
Sunscreen











Take this site
with you

Download
to your phone
or mobile device

Participate in a
short survey

Sign-up for the
ConsumerSearch
newsletter!


Review Index
•Photo & Video
•Internet
•House & Home
•Electronics
•Computers
•Kitchen
•Health & Fitness
•Software
•Family
•Sports & Leisure
•Automotive
•Lawn & Garden
•Office





Subscribe to RSS Feed
I recently came across this website. I do not have expertise to know
if this information is correct, but having had 3 skin cancers removed
surgically, and a few zapped, this certainly caught my attention. I
was disappointed to learn the sunscreen I was using was not on the
list.. If you have interest in learning more about this article or
website, I would be happy to email you directly. Jeanneo2@...

I would also be interested if anyone has more information on this
subject as the heat and sun has not been user friendly to my skin,
despite my efforts to protect it. Jeanneo2@...


ConsumerSearch, Inc. © 2006. All Rights Reserved.


ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are service marks (trademark
pending) of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on
this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch
is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no
consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any
reviews, products or services in our reports.

* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was
written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list
prices. Actual selling prices may differ.