A Guide to Choosing a Clean Sunscreen With Good Coverage

As summer approaches, it’s important to protect your skin when the sun’s rays are at their highest, and choosing a clean sunscreen with good coverage is key to achieving this. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to choose. the following is a guide on how to choose a clean sunscreen with good coverage. I’ll explain what clean sunscreen is and offer tips on how to read labels and select the best sunscreen for your needs

Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or just running errands, this guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a clean sunscreen with good coverage. No, you don’t need adult sunscreen; you can use kids’ sunscreen if you prefer.

Always read both the active and inactive ingredients in sunscreen. Many ingredients have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, cancer, reproductive toxicity, and more so it is important to know what to avoid.

Mineral sunscreens are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and are also safer for coral reefs and marine life. Chemical-based sunscreens are easily absorbed and can stay in the bloodstream for longer periods of time (sometimes up to several weeks). Chemical sunscreens may also contain ingredients that have not been determined safe or effective.  

More tips:

• Look for the term “Broad Spectrum” on the label to protect against both UVA and UVB rays

• SPF greater than 50 may not provide additional protection so don’t bother with SPF greater than 50

• SPF sprays may not provide even protection and pose the risk of chemical inhalation

• Avoid sunscreen and bug spray combinations since they may not provide enough protection

EWG has a great guide to refer to, but I do not agree with their rating system. Some sunscreens with a 2 rating would personally rank much higher in my book. Make sure to read the ingredients if you choose to use the guide.

If you don’t see your favorite sunscreen, check the ingredients against the list of ingredients to avoid

Which clean sunscreen do you find easiest to apply?

Ingredients to avoid:

• AVOBENZENE
• BHT
• DIMETHICONE
• ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS- PPG, PEGs, POLYSORBATE INGREDIENTS THAT END IN “ETH”
• FRAGRANCE
• HOMOSALATE
• METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
• NANOPARTICLES
• OCTINOXATE (OCTLY METHOXYCINNAMATE)
• OCTOCRYLENE
• OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3)
• RETINYL PALMITATE
• PARABENS
• PETROLATUM
• PHENOETHANOL
• PHTHALATES