Only 1 in 5 sunscreens make the cut

Have you ever wondered about the claims on the bottle of sunscreen in your medicine cabinet or beach bag?

Just in time for beach season, Environmental Working Group (one of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics' founding organizations) has released its 2011 Sunscreen Guide.

Of the more than 600 beach and sports sunscreens analyzed, EWG can only recommend one in five.

Why? For starters, the sunscreen industry continues to use misleading, sky-high SPF ratings that may protect against UVB rays that cause sunburn but leave skin at risk for UVA damage.

Plus, many companies are still using retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that might actually speed the development of skin tumors on sun-exposed skin, as well as hormone disruptors and nanoparticles (a particular concern for spray and powder products), both of which  present other potential health threats.

Fortunately, there are companies making effective and safe sunscreens. Find safe options, see the "Hall of Shame" and learn more about sunscreen safety: Read EWG's 2011 Sunscreen Guide.

Cheers to a happy and safe beach season!

-Mia, Marisa, Lisa, Nneka, Leeann and all of us at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Is sunscreen on your Memorial Day weekend packing list? Check EWG's 2011 Sunscreen Guide before you shop or slather.