RSSSunscreen Search 2008
June 16, 2008
Each year, I take a look at what’s on offer in the sunscreen world. Our family goes through 12-15 tubes in a summer, so I’m price-conscious. What I put on my face ( see the articles Clinique : A Gorgeous Lipstick, A Fabulous Sunscreen and 2 Estee Lauder Product Reviews : A Best-In-Class Sunscreen and a So-So Foundation ) and what my kids cover themselves with at the beach or the pool is not the same product. To show you how seriously I take sun protection, take a look at my new sunglasses.
Maybe I look like a bug, or at the very least like an Olsen twin. I don’t care. I will go to great lengths to protect my skin. This is a health issue, not an appearance issue.
Searching for Cruelty-Free
I wrote recently about Emily’s Living Cruelty Free blog in the article Sites To Know : Living Cruelty Free . I love the honesty of her reviews and her candor about how difficult it is to buy animal-friendly, despite how deeply most women care about this issue. Her great blog is my catalyst for trying to do better. This year, I’m going to try to buy only cruelty-free sunscreens. It might not be easy.
Sunscreen could be in a different category than cosmetics or fragrance, which are entirely about vanity. It could be considered pharmaceutical in some ways, and I do walk a moderate line about animal testing for medical purposes.
The Incumbents
I used Banana Boat Baby Tear Free SPF 50 last year. The children are like greased seals but it is very water resistant and is UVA/UVB protective, though not all Banana Boat products are. The company appears on the Caring Consumer Companies That Test list , so I’m hoping to find a cruelty-free equivalent. I regret that because in every other way, that product is the ultimate swimming-kids sunblock. You can still see the whiteness on them after an hour in water and they are not even pink at the end of the day.
My other standby was Neutrogena, also a company that does animal testing, also not participating in this year’s contest. Dove earns my respect for their Campaign for Real Beauty but they test on animals, so I’m trying to find alternatives for them as well. These companies still have a lot of room to move in the ethics department.
This Year’s Contenders
Luckily, there are many companies to choose from. Less fortunately, not all the testing information is easy to find. I look at the Leaping Bunny truly cruelty-free list. That is a very restrictive list. I’ve tried to buy Kiss My Face and Alba Botanica sun products in Canada and at 3 Target stores and cannot find it. I also studied the Companies That Don’t Test list at Caring Consumer.
From that list, at least for the less expensive, non-water-resistant products, I was left with Avon and Mary Kay. Have I missed some? Is this going to be this difficult?
Sunscreens must contain one of the 5 ingredients that protect against UVA rays. They are:
- titanium dioxide
- zinc oxide
- mexoryl
- avobenzone
- tinosorb
A sunscreen without one of those is not worth buying at any price.
Where does Paula stand
You all know that I like Paula’s Choice a lot. They present real-world solutions with an ethical and outspoken viewpoint that is so absent in the modern cosmetic industrys. And their product delivers.
I emailed Paula’s Choice to ask them to elaborate on their animal testing policy. Below is the reply from Paula’s assistant, Bryan Barron :
What I can confirm is that Paula’s Choice does not conduct animal testing on our finished products or at any stage of product development. We also do not contract with third parties to do any such testing on our behalf. In addition, we make charitable donations throughout the year to animal shelters and other such organizations.
I learned on Paula’s Sun Care Learn page ( read item 13 on this page) that SPF 30+ will be the maximum that sunscreen manufacturers can put on the label. In my next order from Paula’s Choice, I will order their water-resistant SPF 30+ product, called Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+. I’d be very happy to find a good substitute for Banana Boat.
Two points to remember
The first is to check your copy of Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me , the essential resource by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron, to verify which products among any of the challengers are worth buying. The product must contain one of these 5 ingredients to be UVA-effective, listed above.
Also, learn about the Coolibar option in the AGT article Sites To Know : Coolibar, to provide even better background sun protection (and look stunningly accessorized in the sun).
Updates:
1. Avon’s Sun SPF 40 Sunscreen Lotion UVA/UVB is great. It’s not heavily fragranced, which is a hugely refreshing change from a lot of Avon face products that are overwhelmingly, headache-inducingly scented. The lotion is pleasant to apply, a little oily at first but that disappears and leaves the skin looking good. It is too oily for my face but women with drier skin might well love it.
The kids slop it on and I’m happy. It is not sweat-resistant, at least nothing compared to the Banana Boat Baby, so it might not be a great option for pool or beach days, but for regular use, it is excellent.
I know we’re supposed to reapply every 2 hours, and I’m working on it. It’s tough to do with real kids at a real beach, so I hope someone’s working on longer lasting substances. And while they’re at it, I hope they find a sunblock that doesn’t turn white clothing orange.
I’d show you a bottle but the Avon site is too convoluted. If I can’t find a product within 3 clicks, I stop. Outdoor care showed Bug Guard. I saw no Sunscreen category. I searched “sun” and it came up with 29 products but not this one. Irritating.
2. Paula’s Choice Pure Mineral SPF 15 is a cream with spectacular application properties, very calming to the skin. For anyone with skin or eye sensitivity to sunscreen, here’s your solution. If skin irritation from sunscreen has been your excuse for not wearing sunblock every single day, you’ve run out of excuses. Sunblock is THE anti-wrinkle anti-aging formula. You can’t make wrinkles go away once they’re there.
It looks white at first, but that’s gone in 15 min. You could put makeup over it without streaking. If your skin is oily, it might be too rich.
3. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+ is labeled as water-resistant, and it is. This is the product shown in the picture above. I ordered 3 bottles, since all SPF products are 15% off for the month of June. I’m going to order 3 more. It is thick and creamy and stays on well.
The Banana Boat Baby product still has slightly better durability for long periods in water. For those busy beach days when it’s all I can do to get the children coated well once, I’ll probably stick with Banana Boat Baby. In every other way, this is a fantastic product, with the important inclusion of antioxidants to more completely prevent skin damage from sun.
Comments
21 Responses to “Sunscreen Search 2008”
Got something to say? I hope so.
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A Greener Tea
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Hi Christine,
I recently tried the Paula’s choice spf 30 at your suggestion (15% off thank you very much). It works really well and is not greasy. I bought it because they do not test on animals. It is also unscented, which I like a lot.
The Kiss my Face line is usually available at natural food stores or vitamin stores. I have often seen the moisturizer but I haven’t checked for sunscreen.
Hi Christine!
What a great article! Just think of the number of people you are saving from skin cancer
Regards,
Emily
@ Sonja , I’ve found the KMF moisturizers but I can never find the sunscreens. I’ve only looked at Target stores in the US. Maybe people buy them at the drugstores. The selection at Target was not huge. Glad you liked the Paula’s Choice product. I did as well.
@ Emily , I keep trying ! PS : LOVED your article on Jane Goodall. Good to hear from you !
You can buy KMF and Alba Botanica products directly at their web sites —
http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com
http://www.albabotanica.com
Hopefully, not paying sales tax would make up for the shipping costs.
Good to know, Kathy. With the stronger CDN dollar now, it’s even more worthwhile.
Thanks for the online shopping reminder.
Regarding Sunscreen
The Presidents Choice have sunscreens that contain the proper ingredients (as recommended by Paula Begoun - the ingredients that is). The products are very reasonably priced and the Presidents Choice do not do animal testing. They did say that they cannot guarantee that ingredients used in their products have not, in the distant past, been used in animal testing. I don’t think you can say fairer than that. The Presidents Choice products are available at Loblaws, Zhers and many other stores in Canada. For more info. here is their web address http://www.presidentschoice.ca.
Thanks for that, Debby. I was surprised by how few options we had easily available in Canada and I can say that I have used the PC sunscreens and found them to be very good.
Great to know this, especially for those times when we run out on a Sunday and have no time to search through all the choices, only to buy an animal-tested product just because we’re in a hurry.
Hi Christine!
Love your website, which I found through the link at Paula’s Choice, too. On the sunscreen search, I’m looking for the perfect one, also. I recently became aware that there is a health hazard in one common ingredient, oxybenzone. I learned this from doing some internet searches for a safe suncreen for an almost two year old granddaughter . . . this ingredient raised many red flags. I found a website called Skin Deep http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php . They did a very comprehensive study last year on sunscreen effectiveness and safety. I was in love with Paula’s Choice SPF 30, but it does contain oxybenzone. I tried a sample of her Pure Mineral SPF 15, and it’s great . . . I just wish she would make it in an SPF 30 (I suggested it . . . maybe she will consider it.) I’ve had quite a few bouts with skin cancer, so I’m pretty particular about what I use. This website rates a huge number of sunscreens, and if I remember right, lists whether they do testing on animals,too.
Gail,
You bring up a very interesting and important point.
Oxybenzone is a controversial chemical. It’s difficult to find consistent and reliable information about it. I looked at Skin Deep as you did (a great site, but scary). I also Wiki’d it and looked at http://www.smartskincare.com.
It appears that it is a UVB and short range UVA ray block, but a weak one. It is used to enhance the blocking ability of other chemicals.
The concern appears to be with the possibility that it generates free radicals in the skin. Presumably, the danger depends to a large extent on its penetrating ability. I searched “oxybenzone safety” on Paula’s Choice, and found a response to a Dear Paula letter defending (with solid research and references) the safety of the product.
Now, avobenzone, a UVA blocking agent, also has concerns associated with it, but they seem to be related to its stability. Paula also addresses this topic on her site.
I confess that I find it all confusing. I think the jury is still out on this issue. I did not know that oxybenzone appears in the SPF 30 product. Like you, I simply love the Pure Mineral sunscreen. It is so pleasant to use that I feel slightly surprised by the effect each time I apply it. Exactly like you, I also wish Paula’s Choice would make one in a higher SPF. I saw somewhere that higher SPF sunscreens are on their way, so maybe this will be one of them.
I’m going to follow your link now and have a look round. You’ve done a lot of research. What product(s) do you use?
Thanks so much for your great comment.
Christine, my biggest concern with the oxybenzone is that some of the recent research has shown it to be a hormone disrupter. This calls to mind the recent news about the dangers of BPA in some plastics, especially those made for use by babies and children. It’s hard to know as a consumer which information you can really trust. As you say, some websites can be scary - is it really dangerous or not so much?
Bryan from Paula’s Choice was nice enough to respond to my question, but sited the FDA as to the safety of oxybenzone. Well, I’m not so sure about the FDA’s track record. Sometimes I feel it’s better to be safe than sorry.
So, suncreens I am trying this summer: I bought California Baby for my granddaughter, although I’m liking the feel of that myself, Jason Sunbrella Mineral Based Sunblock, very thick feeling application which I’m not crazy about, and Badger Sunblock, seems a little less thick with the addition of some natural oils, but has a lavender fragrance which some people dislike. I also had Neutrogena Sensitive Skin on the list until I saw that they do animal testing . . . so many things to consider! But, it’s all good . . . the more we read, the better educated we become, and the internet is such a vast source of information.
I will take a look at the Avon one, as I am price conscious as well. I will use the pricier stuff on my face, but need something to slather on arms and legs, as I am a runner and get a good deal of sun exposure.
Thanks so much for addressing this topic!
Gail,
I agree with everything you said. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who finds this issue confusing. Of the hundreds of products out there, the choice dwindles down to almost nothing when you add a couple of criteria that don’t seem all that restrictive.
I posted a picture of the Avon product I bought in the article above. It’s plenty good enough for everyday body use. My kids use it on their face and it’s been fine so far.
Another update - I just received an e-mail from Avon’s customer service letting us know that the Avon Sun SPF 40 has been discontinued. They currently don’t have a replacement or plans for reintroduction. Shoot! Don’t you just hate it when you find a product you like and they discontinue it?
Gail,
This really is not going to be easy. Too bad the Avon product is gone. That must be why I couldn’t find it on the website. FWIW, I looked on the label and it does contain oxybenzone. Maybe California Baby will be the right one for you. It looks like a great (but expensive) product.
I’ve had a really hard time trying to find a sunscreen that (a) is multi-spectrum with a significant SPF and (b) doesn’t exacerbate my oily skin. I recently found Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry sunscreen with an SPF of 30. The price is $26 for 4 oz, which is pretty reasonable compared to most of this line’s other products!
Hope this helps someone …
- Lisa
I found out about this web site through Paula’s Choice. I’ve been using her products for almost as long as she’s been selling them and I’ve been a fan of her philosophy since I first heard her on a radio station interview back in 1992. I adore her sunscreens (so does my husband), but even better I love the fact that she has foundation AND face powder with sunscreen in it. I am known amongst friends, family and co-workers as the “anti-tanner”, I don’t want to hear anything about “oh I just need a little color”. The damage I have from spending 8 years on a military flight line with no sunscreen is aggravating and really kind of sad too. What I truly love is her products just plain work and feel good. But, has anyone used the self-tanner? If so how well does it work, how easy is it to apply and does it look fairly natural? I look forward to reading more of the articles and joining in from time to time.
Hi, Kathryn,
It’s great to have you join in. Your words “…just plain work and feel good” say it all. I agree. I really believe that time slowed down for my skin’s appearance when I found those products.
I haven’t used the self-tanner. I’m a bronzer woman myself.
Next time you place an order, you could just buy a sample of self-tanner. That might be a product you have to try out on your own skin, maybe just starting with your legs or a patch test.
Hopefully some women who have used the product will comment.
Christine,
I just found your website through Paula Begoun’s newsletter. I join you in your love of her products. My personal favorites are her toners and BHA exfoliants.
Anyway, I’m fanatical about sunscreens, both from a health and appearance perspective. I have two favorites for anything more than incidental exposure:
1) Ocean Potion SPF 50, especially when I can find the Baby version, which is unscented. It’s avobenzone-based, does not sweat off, does not run into my eyes, and has antioxidants. Luckily, Ocean Potion is on Caring Consumer’s does not test list, although it doesn’t show up on Leaping Bunny. It’s also under $10 for a big bottle. Love this stuff!
2) Trader Joe’s SPF 30+. Trader Joe’s is also on the does not test list of Caring Consumer. I can’t wear Ocean Potion on my face because my rosacea reacts to avobenzone. This does leave a slight white tinge and is less easily spreadable than Ocean Potion. A little less run-proof than Ocean Potion, but still fairly tenacious. Less than $5!
Lisette,
Great heads-up on the Ocean Potion and Trader Joe’s. I will definitely try both.
On Debby’s recommendation above, I tried President’s Choice Baby sunscreen. Although it goes on a little unevenly, it only takes a minute to become much more spreadable. It is very very tenacious, even on kids that swim all day. At 5.99 a tube, I’ll be buying more.
I found your blog through Paula’s Choice. What a great find! I too love her products and honest advice.
I have very oily skin prone to breakouts and have been looking for sunscreen based on your criteria. I’ve been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, but I’m now looking for something based on Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide (no animal testing, of course).
I bought Target sunscreen (with Avobenzone) for my body (very inexpensive and a generous 10 oz bottle). I’d love to get similar products with Zinc or Titanium. I wonder why only Avobenzone is used to produce such inexpensive and effective products.
Like you, I wish Paula would produce higher SPF products with Zinc for a lesser price. Since I use a lot of sunscreen daily (in CA), I need a great product at a good price point.
A suggestion: I read at cosmeticsdatabase.com that Walgreens, CVS, etc. have their own brand of sunscreen at a great price. Has anyone tried any of those products?
I found a great resource here: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/103/sunscreens
I am excited about Sun Guard: he wash-in sun protection. Has anyone tried this? Also, Coolibar has some excellent and economical options. Check out Blue Lizard and Fallene. The Vanicream lip guard looks good too
Hi, Srii,
Thanks for the great comments. I’ve used the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Age Shield products. Generally I like them except for one thing that seems a common feature of their products, which is that they ball up when you rub your face/apply makeup over them/reapply sunscreen. My kids call the products “woolly”.
I liked Blue Lizard well enough. It applies pretty well but looks a little clotted out of the bottle.
Have you looked at Clinique Super City Block? It seems very buttery but actually wears well on oily skin (just need a little powder on the center of the face during the day), lovely to put makeup over, titanium dioxide that doesn’t look white, good price point if used for face only, not irritating so I can put it all around my eyes … I really like the stuff. If you try it, do let us know what you think.
High SPF all-titanium or zinc oxide sunscreens I’ve found for body always seem to fall into the Baby products category - like Banana Boat’s Baby, but I would guess there are others.
Coolibar has some terrific options. I really appreciate how well made the hat I bought is (nice broad elastic so it stays on in all but a heavy wind, very effective shading, resilient construction). I saw a lot of the kids clothes this summer and they’re gorgeous. Very sturdy, bright colors, good stuff. They do have good deals on good sunscreens. I’m reminded to go look there today ; they might have some good sales right now. I’m not familiar with Sun Guard but I’m going to look into its effectiveness.
The Green Guide link is fantastic. The whole site is simply outstanding. It’s on the list of Sites To Know. I’ll write about it soon to tell everyone to have a look. Thanks so much for the info!